CLOSING: Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES is Closed to Students Until Further Notice

Coronavirus Resources

March 27 COVID 19 Update

Today Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered an extension of the school closings in New York State. Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES and all public schools remain closed to students through April 14, 2020.

March 26 COVID 19 Update

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has announced a job portal that will connect essential businesses who are looking to expand their workforce during the COVID-19 crisis and individuals across the community who are healthy and looking for work. 
 
While the local economic impact of COVID-19 is already visible, Bello announced a concerted effort to direct both employers looking to hire workers and residents seeking work to a single platform. Job seekers and employers are encouraged to use the RochesterWorks system, which may be accessed at www.monroecounty.gov/works. This effort is being done with the cooperation of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Greater Rochester Enterprise, both of whom have indicated they have member businesses looking to hire. Residents with limited internet access are encouraged to call RochesterWorks at (585) 258-3500.

March 16 COVID 19 Update

As communicated via automated phone calls and on our website, BOCES 2 and all local schools are closed to students until further notice. We will continue to keep you informed as this situation progresses. All school-related activities and events are being assessed on a daily basis. Determinations on specific school closings beyond this week will be made in collaboration and coordination with the State and local health officials. Student and staff health and safety are our first priorities. 

March 14, 2020 COVID-19 Update - BOCES 2 closed to students until further notice

BOCES 2 employees should monitor their email and the BOCES 2 website for further information tomorrow.

March 13, 2020 COVID-19 Update from the District Superintendent

Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff,   

The Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES and the regional public schools continue to monitor the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have been working together on a daily basis to discuss strategies on how to best keep our students and families healthy during this emerging public health situation. We are in consultation with the Monroe County Health Department, New York State Health Department, State Education Department, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In most cases, BOCES and districts have decided to postpone or cancel overnight travel outside of the Greater Rochester area through April 12, 2020, due to concerns about potential out-of-town risk and/or quarantine possibilities. Many factors are considered when canceling or postponing travel or events based on specific circumstances within the BOCES and/or districts.

We know this is a difficult time for our students, staff, and families. The Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES will continue to problem solve and make the best decisions possible for our programs and services with student and staff health and safety being our first priority.

We will continue to keep you informed as this situation progresses. All school-related activities and events are being assessed on a daily basis. Determinations on specific school closing decisions will be made in collaboration and coordination with the State and local health officials. We are sending a letter home with students today explaining to parents that they need to begin preparing for child care in case closures become a reality.

The image below (also provided as a downloadable PDF by clicking here) provides critical information and resources as it pertains to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). 
 
Thank you for your cooperation, patience, and continued support as we work through this challenge.

Respectfully Submitted,

JoAnne L. Antonacci
District Superintendent
 
Image of March 13 Update Document 

March 6, 2020 COVID-19 Update

Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES is aware of concerns in the community about the spread of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus. We are closely monitoring this fluid situation and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the Monroe County Department of Health and the New York State Education Department.
 
Because this situation is constantly changing, BOCES 2 has created an online webpage which will contain the most current information at: https://www.monroe2boces.org/CoronavirusResources.aspx
 
BOCES 2 has infectious disease protocols in place and has been taking steps, such as cleaning and disinfecting throughout classrooms, offices and common areas, to minimize the spread of viruses and a variety of other illnesses.
 
If a student or staff member shows respiratory symptoms listed below, we will follow the NYS Department of Health guidelines in managing the illness:
 
These symptoms include:
  • Mild to severe respiratory illness
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
If you or a family member begin showing any of these symptoms and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, and follow their advice.

There are a number of steps that students, staff and community members can take to minimize the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, according to the State Department of Health:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol. Heavily soiled hands should be washed.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
BOCES 2 will work with the local health department to take appropriate steps as advised.

For more information:
Please know that, as always, the health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.

Resources for Teachers and Families

Visit this page for a growing list of many great ideas for teachers and families from Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Instructional Technology, Distance Learning and Library Services experts. 
 
Need a job or looking for new employees? Visit the Monroe County Job Portal for essential businesses and job seekers or call RochesterWorks! at 258-3500.

What to do if you feel sick

If you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider. Do not visit your doctor’s office or an emergency room without calling first so staff members can take appropriate precautions. If you do not have a health care provider, contact the Monroe County Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 hotline or email:
PHONE: (585) 753-5555
EMAIL: [email protected] 
 
Perhaps most important, please do your part to avoid contracting or spreading illness. Please practice social distancing at work and in the community.

Coronavirus Resource Links

Coronavirus Resources for Educators: Documents

March 2020: From NYS Dept. of Ed. This Questions and Answers document outlines states’ responsibilities to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities and their families, and to the staff serving these children.
March 21 Fact Sheet from the US DEd Supplemental Fact Sheet Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities.
March 20 Letter to District Superintendents, Superintendents of Schools, Principals of Public, Religious, and Independent Schools, Leaders of Charter Schools. The purpose of this memorandum is to inform you that NYSED is suspending all NYS Elementary- and Intermediate-Level State Assessments for the remainder of the school year in response to the statewide closures of schools and districts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
March 13 Letter to School District Superintendents, School Principals, BOCES District Superintendents, School District Business Officers, Special, Education Directors, Charter School Leaders. Preliminary Guidance on the Preparation for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak in NYS.
March 9 Letter to District Superintendents of Schools, Superintendents of Public and Nonpublic Schools, Administrators of Charter Schools, School Principals, Directors of School Based Health Clinics, Local Health Department Officials. NYSDOH and NYSED are providing this guidance to update schools on next steps needed to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak as well as recommend non-pharmaceutical interventions and community containment measures that reduce disease transmission in the community, including schools.

Coronavirus Resources for Educators: Links

View text-based website