A Message to North Colonie Families from Superintendent Corr:
It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through the first quarter of the school year. I hope you are all doing well and that your students have settled into their daily routines.
I wanted to provide you with some important updates:
Courtesy, Kindness, and Compassion Toward Our School Nurses
I want to thank all our school nurses for the exceptional work they have done and continue to do to meet the health and safety needs of our students and families in North Colonie. Their service throughout this health crisis has been exemplary and for that we are so grateful.
Currently, our nurses have the initial direct contact with families when it comes to notifying them about COVID-19 quarantine, exclusion, and other safety protocols. In doing such they are operating under guidelines and direction from local, state, and national public health departments. We fully realize that these messages are often difficult and result in complications and frustrations. Please remember that our nurses are the messengers. They are doing a difficult job during extraordinary times, and their fundamental concern is the safety and welfare of our children. They deserve and should be afforded kindness, caring, and compassion.
COVID-19 Testing
As a reminder, students who exhibit Covid-like symptoms at home must be kept out of school. Students who exhibit these symptoms while at school will be sent home. Symptomatic students must be tested for COVID-19 and must remain out of school until they are able to obtain a negative PCR test result.
As the list of COVID-like symptoms is extensive, it is quite possible that your child may exhibit one or more of these symptoms at some point during the school year. Per the current guidance, if this occurs, your child will most likely miss some in-person instruction. The greatest barriers to a swift return to school has been the difficulty finding a testing location, the inability to obtain a PCR test quickly, and the subsequent delay in awaiting test results. We know that this is frustrating and stressful.
For these reasons, the North Colonie CSD is planning to implement a COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing Program for symptomatic students. More information will be provided as soon as it is available.
Elementary Innovation Labs
The six elementary innovation labs opened on October 6. Students and staff are all very excited to explore and create. These labs were created by our district for students to explore new challenges in a supportive environment where they are creative problem solvers. Click here to learn more about the Elementary Innovation Labs and to see pictures.
Winter Sports Registration
Registration for the winter season for all high school level sports (Varsity, JV, Freshmen) opens today (Fri., Oct. 15). For Modified level sports, (7th and 8th graders) registration will open on Fri., Oct. 22. Find more information about our winter sports offerings here.
Go, Bisons!
Food Services Update
Due to ongoing nationwide food shortages, North Colonie CSD is experiencing last minute unavailability of some items. Menus are subject to change, so please bear with us as we navigate. We continue to look forward to serving all students free breakfast and lunch during this school year. Our Food Services team appreciates your continued patience and support!
Mark Your Calendars – Important Dates
- North Colonie’s elementary students will have half days on Fri., October 22 and Wed., October 27 to allow for Parent Teacher Conferences. Click here for dismissal times.
- There is no school for all K-12 students on Tues., Nov. 2 (Election Day) and Thurs., Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day).
- Thanksgiving Recess is Wed., Nov. 24 to Fri., Nov. 26.
- A friendly reminder: the District Calendar, including a one-page printable calendar with key dates, is available here.
Great News
Niche has released its 2022 K-12 School Rankings and I’m pleased to share that North Colonie did very well!
Here’s a snapshot:
-The North Colonie CSD is ranked #2 in the Best School Districts in the Albany Area.
-Shaker High School was named the #1 Best Public High School in the Albany Area.
-Shaker Middle School garnered the #1 slot for Best Public Middle Schools in the Albany Area.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools