April 16, 2021

Dear Families and Staff,

I wanted to provide an update about the recent New York State Guidance that was sent to schools last Friday evening.  There were headlines that read, “Schools can have students 3 feet apart.”  This statement may or may not be true depending on the caveats in the new document.   New York State initially said that barriers were acceptable, but the Center for Disease Control now say they are not acceptable for schools.  In addition, we now need to assess county wide transmission rates and stakeholders’ comfort level to determine if secondary students can be less than six feet.  I may be seeking formal feedback on everyone’s comfort level with our current plans and distance between the desks.  The twenty four page document prompted us to seek additional guidance from the Genesee County Health Department.  As of this time, we have been told to continue with our model and plans.  Our plans have worked to keep our students and staff safe.   Clearer guidance and updates are expected. 

We did have four elementary school students test positive for COVID-19.  The Genesee County Health Department School Specialist assisted us with our contact tracing efforts.  A huge thank you to Ms. Bush and Mrs. Manley for communicating and coordinating this effort.  At this time, all of our positive cases have been through community spread.  We have also reinforced the need to wear our masks properly and maintain social distancing when possible to all of our students and athletes.  

On Monday, our Board of Education adopted our budget for 2021-2022.  We were fortunate to have New York State adopt their budget in time for us to make some adjustments.  I am pleased to tell you that we were able to restore some positions and opportunities that were eliminated in the previous budget.  Our music program continues to thrive and more staffing is needed in this area.  We will have more information coming soon in our upcoming newsletter. 

Over the past week, I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing our families back on campus to watch our “Fall II” sports teams.   All three levels of our volleyball teams have improved each week.  On Wednesday, our senior football players and cheerleaders were recognized at Senior Night.  These shortened seasons have come with new challenges, but our students desperately needed these back.  As we transition to spring sports over the next few weeks, I look forward to our athletes completing at each level.  I just wanted to thank our coaches and Mr. Beehler for their efforts to provide all of these opportunities during this unique year.

I would also welcome any feedback that you have about our current five day model or reopening plans.  It has been a team effort, but I am thrilled to have students here every day of the week.  Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions, positive comments or feedback. 

Sincerely,

Ned Dale

Superintendent

Elba Reopening Plan for 2020-2021

Management of Ill Persons/Testing and Contact Tracing Plan

HS Distance and Continuity of Learning Plan

Elementary Distance and Continuity of Learning Plan

During non school hours, if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency please call :

Genesee County Mental Health: 585-344-1421    Or   

Care and Crisis Helpline: 585-283-5200  

If you are having an immediate emergency please call 911.  

Elba Central School District Vision Statement

Partner students with the Elba learning community to create excellence.

Elba Central School District Mission Statement

We will create a respectful, safe, and engaging environment which will empower and inspire our students to be continuous learners who are challenged to succeed.