August 27, 2021

Dear Families:

It is my hope that this letter finds you well and that your summer was fun, relaxing and full of time spent with your family.

We are ecstatic to welcome our Panthers back to our buildings five days a week. To respond to the needs of our students, we have implemented a few new initiatives. In the elementary school, swimming lessons will be offered to all students in Grades 2-6. Throughout the year, each grade level will travel to Campbell for 10 lessons in our beautiful pool. With a focus on social emotional health, at the junior/senior high school, a new program titled “Character Strong” will be implemented during our homeroom time.

Attached, you will find the Campbell-Savona Central School Opening of School Plan for the Fall of 2021. As I am sure you have seen on the news, Governor Hochul stated that school districts would have a comprehensive back-to-school plan issued by New York State by the end of this week. That did not occur. We are now being told that directives from the state will occur early next week.

Therefore, it is up to the district to make decisions regarding masking, social distancing, vaccinations, etc. The enclosed plan reflects the guidance districts have received from the NYS Education Department, the Center for Disease Control, Steuben County Department of Health, our insurance company and our lawyers. The decisions outlined in this plan reflect many conversations over the past months.

Because of Steuben County’s high level of transmission and based on all the guidance and recommendations our district has received, Campbell-Savona will employ universal masking while in a substantial or high level of transmission. Once we return to a low or moderate level of transmission, masks will be highly encouraged, but not required. Please refer to the attached plan for more information.

This plan will take effect on Tuesday, August 31^st, our first Staff Conference Day. On Tuesday, August 31^st, all staff, students, athletes, and visitors will be required to wear a mask while indoors.

I appreciate your perseverance, your patience and your support as school districts are once again forced to make difficult decisions while we await further guidance and clarity from New York State. I anticipate that an update will need to be made by the end of next week, at which time I will communicate once again with all of you.

In the meantime, please feel free to reach out with questions.

Enjoy your weekend!

Ann Meccariello

Superintendent

Campbell-Savona Central School