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3/1 Update from the Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent Update: New Mask Guidance from New York State 

Update: March 1 2022

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Harrison Families,

It has been nearly two years since the COVID-19 pandemic first shuttered our schools.  Tomorrow will be a momentous step forward to a more normalized school experience for your children. For many students, it will be the best day in the year.

As I indicated in my letter on Monday, effective tomorrow, March 2, mask-wearing in public schools is optional.  We expect that all students, faculty, staff, and members of the public will respect these guidelines and the decisions of others regarding mask-wearing. 

We are mindful that it has been a long time since students have experienced school under normal circumstances, and some have never experienced school without COVID-19 restrictions. Our administrators, teachers, and staff are prepared to help students transition to a school experience with far fewer restrictions and renewed opportunities for enrichment and social interaction. 

Starting tomorrow:

  • Masking is no longer required in classrooms, cafeterias, on school buses, or during extracurricular activities, including sports.  

  • Social distancing is no longer required; however, social distancing will be available during lunch periods for the remainder of this week.

We remain committed to the goals we established at the start of the year: (1) to keep students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe, and (2) to keep our schools open every day. We require your continued vigilance to sustain these efforts. If your child does not feel well, please keep them home to prevent the spread of illness, and please take advantage of our weekly free testing.  Voluntary PCR testing will continue to be available for faculty, staff, and students whose parents consent.  The District will continue to provide free rapid antigen tests for at-home use.

To read the complete New York State Department of Health’s guidance to schools, CLICK HERE.

Thank you for your support during these very challenging times. We have accomplished much together; with so much ahead… write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

Sincerely,

Louis N. Wool, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools