• *To translate this webpage from your mobile device, click "Menu" then click "Translate" and select your language.

    *Para traducir esta página web desde su dispositivo móvil haga clic en "Menu" luego haga clic en "Translate", y seleccione su idioma.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information from the Ulster County Department of Health - December 19, 2022

  • The following information is an update from the Ulster County Department of Health (UCDH) regarding vaccines for children aged six months to five years.

    The UCDH has partnered with the Institute for Family Health (IFH) to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to children between the ages of six months and five years at three IFH locations: Ellenville, New Paltz, and Kingston.

    While appointments are encouraged, they are not necessary, and walk-ins are welcome during the following clinic hours:

    Ellenville Family Health Center: Tuesday, 12:30-4 PM

    New Paltz Family Health Center: Wednesday, 1-4:30 PM

    Kingston Family Health Center: Thursday, 1-4:30 PM

    To schedule an appointment, please visit: https://mychart.institute.org/mychart/openscheduling?specialty=86&hidespecialties=1

    You may also call 844-434-2778 to speak with a representative directly. 

    As a reminder, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or any respiratory illness, please take simple precautions, such as washing hands frequently, covering your cough, and remaining home when sick.

     

Letter from the Superintendent about COVID-19 Guidance Updates - September 1, 2022

  • I hope you all had an enjoyable summer break. We are looking forward to welcoming our students back to school on September 7. This school year promises to be a great one and we are all excited to get started.

    As we emerge from the COVID 19 pandemic, I want to emphasize that the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students continues to be our highest priority. Recently, the New York State Department of Health issued new guidance for schools.

    You can find the guidance for the 2022-23 school year on the following web page: http://www.nysed.gov/back-school/health-and-safety#2022-23-guidance.

    Below are some highlights:

    ● Universal masking is not required; however, individuals are permitted to wear a mask should they want to.

    ● Individuals exposed to COVID-19 will no longer be required to quarantine.

    ● Schools are no longer required to test unvaccinated staff.

    ● Schools are no longer required to contact trace.

    ● Social distancing is no longer required.

    ● Schools are no longer required to report positive cases to the Department of Health.

    ● Individuals who are sick should remain home from school. Testing is recommended for individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin.

    ● Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 can return to school after 5 days of isolation (with Day O being the date of symptoms appearing or the date of the positive test, whichever occurred first) if symptom free and no fever without the use of medication. Such individuals should wear a mask on days 6-10 unless the individual received two (2) sequential negative tests 48 hours apart.

    All schools can provide COVID-19 tests, to be taken at home, upon request. If you would like a test for your child, please ask your school’s nurse.

    If we receive any changes to the current guidance, we will share it with you in a timely manner. You can also find updates on our website: https://www.kingstoncityschools.org.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s building principal.

    Welcome Back!

    Sincerely,

     

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino

NYS Guidelines Updated for Contact of Positive Case

  • NY State Guidelines have been updated for contacts of a positive case.

    The letter below is what parents will now receive if their student is a contact of a positive COVID case. The changes are in bold.

     

    Dear Parent/Guardian,

    Your student ________________ has been exposed to a positive case of COVID-19 in school on ________.  

    Your student is not required to quarantine, but please read the following carefully as these guidelines have been updated by the NYS DOH:

    As a contact of a positive, it is REQUIRED that your student wear a mask at school for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status.   

    If your student is fully vaccinated (including all eligible boosters), it is strongly recommended that you test on day 5 after your exposure.   

    If your student is unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or are eligible for booster(s), but have not yet received them they MUST test 5 days after exposure, or if symptoms develop. Also, they may only attend school activities (including extracurriculars) but must quarantine outside of school.

    If your student develops any symptoms, please keep them home from school for 5 days or until they can get tested and symptoms resolve.  If you are in need of a free home Test Kit, please call the school to schedule a time for pick up.

    If you have any questions, please contact the School Nurse’s Office.

     

NYS Guideline Updates

  • Yesterday evening, we received the updated guidance from the NYS Departments of Health and Education.  Here are a few modifications to the guidance previously posted:

    • Any positive individual must isolate at home for 5 days - with a positive test or onset of symptoms being Day 0.  Students, staff, and teachers may return to school on Day 6 and must wear masks to school during Days 6 – 10.
    • Masking is no longer required on school buses or vans. Individuals who are required to wear masks in school should wear masks on school transport.
    • Whenever persons are expected or required to wear masks, masks may be removed when eating, drinking, singing, going outside, or playing a wind instrument.  When masks are removed for these purposes, physical distancing of 6 or more feet should be maintained to the extent possible.
    • If there is an exposure in a classroom, parents/guardians will be notified via a letter home.  Regardless of vaccination status, an exposed individual does not have to quarantine at home but is recommended to wear a mask in school for 10 days. Students may continue to participate in extracurricular activities.
    • Exposed school staff and students and/or their parents/guardians are primarily responsible for ensuring that recommended testing occurs.
    • Symptomatic individuals, regardless of vaccination status or recent infection, should stay home until tested and if positive or not tested, should isolate for 5 days, or until other criteria are met for school attendance (e.g., resolution of fever), whichever is longer.

    As a reminder some students and staff may still be uncomfortable without a mask.  KCSD will not stand for anyone attempting to mock or intimidate others into their beliefs about masking.  The district will support the decision of each family and individual.  Whatever decision your family makes, please remind your students to be kind to others in their choice.  

Masking & Guidance Update 3/1/22

  • KCSD Community, 

    We were promised guidance from the New York State Department of Health by midday today. At this time, we have still not received it. In absence of that guidance, we still need to update you, our community, on the changes that begin tomorrow. Please know that further updates may be forthcoming. When we receive that guidance, we will update the community with any changes or additions to the protocols below: 

    Earlier this week, Governor Hochul announced that the mask mandate in schools will be lifted as of tomorrow, March 2, 2022. Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan followed with a statement saying that “… children in Ulster County two years old and over will no longer be required to wear masks indoors in school or childcare settings effective March 2.”  

    With that guidance, the Kingston City School District will go to “mask optional” in our school buildings and on bus transportation.  

    Please note the following: 

    • Any student, faculty/staff member, or visitor who would like to continue to wear a mask in the school setting is invited and encouraged to do so.  
    • KCSD will continue to have masks available for anyone who needs them. 
    • KCSD will continue to distribute test kits as they are available 
    • The district will not tolerate any harassment or bullying between students and/or staff because of masks. 
    • The “KCSD Current Cases” webpage will remain up to date.  
    • Unvaccinated faculty and staff will continue to be required to test weekly.  Any other faculty or staff who have opted-in for weekly testing will continue to be tested. 
    • KCSD will not quarantine close contacts but will notify all close contacts and recommend that a mask be worn for up to 10 days.  

    Students Showing Symptoms: 

    Do not send your student to school if they are showing symptoms at home. 

    • Will be sent to Nurse’s Office to be sent home 
    • Student must wear a mask until picked up from school 
    • A home test kit will be provided to the student, if needed 
    • If test comes back negative, student may return to school 

    If a student is positive: 

    • Isolation at home for 5 days 
    • Student may return to school on Day 6 – must wear mask through Day 10 

    While some students and staff may be comfortable without a mask, there will be many who make the decision to still wear one. KCSD will not stand for anyone attempting to mock or intimidate others into their beliefs about masking. The district will support the decision of each family and individual. Whatever decision your family makes, please remind your students to be kind to others in their choice.  

    We appreciate the patience and understanding our community has shown as we have worked together to keep our faculty, staff, and students safe in our schools. 

Masking Update 2/27/22

  • On Sunday, the governor announced that masks will no longer be mandated in schools beginning on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. 

    With that guidance, the Kingston City School District will go “mask optional” beginning on Wednesday. Any student, faculty/staff member, or visitor who would like to continue to wear a mask in the school setting are invited and encouraged to do so. The choice to wear a mask in school will be a personal and family decision.  

    KCSD will continue to distribute test kits as they are available and inform our community of vaccination opportunities. We will also continue to have masks available as needed and keep our KCSD Current Cases webpage up to date. 

    Please come to school on Monday and Tuesday prepared to be masked while in the buildings, as this will give the district COVID team the opportunity to adjust our health and safety strategies when we go “mask optional” on Wednesday. 

    We appreciate the patience of our families and faculty & staff as we navigate through this next phase. 

2/22/22 Reminders

  • KCSD Families, 

    Please be reminded that we are asking our families to remain diligent about monitoring their children for symptoms daily, even though the Daily Health Screenings are no longer required, and not send students to school if they are ill.  These symptoms include: 

    • Fever or chills 
    • Cough 
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
    • Fatigue 
    • Muscle or body aches 
    • Headache 
    • New loss of taste or smell 
    • Sore throat 
    • Congestion or runny nose 
    • Nausea or vomiting 
    • Diarrhea 

    Also, please remember that masks are still required during the school day and at all KCSD school events. 

    We will continue to keep our community updated with any changes to our current guidelines and protocols. 

Elimination of Daily Health Screening

  • KCSD Families,

    Beginning on Friday, February 18th, we will be eliminating the Daily Health Screening for both students and faculty/staff. You will no longer receive these emails or be asked to fill them out.

    We ask our families to remain diligent about monitoring their children for symptoms daily and not send students to school if they are ill.  These symptoms include:

    • Fever or chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea

    As a reminder, all students in Grades K-12 are eligible for a COVID vaccination and students 12 and over are eligible for a booster if their second dose of Pfizer was received more than 5 months ago. To schedule an appointment at the Ulster County POD please go to https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/vaccine-resource-center/ 

Quarantine Absences For Q2

  • KCSD Families,

    We are aware that some students who were placed on quarantine received Unexcused Absences for those days on their most recent report cards.  The district is reviewing each situation and will make any appropriate adjustments.

    Thank you for your patience as we look into this matter.

KCSD COVID Test Kit Distribution

  • The Kingston City School District has received additional COVID test kits to distribute to our families, with each student receiving one kit that includes two tests.

    Each KCSD school will communicate how they will distribute these test kits to their families.

    These are a different brand of testing kits than the ones previously provided.  For an instructional video on how to use these kits, please go to https://youtu.be/qBt_H4Gc-rU

Mask Mandate Still in Effect for New York State Schools

  • In a press conference today, Governor Kathy Hochul stated that masks will no longer be required indoors in businesses and restaurants starting tomorrow, February 10th. However, masks will still be mandatory in some settings, including public schools, until she and her team reevaluate the data later this month.

    KCSD will still require masks indoors, unless eating, for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We will continue to communicate updates as information becomes available.

KCSD Vaccination POD Pop-Ups

Masking Update 1/25/22

  • Late yesterday, the Supreme Court in Nassau County declared that Governor Hochul’s mask mandate was outside of her authority.  

    The governor and NYS Department of Health have appealed this ruling and an immediate stay was put in place. The State Education Commissioner has directed all schools to continue to follow the guidelines in place and enforce masks in schools until appellate courts issue a further ruling. 

    More information will be communicated as it becomes available. 

Updated Quarantine Guidelines 1/11/2022

  • The New York State and Ulster County Departments of Health have recommended shortening the quarantine period for K-12 faculty, staff, and students to five (5) days for anyone who is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

    5-Day Quarantine for Students, Faculty, & Staff

    Infected (Positive Case):

    • If infected with COVID-19, a person must isolate for five (5) days, where day zero (0) is the day of symptom onset, or - if asymptomatic - the day of a positive test result, regardless of vaccination status.
    • If a COVID positive individual is asymptomatic at the end of five (5) days, or if their symptoms are resolving, they can end isolation and wear a well-fitting mask around others for an additional five days. Individuals who cannot wear a well-fitting mask around others should continue to follow the standard isolation guidance (10 days).
    • Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised should continue to follow the standard isolation guidance of ten (10) days.

    Exposed (Contact of a positive):

    • Faculty, Staff, and Students who are fully vaccinated (2 shots of Moderna or Pfizer or 1 shot of Janssen, plus 14 days) are not required to quarantine, but these individuals should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for ten (10) days after the last date of exposure. 
    • Individuals who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine for five (5) days and wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional five (5) days. 
    • Both of these sets of individuals should test at day five (if possible) with either a PCR or an antigen test.
    • If symptoms appear for either set of individuals, the individual should immediately quarantine and seek testing. In this scenario, quarantine ends upon a negative test, or upon following the guidance described in the “Infected (Positive Case)” section above. 
    • Students 12 years and older who are eligible for a booster but have not yet received one may attend school for instruction (including bus transportation) but may not participate in extracurricular or after school activities for the 5-day period. Fully vaccinated 5-11-year-olds are not eligible for a booster and have no further restrictions.
    • Individuals on quarantine will no longer be required to have a Department of Health release letter to return to school/work.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD/PRINT

Back to school - 1/3/21

  • Reminder! 
    KCSD returns to school tomorrow, January 3, 2022, an “E Day”. 
    The Kingston City School District will continue to follow our multi-tiered mitigation measures to help slow the spread in our schools. Parents and guardians, please remember that masks are required in all schools daily and please keep your student at home if they are sick. The Daily Health Screenings will continue to be sent to your email each morning to be filled out before school. 
    Additionally, KCSD will be employing Co2 detectors to ensure proper air exchange in our buildings, as well as working with the Ulster County Department of Health to implement “Test to Stay” and shorter quarantine time for our students. More information about these programs will be available soon. 
    We would like to wish our entire community a happy and healthy New Year and are excited to see our students back in school on Monday morning! 

KCSD Winter Sports Spectator Update (For Indoor Games, Meets & Matches)

  • KCSD will be implementing a spectator policy for the remainder of the Winter Sports Season.  We are seeing an increase in the infection rate throughout the county and to help with contact tracing I believe this is the best course of action at this time.

    Starting on January 3, 2022, and continuing through winter sports season, each athlete will be permitted to have two spectators at any home event, with the exception of swimming which has no spectators.

    Each athlete will provide the names of 2 individuals who will be in attendance for each home basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, or bowling match. For double header games in the Field House, the approved spectators for the first game will exit the gym following game one before the listed spectators are let in for game two.

    Many school districts in our division have already implemented similar policies for their home games with success. Spectator rosters are sent to those schools on the morning of each game or match, and the same will be expected of those schools visiting our campuses.  

    I know this is an unfortunate situation and I regret the loss of student participation as fans, but the safety of all and stopping the spread in our schools and community is the main priority.

    For information on spectator policies for our competing districts, please visit their websites or call our Athletics Department at 845-943-3737.

    Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino

    Superintendent of Schools

Parental Consent for Weekly COVID-19 Testing - new

  • Weekly testing for COVID-19 for students in schools will begin in January in conjunction with the Institute for Family Health. This weekly testing is NOT MANDATORY.

    Due to changes in vaccination status, some families' decision may have changed in regards to having their student tested.  Because of this, we are voiding all previous testing consent and starting fresh.  Any previous answers to parental consent forms have been discarded.

     
    Please only fill out and submit this consent form if you WANT your student tested for COVID-19 in school.  (If you do not want your student tested, no further action is needed)
    Please fill out a separate form for each student in your household you would like to be tested by December 23, 2021.

    Again, only fill out this form, using the link below, if your student is to be to be tested in school.   If you do not want your student tested, do not fill out this form.

     

    https://forms.office.com/r/e7GQPuQ8gW

Vaccination Clinics for Students Age 5-11 - New Appointments Available!

COVID-19 Student Screening & Vaccine Clinic - Updated 10/1/2021

  • Kingston City School District has begun COVID testing for faculty and staff in our schools in adherence with New York State requirements.

    At this time, 89.3% of our district faculty have been fully vaccinated. Anyone who remains unvaccinated is required to test once per week – vaccinated individuals may be tested weekly if they choose to do so.

    We have partnered with the Ulster County Department of Health (UCDOH) who is sending registered nurses to our school buildings to do the testing.

    KCSD will now begin the process to start testing students in school.  All students will have the opportunity to be tested weekly with consent from a person in parental relation. We ask that all district families fill out the following form to let us know if you would like your students to be tested for COVID-19 in school. If you need assistance with this form, please contact your school.  Please fill out this form even if you do not want your student screened for COVID-19 in school. It is imperative that we hear from all families. (If you have already filled out this form, you do not need to submit again and we thank you for your response.)

    https://forms.office.com/r/3ef1VCemRz

    (Para español, haga clic en la flecha en la parte superior del formulario.)

     

    In an effort to enhance our vaccinated student population, KCSD and UCDOH will facilitate a Vaccine Pop-Up Center at Kingston High School on Saturday, October 2nd from 10:00am to 5:00pm.  This vaccine clinic will take place in the Kate Walton Field House. 

    If you would like your student age 12-18 to be vaccinated, please use this link to make a vaccine appointment: https://apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?DateID=CCC7AD5B368A03F2E0530A6C7C16A16E

    UCDOH will also offer vaccine boosters to those eligible at this vaccine clinic.  If any member of the community would like to sign up for a vaccine booster appointment, please use this link: https://apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?DateID=CD154DE3C4C704BCE0530A6C7C16FA0F

    We would like to thank our parents and community for their cooperation as we work with the Department of Health to keep our students, faculty, staff and community safe.

     

A Note About Transportation

  • School districts across the state and country are experiencing a shortage of bus drivers as we begin this new school year. The Kingston City School District contracts with local bus companies for buses and drivers – we do not own buses; we do not employ bus drivers.

    With this driver shortage, KCSD has had to make some hard decisions. Some bus routes have been merged or revamped to accommodate transporting more students to school and back home again. Several bus stops have been combined or moved to ensure student and bus driver safety, as well as quicker pick-ups and drop-offs. All bus drivers run more than one route each day.  Bus stop locations cannot remain as they had in the past.

    We understand that there are some concerns of overloading on the buses. Please know, we are following state guidelines of keeping windows open on buses for air flow and bus drivers and staff will ensure that masks are being worn by everyone at all times on the bus.

    State Guidelines for Transportation:

    • Masks must be worn at all times. Masks will be available on buses for students without them
    • One student per seat, when possible
    • Maintain current loading procedures
    • All bus windows and hatches will be open
    • Siblings and same household students will share seating

    Our transportation department is working very hard to make sure our bus students are getting to and from school safely. We understand there were some timing issues yesterday morning and late drop-offs yesterday afternoon. Thank you to the members of our community who reached out to let us know of these problems. The scheduling issues are being diligently worked on and we will have solutions worked out with the bus companies.

    If you have questions about bus scheduling, please contact the department at transportation@kingstoncityschools.org

    The beginning of every school year comes with a few transportation bumps in the first week. We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation while we work out the concerns we are seeing in this new and extraordinarily difficult year.

KCSD Reopening Information 2021-22 School Year

  • Dear KCSD Families and Community,

    The excitement and anticipation of the new school year is nearly upon us!

    The Kingston City School District will open the doors of all of our school buildings to students 5-days per week on Wednesday, September 8th using the guidance and regulations put forth by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Ulster County Department of Health (UCDOH).

    The continued safety of our students, staff and community remains at the forefront of the 2021-2022 school year.  As we begin the new year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our families for your continued support and cooperation.  The most important aspect to all of us at KCSD is the success of our students. Their success can best be accomplished by all of us working together and doing our part to contribute to a positive, healthy, and safe school experience.

    Below are the KCSD health and safety protocols for the 2021-2022 school year that will be used in all of our school buildings.

    • All individuals (faculty, staff, students, and contractors) will wear masks at all times inside school buildings regardless of vaccination status. Mask breaks will be offered to students throughout the day.
    • Masks are not required while eating and seated but should be worn at other times in the cafeteria.
    • Masks are not required outdoors.
    • Masks are required by all students and staff on school buses.
    • Distancing of 3-feet between students and 6-feet between staff and students will be maintained, when possible.
    • All schools will use visual guides (tape on floors, spacing aids on sidewalks, signs on walls) to ensure that staff and students remain distanced when in line and in hallways.
    • If possible, distancing will be maintained on school buses. Windows will remain open for air flow.
    • Proper ventilation will be maintained in all school buildings. Proper ventilation can be accomplished through moving fresh air into the building through open doors and windows, using fans to circulate the air, standalone air purifiers, or retrofitting HVAC systems.
    • Daily Health Screenings will continue to be filled out for faculty, staff, and students. These questionnaires will continue to be sent via email each morning.
    • Students, faculty, and staff who are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms should not come to school or work. If symptoms develop during the school day, the individual will be sent home and encouraged to be tested.
    • Cohorting will be used when possible to limit the number of students, teachers, and staff who come in contact with each other.
    • PPE – All schools will have a sufficient supply of masks, gloves, face shields and all other protective equipment.
    • Temperatures of students and staff will no longer be taken upon arrival.
    • Field trips will be evaluated and based on the rate of transmission in the community.
    • All extracurricular activities will be offered (Clubs, Band, Choir, Drama, Activities, etc.). All guidelines and protocols that apply to the regular school day will continue to be enforced for these group meetings and events. 

    For Fall Athletics Competitions:

    • All outdoor sports (football, soccer, field hockey, cross country) will allow spectators with no masks. Football players will wear face shields while on the field. Spectators and players will remain separated throughout the events.
    • Volleyball – Athletes will wear masks throughout the competition. Spectators will be allowed in the Field House and must wear masks. All bleachers will be opened, and non-family members are asked to sit 3-feet apart.
    • Swimming – Athletes will wear masks on deck. Competing schools will be invited to our home meets. Spectators will not be allowed due to the size of the pool area. Meets will be live-streamed.

    Contact and quarantine information:

    A close contact is considered someone who has been within 6-feet of positive individual for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes).  This excludes students who were within 3 to 6 feet of a positive student and well-fitting masks were correctly and consistently worn. (This exception does not apply to teachers, staff, or other adults in the indoor classroom setting.) 

    KCSD will pivot to remote instruction whenever necessary because of a positive case that may impact others.  This could be several students, a full class, or a building in some cases.  This may be modified if all individuals in close contact were properly masked.  In the case of a pivot to remote learning for quarantines, technology will be provided to any student who needs a device.

    Any vaccinated individual will not have to quarantine as a result of a contact, unless they are showing symptoms, however they will have to get tested 3-5 days after their exposure, even if they are not symptomatic. 

    I look forward to a safe and successful school year!

     

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino

    Superintendent of Schools

BOCES River to River Academy - Update

  • Yesterday evening the Kingston City School District was informed that Ulster BOCES has made the decision to not offer the River to River Virtual Learning Academy for the 2021-22 school year.

    KCSD is actively pursuing other options to provide remote learning for our students and we will update our families and community as soon as more information is available.

2021-2022 Reopening Information

  • Parents and Caregivers,

    I hope you are all having an enjoyable, relaxing, and safe summer.  As we approach mid-August, I wanted to provide you with information regarding our opening of school on September 8th.  Please know, this information is based on current conditions in our community and the recommendations from the various groups who advise school districts. 

    We have recently been informed that the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Education Department, and the Governors’ Office will NOT be providing school districts with guidance for the opening of schools in September.  Absent any changes or new guidance, below is how we are planning to proceed in the Fall. 

    • All students, faculty and staff will be required to wear a mask at all times, with the exception of short mask breaks and outdoor activities where proper distancing can be maintained, regardless of vaccination status.
    • We will, to the best of our ability, be maintaining 3 feet of social distance between students and 6 feet between students and staff.
    • We will continue to ask students, faculty, and staff to complete our health screening survey daily.
    • We will pivot to remote instruction whenever necessary because of a positive case that may impact others in proximity (6 feet). This could be several students, a full class, or a building in some cases.  We may modify this if all individuals involved were properly masked at the time of contact. 
    • Students, faculty, and staff who are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms should not come to school or work. If symptoms develop during the school day, the individual will be sent home and encouraged to be tested. 
    • We will continue to employ multiple layers of protection including, proper hand washing, use of sanitizer and regular cleaning and disinfection of our buildings.

    We will be returning to our pre-State of Emergency arrival and dismissal schedule in all buildings. https://www.kingstoncityschools.org/domain/1006

    Data from Ulster County indicates that almost 70% of students in the County who are eligible have been vaccinated.  We strongly encourage anyone who can to get vaccinated.  The following link will take you to the Ulster County Vaccination Resource Center.  The latest information on vaccine availability can be found on this site. 

    https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/vaccine-resource-center/ 

    The Kingston City School District is committed to keeping our students, faculty, staff and community safe.  Working together, we can open school in September and enjoy a full, in-person school year!

     

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino

    Superintendent of Schools

Mask Update 6/8/21

  • KCSD has received the new and updated guidance from the NYSDOH that no longer requires masks be worn outdoors on school grounds, including during outdoor activities and interscholastic sports.  However, there is no change to the requirement of mask use indoors and on our school buses. 

    Effective immediately, mask use is no longer required outdoors on KCSD school grounds. 

    All other health and safety efforts will remain in place in our school buildings and on school grounds, including proper social distancing, daily health screenings and temperature checks.

    Kingston City School District encourages our faculty and staff to continue the practice of frequent “mask breaks” for our students with an increase in these breaks during warmer weather. 

    KCSD would like to thank our community for your support as we continue to follow the safety guidelines set forth by the state and county departments of health.

  • Dear KCSD Families and Community,

    I hope you are all doing well and adapting to distance learning.  There are two announcements from the state that I wanted to share with you at this time.

    In his press conference today, Governor Cuomo made the announcement that all New York State schools will remain closed until at least Wednesday, April 29, 2020.  This comes as an extension of his “New York on Pause” order. 

    At a teleconference meeting of the Regents Board, Chancellor Betty Rosa stated that Regents Exams will be canceled for this year.  The official announcement will be made tomorrow, April 7. More details will be communicated as we receive guidance from the NYS Education Department.

    Students should continue to use the Distance Learning Plan with instruction from their teachers.  Students need to sign in and check their KCSD Email and Microsoft Teams daily.  Teachers and staff are communicating and giving assignments through at least one of these two sources every day.  If you have any questions on work given, reach out to the teacher through email or Teams chat. 

    KCSD will provide updates as they happen.  Until then, stay safe and healthy, practice social distancing and remember to wash your hands.

    Thank you,

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino

    Superintendent of Schools

  • KCSD Food Distribution Sites have expanded. To better serve our extended community, we will be offering the breakfast & lunch Go-Bags at the following locations and times.

    Starting Monday, April 6:

    JWB Middle School - 11am-12pm
    JFK Elementary School - 11am-12pm
    GW Elementary School - 11am-12pm
    Sawkill Manufactured Home Park (Sawkill Rd.) 12:30pm-1:30pm
    Stuyvesant Charter Apts. 12:30pm-1:30pm
    Corner of Downs St. & Bruyn Ave. 12:30pm-1:30pm

  • Dear KCSD Families,

    I hope you are all doing well and adjusting to instruction at home.  As you know, on Thursday, April 2, 2020 we will enter Phase 2 of our Continuity of Instruction Distance Learning Plan.  You will see some changes to the schoolwork your students are being given.  Students will begin to receive communications and new instruction from their teacher(s) through Microsoft TEAMS and utilizing the technology we have in place even more in the coming days.  Teachers will communicate, instruct and give assignments through the website, Microsoft TEAMS and their KCSD email and possibly telephone/cell phone.

    Due to the change to our master school calendar and our shift to online learning, changes have been made to the 3rd Quarter reporting dates.  Quarter 3 will now be extended and end on Monday, April 13, 2020.  Report cards will be mailed home and available on Parent Portal on Friday, April 24.  If you have not yet signed up for Parent Portal, I encourage you to do so now as it will give you access to your student’s grades and report card information.  Parent Portal can be accessed through our website under the “For Parents” menu and on the KCSD App.

    The KCSD Website (www.kingstoncityschools.org) contains a great deal of information that will be helpful to students and family members as you continue home education. 

    Under the “Students” tab you will find Instructional information broken down by grade levels and courses.  Each grade level has suggested time frames and activities that are age appropriate as well as links and resources that can help guide you.  Under this tab you will also see a “Clever” link that students have used in school.  The Clever Homepage gives access to Microsoft TEAMs, Office 365 (including email), Newsela, IXL, Castle Learning and more.  Please take a moment to make sure your student knows how to access Clever and how to log in.  If you are in need of technical support at any time, please call 845-943-3020 and choose Option 1. 

    Under the “For Parents” tab we have added helpful resources and links for Social and Emotional Wellness.  We all need to remember to take care of ourselves in this uncertain time.  Please take a moment to look through our Social & Emotional (SEL) page and take time to take care of yourself.  Additionally, starting on April 1, we will be adding a post to our website that includes a daily quote of wellness and will be linked to the website of our district partner, Teaching Empathy Institute, which is putting together accessible web-based SEL materials to use as a family at home.  Please visit and use these resources.  KCSD misses having all of our students and staff in our buildings, but it is important that we all do our part and remain “physically distant, but socially connected” during this time away from school.

    Teachers, staff and administration remain ready and willing to answer any questions you may have.  They have all been working hard to make this as smooth of a transition as it can be.  This is still new to everyone and we are all learning as we go.  You are encouraged to reach out for any help it takes to support your student’s success. 

    Stay safe and stay healthy,

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino

    Superintendent of Schools

  • Dear KCSD Families and Community,

    I hope you are all doing well and adjusting to at-home learning.  I would like to stress how hard our teachers and staff are working to make this transition as easy as possible, and I thank you all for cooperating with us through this trying time.

    Governor Cuomo announced today in his press conference that all schools in New York State will remain closed until Wednesday, April 15, 2020.  During this time of extended closure, he will reassess the data and make another announcement if the best course of action is for schools to remain closed beyond that date.

    This will bring us to the “Continuity of Instruction or Distance Learning Plan” or Phase 2 of home education starting on Wednesday, April 2nd.  Our teachers are currently participating in group trainings to learn more about TEAMS and how it can help them give students the instruction they need to succeed. For now, continue to get to know all of the resources available to you: TEAMS, Clever, Student Email (Outlook), and the KCSD Website.  If you haven’t yet done so, please make sure you see the “Students” tab on the website which has helpful resources and assignments that will set you and your student on the right path.

    On Monday, March 30th, Elementary Schools will be handing out paper packets for students to work on at home.  Please stay tuned for a message from your child’s principal as to the exact times for pick-up, if you have not received one already.  These packets are also available on our website.

    Training for students to effectively use TEAMS and other online resources will be coming soon.  Training videos and other instructions will be on the KCSD website and used to help students and their parents navigate online instruction.

    As much as we would all like to get back to school and have a sense of normalcy, we need to remember that staying home is best for everyone right now.  We will do the best we can with the resources we have available to us.  We remain committed to our students’ education through this difficult time.  Please do not hesitate to reach out by email to a teacher or staff member if you need any kind of assistance.  We are all in this together and our students are our number one priority.

    Stay safe and be well.

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino

    Superintendent of Schools

  • Dear KCSD Families,

    On Wednesday, March 25, 2020 we will start our first phase of online instruction and learning.  For this beginning phase, our goal is to familiarize your student with the sites, resources and instructional materials that will be available to them, as well as review some of the material that has already been taught and learned.  This first phase will be mainly an independent and self-directed phase.

    Most students have already used sources such as Clever and Microsoft TEAMS in school and using them at home will be similar.  On the district website, you will find many helpful resources that will guide you and your student on the journey of online learning.  On the District Homepage find the “Students” tab and then select the appropriate grade level or subject areas.  Here we have placed links to resources, at-home worksheets and, in some cases, class specific work, all of which can be done from home.

    This phase of learning will be in place through April 1st.  By that date, we will know if we will be returning to school or beginning Phase 2 of home education which will utilize the technology we have in place even more and students will be taught and given assignments through the website, Microsoft TEAMS and their KCSD email.

    Some of your students’ teachers have already given out assignments that could be due in the next few days, so please make sure your students sign into their email, Clever and/or TEAMS to ensure they are receiving all of their assignments to date.

    Making sure learning can continue through this unprecedented closure is very important to us and as a district we will do everything we can to ensure our students get the education they need and deserve.  Our teachers, principals and staff are ready to do whatever it takes to help students succeed.

    Remember, this is new to all of us and everything may not fall into place right away.  If you need help, teachers are available by email and can assist you.  We are all in this together and will get through it as a community.

    Stay safe and stay healthy.

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino

    Superintendent of Schools

  • Dear KCSD Families,
    The Kingston City School District has been working on developing an education plan for student home instruction that will be implemented in two phases during this mandatory school closure.

    Phase 1 – beginning on March 25th.

    Students will focus on practicing skills they have already learned by accessing district approved software, such as Microsoft TEAMS and Clever, and/or practice packets that will be distributed at a designated time and place. This detailed information is being finalized and will be shared in the next few days. Students taking a Regents exam in June, will be using a software program called Castle Learning and other identified Regents review sites.

    Phase 2 –

    This phase will be introduced and implemented if school closures go beyond the current reopen date of April 2nd. This phase will entail students receiving new instruction from their teacher(s) through Microsoft TEAMS and in pencil and paper packets. The district is currently preparing for this phase in the event we are closed for an extended period. More information will be released on this plan as we receive more details.

    Our students’ safety and education is most important to us through this time of uncertainty.  We hope to have all of your questions answered as these plans continue to develop.

    Thank you for continuing to be patient and adaptable through this challenging time.

    Stay strong and stay healthy,
    Dr. Paul J. Padalino
    Superintendent of Schools

  • 3/15/20 Afternoon Update:

    This afternoon the Kingston City School District received word from the Ulster County Department of Health that the students at Robert Graves Elementary and J.W Bailey Middle Schools related to the positive COVID-19 patient have tested negative for the virus.

    While this news is relieving, all precautions should continue as we are still learning about this novel virus and its spread. 

    We will continue to keep you informed as new developments occur.

     

    3/15/20 AM Update:

    Dear KCSD Families and Community,

    We are continuing to wade through the constantly evolving situation of COVID-19.  On Friday, County Executive Ryan closed all schools for a period of two weeks.  We would like to reiterate that all KCSD buildings will be closed tomorrow, March 16, 2020.  No faculty, staff or administration should report to any school buildings as we need to use this time to further clean and disinfect all areas of the school without disruption.  

    As a reminder, paychecks will be distributed at the Meagher Administration Building on Monday from 10am-12pm.  

    District Administrators are currently working on plans to aid in student instruction and nutrition.  We understand the impact of this closure and will share all plans once they are finalized.  We will continue to update you through our text & email system as well as post all communications to our website.

    I would like to thank our entire community for your adaptability through this challenging time. 

    Stay safe and healthy.

    Thank you,

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino

    Superintendent of Schools

  • Afternoon update on March 13, 2020:

    Dear KCSD Families and Community,

    We are currently facing an unprecedented health crisis in our community. The Ulster County Department of Health has been in regular contact with us providing important guidance on decisions to help ensure the health and well-being of our students, staff, and community. 

    As per the Ulster County Executive’s address this afternoon, the Kingston City School District will be closed for 14 days beginning on Monday, March 16, 2020, as a precautionary measure to slow the spread of COVID-19. All school activities and community use of buildings and grounds are canceled and will resume on Monday, March 30, 2020. 

    We know that closing our schools will impact families and we recognize that working families depend on the consistency and predictability of the supports and services our schools offer including special education services, food and nutrition, English Language Learner services, childcare, and access to technology and the internet. We have been working on plans to address these concerns to the best of our abilities and will share further details once they are finalized. 

    During the district closure, the UCDOH and CDC are urging parents to discourage their children from gathering socially at friends’ houses, the mall, or restaurants. In addition to using this time to intensely disinfect the premises, the closure also provides an opportunity to slow down any possible spread by limiting contact with others.

    This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we will continue to provide our families with updates as information becomes available. We are in regular communication with health officials at UCDOH and are following their directions carefully. Should they issue further guidance on extending the duration of the closure, parents will be notified as soon as possible. 

    I can appreciate the concerns and countless emotions that surround the current COVID-19 outbreak. I would like to thank our families for their patience and adaptability during this challenging time. 

    Thank you,

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino

    Superintendent of Schools

    Morning update on March 13, 2020:

    Dear KCSD Families and Community, 

    On Thursday evening, March 12, 2020 I was informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 with a connection to the Kingston City School District community with recommendations from the Health Department to close the district for 24 hours and allow public health officials to investigate and trace potential exposure.  This morning I was notified that this individual is a family member of students who attend Robert Graves Elementary and J. Watson Bailey Middle Schools. 

    As schools are closed today, our maintenance and cleaning teams are in every district building to disinfect and sanitize.   

    We will continue to take our guidance from the experts at the Ulster County Department of Health and urge you to follow their lead by practicing good health behaviors and limiting social gatherings.  

    When information comes in from county officials, we will send updates through our email and text alert system and post the information on our website.  

    We understand the anxiety that the people of our community may be experiencing as we work through this evolving situation.  This is an ever-changing event that is new to all of us and we appreciate your patience and understanding. 

    Thank you, 

    Dr. Paul J. Padalino 

    Superintendent of Schools