Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Schools will resume full in-person learning five days a week following the winter break Jan. 3, according to a letter sent to the district from Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash.
"On behalf of the Buffalo Public Schools and the Buffalo Board of Education, we thank you for all you have done to help us remain fully open during the first half of the school year," stated Cash in the letter.
During a lengthy press conference prior to the break, Cash raised concerns about the 'test to stay' concept as well as the availability of testing that would enable the district to safely resume its in-class efforts.
Cash, along with all superintendents from hundreds of districts statewide, met virtually with Governor Kathy Hochul Tuesday to discuss efforts to keep students in school and the Buffalo Schools delayed their final decision on January 3 plans a day to allow the results of that meeting to be fully understood.
Buffalo School Board President Lou Petrucci says there are two key reasons kids need to be in the classroom. "We need to get that seat time in, get that valuable instruction time to get our kids up to speed. We also want to make sure they're safe. The one thing we've found is that we're not seeing spread in the classroom, but we're seeing spread in the community," says Petrucci.
Michael Cornell of the Erie Niagara Superintendent's Association agrees. "Kids have suffered the least serious COVID related symptoms. That's a fact. But the other thing we know to be true is no one has suffered more consequences of limitations than school aged children," says Cornell. He says the last thing he wants to do is close school. "They're important for educational, emotional, social, mental, physical, nutritional needs," adds Cornell.
Here is the remainder of the letter from Dr. Cash:
"As we turn our efforts toward navigating our school system through the threat of Omicron, and while we also work to provide an equal and high-quality education for every child, we ask you to do what you must do to keep our schools safe and to keep them open.
We now have in our grasp the tools we need to get through this. Vision. Awareness.
Vaccines. Masks. Tests. Wisdom. Two sage quotes that apply to the common good we must all embrace are: "Sweep in front of your own doorstep and the whole neighborhood will be clean," and "We can go faster alone, but we can go farther together". We continue to work closely with our State and County partners.
As we begin the second half of the year, we urge you to get vaccinated, and get your children vaccinated. If you feel sick, stay home and get tested. Unless ill, send your child to school all day, every day. We will handle our responsibilities at the District level. Help us to restart New Year 2022 strong by monitoring your child's emotional and physical wellness, academic responsibilities, and all social media activity that may impede both academics and wellness.
Stay in the habit of bringing your computer device to and from school every day as we move through the Omicron phase of the pandemic. With a keen focus on education and safety, we are here to serve. Enjoy the remainder of your Winter Break."
