BY MATT LINDSEY
North Country This Week

POTSDAM -- Potsdam Central School has created a pandemic plan that is now included in its District-Wide Safety Plan.

“We didn’t really have a school closure plan for this pandemic. But we figured it out pretty quickly and then we really tried to memorialize all the things that we did,” said PCS Superintendent Joann Chambers said.

The school’s pandemic closure plan was developed following the mandated school closure in March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the event of subsequent school closures, this plan will be reviewed and updated to reflect specific circumstances.

The plan outlines how the school will assist students and their families with education, food and provide other resources. The plan includes information on how the school will ensure the health and safety of its students and staff.

To read details, see the PCS District-Wide Safety Plan here. The Pandemic Plan begins on page 52.

Chambers said she will ask the board to approve the updated safety plan at its August meeting.

Much of what is included in the safety plan will apply to school reopening this fall. School officials expect guidance soon from Gov. Cuomo as it relates to students returning in September.

“There are a lot of unknowns right now because there is a lot of work being done at a lot of different levels,” Chambers said.

PCS officials are working on local plans, BOCES is working on a regional approach and the State Education Department and New York State Board of Regents are handling state-wide concerns.

PCS is creating a task force to discuss reopening plans and has about 40 volunteers that are parents and staff members. Discussions will include health and safety, teaching and learning, social and emotional support and more.

“It’s going to be a very busy summer. I know it’s not a typical summer. There’a a lot of anxiety” Chambers said

She said students could return as normal this fall with health and safety measures in place. There could be a hybrid which could be to educate through remote learning.

She pointed out that whatever model the district begins with in September could change as the data related to COVID-19 changes and possible outbreaks.

“It’s really uncharted territory,” Chambers said.

Don't Miss A Story!

Stay informed with what's going on in St. Lawrence County

Keep up with local government & schools, police & fire news, help wanted ads, upcoming events, obituaries, valuable shopping info, letters from viewers, news of your friends & neighbors, & much more!

Your subscription helps pay our hard-working news staff who keep St. Lawrence County informed

Subscribe today for as low as $1.44 per week