A staff member at Silas Wood Sixth-Grade Center self-reported a case of COVID-19, confirmed through a test after after symptoms developed in the last week, South Huntington school superintendent Dr. David Bennaro said Saturday.
“I spoke to this individual today and was happy to hear that symptoms are already beginning to resolve. I know that all of our thoughts and best wishes are with this dedicated staff member and the family during the recovery period,” Bennardo said in a message sent out to the school community.
Bennardo said he was told that ‘there is no reason for panic as schools have already been closed, and we are at least 8 days out from any contact. Nevertheless, he recommends that given the nature of a school setting, which includes classrooms, cafeterias, copy machines, etc., Silas students and staff self-quarantine for another 6 days (which is until next Sunday) just to be sure that respiratory symptoms and a fever of at least 100.4 does not manifest.”
- The Huntington school district is consolidating curbside meal distribution at Huntington High School (front entrance), Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School (administrative entrance on Tower Street) and Jefferson Primary School (front entrance). Again, distribution will take place between the hours of 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Finley Middle School will no longer serve as a distribution site.
- The New York State Education Department and New York’s nine public television stations announced that expanded educational resources and “Learn-at-Home” programming is available for all of New York’s students in response to school closings across the state. In addition, NYSED has launched a dedicated website featuring remote continuity of learning resources to provide districts and teachers with increased options. Students from prekindergarten through 12th Grade will have access to PBS educational programming every weekday starting Monday, March 23rd on-air. These efforts will help ensure that all students can “Learn-at-Home”, whether they have a computer or broadband at home.
- The department also canceled six state standardized tests, including all grades 3-8 ELA, math and science tests. In addition, SED halted the K-12 NYSESLAT for English language learners and the NYSAA for students with severe disabilities. The move came minutes after the federal government announced it will waive standardized testing requirements for this school year.