Naples 2020 Holiday Concert
Season’s greetings from the Naples Music Department!
It has certainly been a challenging year for the arts as we have been reinventing making music in schools during a pandemic.
In our bands, students evolved from not playing as a group to 12 feet apart outside. Finally just before Thanksgiving break we made it inside-in the pool of all places! The acoustics are better than one would ever expect!
In chorus we went from not being able to sing at all, to singing with masks on 12 feet apart, to playing the hand bells and having students submit recordings from home.
Despite all of these challenges we are so proud of the resilience and dedication our student musicians have shown through this pandemic. Though we are unable to gather ...
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"Presumptive Positive" COVID Case
Dear NCS Families, Faculty, and Staff:
This afternoon, the Naples Central School District was notified by the Ontario County Department of Health (DOH) that a staff member in the High School had been identified as a “presumptive positive” case for COVID-19. The employee was last in school on Wednesday, December 9, and the individual is currently in isolation in alignment with DOH guidelines.
Although the staff member did not technically test positive for COVID-19, the DOH advised that we err on the side of caution by completing the contact tracing process. After examining staff interviews, class rosters, and seating charts, the DOH determined that there was not a need for any other individuals to be placed under quarantine.
As we move closer to Holiday Break, I want ...
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2-Hour Delay
Good Morning:
Due to the winter weather, the Naples Central School District will be on a 2-hour delay this morning (Thursday, December 17).
Stay warm and safe.
Matt
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Weather Related School Cancellations and Closings
Dear NCS Families and Staff:
As temperatures drop and snow begins to fly, I have had a number of people reach out with questions related to winter weather. Because there may be times in the coming months when we need to cancel or delay school because of unsafe road conditions, I wanted to pass along the following information.
How do you decide whether to cancel or delay school?
Closing school is one of the most difficult decisions districts have to make. While we want our students in school each day, the reality is that we live in upstate New York and the weather can change very quickly. Decisions to cancel or delay school are made very carefully, and only after consulting weather resources, local highway superintendents, our transportation supervisor, and area school administrators. ...
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COVID Case at NCS
Dear NCS Families, Faculty, and Staff:
Earlier today, the Naples Central School District was notified by the Ontario County Department of Health (DOH) that a High School student had tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last in school on Wednesday, December 2, and the student is currently in isolation in alignment with DOH guidelines.
Because the student did not attend classes at NCS or participate in any athletic or extracurricular activities during their infectious period, we will continue with our normal school schedule and operations at this point in time.
To help keep our school community safe, we are urging everyone to take the following preventative measures:
Prioritize masking and maintain at least six feet of social distance
Wash their hands regularly, ...
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December 10 Parent Communication
Dear NCS Families and Staff:
Let me begin by saying thank you for supporting our asynchronous learning day yesterday. It gave our faculty and staff an important opportunity to plan together, and provided our students with a chance to experience the independence often needed for remote learning. We will try to limit the use of asynchronous days in the future, but I want to stress how valuable they can be as we try to balance the complex needs associated with in-person, remote, and hybrid learning.
Masks, Masks, Masks:
When we talk with folks at the Department of Health, they continue to emphasize the importance of mask wearing. In addition to keeping people safe, the practice also helps to limit the number of individuals needing to be quarantined when there is an exposure. ...
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COVID Case at NCS
Dear NCS Families, Faculty, and Staff:
Earlier this evening, the Naples Central School District was notified by the Ontario County Department of Health (DOH) that a High School student had tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last in school on Monday, November 23, and the student is currently in isolation in alignment with DOH guidelines.
Because the student did not attend classes at NCS or participate in any athletic or extracurricular activities during their infectious period, we will continue with our normal school schedule and operations at this point in time.
As we turn our calendars from November to December, I would ask that everyone maintain a focus on mask wearing, social distancing, and regular hand hygiene. We have had a remarkably healthy start to the school ...
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Consent for Yellow Zone Rapid Testing
Dear NCS Families:
As you know, school districts located in regions designated as “yellow zones” are required to test 20% of in-person students, faculty, and staff for COVID-19 on a bi-weekly basis in order to avoid transitioning to a learning model that is 100% remote. Although NCS is not currently located in a “yellow zone,” we want to make sure we are prepared to seamlessly implement all required safety protocols if positivity rates increase in our area.
With this in mind, we are asking parents and employees to consent to free rapid testing ahead of time in the event that NCS ends up in a “yellow zone” by filling out this digital form ( click here ). If completed, NCS would have the authorization to begin testing in order to remain open ...
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2nd Positive COVID Case at NCS
Dear NCS Families and Staff:
I wanted to let you know that I was just made aware that a member of our Transportation Department tested positive for COVID-19 earlier today. The individual last came to work on Tuesday, November 17, and they are currently in isolation as per Department of Health guidelines.
As soon as we were made aware of the situation, we immediately began the contact tracing process. Because of existing safety protocols and limited contact between the staff member and other individuals, we will continue with our normal school schedule and operations tomorrow. (Note: All 7 th and 8 th grade students will be learning remotely as detailed in my communication from earlier today.)
I know that it can be troubling to receive messages like this from school. However, ...
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COVID Case at NCS
Dear NCS Families and Staff:
Yesterday evening, we were notified that one of our middle level students in the High School had tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last in school on Monday, November 16, and the student is currently in isolation in alignment with Department of Health guidelines.
As soon as we learned of the situation, we immediately began the contact tracing process in partnership with the Department of Health. Using our camera system, interviews with staff, attendance lists, and seating charts, we were able to determine where the student had been, who they had interacted with, and the duration of their interactions. Based on our findings, I wanted to share the following:
7 th and 8 th Grade Students Will Learn Remotely on Monday and Tuesday:
We ...
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Scheduling Changes
Dear NCS Parents:
As we move further into the school year, I wanted to let you know about two different scheduling changes:
Change #1: Wednesday, December 9, will now be an asynchronous learning day for all students in grades UPK-12. This means that students will learn from home, and that teachers will make instructional content available on either Seesaw, Schoology, or Google Classroom. Although students will have to check in using a classroom (Elementary School) or building (High School) Zoom link in the morning for attendance, the rest of the day they will be able to learn independently at their own pace.
While we know it can be difficult to replace the magic that happens in classrooms, the asynchronous learning day will give us an important opportunity to focus on ...
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November 13 Parent Communication
Dear NCS Parents:
Like all of you, we have been reading about the uptick in COVID-19 cases that has impacted communities throughout the Finger Lakes region. I want to emphasize, however, that health officials continue to compliment the safety practices found in schools. As numbers rise, the experts attribute the increase to social activities outside of school, and caution individuals to act responsibly—especially with Thanksgiving and Holiday Break on the horizon. We have had a healthy start to the year because of your ongoing support, and we ask that you continue to make safety a priority in the days and weeks ahead.
Emergency Go Home Drill Reminder
On Monday, we will be practicing our mandated Emergency Go Home Drill. While we will be modifying our regular procedures ...
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October 29 Parent Communication
Dear NCS Parents and Guardians:
As our calendars turn from October to November, we wanted to thank you for your continued trust at NCS. We have had a safe and productive start to the year, and that would not have been possible without your support. With the 2 nd Quarter scheduled to begin on Monday, November 9, we wanted to pass along a handful of updates. However, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out ( mfrahm@naplescsd.org , 585-374-7901).
Update on Learning Preference Changes:
A couple weeks ago, we asked that parents requesting changes related to learning preferences or transportation for the second 10 weeks of the school year complete a brief survey. We had over 70 individuals submit requests, and we have spent time this past week ...
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Update from NCS
Dear NCS Families, Faculty, and Staff:
Earlier today, the Naples Central School District was notified by the Steuben County Department of Health (DOH) that two High School students sharing the same household had tested positive for COVID-19. However, both of the individuals are fully remote learners, and they have not been in classrooms during the 2020/2021 school year.
At this point, the students and their family members have been placed on home quarantine in alignment with DOH guidelines. However, because neither have been attending NCS as in-person learners, we will continue with our normal school schedule and operations at this point in time.
As we begin the 8 th week of the school year, I would ask that everyone maintain a focus on mask wearing, social distancing, and ...
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October 16 Update from NCS
Dear NCS Parents and Guardians:
Earlier today, the Steuben County Department of Health (SCDOH) informed me that an athlete on the Dundee/Bradford Boys Varsity Team tested positive for COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution, the SCDOH also notified me that they would be placing the majority of our Boys Varsity players under quarantine from October 16 through October 22 because of a competition that took place on October 8.
I want to emphasize that the reason for the quarantine has to do with a relatively low risk exposure, and not a positive COVID-19 test for any students or staff members at NCS. In addition, because the quarantine will only impact a small number of individuals, the SCDOH has advised us to continue as planned with our normal school schedule and operations ...
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October 15 Parent Communication
Dear NCS Parents:
As another fall week comes to a close, I wanted to reach out with important updates on a handful of topics here at NCS. However, if you would like to talk in more detail, please do not hesitate to call or email when you have time (585-374-7901, mfrahm@naplescsd.org ).
Learning Commitments:
When we were putting together our reopening plan over the summer, we asked parents to fill out a “Learning Preference” survey which we used to schedule students as in person, remote, or hybrid learners this fall. In addition, we asked that parents commit to the preference for the first 10 weeks of the school year.
While it is hard to believe, we have already been in session for six weeks, and the 2 nd Quarter will begin on Monday, November 9. With this ...
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Curbside Pickup Now Available at Naples School Libraries
The High School and Elementary School Libraries are checking books out to BOTH in person and 100% remote students.
Curbside Pickup: Library Books
The Naples school libraries are very excited to announce we will be able to offer curbside pickup of library books for our 100% REMOTE learners. Students will be able to request books from the Naples High School Library and Naples Elementary School Library.
Click here for instructions on finding a book in the catalog and placing a hold.
Parents will have two pickup times to choose from:
Monday morning, 9 am-11 am
Monday evening, 4 pm-6 pm
* Hybrid students will have the ability to request books/put a hold on them & have them delivered to their classroom. ...
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October 1 Parent Communication
Dear Big Green Parents:
As we turn our calendars from September to October, I wanted to reach out with a handful of updates from NCS. Most importantly, however, I wanted to say thank you for your partnership throughout the reopening process. Although there have been many changes, your patience and support have helped ensure that learning in Naples continues to value safety, a sense of connection, and learning.
October Calendar Change:
The switch from in-person to remote or hybrid instruction has involved a tremendous learning curve for us all. With this in mind, we will be adding a Staff Conference Day on Friday, October 23, so that we can continue to strengthen our online instructional practices. There will be no school for students that day, and we appreciate your flexibility ...
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Naples PTP Cookbook Fundraiser
Dear NCS Families,
The Parent Teacher Partnership (PTP) has decided to publish a school/community cookbook filled to brim with the best recipes from the best cooks in our community and we need your recipes! The best news of all? All of the profits from the sale of the cookbooks will support the PTP and will help fund future field trips and other fun school activities. These 6.5”x 9.25” cookbooks, with padded covers and three ring binder style binding, will make great gifts and will definitely become a cherished keepsake on your kitchen shelf.
We would like to have up to four of your favorite recipes as soon as possible. We will select one or more of your recipes to be included in our cookbook; your name will even be printed in the ...
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September 11 Parent Communication
Dear NCS Parents and Guardians:
First and foremost, let me say how wonderful it has been to welcome students back to NCS this week. Whether learning has taken place remotely or in classrooms, students have been positive, engaged, and kind, and we are so grateful for all the support we have received from our parent community during the reopening process.
As the week comes to a close, I know that you have received a tremendous number of communications from NCS. I feel a bit guilty for adding another message to your inbox, but wanted to pass along a handful of updates before the weekend arrives.
Athletics:
Last Friday, schools received a detailed guidance document outlining requirements for certain sports to resume on September 21. However, schools in our region have ...
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