• COVID-19 Updates and Information (updated Nov. 07, 2022)

    Green Island UFSD is dedicated to providing our students and staff a healthy and safe learning environment. We remain unwavering in our commitment to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while keeping students in school. 

    Currently, GIUFSD is following the latest guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding COVID-19. For more information, please review “What Parents/Caregivers Should Know about COVID Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year” (August 2022). 

    COVID-19 Quick Guide 

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    COVID-19: Stay Home/Go to School Quick Guide

    More Details: If your child is returning to school

    COVID-19 Attestation Form

    Use the COVID-19 Attestation Form for reporting of rapid antigen COVID-19 home test results in order to return to school.

    Illness/Positive COVID Test

    As with any infectious illness, students and staff who test positive for COVID-19, or who show symptoms, are asked to stay home from school and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s Isolation Guidance. If an individual begins experiencing symptoms while at school, students and staff will be asked to wear a well-fitting mask while plans are made to send the person home. 

    If a student or staff member is exposed to COVID-19, they should follow the CDC’s Exposure Guidance. It’s recommended that those exposed to COVID-19 wear a well-fitting mask or respirator for a full 10-day period and get tested at least 5 days after close contact or sooner if symptoms develop. The current guidance holds for all individuals irrespective of vaccination status or history of prior COVID-19 infection. 

    Return to School After Illness

    All students and staff with new or worsening symptoms of COVID-19 must be excluded from school, regardless of vaccination status. 

    To return to school following a positive COVID-19 test result:

    • An individual who has tested positive and has no symptoms may return to school after day 5.
    • An individual who is sick (symptomatic) may return to school after day 5 of isolation if they have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are resolving. 

    *Note: It is recommended that individuals who’ve been sick or tested positive wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days. For guidance on wearing a mask during illness/ isolation, please visit the CDC’s website.  

    Testing

    If an individual is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, it’s recommended they be tested as soon as possible after symptoms begin. If students and/or staff experience symptoms while they’re at Heatly, they will be sent to the Nurse's Office immediately and excluded from school. Positive COVID-19 test results from an at-home test kit must be reported to the Albany County Department of Health. 

    Continuity of Instruction

    It’s important to ensure the continuity of instruction in the event a student is absent from school due to COVID-19 or any other illness. Students are responsible for missed schoolwork and should follow their teachers’ policy and schedule for completion. Students and families are encouraged to contact their teachers for assignments, as well as to complete any missed schoolwork. When students return to school, they should follow up with their instructors. 

    COVID-19 Vaccination

    COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to attend school. Children ages 6 months and older are all eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 5 years and older are eligible for a booster. For more information, visit ny.gov/vaxtoschool. Additional information regarding COVID-19 vaccination can be found on the New York State vaccination website.

    Masks

    Presently, universal masking in school settings, including on district transportation, is not required. Any student or staff member may wear a mask while at school to prevent the spread of illness. As outlined by current CDC and NYSDOH guidance, GIUFSD recommends students and staff wear a mask in the following instances:

    • They’re returning to school after day 5 of a positive COVID-19 infection; masks must be worn through day 10.
    • They’re known to have been exposed to COVID-19 within the last 10 days, regardless of vaccination status or history of a prior COVID-19 infection.
    • COVID-19 community levels are high.
    • They arrive with or develop symptoms while at school and are still in the building.
    • They are immunocompromised and wearing a mask has been recommended and/or discussed with their healthcare provider(s).

    Green Island Union Free School District respects all individuals in our school community when it comes to the personal choice of mask wearing. It’s important to respect the views of others and foster an environment of acceptance and inclusivity, free from stigmatization, bullying or harassment. Individuals who experience negative comments about mask wearing are entitled to a school environment free from harassment and bullying, according to the district’s Code of Conduct.

    Health & Safety Protocols

    Routine cleaning in our school buildings continues to be an important strategy for reducing the spread of illness. High-risk areas such as health offices, classrooms, lunchrooms, athletic rooms, bathrooms and high-traffic areas are cleaned daily. 

    High-touch surfaces such as lunch tables, desks, chairs, light switches and handrails are cleaned daily, with some surfaces cleaned after each use such as lunch tables. 

    Child Care

    YMCA
    YMCA branch locations in the Capital Region are offering school-age child care for essential workers. Financial assistance is available for this care. Local school leaders are also working with the YMCA and other childcare providers to bring additional childcare options for emergency personnel to their school communities. To learn more and enroll in the YMCA school-age programs, please visit the YMCA website or call (518) 869-3500.

    A Childs Place at Unity House
    Essential workers needing child care for non-school-age children (birth to age five) can contact A Childs Place at Unity House or call (518) 271-6777.

    BrightsideUp
    Additional childcare resources in the Capital Region can also be found by contacting BrightsideUp (formerly the Capital District Child Care Council) or call (518) 426-7181.

    Resources