3/21/2020 Update

Dear Bluehawk Families,

Following is important information regarding , State testing, District staffing and social distancing.

State Testing

The NYS State Education Department announced today that it has suspended the following State testing programs for the remainder of the school year:

  • NYS Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Test
  • NYS Grades 3-8 Mathematics Test
  • NYS Grade 4 Elementary-Level Science Test
  • NYS Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test
  • NYS English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in Grades K-12
  • NYS Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) for students with severe cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school.

Staffing at Our Schools

Beginning Monday, March 23, all district and school offices are closed until further notice. Voicemails and emails will be monitored throughout the work week as office and administrative staff will be working remotely to ensure that all necessary functions of the District continue with the least disruption. Please leave a voice message with your contact information or send us an email and we’ll get back to you if you need our assistance prior to the end of the Governor’s mandated closure.  District and building contract information can be found in the district directory. All updates and information can be found on our website.

Students Should Stay Home, Avoid Gathering

This information was adapted from guidance shared by the Saratoga County Department of Health.

All indoor and outdoor activities at our schools are suspended until further notice in the interest of public safety. 

Our public health partners are emphasizing the importance of students and families staying home as much as possible during this school closure and using social distancing if you do need to go out. Today, the governor directed all New Yorkers to stay in, avoid crowds, cancel social gatherings, and maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from others. Following these measures is extremely important to protect not only your health, but also that of your family, elders, and our community.

We know this is a difficult time for everyone and it is understandable that students will want to spend time with friends, but it is important that they not gather together, as that defeats the purpose of our schools being closed. We realize the importance of students remaining connected, and in this sense we are fortunate to live in a time when technology enables people to connect without being in the same place.

While there is a mistaken belief among some that this virus does not pose a threat to young people, I want to reiterate what our health experts are telling us that people of any age are susceptible to serious illness from COVID-19. Everyone keeping a distance from others will not only help reduce the spread of COVID-19, but can also help protect you and your family from getting sick.

While gatherings and close contact should be avoided, it is okay to go outside to take a walk, jog, or ride a bike. Regardless of the activity, students should not hang out in groups. If a few students want to go outside and spend time together, it should be for activities that allow social distancing of six feet or more.

Schools will remain closed at least until Wednesday, April 1, 2020. If school resumes on or about April 1, no further changes will be made to the school calendar. If the District needs to close for a longer period, we will inform you of any changes.

We wish all Bluehawk families good health and safety.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maria Lagana Suttmeier

Superintendent of Schools