BCSD Families and District Report In First Day Back COVID Results - Community Is Hopeful With Layered Strategies

Despite the surging roar of the Omicron COVID-19 variant all over the United States, Beacon families remain hopeful that in-person learning can remain in place for kids and teachers if layered protection measures are in place, like the Test To Stay program (exposed kids testing negative for that day can go to school). Most families see that happening with a combination of regular vaccinations to ease the infection and hopefully reduce or prevent “long COVID;” coupled with easier testing to isolate a contagious case.

On Sunday, the Beacon City School District (BCSD) announced that they received their first shipment of at-home rapid tests, and would distribute them to families. That evening, Superintendent Landahl reported that nearly 60% of the BSCD community had come to pick up one test kit per child. Families who were unable to come could fill out a link to request that a test be placed in their child’s backpack. Those who filled it out prior to 9AM the next day received a test kit on Monday. Those who filled out the link prior to 9AM the next day would receive it next. The link was not intended for families who picked up at the in-person drive-through. New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul indicated that more shipments would be coming in her Winter Surge Plan.

At Monday’s close of the day, Dr. Landahl reported via his email distribution network to district families that of those who received the test on Sunday, 18 positive cases were voluntarily reported in to the district by Sunday evening. Those who tested negative did not need to do anything.

As for COVID-19 cases over the Winter break, Dr. Landahl released their findings, clarifying the official and unofficial known cases: “The state reporting mechanism for cases in schools does not operate over winter break and those are the cases we report to the community. By that standard, we have 1 case of COVID-19 to report to you today at Beacon High School. Individuals needing to quarantine or Test To Stay have been notified. Over break, we had close to 40 cases of COVID-19 reported to us from families and staff.  Many people did not have access to tests over the holidays so the number is probably higher.”

Some teachers in the district emailed parents and caregivers with preparation instructions on what to do if their child was at home so that the child could keep up with lessons. That has included videos that the teachers make, videos to other teachers that are recommended, and additional Remote Learning Tutoring sessions. Some teachers make extra time available in the morning or evening for their students, and some teachers have added a remote component to this for kids at home.

Dr. Landahl ended his email with a hats off to the community: “I want to take a moment to commend our families for being so diligent in reporting cases to us, letting us know about symptoms, and using the at home rapid tests. All of these efforts help us! Thank you! I also want to commend our staff today for a strong start after winter break. Thanks for everything you do!”