Dear Tecler Students, Families and Staff,

Greater Amsterdam School District administrators were notified that a member of the Tecler Elementary School community was laboratory confirmed positive for COVID-19. The individual’s last day in the building was Nov. 30.

Upon receiving the information, district officials immediately began working with the Montgomery County Department of Health to help officials identify anyone who may have been in close contact with this individual. The local Departments of Health implemented their contact tracing protocols and reached out to individuals and advised them on the need to quarantine, and/or arrange for COVID testing.

This notification is part of our commitment to keep you informed during these uncertain times. However, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other privacy laws restrict district officials from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information. Therefore, we cannot identify by name anyone who has tested positive. The individual who tested positive is in quarantine for the recommended time and will not return to school in person until cleared by their Department of Health. We will continue to work closely with our health officials and we will follow their guidance on how to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.

We cannot emphasize enough that parents, students and staff members need to be just as vigilant following guidelines outside of school. This includes limiting group gatherings, practicing good hygiene, wearing masks and following social distance guidelines. Please continue to conduct at-home screenings and maintain personal awareness of COVID symptoms for your children. As always, the health and safety of the students, staff, and community in the GASD remains our top priority.

Sincerely,

John Miller
Tecler Elementary School Principal