Dear Syosset Community,

This week I had a lot of fun being interviewed by Kyle Dapice for a new feature in the high school newspaper, “The Pulse”. Spoiler alert: I off-handedly synopsized my job description for Kyle in 6 words. “Keep ‘em safe; make ‘em smart.” This year has put obstacles in front of both imperatives, but as we cross off Day 89 (essentially the halfway point) of the school year, I’m in a reflective mood and proud of how this community has faced the challenges of both staying safe and making this year count academically. (To read the rest of Kyle’s interview, you’ll have to wait for the paper which will be posted to the high school website.)

High-Risk Athletics
As I mentioned last week, NYS announced that high-risk sports may resume on February 1. Both Suffolk and Nassau County issued guidance to school districts following that announcement. As we have done from the onset of this crisis, we approach each new challenge from the perspective of maximizing safety, not merely meeting minimums. Consequently, we have pulled best practices from both Counties’ guidance:

• COVID Testing for Athletes: Suffolk County is mandating weekly COVID-19 testing for student-athletes in “high-risk” sports. Like many other Nassau districts, we concluded that decision to be prudent as it helps mitigate the elevated risks these sports present. We are currently evaluating options for administering tests and the appropriate frequency with which testing would be done.
• Spectators: Nassau and Suffolk Counties differ with respect to allowing spectators. In keeping with our “little by little” strategy of not introducing too many new risks at once, we will continue only to livestream and record events for the winter season and reevaluate that decision when positivity rates come down further. I’ve heard wonderful feedback from parents about the livestreams already, and I think of it as one of those “next best things” we may decide to retain even after the pandemic is under control.
• Sports: For the high school, the winter season will include basketball, wrestling, kickline and cheerleading. For the middle schools, we will offer “intramural” volleyball and basketball programs where both boys and girls will have the opportunity to play. Additional information is forthcoming.

I do feel it's important to mention two things. Just because high-risk sports are now permitted does not mean they stopped being risky. A successful season will require a successful partnership: the school district will do our best to mitigate risks, while athletes and their parents must accept both the risks and the responsibility for not exacerbating them through social activities. Our experience in Syosset has shown that there are 10 times as many “close contacts” identified through social gatherings as through school exposures, and … so far ... only the social exposures have resulted in disease transmission.

COVID-19 Rapid Test Sites
I’m happy to see that the community is taking advantage of the two COVID-19 rapid test locations operating on our campuses. To date, over 1,000 tests have been administered between the two sites. We are happy to facilitate this convenience and we have expanded eligibility to include our valued senior citizens who helped build this wonderful community.

As a reminder, the Mount Sinai South Nassau satellite location, operating outside of Syosset High School, has expanded hours and is now operating from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every weekday. Please be advised that this testing site will be closed on Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of the inclement weather predicted. Those with appointments have been contacted to reschedule.

Microcluster (Yellow Zone) Update
Governor Cuomo this week lifted the remaining Yellow Zones on Long Island, and most of those upstate. But we can’t become complacent. Things are trending in the right direction, but as of this writing, Nassau County’s average positivity rate is still just over 6% with 83 new daily cases for every 100,000 residents. It does appear that the expansion of Yellow Zone mandatory testing is becoming less likely, however.

We wanted to control our destiny, and by keeping our daily cases below the county average, the Syosset-Woodbury community has managed to do just that. Keep making smart choices because the quicker we drive those numbers down, the sooner we get back to some semblance of normal.

Continuing Education
I’m proud of the robust Continuing Education program we offer to our community here in Syosset, which has shifted to a virtual format to safeguard everyone’s health. The Spring brochure was just published, and I’m sure you’ll find something interesting. And now you don’t even need to leave home to take advantage of the program.

Kindergarten Registration
I always look forward to welcoming new students and families to the District, they are about to discover our magic! Next week, kindergarten registration will open for the 2021-2022 school year. Information regarding our online registration process can be found on our website. Please feel free to share this information with neighboring families who may not yet be on our mailing list.

Bright Spot
When the pandemic hit in March and Syosset High School student Caroline Zhu found herself with some extra time on her hands, she decided to use that time to help struggling small business owners. She immediately got to work and started a GoFundMe campaign named “COVID-19 Relief for Small Businesses NYC/LI” and then founded a group called “Students Combat Corona,” to help with fundraising efforts and nominating businesses in need. The group has grown to 150 student members and they’ve raised over $3,800 so far. Small businesses are the lifeblood of local communities and I’m so proud of Caroline helping ours stay healthy!

Please be safe should we receive any snow, and stay warm in these frigid temperatures.

Sincerely,
Tom Rogers
#staysafe #staystrong #syostrong

Dear Syosset Community,

I really enjoy watching our student athletes compete here in Syosset. Win or lose, their hard work and passion, our coaches’ dedication, and the character our teams are known for have been sources of pride and satisfaction. Like the students themselves, I’ve missed sports. This week, a milestone occurred: the winter Athletics season began for low-risk sports and Tuesday, I watched the middle school boys swim against Plainview, the first interscholastic athletic event since the shutdown in March. It felt wonderful and surreal all at the same time. It’s really good to be there, but also still very different from the norm we all long to return to.

I observed the swimmers as they maintained social distance and donned their masks immediately upon exiting the pool. There were no spectators, and the coaches’ smiles were obscured by their masks. It was not exactly the atmosphere I remember, but a pretty darn good “next best thing”.

Speaking of sports, today, New York State announced that high-risk sports may resume on February 1, pending local health department approval. It’s too soon to know what this portends, but we’ll continue to communicate with athletes and the community.

So if last week’s theme was the “next best thing”, this week’s is “little by little”. As we start to add back sports and other activities, and we think about the possibilities afforded by a vaccine, it’s tempting to want to rush back to “normal”. But it’s still too soon and these winter months will remain our toughest. What we’ve learned so far is that we can safely do in-person education, we can cautiously reintroduce some athletics, and “next best things” can be pretty special. Each one of these steps has been painstaking and modest, but little by little we are finding what we can safely manage - and outbreaks have reminded us what we’re not ready for yet. Although there are signs that we are headed in the right direction, getting ahead of ourselves will only set us back.

We will get there. We must build back smart and we can’t let our guard (or our mask) down yet, but I have every confidence that little by little we’ll get back to normal.
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Live Streaming Athletic Events:
I know parents and community members love to watch our student athletes compete as much as I do. So I’m happy to report that we are now live streaming winter athletic events on YouTube. Links to the live stream will be posted on our website the day of the event. We’ll even have recordings of the events available for anyone who isn’t able to catch it live. This evening, the Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving meet was live streamed, during which the team earned its 50th consecutive win, a streak that began 6 years ago. Congratulations to the students and coaches on this incredible achievement.

COVID-19 Rapid Test Locations:
With the intention of easing the burden of attaining COVID-19 rapid tests for our community, we have two test sites currently operating on our campuses. The two sites operate independently, and appointments are not transferable between the locations. Please be aware of the following updates related to the two rapid test sites:

• The Mount Sinai South Nassau satellite location on the Syosset High School campus will operate with expanded hours beginning Monday, January 25. The new hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every weekday. The site will be closed on federal holidays. To make an appointment at this test site, please call (516) 364-5799.
• The Advanced Cardiovascular Testing location at the old Woodbury School, which operates from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., has a new URL to book appointments. Please visit the following page to access a link to the booking calendar for this site: https://www.cardiovasculartesting.com/syosset

Please be sure to enter the Woodbury School driveway heading north on Woodbury road, and please do not turn around in front of the entrance to Walt Whitman.

Bright Spot:
This evening, I stopped in to watch the Syosset Gymnastics team compete virtually against Oceanside and it struck me how this new way of competing is a perfect metaphor for the themes of the “next best thing” and making progress “little by little.” With our students and a judge on our campus, and Oceanside students and a judge on theirs, students were able to remain safe (the “next best thing”) while still being able to get back to competing (“little by little”). To all our students who continue to not only persevere, but thrive, in the face of all the challenges and shifts to normal routines, you have my admiration, and you are the bright spots that inspire me to keep moving forward, little by little.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,
Tom Rogers
#staysafe #staystrong #syostrong

Dear Syosset Community,

This week the Central Administration held our “holiday luncheon” where we all chip in to buy lunch to thank Syosset’s behind-the-scenes team. In true 2020 fashion, it had to be postponed because it was originally scheduled on last month’s snow day. It’s never a fancy affair, and this year was reduced further still to boxed lunches over Zoom. Trying to find some way to nevertheless make the event special, we hosted a “dream-themed” trivia contest and the winners earned scratch-off tickets. And despite the modesty of the event, a funny thing happened... it was surprisingly fun.

The pandemic has magnified my appreciation (and nostalgia) for what once seemed insignificant or ordinary. We have reinvented so many familiar traditions out of necessity -- from our very intimate commencement exercises at the high school; to car parades and birthday parties; or streamed school plays and, yes, Zoom holiday parties. Why, I’ve seen my own far-flung family more on our bi-weekly family Zooms than I ever did back when I felt comfortable getting on airplanes.

In having to reimagine our cherished traditions, we have ironically learned to appreciate that the “next best thing” is often surprisingly special in its own right.

Earlier this week, the Governor announced that education workers were now eligible to be vaccinated. That’s an important first step in getting schools “back to normal”, but not the only step, nor one that will be completed quickly. We won’t be able to relax our precautions for some time to come, and the more immediate task is to drive down the infection rate that spiked over the holidays. We know what to do to stay safe -- and the longer we keep enjoying “the next best things”, the sooner we’ll get to the place where they become a choice, not a necessity. Who knows … I hope I keep Zooming with my nephews and nieces long after my mask is gone.

Speaking of extraordinary “next best things” ... So many of our advanced research students had their original projects disrupted by the pandemic, with access to research labs and institutions greatly curtailed. So it’s all the more remarkable that even as our students were forced to pivot, every one of our senior research students still submitted competition-worthy projects to the Regeneron Science Talent Search and that 5 of our students were named to the top 300 in the country. I’m proud of every one of our students who found a way to persevere and proceed despite the pandemic’s challenges, and of course, we all celebrate the success of our winners.

……

At Mondays’ Board of Education meeting, several important initiatives occurred.

• The Board approved a second COVID rapid-testing partner to help with the overwhelming demand for testing. The new test site will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is located at the old Woodbury School building on the corner of Jericho Turnpike and Woodbury Road. This is a busy intersection, so to manage the traffic flow and keep everyone safe, those visiting the test site must enter heading north on Woodbury Road, and must exit by making a right on Jericho Turnpike. We are also working to make additional hours and appointments available at our existing testing site at Syosset High School.
• We reviewed the District’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)/Culture of Care to support the various needs of our students with a focus on mental well being.
• Regarding the proposed Amazon warehouse project on Robbins Lane, we reviewed the District’s comments filed with the Town of Oyster Bay in advance of the Planning Advisory Board’s next meeting and with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation during the public comment period on the remediation planned for the site.
• The Board approved live streaming services for upcoming athletic events so families can watch students compete, since in-person spectators will not be allowed. Information regarding accessing the live streams will be provided shortly.

Bright Spot

• Inspired by her work with the Witness Project, whose mission is to explore the spiritual, ethical, and intellectual responses of Holocaust survivors and victims, Syosset High School Senior Laci Janus was so moved that she started a program at the high school to foster a deeper understanding of the Holocaust. The group, named the Holocaust Remembrance Program, now has over 60 student and teacher members. Over the next few months, they will hear from survivors and engage in conversation to gain first-hand accounts of this period of history. I’m so proud of Laci and her important work to preserve the stories of the survivors and help educate this and future generations.

As a reminder, the District is closed Monday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As we head into the long weekend, please remain mindful of the NYS travel restrictions in place.

Sincerely,
Tom Rogers

Dear Syosset Community,

Like most Americans, I watched the events unfolding in the nation’s Capitol earlier this week with horror as they threatened the citadel, and thus the very roots, of our democracy. Some 30 years ago, I received a graduate fellowship to work in the Legislature, and from my cubicle in the State Capitol building, I would daily watch the debate, compromise, and occasional peaceful protest that comprise the free speech and democratic process which make our governmental institutions from the majestic to the municipal an example for the world. In the past few days, I’ve read many stories and opinions on how Wednesday’s events were a deep stain on that tradition, and that will undoubtedly be one aspect we remember. But I will also remember that the democracy I once watched from a front row seat was stronger than this test, though at a terrible price.

There are many lessons for our students in these events now and in days to come. While this test affirmed our democracy is not fragile, that can’t mean we may take it for granted or fail to protect it. Implicit in every dispiriting event of 2020 is the hope that we will turn a corner to a brighter future for ourselves and especially our next generation.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King wrote, "Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” For our students to build the brighter future we wish for them and this country, we teach them to respect each other’s differences, be good citizens, embrace kindness and value democracy. New York’s native son President Teddy Roosevelt put it well: “By far, the best gift that life has to offer is the opportunity to work hard at work worth doing.” Educating our next generation with “intelligence plus character” is truly “work worth doing” now more than ever.

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I’m sure you have noticed the uptick in COVID-19 positive cases we have been reporting to the community recently. While this increase was predicted by health officials and is reflective of what is taking place in the larger community, it does not represent a surge in cases taking place in the schools. We have not yet seen transmission within the school buildings, and many of the cases we reported over the last few weeks are individuals who have not been present in the school buildings recently.

Updated Micro-Cluster Strategy
On Monday, Governor Cuomo made remarks that implied new metrics may guide school closures in areas of elevated COVID-19 positivity rates. Although formal guidance has not been shared with districts yet, schools in areas with positivity rates above 9% may be required to test a portion of the in-person student and staff population. If the percent testing positive for COVID-19 in school is lower than in the community, schools may continue in-person instruction.

For the last several weeks, we have been preparing to launch a testing program in our schools should the State require us to do so. While we await official guidance on the details, parents and guardians should anticipate being asked to provide consent for their child(ren) to be tested so that we can act quickly once those rules are issued. Please be assured parents and guardians will be given advance notice before any test is administered, getting tested by a personal health care provider will remain an option, and no students will be tested without parental consent.

As I’ve said previously, we are working hard to preserve in-person instruction as we feel that is how we can best serve our community at this time. It is important to note that there are two scenarios that may result in a school closure; the first is if the positivity rate among the in-person school population is higher than in the community, as announced by the Governor and outlined above, and the second is if we are unable to run the buildings safely due to a high number of staff being required to quarantine.

We must all continue to work together and maintain vigilance in adherence to the recommended protocols: Wear a mask; Wash your hands; Watch your distance. And please remember to notify us immediately by completing this form if you or your child has tested positive or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive.

Quarantine Duration Changes
The NYS Department of Health recently adopted the revised CDC guidelines on the length of time an individual with a COVID-19 exposure must quarantine. The new guidelines shorten the COVID-19-related quarantine period to 10 days (from 14), provided no symptoms are present. Accordingly, the District has implemented this quarantine duration for close contacts of COVID-19 cases, both students and staff. (Note: The CDC guidelines about shortening this period to 7 days through testing were not adopted.) Those testing positive for COVID-19 must still isolate for at least 10 days after illness onset and may not return until at least 3 days after recovery from all symptoms.

COVID Testing
As mentioned in my last update, we recently implemented some changes to the way appointments are scheduled at the Mount Sinai South Nassau satellite testing center at the high school. Demand for tests is quite high and we have a limited number of appointments available each day. Another option for receiving a test is the State-run test site at Jones Beach, where PCR diagnostic tests are offered at no charge. Tests are administered by appointment in a drive-thru format. The number to schedule an appointment is 1-888-364-3065 and more information can be found at https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov. An additional testing option to address some of this demand will be considered by the Board of Education at its Monday meeting.

COVID Vaccinations
This week, Nassau County began making vaccinations available for certain school personnel, such as school nurses and therapists, who may be in close contact with students. The District would like to thank the County for recognizing the important role our staff plays and acting swiftly in distributing vaccinations to help keep everyone healthy and safe. Schools are already safe places, and with each additional person vaccinated, become that much safer.

Bright Spot
The student-run COVID relief organization Long Island Against COVID-19 (LILAC), founded by Syosset High School sophomore Sabrina Guo, made the news again. The organization donated 20,000 pieces of PPE, $2,000 worth of meals, and student-created inspirational artwork to Mount Sinai South Nassau on December 29. The amazing efforts of all the students involved in this organization seem utterly indefatigable, and I couldn’t be more proud of Sabrina and the students she works with so diligently to support the front line workers.

With this first message of January, I want to wish you a very happy new year, with health, safety and brighter days ahead.

Sincerely,
Tom Rogers

Dear Syosset Community,

Happy New Year! I hope you and your loved ones are all safe and healthy, well rested after a much needed break, and ready to return. Although the virus may have dampened the celebratory mood, I know it sharpened my sense of possibility and appreciation for the new year. 

As we prepare to return to school, I hope to offer some reminders and update you on some developments:

1. School will operate on our normal in-person schedule on Monday, January 4th. Students in grades K-8 will resume 5-days a week. Syosset High School will continue its hybrid plan, with Cohort A in the building following a W-Day schedule. All-virtual students will continue with their normal schedules.
   
   Our priority is to preserve in-person school whenever feasible. Learning and socialization are facilitated by the in-person environment, and we understand the important childcare function schools perform. Syosset implemented a very conservative reopening plan with multiple redundant protections in place. As of 12/28, over 110 members of our learning community have tested positive for COVID-19, though we have not seen any additional transmission through school. This is consistent with what Nassau County reported to Newsday: that they have not identified any cases that have been spread through schools since reopening began. https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/education-and-coronavirus-1.50093153
   
   We continue to monitor case counts and positivity rates closely, but the safety of schools appears to be more closely related to strict adherence to our protocols than to the rate of incidence in the surrounding community.  Obviously, when those rates are higher, the margin for error is reduced, so we should all take this opportunity to make New Year’s resolutions to “re-double” the 3 W’s: Wash your hands, Watch your distance, and most importantly, Wear your mask. 
2. Remember to fill out the daily COVID screening form – we will be following up with staff and families who do not complete it. It is important to remember that the form asks you to certify that you are in compliance with NYS’s travel rules and to identify even minor symptoms that could signal the onset of something more serious. Again, as case counts rise, adherence becomes even more crucial.
3. We continue to monitor the New York State micro-cluster (Yellow Zone) strategy. We have seen Yellow Zone schools on Long Island and elsewhere safely remain open, and we’re fortunate not to be in a Yellow Zone at this point, but we remain prepared to react should that change. 
4. Lastly, I want to update you on a change to the way appointments will be accepted at the Mount Sinai South Nassau COVID testing satellite location. As case counts have risen, it has become important to use this capacity to support our learning environment – allowing us to react more quickly with contact tracing when there is a suspected, but unconfirmed, case of COVID in the learning community. So those “for cause” cases will be prioritized, but we will also keep a waiting list in the event additional appointments become available. There is a new telephone number to call to make an appointment: (516) 364-5799 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Appointments can only be made for the day of your call or the following business day.) Just as demand for testing has surged at urgent care centers, we’ve similarly experienced demand that far exceeds our capacity, necessitating prioritization that helps preserve our in-person learning environment.

Before signing off, I want to take a minute to thank the contact tracing team – even though school was closed, the team worked every single day during the break, weekends and holidays alike. Their dedication is truly remarkable.

Hoping for health and happiness in the new year. 

Welcome back!
Tom Rogers