ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

The ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú was notified of six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 from July 28-Aug. 3.

One case involves ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú School of Humanities (ASH). The person is not associated with a particular grade and was last in school July 29.

One case involves prekindergarten at Giffen Memorial Elementary School, and the person was last in school July 28.

One case involves Pine Hills Elementary School. The person is not associated with a particular grade and was last in school July 22.

The last three cases involve William S. Hackett Middle School. The first case is associated with seventh grade and the second with eighth grade, and both people were last in school July 28. The third case involves a person not associated with a particular grade who was last in school Aug. 1.

Please be reminded that schools no longer are required to quarantine individuals who in the past were identified as contacts of a person who tests positive. We now identify anyone within a 6-foot radius of a positive individual as having been exposed and provide notification to that individual or, in the case of a student, their parent or guardian. We will continue to report positive cases.

Health and safety procedures continue at all district buildings and on buses, including cleaning and sanitizing. We also would like to remind everyone of steps you can take to help be safe:

1.      While masks are optional in all school buildings in New York and, in our school district, on First Student buses that transport students, the state continues to require masks for everyone riding public transportation, which includes CDTA buses that serve our schools. The district will respect the personal decision of all individuals and families regarding wearing masks in those settings where they are optional. 

2.      Wash hands with soap and water frequently when out of your home. If you cannot use soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

3.      Don’t touch the eyes, nose or mouth unless your hands are clean.

4.      DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL WHEN THEY ARE SICK OR HAVE SYMPTOMS:  

• Signs of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue/tiredness, muscle/body aches or pains, congestion, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, nausea/vomiting or diarrhea, headache, loss of taste or smell, rash, feeling sick or unwell in any way. 
• Please notify your school nurse if you are keeping your child home from school with symptoms; you can find that contact information on your school’s web page.

5.      We continue to encourage everyone who is able and eligible to get vaccinated. 

• The ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú County Health Department offers frequent opportunities for free COVID-19 vaccinations in a variety of locations. You can learn more at
• To find additional locations near you, visit or call 800-232-0233.