NYS Grades 3-8 ELA and math assessments suspended
The State Education Department announced Friday, March 20, that all statewide exams for students in elementary and middle school have been suspended for the 2019-20 school year.
The state has suspended the following exams:
- Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Tests
- Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tests
- Grade 4 Elementary-Level Science Test
- Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test
- Grades K-12 English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT)
- Alternate Assessment for students with severe cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school
Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rose and Interim Education Commissioner Shannon L. Tahoe said in a joint statement: “It is most important that during the time of closure, schools be able to continue to focus their efforts toward local school and community needs and not have to be concerned about preparing for state assessments.”
A reminder about new Executive Order: NYS on PAUSE
On Friday, March 20, Governor Cuomo issued a new Executive Order to “put New York State on PAUSE” (Policy to Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone) to help slow the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19.
An essential part of this state directive is the restriction of all non-essential gatherings of any size for any reason (social events, parties, celebrations). City residents are asked to voluntarily comply with the order. Given that, we are reminding all community members and district families that as of Monday, March 23, ALL parks and recreational facilities are closed in the City of Watervliet until further notice. This closure includes our school athletic fields and track at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School, and our playgrounds at Watervliet Elementary School.
To help mitigate the spread of the illness, community members also are reminded to:
- Maintain a minimum of 6-feet apart from each other;
- Limit the use of public transportation to only when absolutely necessary; and
- Stay home if you are sick, unless to receive medical care.
To view the entire 10-point NYS PAUSE order, visit:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-pause
Special Education Services during school closure
The letter was mailed to families of special education students on March 18, 2020 via USPS
Dear Families,
We appreciate your patience and understanding during these difficult times. While schools are closed during this public health crisis, the school district must ensure that students with disabilities also have equal access to distance learning opportunities provided to general education students. Read the letter in full
WMHT Public TV supports at-home learning for students from prekindergarten through high school
Local PBS station, WMHT Public Media, is offering an educational programming block targeted to support in-home learning for students in prekindergarten through grade 12 while schools are closed. More information about WMHT educational programming