coronavirus molecule

On Thursday, Dec. 10, Central Valley learned of two new confirmed COVID cases. one at Barringer Road Elementary and one at Jarvis Middle School.

Barringer Road case:

  • Has no affect on students because potentially exposed students are currently under quarantine that resulted from a previous case.
  • Several adult staff had primary contact with the new case and will be quarantined.
  • School will remain open as normal.
  • Other school staff will report as normal.

Jarvis case

  • Impacts one fifth grade classroom of students and multiple adults who worked in that room.
  • All fifth grade will begin virtual learning one day early—Friday, Dec. 11
  • Life Skills and 15-1 class will attend in person.
  • Grades 6, 7, and 8 will attend as normal.
  • Other school staff will report as normal

COVID pushed Central Valley to PK-12 virtual learning Dec. 14-22

"As we shared at the emergency board of education meeting on Tuesday, when our adults are quarantined, things begin to shut down," said Superintendent Jeremy Rich.

"We are running out of people to staff our classrooms. Jarvis staffing is now paper thin. This is what is forcing us to move to virtual learning beginning Monday, Dec. 14."  (click here for details)

How quickly will I know if my student was exposed?

Herkimer County Public Health Department notified Central Valley on Monday, Dec. 7 that the department was overwhelmed and unable to notify new school cases. Central Valley is now contacting families of any potentially exposed students.  All affected families will know by the end of school on Thursday, Dec. 10

What role does the school play?

Central Valley does not decide who is tested or quarantined. We simply follow the protocols given us by the Herkimer County Public Health Department when we learn of a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. We also provide the health department with information to assist with contact tracing and follow health department instructions to protect students and staff. We share that information as it becomes available. Please understand that we adhere to all laws protecting personal information.

Does student learning continue during quarantine?

Yes, we are prepared. We designed our current learning model so that we could pivot in a case such as this. Many of our teachers already teach a mix of in-person and virtual learners. Our students have practiced the skills they need to learn at home. Our teachers and quarantined students should have little problem continuing teaching and learning. Students will join a classroom and receive instruction over the internet. If your family does not have internet access, please reach out to your school principal. Most Central Valley students have a district-issued Chromebook. If they do not, students in quarantine will receive one.

Is my student safe?

Central Valley is following all guidance to keep our school family safe. We wear masks, social distance, and sanitize regularly. We keep students in smaller groups and do our best to avoid mixing those groups. We maintain careful records to help contact tracing in case of possible COVID-19 exposure. As an additional precaution, our staff is spending extra time to deep clean and sanitize any areas used by students who had primary contact with the COVID-positive student. Although no system is perfect, we are diligent in our efforts to protect students and staff.

Please feel free to contact your school principal or Superintendent Jeremy Rich with any questions or concerns.