In response to increased rates of COVID-19 transmission in certain states within the United States, and to protect New York’s successful containment of COVID-19, the State has joined with New Jersey and Connecticut in jointly issuing a travel advisory for anyone returning from travel to states that have a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19.
Due to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Orders regarding school closing and remote learning, adjustments to the academic calendar have been necessary. Because the governor’s orders include a requirement for instruction and remote learning to continue through any previously scheduled school vacations, Friday, May 22 must now be a day of instruction. Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 is a federal holiday, and therefore remains a day off for all students and employees.
As the end of the academic year approaches, administration is reviewing the calendar to determine the final day of instruction. We will communicate that to staff, students and families once that decision has been made.
We also continue to monitor the phased reopening of the Finger Lakes region as per the governor’s orders. We are in contact with the Monroe County Health Department, County Executive Adam Bello and the Finger Lakes Regional Development Council as our region enters Phase One of reopening today.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that he is extending the closing of schools in New York State through the end of the academic year. Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES and all schools will continue to provide remote learning and support services to our students and families for the duration of the closure.
Today Governor Andrew Cuomo extended the "New York State on PAUSE" restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. At this point, Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES and all public schools remain closed to students until May 15, 2020.
BOCES 2 Connections Highlighted
The BOCES 2 Board and administration appreciate the efforts staff members are making to support students, families and our community during this challenging time. With so many heartwarming examples of positive and innovative BOCES 2 connections, a page on our website has been dedicated to sharing some of these stories. You can see this page at www.monroe2boces.org/connections and check back frequently for more updates over the coming weeks.
Among the items on that page is a video titled “BOCES 2 Together in Spirit” created to salute the connections between students and staff.
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 29, 2020.
As per Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order #202.11 all districts are expected to provide continuity of learning (i.e., continued instruction), distribution of meals and childcare each day of the closure through April 14, 2020.
In reference to that order, Governor Cuomo’s Deputy Secretary for Education Dan Fuller has advised that school districts are expected to provide continuity of learning (i.e., continued instruction), distribution of meals and childcare each day of the closure including during what was previously calendared as Spring Break.
Teachers will continue to provide learning activities and resources and communicate with students during this time. However, Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES understands that families may be overwhelmed and doing the best they can to balance many responsibilities, including how to move forward with learning during the week of April 6.
In an effort to slow down the spread of COVID-19, we have complied an extensive list of resources on this page to assist you. We hope that all families stay healthy, stay home and continue to practice social distancing as we work together to get through this unprecedented situation.
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.
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.
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.
BOCES 2 employees should monitor their email and the BOCES 2 website for further information tomorrow.
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
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.
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.