COVID-19 notification, Dec. 1

Dear BKW parent/guardian and staff,

The district has been notified that a member of the BKW Secondary School community has tested positive for COVID-19. The person was last in school on Nov. 24, 2020. Although this is a “self-reported” case and we are awaiting full verification from the Albany County Health Department we believe it is important out of an abundance of caution to make our community aware of the situation.

We are currently working closely with the Albany County Department of Health to identify this individual’s contacts at the school. The Albany County Department of Health will reach out to all contacts and advise them on the need to quarantine and to arrange testing of those exposed. Additionally, if you are not contacted by the Albany County Department of Health but would like to be tested, please talk with your healthcare provider or the Department of Health to make arrangements.

Please note that The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. We cannot identify anyone who has tested positive.

This message is not meant to alarm you. We know it is important to keep you informed during these uncertain times while also respecting the federal and state laws that prohibit the release of confidential medical information.

Any students or staff members who have been in close contact with this individual will be directly contacted by the Department of Health to discuss how long they should self-quarantine and other health-related instructions.

Students who have been directed by the county health department to self-quarantine will temporarily switch to online learning until their quarantine has ended and they are cleared to return to campus for in-person instruction.

At this time, our school remains open for in-person instruction. We continue to work closely with county health officials and follow their guidance on how to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. Please contact the principal directly if you would like more information about our health and safety procedures.

Sincerely,

Timothy Mundell, Ed. D
Superintendent of Schools