April 7, 2021

Dear Gates Chili Families,

I want to begin by sharing that even though we are still waiting for updated social distancing guidelines, we are planning for a return of more in-person learners this month. We previously shared that we were aiming for April 19 as our new return date.

After careful consideration, we are shifting our start date by a few days in order to give staff enough time to prepare our buildings. Our updated plan for the week of April 19 is as follows:

Monday, April 19: Teachers and staff report; asynchronous remote day for students

Tuesday, April 20: Teachers and staff report; asynchronous remote day for students

Wednesday, April 21: Asynchronous remote day for teachers and students

Thursday, April 22: In-person students and staff report; synchronous remote day for all others

Friday, April 23: In-person students and staff report; synchronous remote day for all others

Every Wednesday thereafter will continue to be an asynchronous remote day for teachers and students.

As we have mentioned before, this is all still largely dependent upon the New York State Department of Health releasing new health and safety guidelines.

In accordance with recent CDC guidelines, Gates Chili is planning to implement an in-person instruction model that will feature at least three (3) feet of distance between students in classrooms. In addition to the ongoing use of masks whenever students are not eating, each student desk and cafeteria seat will be outfitted with a plastic barrier.

We are hoping to learn more about the anticipated guidelines in the next few days. When we do, we will host a live community forum to answer any remaining questions and clarify any new requirements. Look out for an email about that either late this week or early next week.  

Again, we will continue to keep you updated and plan for a live virtual community forum next week. We’ll share those details via email, phone call, social media and website.

Go Spartans!

Christopher J. Dailey
Superintendent of Schools