NYS Dept. of Health COVID Testing Site Certificate – LPCSD

The following message was sent to all LPCSD families on Sunday, November 15:

Dear LPCSD Families –

With this email I want to provide you with an update on our situation at Lake Placid Middle and High School.

It is important that we respect the privacy of all individuals concerned, but we want to share with you as much information as we can. On Friday afternoon we learned about one positive but asymptomatic case of COVID-19, centered in the 7th grade. Contract tracing identified approximately 30 students and 7 faculty members who, because of direct contact, are required to be quarantined for 14 days. Most are students and teachers in the 7th grade. Tomorrow – Monday, November 16th – all Middle and High School classes will be on remote instruction while cleaning and disinfecting of the building is completed.

We will reopen LPMHS for in-person instruction this Tuesday — November 17th — for all grades except grade 7.  Lake Placid Elementary School remains open and will continue to operate without any disruption. All of grade 7 will continue on remote instruction through the Thanksgiving break. Mrs. Lindsay is happy to speak with any seventh grade parent with questions and concerns. You can email her at tlindsay@lakeplacidcsd.net .

We have been working closely with the Essex County Public Health Department throughout these past few days, and our plan to reopen is based on close consultation with them along with adherence to our own protocols developed earlier this year. Essex County Health complimented our health and safety measures as one reason for the limited spread, and they were very optimistic that our plan to reopen is safe and sound.

Although this situation has disrupted many lives – and we are sorry for that — the good news is that nobody is sick, and we certainly hope that does not change.

Please accept my best wishes that we all remain safe and well now, and in the coming months. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Dr. Roger Catania, Superintendent
Lake Placid Central School District

Frequently asked questions are posted here and will be updated on occasion

Here is a link to the recording of our first online reopening discussion for parents and community members

Here is a link to the 2nd recorded reopening discussion

LAKE PLACID CENTRAL SCHOOL
ZOOM PARENT PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS
Dear Parents: Lake Placid Central School will be having three parent public discussions regarding the school’s reopening plan. Due to the ongoing construction in each building there is not enough space available right now to hold these meetings in person. We are offering three different meeting times that will accommodate your schedule. All meetings will be via Zoom.

Below is the information to join the meeting. Parents will be muted on entry. The question and answer period will follow the presentation. We are asking parents to utilize the raise your hand to ask a question feature in zoom. If at the end of the time all questions are not answered we will utilize the chat feature. You may also send questions to lpdistrictclerk@lpcsd.org for reading during this time.

LPCSD Q&A Sessions

FEH BOCES Q&A Sessions

August 11, 2020:

As per Gov. Cuomo’s instructions, LPCSD is providing the following links to its plans for Remote Instruction, COVID-19 Testing, and Contact Tracing.

LPCSD Remote Instruction Plan

LPCSD COVID Testing Plan

LPCSD Contact Tracing Plan

Thursday, July 30:  Read about reopening here: LPCSD Community Reopening Letter

You can access our detailed reopening plans at the following links:

Lake Placid CSD 2020-21 School Re-Opening Plan

LP Elementary School 2020-21 School Re-Opening Plan

LP Middle/High School 2020-21 School Re-Opening Plan

Friday, June 12th will be the last day of school for students and staff:

The Board of Education approved final calendar changes at its meeting on Tuesday evening making the last day of school official. Friday, June 12th is now the last day of school, and summer recess will begin after that. We are planning many ways to celebrate the end of this unique school year, including a “Drive-in” graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 26th. Congratulations to all of our students, families, teachers, and support staff for all you have accomplished during this uncertain time. And thank you for your hard work, patience, and perseverance. Have a wonderful summer!

June 1st, 2020:

Dear LPCSD Students, Families, and Community Members –

Happy June! To date our staff and faculty have been planning for the end of the school year, with Friday June 12^thunofficially scheduled as last day of school for students and staff. On Tuesday the Board of Education will vote on calendar changes making the final day official. We hope there will be no late-breaking changes from the Governor’s office.  Summer recess will begin after that.  Congratulations to all of our students, staff, and families, for all you have accomplished in the face of so many challenges during this historic and unique school year. Enjoy all of the end-of-year celebrations, banners, signs, and parades honoring students throughout the month of June. We will be working hard to prepare the schools for reopening in the fall, and – fingers crossed – I hope to see everyone back at school in September.

Sincerely,

Dr. Roger Catania, LPCSD Superintendent

May 21st, 2020:

Today Governor Cuomo announced that summer school in NY State cannot be provided in-person as is traditional in Lake Placid. Any summer learning opportunities will be provided through remote instruction. Meal programs and child care services for essential employees will continue as well. The Governor also announced that It remains too early to make a determination on the fall semester, so we will continue to tune in for any statewide decisions that will impact the start of the 2020-21 school year.

May 18th, 2020:

Dear LPCSD Friends and Families —

Our school calendar continues to change in response to the ongoing crisis and the Governor’s executive orders impacting the school year. Because the orders require us to use all remaining vacation and snow days, we will now be in session this Friday, May 22nd. This is a change. All remote learning activities will continue on that day. However, the following Monday, May 25th, is Memorial Day, which is a federal holiday. School is officially closed for the day, so no classes will be held. I encourage everyone to celebrate with flags and family barbecues, and by remembering those who died in service to our country. Happy Memorial Day!  And best wishes to everyone as we approach the end of this unique and challenging school year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Roger P. Catania, Superintendent of Schools

May 4th, 2020:

Dear LPCSD Friends and Families –

Last week we received the following news:

• School buildings will not reopen for the current academic year, so we will finish the 2019-20 school year continuing with our present system of remote instruction and at-home learning.
• The August Regents Exams have been cancelled. (It was announced earlier that June exams are cancelled).
• School board elections and budget votes originally scheduled for May 19, 2020 will now take place on June 9, 2020. Qualified voters may only vote by absentee ballot, and ballots will be sent to every voter by mail.
• No determination has been made yet on summer school.

It is with a heavy heart that I share this news with you. Although we all understand that such dramatic steps are being taken to mitigate the ongoing public health crisis, for many of us this moment also represents a sad and sobering finish to the school year. The spring sports season, concerts, plays, the prom, field trips, and most end-of-year activities will not be held. However, we are doing all that we can to create a memorable, in-person commencement ceremony to honor our graduating seniors. We will provide everyone with additional information on graduation as it becomes available.

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout this uncertain time.

With best wishes to all,

Dr. Roger P. Catania, Superintendent of Schools

Starting Monday, April 20th: Remote Learning Information

We have updated our remote learning structure and expectations. Please see the following for more information:

LPES Post-break At-home Learning Structure

MHS Remote Learning Packet

HS Spring Schedule, Online Meeting Schedule & Office Hours​

Feel free to email questions to your building principal or lpdistrictclerk@lpcsd.org .

Friday, April 17th

Friday, April 17 , 2020 Letter to Families: Extended School Closure

Dear LPCSD Families:

By now you may already know about the recent Executive Order extending school closures through May 15th. Although we all regret this extended time away from school, we know it is an important part of the ongoing statewide effort to maximize everyone’s health and safety. Looking ahead, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly. With this extension each school is already making adjustments to our remote learning schedules, grading policies, and expectations for students. We are doing so with a specific focus on placing student needs first. Principals and teachers will communicate these adjustments directly to students and families. Throughout this extended  time of at-home learning we will continue to provide meals and offer support for child care.  If you would like to start receiving meals for your children feel free to contact Mr. Wood at dwood@lpcsd.org. It is our hope that the days and weeks ahead can be as rewarding and manageable as possible. Thank you for your ongoing support throughout this challenging time.

With best wishes to all,

Dr. Roger P. Catania, Superintendent of Schools 

Week of April 6th to April 10th:

Clarification of the Latest School Closure Date: The Executive Order that Governor Cuomo issued to implement his latest directive regarding school closures states that “…all schools shall remain closed through April 29, 2020, at which time the continued closure shall be re-evaluated.” Accordingly, should the closures not be extended, then schools would reopen on Thursday, April 30, not the 29th. This is different from previous statement re-opening schools on Wednesday the 29th. Stay tuned for future statements.

Regents Exam Update: The New York State Department of Education formally cancelled the Regents Exams scheduled for June of 2020. You can read about it in the news here, or on the NYSED web site here. We will provide more details later.

LPCSD Board of Education Thanks the Community: Please see President Rick Preston’s Letter to the Editor here.

School Closure Date Change: During his daily COVID-19 press conference, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today (Monday, April 6th) that he will extend the school closure mandate until April 29. With this ruling,  and without any additional extension, schools would reopen on April 29th, not the 30th. In addition, Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa today announced that Regents exams soon will be cancelled, with the official announcement and details to be made tomorrow.

Spring Break Activity links:

• Lake Placid Elementary School’s Spring Olympics Challenge
• Lake Placid Middle School’s Choice Boards: 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade
• Lake Placid High School’s Bingo Challenge & Video Explanation

View this week’s Blue Bomber Weekly News: HS Weekly Show and Elementary Special Edition

Superintendent’s April 1st Message About Spring Break Learning Activities:

The Governor’s Executive Order has directed all school districts to continue alternative instructional options during the period we had originally set aside for spring break (April 6 – April 17). Today I want to let you know how we intend to alter our approach to at-home learning throughout this 2-week period. Each school has developed a project-based activity or series of activities that we hope will provide students and families with a more engaging and creative approach to learning. During this time we hope that students will read, think, create, get outside, and set aside their devices for at least a part of the day. Schools will make sure that expectations are appropriate for every age and grade level, and that teachers and support staff will be available to help and guide students along the way. You can expect more details from the principals at each school. We hope that your families are healthy and safe. Thanks to all of you for your feedback, encouragement, and support.

Week of March 30th – April 3rd:

The LPMSHS Librarians have posted a book talk.  See it here.

Have some fun with the staff.  Here is the video. We miss our students!

March 30th Update: Statement to Families:

Dear LPCSD Families — 

I am sharing this message that we have just received from the Governor’s office directing us to continue remote instruction during our spring break period. You can find the message here. The key statement is at the end: “Districts must continue to provide remote instruction for students, meals for students, and child care for essential workers every weekday between April 1, 2020 and April 14, 2020, even if the district is scheduled to be on spring break during that time.”  This was not a decision we made but a directive we must follow. I recognize that there may be students, families, and staff who will be disappointed at this news and will want further explanation or to be provided additional details. Once I know more information I will share it with you. Please know that we will do everything we can to support our students throughout this uncertain period. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Roger P. Catania, Superintendent of Schools

Week of March 23rd – March 27th Updates

• Bored? Here is a list of creative ideas and exciting activities you can use with children at home to stay engaged.
• Watch this week’s LPMSHS Blue Bomber Weekly News
• Transcending Social Distance: LPMHS Art Gallery

March 17th – 22nd Updates

With schools closed for students we have implemented a comprehensive at-home learning program for everyone, grades K-12.  We will use this space to post helpful links to support our students and families.

• Due to the Governor’s Stay-at-home order, school offices will not be regularly staffed. For now, email is the best way to reach faculty, staff, and administration at LPMSHS and LPES.  You can also feel free to call us at the following numbers:
  • District office: 518-637-2535
  • Middle & High School: 518-524-2474
  • Elementary School:518-637-2856
• Free internet access available to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. More here.
• Click this link for Lake Placid Elementary School’s At-home learning information.
• Here is our LPMSHS At-home learning information.  Take a look!
• Coping support for all students can be found on Dr. Miller’s School Psychology Pages
• Need tech support?  Direct your email to the following address: studentIT@lpcsd.org
• School Breakfast & Lunch Information is here
• A message about child care:  If you are an essential health care worker or first responder in need of childcare, please call 518-483-6420 option 9 or send an email to childcare@mail.fehb.org

March 15th message to School Community:
Lake Placid Central School will be closed starting Monday, March 16th and will remain closed through the end of spring break. Faculty and staff will report on Monday to organize at-home instruction, and students should expect to continue their classes and subjects through distance learning opportunities on Tuesday. We expect to reopen in-person instruction on Monday, April 20th. Although we have no known cases of COVID-19, we are closing as part of a widespread effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, and we are doing so on the recommendation of county health departments and in coordination with school districts throughout the region. More details will be forthcoming through email and on our website. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these challenging and uncertain times.

March 14th Superintendent Update Letter to Parents and Community Members:

March 14, 2020

Dear Parents and Community Members –

Thank you for your support and patience as we continue to navigate the challenges of our present situation.  We know that families count on our schools to educate, supervise, nourish, support, and mentor children, and to ensure that every child’s physical safety remains a top priority. With each step we take we are striving to uphold these expectations. For the moment, our schools remain open. In this letter I would like to share with you some additional details about the changes we are prepared to make if that changes.

We continue to consider the recommendations coming from key NYS agencies, including the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the Executive branch. None have recommended yet that we close our schools. But we are prepared in case that changes. Should our schools need to close we will make every effort to keep students learning throughout the closure.  LPCSD faculty and staff are preparing at-home learning experiences for all students, and we will continue to instruct and support students from a distance if that need arises.

We are working to make at-home learning experiences flexible enough to accommodate the range of learning needs, access to the Internet, and access to electronic devices.  We will make options available that do not require computers or online access, but we will also provide students access to devices at home if needed. Special education teachers and teaching assistants will continue to support students as thoroughly as possible, as will our Response to Intervention (RTI) programs.  We are also planning to prepare and distribute breakfasts and lunches for students who count on school meals, and to continue the weekend backpack program. School principals and teachers will provide parents and children with more specific information, and families should feel free to contact any of us if you have questions.

I know that any disruption to school schedules also disrupts families, childcare efforts, work schedules, and meal availability. We will do our best to provide whatever support we can to students and families as we adapt to the changing circumstances.

Thank you for your support, cooperation, and flexibility as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Dr. Roger P. Catania
Superintendent of Schools

March 11th Update:

Media reports continue to update us on the spread of the novel (new) Coronavirus and respiratory disease it brings about, COVID-19. We want to provide you with an update about how this continually changing situation is impacting our school district. Here are some of the changes we have been monitoring:

• Globally and nationally significant steps to slow the spread of the virus are being taken that have impacted K-12 and higher education. Italy has closed all of its schools and universities nationwide, and dozens of American colleges and universities have suspended in-person classes and made a temporary shift to distance learning. We expect to see this trend continue.
• Statewide we are seeing an increase in the number of confirmed cases with most of those centered in the NY City metropolitan area.  The Governor has declared a state of emergency, and a handful of school districts have temporarily closed to slow the spread of the Coronavirus in their schools and their communities.
• While there are no confirmed cases within our school district or in Essex County we, along with our neighboring school districts, are making preparations in case that changes.  We continue to encourage students and staff to stay home when sick, cover coughs and sneezes appropriately, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth, to practice regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water, and make use of  alcohol-based hand sanitizers.Within the schools we are continuing our regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and objects like tables, door knobs, toys, desks, and computer keyboards. We are making hand sanitizer readily available throughout our facilities. We are cleaning and disinfecting the interior surfaces of our buses. We continue to monitor attendance, and to inform staff and students about safe and best practices for staying healthy. 
• Starting this week the NYS Department of Health and the NYS Education Department will require any school with a confirmed case to close for a minimum of 24 hours in order to provide time for investigating the physical contacts that the individual may have had within the school environment. During the 24-hour closure schools shall immediately take steps to clean and disinfect any school building(s) where the student or staff member had contact prior to testing positive for COVID-19. That time period may be extended based on direction from NYS DOH and NYSED.
• Should our schools have to close our teachers are prepared to continue guiding student learning using distance education approaches, including online strategies, that we are in the process of developing.

We know that any disruption to school schedules also disrupts families, child care efforts, work schedules, and meal availability. We will do our best to provide whatever support we can to students and families as we adapt to the changing circumstances. Our mission of educating students to achieve their academic, physical and social potential is deeply important to all of us, but we cannot ensure this mission without a safe and healthy school environment. As the situation continues to change we all need to be prepared for adjustments. We ask for your support, cooperation, and flexibility as we move forward.  

March 4th Update:

Here in the Lake Placid Central School District we are aware of concerns in the community about the Coronavirus and would like to keep you updated on what we are doing to respond to those concerns. We are paying attention to information that is coming out of the Centers for Disease Control and the NY State Department of Health, and we will consider their recommendations as we move forward.

Of the cases so far confirmed worldwide a relatively small number exist in the United States and an even smaller number have been confirmed in NY State.  So right now the actions that we are taking are commonsense responses that will help not only with any worries about the Coronavirus but also with the more pressing concerns we have about the flu.

There are preventive measures for everyday use that students, families, and staff members should take right now: stay home when you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes using shirt sleeves or a tissue, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and practice regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. In our schools there are additional preventive steps we are taking as well.  These include regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and objects like tables, door knobs, toys, desks, and computer keyboards using detergent-based cleaners or EPA-registered disinfectants.

We are making hand sanitizers readily available throughout our facilities.  We will also be distributing information to staff and families.  Right now we believe that a measured and thoughtful response is our best strategy, and we will continue to adjust as we move forward and new information becomes available. You can access additional information about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at www.cdc.gov and www.health.ny.gov .

Additional Resources:

Middle and High School At Home Learning Info

Essex County Health Department

Centers for Disease Control

NYS Department of Health

How Germs Are Spread — A video appropriate for younger children

A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus

The Safe Sneeze by Mythbusters: A video about sneezing