GASD parents, guardians and caregivers,

New York State has provided at-home COVID-19 rapid test kits as a resource to schools statewide. The Greater Amsterdam School District has a limited number of kits and is distributing them free to any GASD family requesting one for their student. Please contact your school if you would like to acquire a kit for at home testing. The test kits are for students only, not for other family members. Test kits must be picked-up and signed out by an adult. Test kits will NOT be sent home with students.

Once you acquire the test kit, it is important to follow all directions on the package insert, as provided by the manufacturer, for performing the test. Should a positive result from an at-home COVID-19 test occur, the person must:

• Immediately self-isolate, even if they are vaccinated;
• Inform their primary healthcare provider;
• Report positive self-test results on the Montgomery County Department of
• Public Health webpage at: https://www.co.montgomery.ny.us/systems/publicwebforms/covid-report.asp

Notify any close contacts. This helps limit the spread of disease; and
Take a picture of the positive at-home test result and report the positive case to the Montgomery County Department of Public Health at (518) 853-3531. The county may provide additional directions.

You should also know that the county health department has adopted the new CDC isolation and quarantine guidelines. These guidelines have shortened timelines and criteria for those in quarantine or in isolation. You can review the up-to-date guidelines on the Montgomery County Public Health Department website at: https://www.co.montgomery.ny.us/web/sites/departments/publichealth/covid-isoquar.asp

As new COVID-19 variants such as Delta and Omicron evolve, we must all be extra vigilant in doing our part to help keep ourselves and those around us safe.

In 2022, we will undoubtedly face new challenges and uncertainties that will require us to remain flexible. At this time, we will continue full in-person learning wherever possible and continue to follow our local health department’s guidance on school operations and keep you informed of any changes.  

Our top priority remains keeping our schools open for in-person instruction while ensuring the health and safety of all of our students and staff. Thank you for continuing to help us protect all members of our school community.  

Sincerely,

Richard Ruberti
GASD Superintendent