December 10, 2021
Dear Lyndonville Families and Community,
Well, it looks like winter has arrived—as I look out my window and see the snow-covered ground and trees. Please be sure to use extra caution when driving—I just gave this same reminder to my teen-age driver who will experience his first full Western New York winter!
Let’s jump right into COVID. First, if you have been following the articles on the Hub, our county continues to have high infection rates. While this has not deterred our resiliency here, this has resulted in a greater number of quarantines for our students. However, some relief is on the way as New York State has recently authorized County Health Departments to institute “test to stay” and “test to return” policies. Essentially, these programs would allow students subject to quarantine to attend school if and only if they participate in daily COVID testing—which the school would provide. Additionally, students would ONLY be allowed to attend school but not participate in athletics or extra-curricular events. As I write this, I am actively collaborating with the health department and my colleagues in the county to consider a January launch for this program. Should this become a reality, please expect a detailed letter from me later this month—or my successor in January—that will detail and explain this process and program in greater detail.
Due to our transition to our new website, the weekly COVID numbers were inadvertently removed and we are working this week to restore those numbers with the accurate data. In the meantime, please continue to check with NY COVID Report Card—which is updated every day---and the link is provided in the COVID section of our website.
On to some more enjoyable news:
- Congratulations to the Music Boosters on their annual craft show, which we sorely missed last year.
- This weekend, we will honor legendary Lyndonville teacher and coach Fred Large with the Fred Large Wrestling Tournament. We are expecting many schools at this tournament, and consistent with our local tournaments in area, we are limiting the event to two spectators per student (please note this is the ONLY time we are imposing limitations).
- Congratulations to our local Lions Club on a wonderful Christmas in Lyndonville celebration this past weekend.
- Our Fitness Room will be opening very soon—please look for details on our Facebook page and website over the next couple weeks.
- Winter concert season is underway, and I look forward to seeing our students share their talents with our families and community.
- Bravo to the cast and crew of the Elementary Musical: The Lion King. It was a wonderful production, and the future of our music program is in great hands!
- Our annual Snowcoming events will begin later this month, and we look forward to celebrating the season with our students!
As Board President Mr. Lewis shared before Thanksgiving, the Board of Education is pursuing an interim Superintendent as I prepare to depart for Batavia. You can expect additional communication from the Board as this process unfolds.
In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy, and keep your children home if they are not feeling well. I fully realize this presents child-care issues, but we thank you in advance for your understanding.
Jason Smith, Superintendent of Schools
585-765-3101