This afternoon, Glens Falls City School administrators were notified that a staff member at Jackson Heights Elementary has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual was last in the school building on Monday, December 7th.
As soon as we were notified of the positive case, the Superintendent was in direct contact with the Warren County Public Health Department to begin contact tracing protocols. The individual who tested positive is in isolation for at least 10 days, and will not return to the school environment until cleared by Health Department officials.
The Health Department’s investigation found that no students were in prolonged contact with this adult, and therefore no precautionary exposure quarantines are necessary. Every school keeps detailed, daily records of who was in each classroom, and when. The Health Department reviews these records and makes a medical determination on who, if anyone, should enter a precautionary exposure quarantine. Neither the school district, nor WCPH will withhold any necessary information from families who need to enter a precautionary exposure quarantine.
Principal Carrie Mauro has already contacted parents of students in this individual’s classroom so they can monitor their child for any symptoms of illness. If you haven’t been called, then your child has not had contact with this person. Privacy laws restrict district officials from disclosing any personally identifiable information of anyone who tests positive.
Jackson Heights will remain open for in-person instruction. Our custodial crew thoroughly cleans and disinfects the building as a standard practice each day.
We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of wearing face masks everywhere outside your home, avoiding gatherings or travel, and regularly washing your hands. Please continue to conduct at-home screenings and maintain personal awareness of COVID symptoms for your children.
The health, safety, and well-being of our school community remains our main focus. We will continue to work closely with our local Department of Health and we will follow their guidance on how to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.
