Coronavirus Info

Webinar Recording - April 2

Webinar Recording- March 26

Friday, April 3, 2020

We have made it through three weeks. Three weeks of significant change. Three weeks of uneasiness and three weeks of seeing how amazing our District is from a new perspective. In today’s edition of our staff and community communications, we want to keep it light and fun, highlighting but a few of the wonderful things happening and pride points. As you head into the weekend, do so with a smile noticing the beauty of our One Braves Family!  

What is not to love about this short video collection created by our softball team? I see more and more like this in the works.

Softball Video

Because law enforcement is discouraging “teacher parades” due to the fact that it violates no unnecessary travel restrictions and because it does encourage social gatherings, videos like this will have to meet that sentiment...and this one definitely does it!

Team Seneca Video

Streaming our recorded dress rehearsals from Mamma Mia! this week was truly a unifying event. The hundreds of students and adults who came together to get the students to this point was completely worth it. Literally, thousands of people tuned in to watch the stream and enjoy a beautiful moment together.

Friday Cast on YouTube

Saturday Cast on YouTube

Our music department is so impressive and so talented, as evidenced by this clip, which 13Wham aired after seeing it on the Facebook circuit. Great job, Joey, very catchy, skillful, and creative.

Joey Johnson TikTok

These days, any kind of birthday party or birthday get together is a big no-no, so the baseball team surprised one of their teammates on his birthday in a safe way. 

Happy birthday, Luke!

A couple of our staff members helped to spread the message around social distancing (one of whom hammed up the spotlight a little bit).

Finger Lakes Visitor’s Connection

We have so many teachers creating videos for students to use at home, and not only is it practical, it offers a glimpse of normalcy during these abnormal times. 

Mr. Fronczak

And there are many more examples of this sort of thing happening every day around our district and our community. Sometimes it is our students who can offer us the most accurate outlooks and change our perspective. One of our fifth graders wrote this to her teacher this week:

I think that doing online learning is a way for us to grow as a school family in a way. Like we have zoom meetings to keep us in touch, and we are learning to work independently (sort of). Change is a way for us to learn too. Want to know how I am thinking of this pandemic? Well, this has NEVER happened before, so we are living in a time that might be in history books - we are making history!!! Maybe I have given you reasons to change the way you think about COVID-19.”

If you want to choose hope and optimism, all you need to do is look for it...it is all around us. Stay safe and be well!

Sincerely,

Jamie Farr

Superintendent - Canandaigua City School District

 

This email was sent to staff and families in the Canandaigua City School District.

 

 

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 

Braves Family, 

There are so many aspects of this extended closure that we find challenging, and the postponement or cancellation of scheduled student activities, games, and events is particularly tough for so many of us. Our students have worked so hard, and the spring is the time when many of these activities culminate. While I hope we can be back in time to celebrate many of these accomplishments, we will also continue to develop creative ways to showcase the work and achievements of our students (especially our seniors). Last night, we were able to share a recording of Mamma Mia! from Saturday night’s cast on the District’s YouTube channel. It is still available at this link: https://youtu.be/DZLSrolPkgs. Thousands of people tuned in and were able to see the outstanding performances of our students. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. You have another opportunity to stream Mamma Mia! on Thursday, April 2 at 7 p.m. featuring Friday night’s cast- https://youtu.be/oEMu_yIQVtk. These performances were recorded a few weeks ago, before the closure, during the last two dress rehearsals which we also opened to family members of students involved in the musical. 

As I communicated yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order which mandates that instruction continues over what was scheduled as our spring break. For the period of April 6 to April 10, our staff will continue to provide instruction and a focus on preparing for the transition to delivery of new content by Monday, April 13, 2020. As we prepare for this shift and think of academics during this challenging time, we need all students to engage in the work to the best of their ability, given their own individual circumstances. What this last sentence means is that we understand the level of engagement will vary by household depending on each individual’s circumstance. What we are asking is that you try to the best of your ability, and that is all.  

Teachers will guide instructional activities and tasks that support daily learning, but we will not attempt to replicate a 6-hour school day. With many adults working from home and juggling other responsibilities, we want to provide flexibility for students to complete assignments. We are still working on finding balance, and I hear from some families that they are overwhelmed, and I hear from others that they need more academics. We haven’t completely found the secret to this balance yet, but we are trying. 

Ultimately, we know levels of engagement will vary home to home, given individual circumstances. Again, what we are asking is that people try their best to engage. That is all. Moving forward with content is important as we are not completely sure when guidelines on social distancing will be lifted, and when we can return to our traditional school setting. Understand that we are well aware that when students do return to school, there will be various levels of readiness and knowledge. We will fill in those learning gaps for students; it is what we do. Our staff is fantastic at their craft, and together, we’ve got this!

We have been working hard to keep up with changing circumstances and shifting guidance from our state leaders about educating students during the current public health crisis. Based on the latest guidance from the state, we have built a plan to continue instruction to the extent possible. We will modify this plan as necessary based on any new guidance. I also continue to encourage everyone to focus on their health and overall well-being, as that is always most important. 

Here is some other important information about webinars, meal distribution, and donation opportunities:

Webinars

I will host two webinars on Thursday, April 2. Like the last webinar, I will give an update on important information for the first half of the webinar. After I finish my presentation, I will ask the audience for questions. The webinar is accessed through Zoom, a video conferencing platform. I will start with the current state of what the District knows related to the extended closure. I will utilize the Q and A feature in Zoom. We have increased the capacity of the webinar, and both webinars will be recorded. Further directions are linked below. I hope you can join me on Thursday!

Webinars: Thursday, April 2, 2020 

Staff Forum- 1-2 p.m.-  https://zoom.us/j/814845850

Community Forum- 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - https://zoom.us/j/864421375

 

Meal Distribution

Bagged meals will continue to be served on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Primary-Elementary School during the closure. Meals are open to all Canandaigua City School District students, and limited meal distribution is available by calling 585-396-3989.

If you are interested in assisting with the distribution of meals, please sign up here. To volunteer, you need to be healthy and not have a compromised immune system, as we want to be safe. Meal Distribution Sign Up Genius: Click here: Weekdays April 6 to April 14

Gift Cards

We continue to collect gift cards during meal distribution (11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Primary-Elementary School). We have had a generous outpouring from the community already, and we will collect these gift cards through Friday, April 3. Gift cards will be distributed to families next week as part of meal distribution. The concept of these gift cards if you forgot is, if you have the means and want to participate, purchase gift cards of $25 to local restaurants who are offering pick up and delivery services and donate them during our meal distribution.  We will pass the cards out next week to the families who pick up food during our meal distribution. This concept helps families who may benefit from meal gift cards and it helps our local restaurants who have supported so much in our community for so long. Thank you for considering.

Be well, Braves Family and we will talk again soon. 

 

Jamie Farr

Superintendent of Schools

Canandaigua City School District 

 

 

Zoom Directions

Webinar via Zoom Directions: (Could be a link to the directions or listed below the communication in a separate section)

 

Computer (Chromebook/ Laptop/ Desktop) Instructions: If you have never used Zoom before, you will need to click download and run Zoom. Your computer will ask if you want to Open Zoom? Choose Open Zoom. Enter your email and name when prompted and click join the webinar. 

 

Mobile App Instructions: After you have downloaded the free app from your app store, go to the app, and choose to join a meeting. Enter this Meeting ID for 5:30 p.m. chat: 864 421 375; Enter this meeting ID for the 1 p.m. staff chat: 814 845 850. Click Join Meeting. After you join the meeting, you will be asked to input your name and email address, then press OK. Or if you already have the app, you can click on the links in this email to join. 

 

Note: This email was sent to staff and families in the Canandaigua City School District. 

 

Although previously communicated that April 6 to April 10 would serve as our typical spring break, Governor Cuomo has clarified that his executive order mandates instruction to continue during the entire closure period through April 15th. This means that we must proceed with our remote learning during April 6 - April 10.

For the period of April 6 to April 10, staff will continue to provide instruction and a focus on preparing for the transition to delivery of new content (as previously communicated) by Monday, April 13, 2020. Instruction during this time period (previously spring break) can still look like a blend of practice/review.  

We will send additional information later in the week to staff regarding guidelines for grading and new instruction that is scheduled to begin April 13, 2020. We are working to share information as we learn of it; however, this poses a challenge as information changes frequently. We continue to face unprecedented challenges, and I thank you for your patience during this time.

March 30, 2020

I hope everyone was able to enjoy a safe weekend. For the most part, we had favorable weather, which hopefully provided an opportunity to open your windows or perhaps even spend some time outside while keeping in mind the need for social distancing. Each day we are learning more and more about the spread of COVID-19 and our government’s response to it. Most predictions indicate that the peak is still approximately 2-3 weeks away. I share this because Governor Cuomo stated last week, when he extended the closure by two weeks, until April 15th of 2020, that he would re-evaluate a need to extend closures every two weeks. Additionally, during President Trump’s press conference on Sunday evening (3/29/2020), he extended his order for social distancing nationwide until April 30th of 2020. We do not believe that means we have to remain closed until then at this point, but it is further evidence that the return to “normal” may be further down the road than we had hoped. 

Knowing that we are at least closed until April 15th and perhaps likely longer, we want staff and students preparing themselves to engage in a shift in our approach to remote learning. Coming out of April break, starting on Monday, April 13th, all teachers will begin to present new content. As we prepare for this shift, it is important that new content is chunked into small, manageable, organized segments. Given the current circumstances, lessons with new content should not exceed 15 minutes of “direct instruction” per content area followed by independent practice. “Direct instruction” may be via Zoom sessions and/or the use of Schoology to deliver these learnings, determined by the teacher, department, and/or grade level.  

Once we make this shift, there will also be an increase in accountability. Your health is still of primary importance. However, with not knowing how long we will actually be closed, we need to place a value on academic learning as well. We need all students to engage in the work to the best of their ability given their own individual circumstances, and the good news is, most students already are engaging in online content. As we make this shift, students will, at first, be graded on a pass/fail concept. Engaging and giving effort to accomplish what is being asked will result in a pass. Submitting or completing work, attending virtual sessions if your teacher offers them and you have connectivity, and/ or responding to feedback or prompts from your teacher is evidence of engagement and effort. This accountability structure may change over time and evolve a bit more, but this is where we are starting. The Continuity of Learning Plan may be updated or revised during this extended emergency closing based on guidance or mandates from the New York State Education Department as well.

We understand that it is hard to recreate what happens in school, and that is why we will continue to err on the side of the students. If students and/or parents are struggling to engage, please email the classroom teacher first. If the struggle persists, email your child’s school counselor or building principal. Conversely, staff, if you have reason to believe a student is not engaging, please connect with the family to see what barriers may exist so we can work with them to remove the barriers. If your concern over the student’s engagement continues, please notify your principal who will call home or assign a counselor to connect with the family. We will not issue a score of failing unless we know with certainty that all barriers were removed, and we did everything we could, as educators, to cause engagement. Being isolated/separated and working remotely is indeed challenging for collaboration between the school and home, but this communication process should help and the intent is for ultimate collaboration between the school and the home.  

As we enter our last full week before spring break, let's use this time to assess where we are (staff and students), and seek assistance if we need any support. Perhaps that support is in the form of professional development for staff. We understand this is a monumental shift in how we do things given our current pandemic situation, and in all likelihood, we all, as a staff, could use professional development to sharpen our remote learning skills. Possibly the need to remove barriers for students/families such as connectivity or clarifying points of confusion will be the focal point this week. As always, work with your building administration to be guided to the correct place. More information directly related to moving forward with content and pass/ fail grading will be distributed to our instructional staff by the Office of Instruction on Wednesday.         

Lastly, I also want to share with you a piece of information we are trying to get clarity around. Currently, there is conflicting information coming out of Albany about spring break next week. Some indications state that spring break is indeed a break, and access to learning can take a one-week hiatus. In contrast, other information states the opposite, indicating that learning and teaching still must occur over spring break. There are many implications and considerations which need to be sorted out if spring break is not actually a break, but I suspect we will have an official ruling from state officials on that in the next day or two, so please stay tuned.  

I continue to be so impressed with the work I see our students and staff engaging in online each day. It certainly does not replicate the value of traditional instructional practices and in-person learning. Still, we are making the best of our current situation, and I am proud of your efforts. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that this is still all very new, and we are only two weeks in, but we are two weeks in, together. Stay safe, and be well!  

 

Sincerely,

Jamie Farr

Superintendent 

 

 

March 27, 2020

Greetings, Braves Family,

I wanted to thank so many of you who were able to join our Community and Staff Forums yesterday. The feedback was that it was beneficial, so for that reason, we plan to do more forums to provide a status check and field questions from all of you. And I will be honest, and the forum was kind of therapeutic for me as well. During a time of such isolation, it truly felt like I was able to gather with hundreds of friends. Thank you for that. For those of you who missed the forum but wanted to catch it, we did record it and you can watch the evening forum here:

Recording: Community Forum- March 26, 2020

One of the things we talked about last night during the forum was the Governor overruling local decisions in that he closed schools back on March 18th through April 1st (14 days) and that up until yesterday, he had not updated that order which actually superseded our closure until April 13th. Today, Friday, March 27, 2020, during his press conference, Governor Cuomo did extend the school closure statewide until April 15th. This extension includes us. I truly believe this was the right decision, even though I sincerely wish to return to normal as soon as possible. The Governor also stated that school closures will be reassessed every two weeks, and if the trajectories continue as they are, he will likely extend another two weeks. 

Today’s communication is brought to you by our Board of Education president, Jeanie Grimm. In a recent email exchange that I had with one of you, our community members, an idea was pitched, which had a great deal of promise. I shared this idea at our most recent board meeting this past Monday, and Jeanie felt inspired to help this idea come to fruition. From Board President, Jeanie Grimm:

“In the last two weeks, since we closed our schools in response to COVID-19, community members have been asking how they can help our students. Our response has always been that a donation to The Spot helps many - and that is still true! 

Now, with the closure of small businesses, may we humbly suggest that, if your finances allow and you are so inclined, please purchase a gift card from a local eatery. Drop it off during our meal distribution (M-F, Primary Link entrance, ​11AM - 1PM) and we will distribute them. You can just drive up, state you are here to drop off a card, and leave. Additionally, a local Facebook group focused on bringing our community together and other community organizations are  also collecting gift cards for this same purpose. We will help distribute these cards.  

Our local businesses have always been faithful and enthusiastic supporters of our schools and families. By placing ads in our programs, donating goods and services, volunteering time, and showing up, the people who own, operate, and work for our local businesses have been valuable members of this Braves family. Over 200 meals were given away on our first day of operation. Your contribution will make a difference. 

If this is not for you, please simply do not participate! There is a role every single person can play in fighting this pandemic, and every effort counts. Wash your hands, stay home, practice social distancing, maintain compassion for yourself and for others. We can do this!

We are all in this together. Thank you for being the best partners any school district could possibly have.”

​​We plan to begin collecting these cards on Monday, 3/30/2020 through Friday, 4/3/2020. The suggested amount for each card is $25. Donate as many or as few as you see fit. This is one more piece of evidence that we are a remarkable community, and some might even suggest we are One Community, Transforming Lives during a time of incredible hardship. We thank you for all you are doing to help fight this pandemic. 

 

Today, I leave you with this. I find a great amount of joy in listening to music (yet have zero musical talents of my own, sadly). I have a very eclectic taste and readily listen to many various genres. As I returned home yesterday, Jimmy Buffett was singing the song Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On. Jimmy went on to explain that during times of difficulty, it is important to remember the most basic of things; to breathe and keep moving forward because sometimes that is all we can do. I felt that it was particularly poignant in relation to our current reality. Don’t forget to be mindful, find your inner peace, and continue to move forward. 

Additionally, last night, as I prepared for the Community Forum, I was playing music for participants to hear as they entered the room. The very first song that came on was Bob Marley’s One Love. The lyrics hit me. I am a fan of Bob Marley’s music, and I decided to google and read what the song meant to him. One Love is a song of unity, equality, and peace, regardless of who a person is, among other things. How relevant, as I see that very much reflected in our community, especially right now. Yes, there still remains many inequalities and injustices, but I see so many of you working to erase them. I am so thankful for that. 

So, breathe, keep moving forward, and know we are here for one another. One Community, Transforming Lives. Be well, Be Brave, Be Kind.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jamie Farr

Superintendent

 

---

 

This communication was sent to the families and entire staff of the Canandaigua City School District. Additionally, all of our communications related to the extended closure and COVID-19 can be found at: https://www.canandaiguaschools.org/district/coronavirus-info

 

March 25, 2020 

 

Dear Braves Family,

At the midpoint of week two, I can’t help but feel like it has been so much longer than that. If I could return us to normal, I would do it instantly, yet sadly, that isn’t our reality. It can be said that in times of crisis, we truly test our merits. Each of us has likely felt that sentiment over the last week. Can we maintain a sense of calm when it feels like so much is out of our control? Can we continue to be kind to one another, even to those who live within our own homes, when the stress levels mount? Do we continue to provide and care for others in need? And most importantly, are we doing our part by socially distancing and staying home? We must continue to do all of these things, even with such uncertainty. I know this is challenging. 

Equally challenging is the fact that parents are doing their very best to support their child’s education at home, many of whom have no formal training to do so. On the flip side of that, our instructional staff is working hard learning new technologies to best serve our students and this community, and many are learning it as they go, also with little to no formal training with these new tools. For me, I have had very little training on the product Zoom. Zoom is one of a variety of virtual meeting platforms being used commonly around the globe. My new reality consists of 4-5 Zoom meetings per day, sometimes more. I’m so thankful for this product as it allows us to keep in touch and work collaboratively even when we can’t be together. Many teachers have begun using this product here in Canandaigua as well to connect with their students. 

We are working incredibly hard, trying to communicate regularly, and be accessible to meet your needs. To that point, I will yet again, venture into something brand new by hosting a virtual “Community Forum” meeting for students, families, staff, and community members. The way it will work is I will begin the session by providing Canandaigua City School District’s State of the State, and then I will open it up to questions. You, as attendees, can type questions, and I will see them and be able to respond to as many as I possibly can. Attendees will be able to see me, but I won’t be able to see attendees. The time and date for the forums are below as well as the links. You can join and listen by phone, or you can use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to join the meeting. The community forum will be recorded and linked to our website for anyone who cannot join live. 

Zoom can be accessed through a phone app in either the Google Play/ Apple App Store or on a computer/ Chromebook/ laptop. 

 

Thursday, March 26 - 7 - 8 p.m. 

Parents/ Students/ Staff/ Community members- Join our Community Forum

Click on the link here: Community Forum Zoom- Thursday, March 26 - 7 - 8 p.m.

 

Thursday, March 26 - 1 - 2 p.m.

Canandaigua City School District Employees- Join our Staff Update

Click on the link here: Staff Update Zoom- Thursday, March 26 - 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

 

Computer (Chromebook/ Laptop/ Desktop) Instructions: If you have never used Zoom before, you will need to click download and run Zoom. Your computer will ask if you want to Open Zoom? Choose Open Zoom. Enter your email and name when prompted and click join webinar. 

Mobile App Instructions: After you have downloaded the free app from your app store, go to the app, and choose to join a meeting. Enter this Meeting ID for 7 p.m. chat: 339 898 326; Enter this meeting ID for the 1 p.m. staff chat: 429 120 518. Click Join Meeting. After you join the meeting, you will be asked to input your name and email address, then press OK. Or if you already have the app, you can click on the links in this email to join. 

If you log in before 7 p.m., it will direct you to please wait for the host to start this meeting. A webinar is different from a Zoom meeting, as your video feature will not be utilized. I will appear on your screen/ phone and lead the community forum. I will start with the current state of what the District knows related to the extended closure. I will utilize the Q and A feature in Zoom. This feature is at the bottom of your screen. 

You can try accessing this in advance. The forum is already set up, no information will be there, but you are able to do a test run on the technology in advance. Please direct any additional questions related to technology to portalhelp@canandaiguaschools.org. 

Thank you all for your continued support. Please stay safe and well.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Jamie Farr

Superintendent

Monday, March 23, 2020

2 p.m.

Greetings Braves Family,

I really hope this email finds you well and putting first things first.Your and your family’s health and well-being are of the utmost importance at this time. As I am certain you have heard, Governor Cuomo has issued more restrictions, calling for all non-essential employees across New York State to stay home. This will, now, limit the workforce of the Canandaigua City School District employees significantly. Everyone will work from home when and where possible with a few exceptions to that rule.

All staff are expected to work from home during regular business hours or are on call to come in should an emergency need exist. There may be urgent needs of the district, which may cause us to have to pull staff in, in a systematic way to help control the exposure risks. This means the best way to contact anyone at our school is through email.

As we enter week two of our closure, I have two items I hope this communication addresses. Mental health and academic expectations appear to be the two most prominent themes we are hearing from the staff and community right now.

Mental Health:

As social isolation continues, coupled with the anxiety and fear of the unknown about what is next, it can be very difficult to manage alone. Please know that for students, we do have a call center. If a parent feels their child would benefit from or a student feels he/she would like to connect with one of our mental health staff members, please call Mr. John LaFave, Director of Pupil Support Services and the CACC at 585-396-3739. He will be sure to coordinate either a phone session or a Zoom session with your school counselor, psychologist, social worker, or prevention specialist.

Additionally, this time can be stressful for adults. There are several services available for your benefit as well (these services are for students as well). Please do not hesitate to reach out and request assistance:>

Ontario County Mental Health - 585-396-4363 ext. 3019 http://co.ontario.ny.us/99/Mental-Health

County Complex Drive Walk-In Times: Monday 8-10:30 a.m., Tuesday 8-10:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.

Clifton Springs Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) - Mobile Crisis Option 1-877-354-9211 / Emergency Department 315-462-1926

Suicide Prevention Hotline - Lifeline: 1-800-310-1160 / Text Helpline: 741-741

For more information about resources available in our region, call 211 or visit https://211lifeline.org

For any staff member in need of assistance, you have available to you a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 1-800-225-2527 or 1-800-252-4555 where a professional counselor can be reached 24/7 or visit EducatorsEAP.com

Ultimately, we want everyone to know, students, staff, and community members; there are resources readily available during this unusual and unprecedented time. Please don’t hesitate to use any of them.

Academic Expectations:

From the beginning of this closure, guidance coming from the State Education Department outlined a need, should districts close and move to more of a virtual learning protocol, for access to learning. Access, during a shorter closure, meant for us to focus on academic review and preparation around content previously taught this year. However, as we continue to remain closed with a projected return date of April 13th, it is time to begin to shift our thinking around our new reality with remote learning and perhaps even plan as though we are not sure when we will actually be returning.

With that in mind, our instructional staff should begin to think about how they will use our available technology to progress learning and move the content forward with students in the near future. Many staff already are, but all staff should begin to consider what it will look like to offer virtual mini-lessons loaded into Schoology or Zoom classes as well as offer “office hours” via Zoom and/or email.

This also means that we will need to accurately gauge which students are and are not engaging in the learning. We will reach out to our families and determine what barriers exist for engagement for those who are not engaging. If it is internet access, for example, we will endeavor to help solve that problem or whatever other barrier exists. Principals will begin to create the process which we will use to determine who to reach out to with their staff in the coming days.

This shift to remote learning, and specifically, progressing the content, is not a slight nor easy one, and we know it won’t be immediate, but it is something we should indeed begin to prepare for. For some teachers, this shift will occur sooner, while for others, they will need more support. This is why we are also planning and coordinating virtual professional development to help staff make this shift.

Again, keep in mind, this is unprecedented, and we are all doing our very best to maintain a continuity of instruction while given very little time to prepare. In the meantime, students and staff should continue to progress with the plans already in place.

Things are changing daily due to state and federal announcements. Here are a few things we have learned since Friday. The following assessments will not happen this year:

• New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Test;
• New York State Grades 3-8 Mathematics Test;
• New York State Grade 4 Elementary-Level Science Test;
• New York State Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test;
• New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in Grades K-12;
• New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) for students with significant cognitive impairments in Grades 3-8 and high school;
• IB examinations (IB diploma or course certificate will be awarded based solely on the student’s coursework and what they registered for)

At this point, there has been no word on Regents exams. We will let you know if any of that changes. Additionally, Gemini courses are moving forward as planned, only in a virtual environment. Gemini teachers were just informed of this over the weekend and will be connecting with their students any time now if they haven’t already. All AP examinations have modified their testing protocol. For the 2019-20 exam administration only, students can take a 45-minute online exam at home. The exam will only include topics and skills most AP teachers and students have already covered in class by early March. Students will be able to take these streamlined exams on any device they have access to (computer, tablet, or smartphone). Taking a photo of handwritten work will also be an option. More information to follow.

If students (and parents/guardians), should have any questions about your (your child’s) academics, please send your teacher a message through Schoology or email your teacher: https://www.canandaiguaschools.org/staff-directory

If you still have questions after emailing your teacher, please email your building principal

• Primary School: Heidi Robb - robbh@canandaiguaschools.org
• Elementary School: Brian Amesbury - amesburyb@canandaiguaschools.org
• Middle School: John Arthur - arthurj@canandaiguaschools.org
• Academy: Vern Tenney - tenneyv@canandaiguaschools.org
• CACC: John LaFave - lafavej@canandaiguaschools.org

After that, academic questions should go to our Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Matt Schrage at schragem@canandaiguaschools.org, and then me, at farrj@canandaiguaschools.org. Staff, should you have questions, please direct them to your supervisor first, then Matt and then me. We are trying to remind everyone of the order of communication specific to instruction for the sake of managing the volume coming in.

I want to again thank everyone for your continued support, selflessness, and unity. It is said, a crisis can bring out the best or worst in people, and I am so proud to see the best of Canandaigua on display each and every day. I am grateful for you. Please stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,

Jamie Farr
Superintendent - Canandaigua City School District

From the Ontario County Department of Public Health

(District's response below)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 19, 2020
Contact: Mary Beer, Public Health Director
Telephone: 585-396-4343
Covid-19 Update

Ontario County Reports a Total of Three COVID-19 Positive Cases

Hopewell- Ontario County Public Health announces a total of three confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ontario County. The first case was travel acquired. The second and third cases were community acquired.
One positive COVID-19 case is a student at the Canandaigua Middle School. Canandaigua School officials are aware. The student and family are currently under quarantine and being monitored by Ontario County Public Health. The teen is recovering and feeling better at this time. Ontario County Public Health is in the processes of completing contact investigations of both community-acquired cases.

Due to the sheer number of people gathered in school settings, a case of COVID-19 in an Ontario County School district was expected at some point. All community members and families of the Canandaigua School district should be alert to COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath.

Our recommendations remain the same. Please continue social distancing. Staying home will help slow down the spread of COVID-19. Please remember, most people do NOT need to be tested. Only sick people who have severe symptoms or certain risk factors should be being tested. COVID-19 testing must be ordered by a healthcare provider.

If you are sick, please STAY HOME. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild and can be managed at home. Call your health care provider if you think you are too sick to stay home or if you have questions. Do not go to the hospital, urgent care center or doctor’s office without calling first. If you are very sick and need medical care, call your health care provider or emergency room before leaving your house if possible. If help is needed immediately, call 9-1-1 and tell the dispatcher that you have COVID-19 symptoms.

For more information on COVID-19 visit:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
New York State Department of Health:
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
Ontario County Public Health: https://www.co.ontario.ny.us/101/Public-Health

Canandaigua City School District

Statement in response To The Ontario County Department of Public Health

Press Release on 3/19/2020

Re. Confirmed COVID-19 of Canandaigua Middle School Student

First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family impacted by the information released by the Department of Health this evening confirming one of our middle school students has tested positive for COVID-19. It is believed, but not confirmed, that the case was contracted when the student traveled to another part of the state a couple of weeks ago and was then in attendance at schoolfor two days after traveling. I am happy to report that I did spend a little time on the phone with the family this afternoon and they all remain in great spirits and the student with the confirmed case is feeling much better and is nearly fully returned to good health.

It seems as though today’s communication which I sent a few hours ago to students, parents, and staff was timely and pertinent. That was not by coincidence. As you might guess, rumors are circulating of various members of our community being ill. Most of these are rumors and until just a short time ago, none of them were confirmed. The point we are trying to express now and from the earlier communication is that none of us should find this news surprising. It is likely that every community, as well as everyone in our own beloved community, might have or will have, at some point, an exposure to COVID-19. We will continue to be diligent and communicate as we realize this kind of news can create concerns and anxiety during a time of such uncertainty.

I am unable to go into specifics out of a matter of confidentiality and privacy. The statement from the health department shared all the information we can share at this time. What I can share is that it is important to follow preventative guidelines (getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy, washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, etc.). If you are feeling ill, seek the attention and care of a medical professional. Most importantly, please, practice social distancing. The virus has now entered our community and we each need to do our part to, “flatten the curve.”

Flattening A Pandemic’s Curve: Why Staying Home Now Can Save Lives

Since the district closed, our custodial and maintenance crews have disinfected our entire district and all of our facilities. At this time, any questions should be directed to the Ontario County Department of Public Health or your personal physician. We continue to share resources on our website. Please be safe and care for one another.

Sincerely,

Jamie Farr
Superintendent

March 19, 2020- 1:12 p.m.

Good Afternoon, Braves Family,

While there have been bumps along the way, it is so heartening to see everyone making lemonade out of lemons. I’d like to first address something which seems to be a recurring theme from staff, students, and parents/guardians. I’ve stated from early on in our preparations, this will not be perfect. A lot is happening in a short period of time and it is a very heavy lift. But, it will be good and we will continue to improve and learn as we go.

We understand that there are nationwide issues with connectivity, bandwidth, and internet access. We knew something like this was a possibility as the world is transitioning into a virtual reality. The message we want all staff, students, and parents/guardians to hear with clarity is that our expectation is that everyone tries their best academically but their top priority is their and their family’s health, and their well-being.

Please do not stress nor become overly anxious when things don’t go as planned because you know what? It is bound to happen. This is all new. Please do know that it will be okay. We will not allow our current reality to negatively impact students and their grades regardless of individual situations. We will figure this out together and make it work one way or another. All we are asking is that you try your best, allot an appropriate amount of time to academics per day and accomplish what you can in that amount of time but then spend the rest of the day remaining or getting healthy and taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.

Another question which is out there and is natural given our current reality is “do we have any students or staff who have been diagnosed with COVID-19?” This is a complex situation as we must be cautious to follow and adhere to FERPA and HIPAA guidelines. In other words, for the sake of confidentiality and privacy, the school district is unable to confirm or deny this information. We continue to follow the guidelines and recommendations from the Ontario County Department of Public Health.

If a case is confirmed, linked to our school district, the Department of Public Health would be the entity which deploys staff to investigate the case, determines and communicates with those who may have been exposed, and releases pertinent information to the community via press releases and/or press conferences. We will assist the Department of Public Health in whatever way we can.

It is not a matter of ‘if’ but a matter of ‘when’ someone associated with our school gets COVID-19. What I can share is that it is important to follow preventative guidelines (getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy, washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, etc.). If you are feeling ill, seek the attention and care of a medical professional. Most importantly, please, practice social distancing. We need to do our part to, “flatten the curve.”

Click here to learn more: Flattening A Pandemic’s Curve: Why Staying Home Now Can Save Lives

Meal Information

The Canandaigua City School Nutrition Program is participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s School Closure Meal Program, which provides free meals to students during the school closure.

All Canandaigua City School District students can participate (Grades UPK - 12);Questions please call: 585-396-3989.

What: Free meals to go

When: Weekday breakfast and lunch beginning March 23rd, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Main Entrance of the Primary-Elementary School (Gibson Street Parking Lot). This is curb-side pickup, you will not need to get out of your car.

Meal services during the school closure could change. Please pay attention to your email or the District website for updates on this program. Limited meal delivery is available for individuals who cannot pick up the meal. Call 585-396-3989 and leave a message with the student’s name, address, and phone number.

We are touched by the number of staff and community members who have reached out to offer to volunteer. We are looking for volunteers to assist with handing out bagged meals. You can click the appropriate link below (one for staff and one for community) to sign up.Obviously, you need to be healthy and not have a compromised immune system to do so, as we want to be safe.

Volunteer: CCSD Staff- Week of March 23-March 27

Volunteer: Community Members: Week of March 30 - April 3

Once you sign up, more information will be sent to you with details.

Technology Support

Our technology integrators will be available on Zoom sessions for students/families on Monday, March 23 to answer questions you have about remote learning. Zoom is a video conferencing tool accessible on a computer or smartphone. The document below includes links to each session.

Parents & Students: Click here for Technology Help Sessions 

If you have any questions related to technology, please direct them to portalhelp@canandaiguaschools.org. Academic questions should be directed to your child’s teacher(s).

For our staff, we are working on creating online office hours to connect with technology integrators to answer questions. Our staff will receive more information about online professional learning opportunities in an email from the Office of Instruction on Friday, March 20.

At this time, we remain under closure until April 13th and we truly hope to return at that time. We miss our staff and students tremendously, already. We want to also express our sincere thanks to all of you for your continued support, understanding, nimbleness, calm, and patience. These traits are essential for us to act as a community in the most responsible and logical manner.

You should be aware that we are in the early stages of trying to coordinate a virtual Question and Answer segment for our community, hosted by me. Once we figure out the best format to do so, we will communicate how you can join the chat. Until then, stay safe and be well folks.

Sincerely,

Jamie Farr
Superintendent

 

March 17, 2020

4:00 p.m.

 

Good afternoon,

We continue to thank you for your patience as we navigate the extended closure. The most current and updated information is on our website- https://www.canandaiguaschools.org/district/coronavirus-info. Included in today’s communication is information about social distancing, expectations for academic work, and Chromebook information. 

 

Social Distancing

To stop the spread of the Coronavirus, you have probably heard the term social distancing being used. The federal government has advised people to avoid gathering in groups larger than ten people. With COVID-19, the goal of social distancing is to slow down the outbreak to reduce the chance of infection among high-risk populations and to reduce the burden on the health care systems and workers. Do everything possible to avoid congregating in settings, avoid mass gatherings, and maintain six feet distance between people. This includes avoiding hugs and handshakes. It is also important to continue practicing preventative steps, especially hand-washing. 

 

General Guidelines for Students and Families for Academic Work

The nature of the work provided to students will primarily focus on additional practice and review, as opposed to an emphasis on new content. We realize that this will not take the place of regular classroom instruction. Rather, these learning experiences are intended to supplement student learning at home. Assignments will not be graded during the prolonged closure of schools. 

Parents and students can expect that teachers are logging into Schoology daily (Mon-Fri.). In addition, all instructions and learning materials have been posted to Schoology or have been picked up by families in paper form. Teachers will continue to provide updates to families via email or Schoology. Staff will check email and will do their best to respond to email within 24 hours.

Given the shift in teaching and learning, we have asked staff to focus on the use of feedback and virtual interaction/discussion (via Schoology) to monitor student learning, as opposed to traditional grading practices. This switch to remote learning obviously happened very quickly, so there will be some challenges. We appreciate your flexibility and welcome your questions.

 

Chromebook Information

All students in grades 1-12 have a Chromebook, and the easiest way to access information and resources is through BravesLink. BravesLink is located on the banner of the website, and students are able to access many apps with a single sign-on. Class-specific resources have been added to Schoology, our learning management system, and Schoology is located in BravesLink. 

Here are some resources to help guide you through the use of a Chromebook, BravesLink, and some navigation tips for Schoology:

Instructions: Logging into a Chromebook & setting up wi-fi

Video: Directions on Logging into BravesLink & Schoology

 

iPad Information

We understand that families are not able to connect iPads to their home network. We are looking into a solution to this and will provide instructions once a solution is determined. We understand that Schoology does not work without an internet connection on the iPad. Please follow the guidance and materials sent home by your child’s Kindergarten teacher. 

Technology Related Questions

If you have an academic question, please directly contact your child’s teacher via email. Here is our staff directory: CCSD Staff Directory

If you require technical support, please contact portalhelp@canandaiguaschools.org

We will continue to communicate with you using email, and updated information is available on our website. All school facilities are closed, and again, please follow guidelines related to social distancing. 

Although this situation will likely cause some angst and concern, there can also be a silver lining. First and foremost, take care of yourself and your family’s health and well-being. Whatever bumps we encounter along the way, we will tackle it together. Another positive is that during times such as these, the true character of the human spirit is revealed. Time and again, I have been in awe at the way our staff, our students, and this community has come together and went way above and beyond to support one another in a time of need. It is strange while undergoing a strategy of social distancing and quarantines, I believe it has also, in many ways, drawn our nation closer. Out of difficulty and crisis, we can emerge stronger and more equipped for the future. There is no other place I’d rather navigate these unchartered waters than right here alongside our #OneBravesFamily. Stay safe and be well. 

 

Sincerely,

Jamie M. Farr

Superintendent of Schools

 

March 16, 2020

12:30 p.m.

 

Dear Braves Family,

Plans continue to change and for this, I am incredibly sorry.  I really have no option at this point, due to the recent developments in our county and orders released today (within the last hour) by Governor Cuomo related to COVID-19. The District has decided to cancel the half-day scheduled for March 17, 2020. There is no school scheduled in the Canandaigua City School District until Monday, April 13, 2020 for students or staff (unless you are part of our critical essential staff team). Between now and then, the District will continue to monitor the situation and we will share important information on our website, via email, and with robocalls. 

 

Materials and medicines can be picked up by parents/caregivers at each building during the following times: 

Canandaigua Primary-Elementary School

Monday, March 16 - 3-7 p.m.

Pick up locations:

Kindergarten = Primary Cafeteria (closest to Link Entrance)

Grade 1 = Primary Main Gym 

Grade 2 = Primary Cafeteria (closest to Primary Auditorium)

Grade 3 = Elementary LGI 

Grade 4 = Elementary Cafeteria 

Grade 5 = Elementary Link Gym 

 

Tuesday, March 17 - 9 a.m -12 p.m.

Pick up locations:

Kindergarten = Primary Cafeteria (closest to Link Entrance)

Grade 1 = Primary Main Gym 

Grade 2 = Primary Cafeteria (closest to Primary Auditorium)

Grade 3 = Elementary LGI 

Grade 4 = Elementary Cafeteria 

Grade 5 = Elementary Link Gym 

 

Canandaigua Middle School 

Pick up location: CMS Cafeteria

 

Tuesday, March 17 - 9 a.m. -12 p.m.

9 a.m. - 10 a.m. A-H

10 a.m. - 11 a.m. I-P

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Q-Z

 

Tuesday, March 17 - 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. 

For Middle School families unable to pick up in the morning

 

Canandaigua Academy 

Pick up location: Atrium 

 

Tuesday, March 17 - 9 a.m. -12 p.m.

9 a.m. - 10 a.m. A-H

10 a.m. - 11 a.m. I-P

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Q-Z

 

Tuesday, March 17 - 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. 

For Academy families unable to pick up in the morning

 

Canandaigua Academic & Career Center

Pick up location: Canandaigua Academic & Career Center 

Tuesday, March 17 - 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

All District communications and updates will be posted at: https://www.canandaiguaschools.org/district/coronavirus-info. We understand there is a lot of uncertainty and will be communicating more in the future.  We have worked out plans to serve meals during the extended closure.  

The Canandaigua City School Nutrition Program is participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s School Closure Meal Program, which provides free meals to students during the school closure. All Canandaigua City School District students can participate; you do not need to be a Canandaigua City School District resident.  Questions please call: 585-396-3732.

What:   Free meals to go

When:  Monday-Friday: Breakfast and lunch beginning March 23rd 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where:  Main Entrance of the Primary-Elementary School (Gibson Street Parking Lot). This is curb-side pickup, you will not need to get out of your car. Meal services during the school closure could change. Please pay attention to your email or the District website for updates on this program. 

 

This is indeed an unprecedented time and I know this news is incredibly disappointing.  I share in your disappointment as well. We are going to learn so much in the next few weeks.  Please understand, this won’t be perfect but we are going to do our very best. More academic information will be forthcoming.  Our first priority is your health and your safety. No matter what happens, we will be here for you via phone or email during this closure.  Until we are together again, be well, be kind, and be BRAVE! 

 

Sincerely,

Jamie Farr

Superintendent of Schools

 

March 14, 2020

 

Dear Braves Family, 

We have been following the guidance of the Ontario County Public Health Department and implementing preventative and responsive strategies related to COVID-19. Today, March 14, 2020, Ontario County declared a state of emergency. To stop the spread of COVID-19, the Canandaigua City School District, along with other districts in Ontario County, have determined the following schedule:

• Monday, March 16 - Instructional staff, clerical staff, buildings and grounds staff, paraprofessional and aides report to prepare for an extended closure - There is no school for students as well as monitors, food service, and transportation staff on Monday.

• Tuesday, March 17- Half-day of school for all students and staff for material distribution and instructions. The Middle School dismisses at 10:40 a.m.; Dismissal at the Academy is at 10:45 a.m.; Dismissal at the Primary-Elementary School begins at 11:40 a.m. There is no UPK.

• Wednesday, March 18 - Sunday, April 12 - Canandaigua City School District is closed. 

As of right now, classes resume Monday, April 13. While no Ontario County resident has been diagnosed with COVID-19 at this time, it is with an abundance of caution, that we close our schools to prevent the potential spread of the virus. This is an unprecedented situation, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time.

All athletic and extra-curricular activities are postponed starting immediately. It is our hope that these activities can proceed once we return to school. The district facilities may not be used by any outside organization starting Sunday, March 15, 2020. All district field trips scheduled during the closure are canceled/postponed. Decisions related to future events are still being determined.

Our staff worked tirelessly to prepare plans for instruction to continue remotely during our Superintendent’s Conference Day on Friday, March 13. This work will continue on Monday, March 16.  On Tuesday, our goal is to distribute materials and instructions to students before the extended closure. 

On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, you will receive further communication related to how to access academic resources and continue instruction as much as possible at home. All updates from the District will be posted at https://www.canandaiguaschools.org/district/coronavirus-info.

The decision to close the Canandaigua City School District for an extended period of time was extremely difficult. We know that closing our schools will impact our families, and we recognize that families depend on the consistency and predictability of the supports and services our schools offer. We are working with community partners to determine how to best mitigate the impact of closing schools. 

Our district offers so many opportunities for our students, and it pains me to pause these great experiences. My hope is that this closure and similar efforts around the county, state, and nation will lead to a return to quick return to school. I know there are a lot of questions and uncertainty. Our administrative team is meeting tomorrow, Sunday, March 15, to try to answer more of these questions.

I have always been proud to work with our students and staff; however, during this past week, I have seen so many of them go above and beyond to make the best of this situation. We are truly blessed to be in a community that values education and supports our students in so many ways. 

Sincerely,

Jamie M. Farr

Superintendent of Schools

Canandaigua City School District

The Canandaigua City School District continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely. We are fully aware of decisions being made in neighboring counties.  A meeting is scheduled between district leadership and Ontario County Public Health related to COVID-19, tonight, March 14, 2020. This is an unprecedented situation, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we respond to this situation in a thoughtful and thorough manner. Should we have further information tomorrow, we will update our website and if needed, send a robocall.

Important Update- March 13, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. - Mamma Mia!

For precautionary reasons, the Canandaigua City School District has made the decision to postpone the musical, Mamma Mia! If you have purchased tickets, please hold on to them as we hope to hold the shows in the future. For those of you who might seek refunds, further information will also be communicated in the future. 

There will be one additional dress rehearsal open to families and relatives, tonight, Friday, March 13, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. in the Canandaigua Academy Auditorium. No tickets are required to attend the dress rehearsal, and donations are appreciated. The Governor’s order regarding crowd size will be followed.

Should further changes take place, we encourage you to continue to visit www.canandaiguaschools.org and our social media feeds. Thank you for your support!

March 11, 2020

 

Dear Canandaigua City School District Community, 

Since our last communication, the number of Coronavirus cases around the nation continues to rise. Rest assured, we are working closely with the Ontario County Department of Public Health and following guidance from the New York State Department of Education. The District continues to closely monitor COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus and I write to share with you some of the proactive steps we are taking. 

The Canandaigua City School District has: 

• Disinfected each of our buses and school vehicles

• Increased our regularity of cleaning protocol district wide 

• Resupplied the disinfectant hand soap in bathrooms district wide multiple times a day and deployed hand sanitizer stations across the District 

• Organized tiered emergency education plans in the event of the disruption of instruction

• Set up a central communication location for important information and resources on the District’s website- https://www.canandaiguaschools.org/district/coronavirus-info

• Facilitated collaborative conversations with community partners

As of now, we plan to continue with events as scheduled. Our students were excited to get outside during the warm weather, varsity and jv spring sports started this week, our robotics team is about to start competition, and we are busy celebrating Music in our Schools Month. This weekend the Academy musical, Mamma Mia, has three shows! We are constantly monitoring the many activities our students are involved in, particularly off campus. Some events have been cancelled such as the 6th-grade RPO trip because of guidelines from the University of Rochester and I am certain we haven’t seen the last of cancelled trips. 

Additionally, the Ontario County Department of Public Health is hosting a community forum at Canandaigua Middle School on Thursday, March 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the auditorium. This event is open to our students, staff, families, and the community to discuss preparations from the County and answer any questions from the public.

Please continue to follow the preventative steps for limiting the spread of the Coronavirus, or any communicable illness for that matter, by having students stay home if they are exhibiting symptoms, practicing thorough hand washing, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

On Friday, as part of the Superintendents’ Conference Day, our teachers will meet to discuss contingency plans to deal most effectively with the situation. The District will continue to actively monitor the progression of the Coronavirus and follow the guidance of the Ontario County Department of Public Health. The health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff continue to be our focus. I thank you for your support and patience as we continue to navigate this evolving situation.

Sincerely,

Jamie M. Farr

Superintendent of Schools, Canandaigua City School District 

 

Dear Canandaigua City Schools Community,

As I am sure you are seeing in various media outlets, there is a new Coronavirus called 2019 Novel (new) Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) first found in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This virus had not been found in humans before. This Coronavirus can lead to fever, cough and trouble breathing or shortness of breath. There are thousands of diagnosed cases in China and new cases being diagnosed in a number of countries including the United States. 

The Canandaigua City School District has been in contact with the Ontario County Health Department for regular updates around the Coronavirus. The District will continue to share updates when new information or guidelines need to be communicated and we will follow the lead of the Health Department should the need exist. 

What do we know? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working hard to learn as much as possible about this new virus, so that we can better understand how it spreads and causes illness. The CDC considers this virus to be a serious public health concern. Based on current information the CDC recommends avoiding travel to some areas of the world. Updated travel information related to 2019‐nCoV can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

Prevention 

Health experts believe the virus probably spreads from animals to humans and from person to person. It’s not clear yet how easily the virus spreads from person-to-person.There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this virus. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) recommends the following ways to minimize the spread of all respiratory viruses, including 2019-nCoV: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol 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. 

• Stay home when you are sick. 

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash. 

• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

• CDC recommends that travelers avoid all travel to China. 

Symptoms 

Information to date suggests that 2019-nCoV causes mild-to-moderate illness and symptoms like the flu, including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. 

This is an emerging, rapidly changing situation. For questions please contact your local department of health or the NYS DOH Novel Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065. 

We encourage you to keep up to date about 2019-nCoV, its treatment and prevention by visiting the following websites: 

Additional Resources 

CDC’s dedicated 2019-nCoV website at https://www.cdc.gov/nCoV. and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

NYSDOH’s dedicated 2019-nCoV website at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/ 

NYSDOH directory of local health departments https://www.health.ny.gov/contact/contact_information/ 

New York State Center for School Health website at www.schoolhealthny.com.

The Canandaigua City School District will continue to be advised by the Department of Health. As we receive more information and guidance from the New York State Health Department, we will pass it along to our school community and share it on the District website, www.canandaiguaschools.org. We thank you for your involvement and attention to the growing global health concern. 

Sincerely, 

Jamie M. Farr

Superintendent of Schools

Canandaigua City School District 

Academic Questions
Directly Contact the Classroom Teacher
via Email or Schoology

Mental Health & Counseling
John LaFave – 585.396.3739

Health & Medicine
>John LaFave – 585.396.3739

Primary School
Heidi Robb – 585.396.3939

Elementary School
Brian Amesbury – 585.396.3936

Middle School
John Arthur – 585.396.3856

Academy
Vern Tenney – 585.396.3805

District Office
Superintendent’s Office & District Clerk
585.396.3710

Special Education
Stephanie Knapp – 585.396.3933

Food Service Information
585.396.3989

Athletics
Jim Simmons – 585.396.3825

Student Registration
Faith Shaw – 585-396-3948
studentregistration@canandaiguschools.org

Technology & Chromebooks
portalhelp@canandaiguaschools.org

Other questions?
Contact Us Button at bottom of the Website

Any changes in the duration of the extended closure will be communicated with our families via email. Additional information and updates will be posted to this page on the website. To update information, please email studentregistration@canandaigauschools.org.

Academic Questions

Directly Contact the Classroom Teacher

via Email or Schoology

 

Mental Health & Counseling

John LaFave – 585.396.3739

 

Health & Medicine

John LaFave – 585.396.3739

 

Primary School

Heidi Robb – 585.396.3939

 

Elementary School

Brian Amesbury – 585.396.3936

 

Middle School

John Arthur – 585.396.3856

 

Academy

Vern Tenney - 585.396.3805

 

District Office

Superintendent’s Office & District Clerk

585.396.3710

 

Special Education

Stephanie Knapp – 585.396.3933

 

Food Service Information

585.396.3989

 

Athletics

Jim Simmons – 585.396.3825

 

Student Registration

Faith Shaw – 585-396-3948

studentregistration@canandaiguschools.org

 

Technology & Chromebooks

portalhelp@canandaiguschools.org

 

Other questions?

Contact Us Button at bottom of the Website

The Canandaigua City School Nutrition Program is participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s School Closure Meal Program, which provides free meals to students during the school closure.

All Canandaigua City School District students can participate (Grades UPK - 12); you do not need to be a Canandaigua City School District resident.  Questions please call:  585-396-3989.

What:   Free meals to go

When:  Weekday breakfast and lunch beginning March 23^rd, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where:  Main Entrance of the Primary-Elementary School (Gibson Street Parking Lot). This is curb-side pickup, you will not need to get out of your car.

• There are no income requirements or registration.
• This program is fully funded by the USDA, there is no cost to the district taxpayers.

Meal services during the school closure could change. Please pay attention to your email or the District website for updates on this program.

Emergency Child Care

Thank you to our community partner, the Canandaigua Family YMCA, for setting up emergency child care for first responders, health care workers, and families in need.

Contact the YMCA for registration details - 585-394-6866

Mental Health Resources

District Contact: John LaFave

585.396.3739

 

Ontario County Mental Health

585.396.4363 ext. 3019

http://co.ontario.ny.us/99/Mental-Health           

County Complex Drive

 

Clifton Springs Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP)

Mobile Crisis Option 1.877.354.9211

Emergency Department 585.462.1926

 

Suicide Prevention Hotline

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Lifeline 800.310.1160

Text Helpline 741-741

 

Boike Professional Building (Counseling)- Teletherapy

www.boikebp.com - 585.394.1442

Leave a message- They will call back in one business day

 

For more information about resources available in Finger Lakes Region:

Call  211, or visit https://211lifeline.org/

Community Resources

The Spot @spotcanandaigua

www.thespotcanandaigua.org

The Spot will post information about future food distributions

 

Jordan Health Center - Medical

www.jordanhealth.org

585.396.0222

120 North Main Street

 

Canandaigua Church in Action (CCIA)

Food & Other Resources

Food Pantry Mon. 4-5 at Zion Fellowship,

Tue. 12-2, Wed. 10-12,

Thur. 12-2, Fri. 10-12, Sat. 10-12

Food Vouchers M, W, F 9:30-11
120 North Main Street

www.churchesinaction.org

585.396.2242

 

Victor/ Farmington Food Cupboard
www.vfoodcupboard.org 

585.924.2720

 

Ontario County Department of

Health and Human Services

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Temporary Assistance/Daycare

http://co.ontario.ny.us/218/SNAP

 

Salvation Army

110 Saltonstall Street

585.394.6968

 

New York State

Child Protective Services 

1.800.342.3720

 

Internet Services

Spectrum has offered access

855.243.8892

 

 

If a case is confirmed, linked to our school district, the Department of Public Health would be the entity which deploys staff to investigate the case, determines and communicates with those who may have been exposed, and releases pertinent information to the community via press releases and/or press conferences.

If someone is showing symptoms of COVID-19, they should seek medical attention and consult their doctor. 

To update your contact information, please email studentregistration@canandaiguaschools.org.

 

The District is waiting to receive guidance on Regents Exams and Graduation Requirements. We are also awaiting more clarification on AP Exams. 

The following assessments will NOT take place: 

• New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Test;

• New York State Grades 3-8 Mathematics Test;

• New York State Grade 4 Elementary-Level Science Test;

• New York State Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Science Test;

• New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in Grades K-12; 

• New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) for students with severe cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school;

• IB examinations (IB diploma or course certificate will be awarded based solely on the student’s coursework and what they registered for)

At this point, there has been no word on Regents exams. We will let you know if any of that changes.  Additionally, Gemini courses are moving forward as planned, only in a virtual environment.  Gemini teachers were just informed of this over the weekend and will be connecting with their students any time now if they haven’t already. All AP examinations have modified their testing protocol. For the 2019-20 exam administration only, students can take a 45-minute online exam at home. The exam will only include topics and skills most AP teachers and students have already covered in class by early March. Students will be able to take these streamlined exams on any device they have access to (computer, tablet, or smartphone). Taking a photo of handwritten work will also be an option. More information to follow.

As of March 17th, all Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings for the Canandaigua City School District are postponed until we return to school. If you had a meeting scheduled for the week of March 16th, you should have received a phone call from an Office of Special Programs administrator explaining that meetings will be rescheduled by our secretarial team. In the event you did not receive said phone call or if you would like further discussion, please call Mrs. Stephanie Knapp, Director of Special Programs at 585-396-3933.

It is our hope that we will be soon be receiving guidance from the New York State Department of Education regarding annual meetings. In the event that we are allowed to hold meetings remotely during our school closure, the Special Education Teacher, who is your child's case manger will attempt to schedule a CPSE/ CSE meeting with you in a timely fashion.

All District events between now and April 15 are canceled or postponed. The buildings are closed. The District calendar reflects the most up to date information- https://www.canandaiguaschools.org/district/calendar/grid-view. (updated regularly)

Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order which mandates that instruction continues over what was scheduled as our spring break. For the period of April 6 to April 10, our staff will continue to provide instruction and a focus on preparing for the transition to delivery of new content by Monday, April 13, 2020. As we prepare for this shift and think of academics during this challenging time, we need all students to engage in the work to the best of their ability, given their own individual circumstances. What this last sentence means is that we understand the level of engagement will vary by household depending on each individual’s circumstance. What we are asking is that you try to the best of your ability, and that is all.  

Teachers will guide instructional activities and tasks that support daily learning, but we will not attempt to replicate a 6-hour school day. With many adults working from home and juggling other responsibilities, we want to provide flexibility for students to complete assignments. 

Ultimately, we know levels of engagement will vary home to home, given individual circumstances. Again, what we are asking is that people try their best to engage. That is all. Moving forward with content is important as we are not completely sure when guidelines on social distancing will be lifted, and when we can return to our traditional school setting. Understand that we are well aware that when students do return to school, there will be various levels of readiness and knowledge. We will fill in those learning gaps for students; it is what we do. Our staff is fantastic at their craft, and together, we’ve got this!

The Kindergarten and UPK registration dates have been postponed.  We will reschedule these dates in the near future. If you have further questions, please email studentregistration@canandaiguaschools.org or call 585-396-3948. 

For UPK families, looking to accept their spot for the 2020-2021 school year, please email Aimee Bennett.  

We are currently working with our advisors and field trip sponsoring agencies to finalize reimbursement plans for canceled trips. We appreciate your patience during this time. When a decision has been made related to a field trip, the group associated with the trip will be notified by the staff member organizing the trip about updated information. 

My child is in Kindergarten has an iPad and we are not able to connect to the internet? 

We are aware that the iPads do not connect to the internet. The apps preloaded on the device should work.  We are working on a solution related to iPad internet access. Please direct any tech questions to portalhelp@canandaiguaschools.org. 

How do I register for Kindergarten?

The Kindergarten and UPK registration dates have been postponed.  We will reschedule these dates in the near future. If you have further questions, please email studentregistration@canandaiguaschools.org or call 585-396-3948. 

How do I reserve the UPK spot for my incoming UPK student?

For UPK families, looking to accept their spot for the 2020-2021 school year, please email Aimee Bennett.  

 

What is the status of the Washington, DC trip? 

The Washington, DC trip has been canceled. Mr. Jensen will be communicating with families about this trip.

 

Will the National Honor Society deadline be extended? 

The National Honor Society deadline of Friday March 27 is now postponed. We have not established a new deadline as of yet. Since this impacts juniors, we are examining the possibilities of not having a ceremony or having a fall, 2020 ceremony

Will the deadline for local combine scholarships be extended?

The local combined scholarship deadline of March 23 has been postponed until Friday, April 17. If situations change, we will send a new deadline.

What is the status of the April ACT?

The most updated information about the ACTs can be found here: https://www.act.org/

What is the status of the May SAT?

The most updated information about the SATs can be found here: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat

The Canandaigua Family YMCA has emergency child care available for first responders, health care workers, and families in need. For registration information and more details, please contact the YMCA directly at 585. 

The date that students are able to return to school will be the determining factor in the length of the spring season and the feasibility of League, Section V and NYS Championship events being held. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has established April 27th as the date to determine whether it will be feasible to host NYSPHSAA Championship events.

All school facilities are closed during this time, including all athletic facilities and fields. We continue to encourage you to practice social distancing.