November 20, 2020

Dear Sayville Schools Community,

Thank you for your continued support of our schools as we work through these challenging times. We are constantly working to refine our Reopening Plan.  Despite the increase in COVID-19 numbers in Suffolk County we have been able to keep our schools open and our students and staff safe.  Dr. Pigott, Commissioner of Suffolk County Health Services, urges the following, “As we enter the winter months and the cold and flu season, it is more important than ever to remain vigilant.”

Please be advised that as we approach the holidays, the Governor has issued updated travel restrictions. Under the current NYS Travel Advisory, New Yorkers who travel to a restricted location are required to observe a 14-Day quarantine. The Governor has modified this restriction by permitting people to be released from quarantine earlier if they meet certain testing requirements.  The requirement for travelers who visit a restricted state for more than 24 hours is:

• Travelers must obtain a COVID-19 test within three days of departure from that state.
• The traveler must, upon returning to New York, quarantine for three days.
• On day four of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test. If both tests come back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.

If you or your family members have plans to travel this Thanksgiving or during the holiday break in December, please check the information contained on the NYS Travel Advisory List.  To help us to protect the health and safety of all, I ask for your cooperation in adhering to these restrictions.  Below are some Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can we travel?

• According to the most recent Executive Order, ALL states non-contiguous to NY are now on the Restricted Travel list as established by New York State’s criteria.  In addition, all but thirty-one countries on the globe are restricted travel destinations by NYS.  NYS Travel Advisory List

What happens if we have to pick up my child from college or a family member from a restricted place?

• The traveler does not need a test prior to their departure from the other state, and does not need to quarantine upon arrival in New York State.
• However, the traveler must fill out a Traveler Health Form upon entry into New York State, and take a COVID diagnostic test four days after their arrival in New York.

• The District is sensitive to the fact that travel may, in certain circumstances, be unavoidable and necessary.  If you are in the restricted location for less than 24 hours, that is considered “passing through” and quarantine is not necessary. The current restrictions state:

What if we already booked travel to an unrestricted location and the location then becomes added to the Restricted List?

• Regardless of when travel is booked, when you leave, if that location is restricted, and you are there for more than 24 hours, you are subject to quarantine.

What if a location becomes “Restricted” while we are there?

• If you are in that location at the time of its designation as a “Restricted Location,” and remain there for more than 24 hours after it is designated as such, you will be subject to quarantine. 

How do we notify the District if we plan to travel to a restricted area?

• Parents/Guardians of students traveling to a restricted location should consult with the school nurse or building principal.

I realize that we are all facing difficult choices and circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many of us will be forced to defer or alter our holiday plans. Please be mindful of everyone’s health and safety as you make your plans.  Thank you for your attention to this important matter.  On behalf of a grateful Board of Education, faculty and staff, I thank all of you for your ongoing support of our schools and wish you a happy and safe holiday season.

Sincerely,

Dr. Stimmel

 Superintendent of Schools