Averill Park CSD Families,
Thank you for your continued cooperation throughout this global pandemic. I know that transitioning from in-person to virtual learning is no small task for our students, staff and families. Over the course of this week, we have been monitoring the positivity rates across our BOCES region and in Rensselaer County.
Our regional numbers have decreased over the past 12 days to pre-Christmas levels, which is an encouraging sign. With these numbers trending in a positive direction, and our staffing levels returning to a more sustainable level, I have decided on implementing the following instructional models:
- K-5 will continue with in-person instruction.
- Algonquin Middle School students will return to in-person, hybrid instruction beginning Monday, January 25.
- High School students will remain in a remote setting through at least Jan. 29.
- Students in Mrs. Ryan’s APHS 12-1-1 class will continue in-person instruction.
- Students in our half-day in-house CTE programs at APHS (Auto Tech 1, Auto Tech 2, Construction Tech 2, and Construction Practicum) will continue in-person instruction.
- Some musical performance groups at APHS are expected to attend rehearsals in-person next week. The HS will contact those affected directly with more information on this topic tomorrow.
- The Athletic Department is hoping to run winter sports workouts and open gyms as soon as next week. As information becomes available it will be communicated through the Athletic Department’s Twitter accounts (@AP_Athletics), which are displayed on the Department’s homepage.
Middle School students will be in-person from Monday through Wednesday next week. Thursday, Jan. 28, is a scheduled special day which will address the social-emotional well-being of our students in grades 6-12. This day will be virtual for all middle school and high school students. Friday, Jan. 29, is a scheduled Superintendent’s Conference Day. There will be no school for students on this day.
In-person learning is invaluable for our students and their families, and we will continue to monitor the pandemic with hopes of offering in-person instruction at all levels in the near future. In order to do this, we must have an accurate picture of the health of our school community. Please continue to fill out the daily health screening survey as this is an integral part of that process.
Again, I would like to thank you for your support in achieving our mission of meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Franchini
Superintendent of Schools