Dear Minisink Valley secondary school families:

Based on the results of participating secondary school parents/guardians, we are happy to announce that secondary school students will begin four in-person days of instruction, if they choose to do so, beginning Thursday, May 6.

The fully remote option remains in place for those families who decide to not send their children into school for the rest of the school year.

Survey highlights:

Nearly 60 percent of parents/guardians responded on behalf of eligible students, with approximately 70 percent of them saying they would now send their children in for four in-person days.

CDC data:

Further supporting our decision is updated CDC COVID-19 data tracking information showing continued downward trends in the data associated with Orange County.

It’s also critically important that our community continues to help by following all mitigation practices so that these numbers continue to decrease.

Additionally, Orange County residents continue to follow through with vaccinations. Vaccination opportunities have also now opened to students age 16 and older. If you haven’t done so, please consider getting vaccinated, including your eligible children.  The majority of Minisink Valley faculty and staff are already fully vaccinated.

We are prepared

This is all positive news at a time when it’s very much needed. I know we all will agree the best learning opportunities take place in a physical classroom setting. Please know our staff is fully prepared and looking forward to seeing larger numbers of students back in our classrooms.

For our families choosing the fully remote option starting May 6:  Please know if your child is remaining on a fully remote track, teachers are equally prepared to continue to provide them with an outstanding instructional experience in an inclusive environment.

Important reminders:

• The good health and safety of all our students, faculty and staff are our first priority.
• Daily completion of the SNAP Student Health Assessment is required:  SNAP Student Health Assessment
• Students will continue to be socially distanced to the greatest extent possible (3 feet minimum).
• Students are required to wear masks at all times.  Teachers/staff will administer mask breaks throughout the day.
• Regular hand washing will be required.
• Masks are required on buses. Masked students may be sitting with masked, non-family members.

Thank you again for your continued patience, support and grace as we move toward the conclusion of this school year. I will continue to stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Brian C. Monahan
Superintendent