Sachem Schools To Close Friday Due To Coronavirus

HOLTSVILLE, NY — A Sachem Central School District parent and/or guardian, whose children attend Chippewa Elementary School, tested positive for the new coronavirus. The district learned of the confirmed COVID-19 case Thursday evening from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Superintendent Kenneth Graham told parents in a letter. All Sachem schools will be closed Friday as a result.

"While current guidance states the district does not need to close schools at this time, out of an abundance of caution, all schools, including after-school activities will be closed [Friday]," Graham said.

No events or scheduled programs will be held at school facilities or grounds Saturday or Sunday, either.

"Though there is no specific knowledge of a student or staff member that has a confirmed case, all schools will be closed to conduct a more thorough investigation," Graham said. "Any future potential closures will be addressed and messaged to our community. Our priority is the health and safety of those potentially impacted and we understand that this news will be concerning to many of our students and families."

Sachem will continue to work with the Suffolk County Department of Health through the situation. All buildings throughout the district will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to

lower the risk of contamination in classrooms, common spaces, offices, buses, etc., according to Graham.

Friday's closure will be the first of Sachem's four snow days used. If the coronavirus causes the district to shut down for more days, the snow days will be used first. If schools are closed for over four days, teachers have prepared online lessons for students.

The district is doing the following, going forward:

• All large gatherings will be canceled or postponed through April 17th. This includes the MS musicals, large in-school events (ex: St. Baldricks), HS musicals and Sports Night.
• All field trips are canceled through April 17th.
• The SAT scheduled for Saturday at Samoset is canceled. The district is working with the College Board to reschedule.
• All facilities for community use and school groups that begin at 6:30 p.m. or later will not have access to the facilities through April 17th.
• Indoor facilities will not be available on the weekends to any community groups. Community groups will still be able to use the outdoor facilities as requested; however, they will have no access to the inside of the buildings.

Sachem schools are expected to reopen Monday, Graham said. The district will alert parents and guardians of any changes.