RCSD Updates and Resources about COVID-19

  • Updates and Resources about COVID-19 for our School community

Superintendent's Updates about COVID-19

  • The Rochester City School District is committed to providing families and staff with updates on COVID-19 coronavirus as the situation is rapidly evolving. The health and safety of our school community is a shared responsibility that is always our top priority.

    All Monroe County Public Schools, including the Rochester City School District, will be closed through the end of this school year. This closing includes all school-related activities including sports and other extracurricular activities.

    Governor Cuomo also issued Executive Order 202.2, which clearly states that school districts must follow NYSED’s guidance by providing meals, child care services for first responders and health care workers, and continuity of instruction for our students during this period.

    The Governor also stated that he will make a determination about summer programming at the end of May. The New York State Education Department is in the process of forming a statewide task force made up of educational leaders, including superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, school board members, and other stakeholders, to guide the reopening of schools.

    In addition, the Board of Regents announced that this June and August Regents exams are canceled. Information about the impact on graduation requirements and course credit will be shared after RCSD receives guidance from the NYS Education Department.

    RCSD will continue to follow the recommendations from the Monroe County Health Department, New York State Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) while monitoring any possible impact involving our school community. 

District Information and Resources

What is Coronavirus?

  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 is a new disease that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. More information from the Centers for Disease Control: What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

How can I keep my child and family safe?

  • Exposure to COVID-19 can occur from any person-to-person contact and is not limited to a particular race or ethnicity. For now, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family is to follow the standard preventive practices for influenza.

    There are a number of steps that can minimize the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, according to the New York State Department of Health:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

How is RCSD Responding?

  • RCSD is committed to making all decisions in the best interest of the health and safety of students, families, and staff. The District will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the New York State Department of Health regarding COVID-19, which recommends that schools perform typical cleaning activities, such as routinely cleaning high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops). As a precaution, we are also doing the following:

    • Remaining in close contact with the Monroe County Health Department on local health emergency procedures in our community to be proactive in our decision making.
    • Convening planning teams to ensure awareness of emergency procedures specific to virus outbreak.
    • Modifying our emergency management plans as needed, in light of evolving information.
    • Reminding families to update their emergency contact information at their child's school.
    • Communicating any pertinent updates through the RCSD website, social media, letters to families, and emails to staff.