February 09, 2022

Dear Williamsville Central School District Families and Staff,

Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the mask requirement in New York State for businesses will be lifted on Thursday, February 10, 2022.  However, at this time, the mask mandate for schools remains in effect.  This means that masks are still required to be worn on buses and on school grounds at all times, unless eating or drinking.  Governor Hochul indicated in today’s press conference that another assessment for schools will take place in early March, following the Mid-Winter Recess during the week of February 28^th – March 4^th.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have continued to update our policy and protocols to reflect the latest news and information to be in alignment with guidance from the New York State Education Department (NYSED), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH).  We will continue to do so.

We encourage families, students, and staff members to become vaccinated against COVID-19.  While vaccines do not eliminate the possibility of COVID-19 infection, they have been proven to reduce serious illness and hospitalization.  COVID-19 vaccination clinics are available here: ECDOH COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics.

We also want to remind those individuals who are eligible, to complete the consent forms and participate in the District’s Test to Stay program, which is being provided to preserve in-person learning.

Finally, as the Mid-Winter Recess approaches, the District is also preparing for a third distribution of COVID-19 at home test kits.  Parents/guardians can request, through WITS, test kits be sent home with their student(s) on Wednesday, February 16^th.

We know the last two years have not been easy.  We are thankful for our school community’s support and understanding as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,

Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall
Superintendent of Schools