Wellsville School Superintendent: NYS schools tp remain closed until April 15

From the Wellsville Central School District:

The Governor has just announced that all schools in New York State will remain closed until April 15th at which time he will reassess the situation.

As I write this, we are at the end of week two of our school closure and the new world of social distancing and isolation. Much of our time has been spent ramping up resources to our families and community. We are now distributing 1,200 meals daily and we will continue to do this as long as needed. We have implemented at-home learning for the majority of students. While the challenges of a lack of internet coverage for some of our families remains a problem, we are striving to provide an education where our students’ skills don’t erode and emphasize keeping our secondary students on track for cumulative exams (Regents) so that seniors can graduate and all students don’t fall behind in terms of earning credit toward graduation.

There will be a day, hopefully in the very near future, where we return, and as a parent, you have understandable concerns. We need to return and provide the students with a quality of life where all of the experiences of school can continue. By all predictions and estimates, the risk for school-age children remains low. I am going to open the schools as soon as I am allowed and when it seems prudent. As I write this and continue to weigh the risks in this region, The decision to open or remain closed will be made by the Governor or locally in consultation with the Department of Health. We may return to a school where we will continue to practice social distancing as best we can. Our normal events such as prom, field days, graduation, extracurricular and athletic activities will likely be modified to allow social distancing or other prudent measures. I believe all of the experiences of school are of such value that they must continue as soon as possible. As always, I will communicate events as they become apparent. This is a time that will fundamentally change our future as World War II and 911 have. We will emerge together and continue to support the rich future your children deserve. Continue to be patient and soon we will be together again.

David Foster
Superintendent