A message from Superintendent Mayberry and the District Health Office
Dear GCSD families,
As we settle into the routines of a new school year, we’d like to take a moment to share a few important reminders for families. Whether it’s helping students get to school safely or keeping our classrooms healthy during cold and flu season, families play an important role in supporting student success. Below, you’ll find information about e-bike safety and guidance on when children should stay home when they’re not feeling well.
E-bike and e-scooter safety
As e-bike and e-scooter use continues to increase, we wanted to highlight several safety reminders and legal requirements that families may find helpful. These devices can reach speeds of 20 to 25 mph and, under New York state law, riders must be at least 16 years old. Riders are expected to follow traffic laws and speed limits, and e-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks, school grounds, playgrounds or athletic fields. Helmets are strongly recommended. It is also important to note that not all motorized bikes are legal for use on public roads, including many electric dirt bikes.
Students are expected to use e-bikes and e-scooters safely and responsibly. Behavior that creates a safety risk for the rider or others may result in disciplinary action.
Families can help by reinforcing safe riding habits as well as proper battery care, including never leaving lithium-ion batteries unattended while charging.
Click here for additional guidance on laws related to e-bikes and e-scooters.
When to keep your child home sick
As the temperatures drop, we often see an increase in seasonal illness. To help families navigate those situations, we recently updated our Health Services page with the latest guidance on when students should stay home due to illness and when it is appropriate to return to school.
Families should also be aware that COVID-19 guidance has evolved since the pandemic. Students diagnosed with COVID-19 may return to school once they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours and are feeling well enough to participate in school activities. While masks are no longer required, they are recommended when returning to school following a COVID-19 illness.
Students who have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not experiencing symptoms may continue to attend school. Families should monitor for symptoms and may choose to have their child wear a mask as an added precaution.
In addition to staying home when sick, practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of illness. Thorough handwashing with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom, remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the transmission of viruses and other germs.
If you are unsure about whether to send your child to school, we encourage you to call your school nurse.
Who to contact at GCSD
If you have a question or concern, we’re here to help. To make it easier to connect with the appropriate school staff member or department, we’ve created a quick contact guide that can help point you in the right direction whenever you need assistance.
Small decisions made each day, whether related to health, safety or learning, help set students up for success. Thank you for your ongoing support and for everything you do to help our children thrive.
Sincerely,
Daniel Mayberry
Superintendent of Schools
Beth Ford, BSN, RN
District Head Nurse