February 27, 2022
Dear Spackenkill Community,
This afternoon, Governor Kathy Hochul made an announcement regarding pandemic protocols: The mask mandate has been lifted in New York State schools in areas of low to medium transmission starting Wednesday, March 2. According to CDC data, Dutchess County is an area of low transmission. Therefore, beginning Wednesday, March 2, mask wearing in Spackenkill Schools is optional. New York State is putting together an FAQ with more specific guidance over the next 48 hours in collaboration with Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett and Commissioner of Education Betty Rosa. We will keep you updated.
Governor Hochul stressed that priority number one for New York State has always been to get children back to school and protect the environment in which they learn. Governor Hochul, along with Dr. Bassett, made this decision based on metrics and data, including the 98 percent decline in positivity cases since early January, the drop in hospitalizations, the number of New Yorkers who are vaccinated, and the prevalence of Covid testing, which we offer every morning at the High School from 6:45 to 8:45 am. We are still able to offer masks and test kits to any student or staff member who requests one.
We want to thank the amazing Spackenkill community—students, parents, guardians, faculty, and staff— for helping to keep everyone safe. We ask for everyone’s respect for those who continue wearing masks at school. Please speak with your children about your family’s decision on mask wearing. It has been a long two years of masking, and we are happy to get back to the way we were.
Sincerely,
Paul M. Fanuele, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools