Schools are indisputably a central pillar to the infrastructure of a community and have an essential role in student learning, social and emotional development, and addressing the overall wellbeing of the whole child. As declared in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance for reopening of schools: The unique and critical role that schools play makes them a priority for opening and remaining open, enabling students to receive both academic instruction and support, as well as critical services. These critical services as defined by the CDC include: continuity of instruction, meal programs, social, physical, behavioral, and mental health services.

The Three Village Board of Education commissioned a Governance School Reopening Task Force, supported by numerous subcommittees to carefully examine, assess, research, and recommend a school reopening plan based on COVID – 19 transmission rates, state guidance, and local community feedback and input.

Over the past two months, the Governance School Reopening Task Force and affiliated committees have been meeting regularly to address salient issues and concerns with an emphasis on returning all students and staff to our schools in a safe and efficacious manner that demonstrates strict adherence to all State Education Department (SED), Department of Health (DOH), and CDC guidance.

Based on current regional transmission rates, task force and committee discussion, and assessment of available research and data, coupled with feedback from parents/guardians and staff, we are recommending a full return to school for students across all grade levels (pre-kindergarten-grade 12) in accordance with our district established calendar. This recommendation is made with a strict adherence to all DOH and CDC guidance, as well as the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) position statement, and will be adjusted based on the Executive Orders of the Governor and SED, as well as guidance provided by DOH, as it relates to rates of community transmission.

The details of the Three Village Central School District Plan are presented in a format that addresses each mandatory element as prescribed and directed by SED.