Last updated on June 1, 2020
We developed this Frequently Asked Questions page to help keep our community informed. As you know, this is a rapidly changing public health situation. We are doing our best to adapt to the continuous changes and guidance from local, state and federal officials. This page will be updated as new information is received.
How long will the schools be closed?
All K-12 schools in New York State are to remain closed and continue providing distance learning for the remainder of the academic year. This was announced by Governor Cuomo on May 1. On May 28, Superintendent Suttmeier announced the official last day of school and online instruction will be Wednesday, June 17, 2020.
What is the plan for graduation?
We are doing everything in our power to give the HHS Class of 2020 as close to a “traditional” graduation ceremony as possible given the current state of affairs. Here is the tentative plan.
How can we get personal items that were left at school?
We are in the process of coordinating a collection of personal items left behind in each school (e.g., lockers, classrooms). Your child’s belongings will be bagged and labeled with their name. A pick-up time for retrieval will be communicated to families at the end of the academic year.
Are school buildings and facilities open?
No. Effective Monday, March 23, all offices are closed in addition to classes being canceled (per an executive order issued by Governor Cuomo on March 20). A limited number of essential staff from the Afterschool Program and the Food Services and Buildings & Grounds Departments will be allowed on-site. If necessary, Superintendent Suttmeier has the authority to call in essential staff as needed (e.g., network/IT support/safety). You will still be able to pick up student meals as described here, however you will not be allowed to enter the school buildings.
The use of all outdoor facilities, including playgrounds and tracks, is also suspended until further notice in an effort to reduce the instances of community contact at our schools. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Will student meals still be available?
Yes, breakfast and lunch will be available to all children age 18 and under, free of charge, each day while HCSD schools are closed. Click here for pick up times and locations.
What if I need to contact someone?
If you need assistance, you can leave a voicemail or send an email. Administrators and office staff have the ability to check voicemails from home as well as emails. See our district directory for contact information, including teacher email addresses.
Please be advised that this emergency will significantly impact normal business activities and services provided by the District. You may experience delays in services, wait times, and responses. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we try to navigate through these unprecedented circumstances.
What schoolwork should my child(ren) be doing at home?
Teachers provided students with information and various types of work to complete at home. Each teacher and grade level will be different, however we created this webpage to outline the different ways Hudson teachers are providing at-home learning and enrichment opportunities for students. Some teachers provided packets and workbooks and many teachers will utilize Google Classroom to connect with their students. Check out our “Home Learning” webpage for more details.
If I have a question about my child’s assignments, who can I contact?
Questions about assignments and materials should be directed to your child’s teacher. Contact information is listed in the directory.
How can I help my child(ren) keep up with their studies?
Children will benefit from having structure to their day. If possible, develop a schedule to use at home that outlines what activities are planned at what time(s). These examples from Khan Academy provide daily schedule ideas for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Get some ideas and then create something that works best for you and your child’s specific needs.
How will my child’s grades be determined?
Based on feedback and suggestions from teachers, the administration has established these alternative grading protocols in response to the extended school closure. Grading is also discussed in this Update for Grades K-5 Families and this Update for Grades 6-12 Families.
Will students still be required to take the Grades 3-8 New York State assessments?
No, the New York State Education Department suspended the administration of the elementary- and intermediate-level State assessments for the remainder of this school year.
Will students still be required to take the New York State Regents exams?
On April 6, Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa announced that all 2019-2020 Regents exams have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the New York State Education Department has modified the requirements that students must meet in order to earn high school diplomas, credentials, and endorsements. This applies to all students who were intending to take one or more of the June, 2020 Regents Examinations. Students will be exempted from passing these Regents Exams in order to be issued a diploma, and instead will be granted the diploma credit as long as they successfully complete the required coursework. Please review the requirements and if you have additional questions about your child’s eligibility, contact your child’s teacher and/or principal. NYSED also developed this FAQ document.
What are the new graduation requirements?
Click here to learn more about graduation/course requirement changes (via Capital Region BOCES). It includes information about Regents exams, graduation requirements, diploma designations, career and technical education, +1 Pathways, special education, Advanced Placement exams and more.
Will there be exams for Advanced Placement courses?
Yes. The College Board is developing Advanced Placement (AP) Exams that students can take at home. This year, students may choose to take AP exams during the period of May 11-22 or June 1-5. Parents and students can expect to receive further information from their child’s teacher, the guidance office, and the AP test center. Click here for more information about the new AP exam schedule.
What events and activities are canceled or postponed?
Many school activities since March 12 have been canceled or postponed due to ongoing guidance from local, state and federal officials. See this post on our website, which will be updated frequently as new information is received.
How is spring break affected?
Click here to read Superintendent Suttmeier’s announcement regarding spring recess.