BCSD Goes All Virtual Learning Monday and Tuesday

Editors Note: Batavia City School Superintendent Anibal Soler issued this letter to the community on Thursday:

Anibal Soler

Dear Batavia Families,

I am writing to inform you of some important instructional changes for classes next week.

After careful consideration, I have decided to change Monday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 24 to 100% Virtual Remote Learning days for ALL students except for our Batavia High School BOCES students. (Batavia BOCES students will still be able to attend their Career and Technical Education Courses at the Genesee Valley BOCES Campus in Batavia)

NO STUDENTS will report to any of our Batavia City Schools on Monday, November 23^rd and Tuesday, November 24^th.

I know this decision may impact families negatively, but this decision is the result of a growing number of challenges the district is navigating while also doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 prior to the holidays.

These challenges include:

• The growing number of positive COVID-19 cases in Genesee County.
• The growing number of students and staff who have to quarantine due to being identified by the Health Department as a “close contact.”
• The growing number of staff and students who have tested positive for COVID-19.
  • As of 11/17/2020 the district is at 11 total reported positive COVID-19 cases.
  • NYS COVID-19 Report Card: https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov/#/home.
• The growing number of staff who are exhibiting COVID-19 like symptoms and are awaiting test results.
• The Orange Zone designation in Erie County – many of our employees are now impacted as schools in that region have moved to 100% remote thus impacting childcare for staff.
• A shortage of quality Substitute Teachers.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school directly.  Our Principals and staff are there to support you.

Please continue to be vigilant in your efforts and help us prevent the spread of COVID-19. For additional reliable information on preventing the spread of COVID-19, please go to www.cdc.gov or www.health.ny.gov.

It is our goal to maximize in-person learning opportunities for our students but we will always be guided by health and safety.  I will continue to monitor the infection rate in our region, and I will let you know of any future changes.

WE are Better Together…WE are Batavia!!!

Anibal Soler, Jr.

Superintendent of Schools

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Dan Fischer

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