Oneida City School District

Greetings Oneida City School District Community. This week’s Superintendent’s Video Blast is all about Allied Health and the partnership with Oneida Hospital through BOCES New Visions. Enjoy!

Our 2022-2023 budget vote and Board of Education election results are in! We would like to thank the Oneida City School District community for its support.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the May 2022 Budget edition of our district newsletter.

As you are aware, the statewide universal mask mandate for schools was lifted as of March 2, 2022. This means that most students, staff, and school visitors are no longer required to wear a mask in our school buildings or school buses. Of course, mask wearing continues to be optional for everyone. As you also know, health and safety guidance from the state and local health departments related to COVID-19 continues to evolve. While the latest state guidance removes the mask requirement, the following health and safety protocols remain in place:

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Hochul announced that the state-wide mandate for wearing masks in school will be lifted beginning Wednesday, March 2. The Governor’s announcement is based on data regarding declining positivity and hospitalization rates. However, while the school mask mandate will be lifted, counties and cities with high rates of transmission may still require masks in schools depending on local conditions. We understand that the New York State Department of Health and the State Education Department are preparing a final guidance document for schools. Pending the release of new guidance, OCSD will maintain our other Covid-19 protocols including social distancing, hand washing and sanitization.

Greetings Oneida City School Community, I joined several local Superintendents to express our interest in getting clear communication and guidance for safely lifting Covid-19 mandates in schools. Attached is a copy of a letter that was sent to the Governor’s Office, State Health Department, and the State Education Department. I will keep you updated as we receive any information from the Governor’s Office, NYS Health Department, and NYS Education Department.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our newsletter. We hope you enjoy the February 2022 district newsletter!

Online Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration for Fall 22-23 NOW OPEN! For children residing in the Oneida City School District who have turned 4-years old on or before December 1, 2022 for Pre-K or 5-years-old on or before December 1, 2022 for Kindergarten. *Students previously enrolled in the OCSD Pre-K program in the 2021-2022 school year will not need to re-register for Kindergarten, but will need to submit updated health information.

Tickets for the Spring Musical “Crazy for You” are now available for purchase! This year’s ticket sales will be completely on-line. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 on March 11 and March 12. To place your order go to http://www.bit.ly/oneida-events, visit the Oneida District Homepage or scan the QR Code. You can print out your tickets to be scanned by the ushers the night of the performance or you can have an “E Ticket” delivered to your email. Tickets are reserved seats and can be purchased for $10 plus fees. There will be an open dress rehearsal on March 10 at 7:00. All seats are general admission and can be obtained at the door the night of the dress rehearsal for a suggested donation of $10 each.

New York State requires schools to track each student’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight status category, as reported on the physical examination form. Every year, the NYS Department of Health will survey 50% of schools for the number of pupils in each of six possible weight status categories. This year, Oneida City School District has been selected to participate in this survey. The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier. If Oneida is surveyed by the state, the district will share summary group data only, not individual names or information. Parents who wish to exclude their child’s data from such group calculations may contact the nurse in their child’s school by January 12th. The information sent to the Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier.

On behalf of the Oneida City School District, we hope you and your families are remaining safe and doing your best to follow guidance regarding measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 within our community. Events have continued to unfold, and we recognize that this raises questions about potential impacts on students, families and our full community.

Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a statewide goal of providing students the opportunity to be tested for COVID-19 as school resumes after holiday break. There is no requirement that families test their children, but the Governor is encouraging the testing of students in order to keep students and school communities as safe as possible. The Governor stated that they will be sending test kits for distribution to our schools and local BOCES.

Notice is hereby given that the Oneida City School District Board of Education will hold a public hearing at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the Costello Transportation Center, 1136 Freedom Drive, Oneida, NY concerning the proposed contract to provide Special Patrol Officer services between the School District and the Oneida County with a cross contract with Madison County. The public is invited to provide input regarding the development of this contract at the public hearing.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our newsletter. We hope you enjoy the November 2021 district newsletter!

The New York State Education Department is asking parents/ guardians to complete a Digital Equity survey (for each student in the family) in grades Pre-Kindergarten – Grade12. This survey will provide information on student access to devices and internet access in their places of residence. Collecting accurate data regarding digital resource access for our students will greatly help educators to better serve their students and families. In order to accomplish this, the district will be sending out a nine-question survey created by NYSED.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our newsletter. We hope you enjoy the September 2021 district newsletter! Welcome back to school!

I hope that you are all having a wonderful summer! I am writing to share updated information on our plans for returning to school in September. I would also like to take a moment to thank the parents and community members who attended (both in person and virtually) the Community Forum on Monday evening. I appreciate your viewpoint as we make these difficult decisions.

The School District is evaluating a Special Patrol Officer agreement between the School District and Madison County. You are hereby invited to provide input regarding the development of the proposed security services agreement between the School District and the Madison County at the Board of Education meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be held at Costello Transportation Center, 1136 Freedom Drive, Oneida, NY.

Fall varsity and junior varsity sports registration has opened Friday, July 23. Students interested in playing a varsity or junior varsity sport need to register and be medically cleared before Monday, August 23, 2021. ​Fall sports: Football, boys soccer, girls soccer, boys & girls cross country, girls tennis, cheerleading and girls field hockey. Modified Sports registration opens August 30, 2021

Oneida City Schools will be offering a free summer feeding program July 6- August 12, Monday - Thursday each week at Durhamville Elementary, Willard Prior Elementary, North Broad Elementary and Otto Shortell Middle School from 12pm - 12:45pm. The meals are available free of charge to everyone under the age of 18. Meal Packs will be Breakfast and Lunch Grab and Go and will be available at the lobby entrance of the building for pick up.

The Federal Government has put aside American Rescue Plan Act Funds for school districts to provide support for students by addressing the risk of learning loss due to COVID -19. Funds may be used to for the following : Summer programming Supplemental after school programming Technology purchases Discretionary funding to address individual needs of each building

The Oneida City School District is moving to ParentSquare! We are excited to let you know that starting July 1st, ParentSquare will be replacing SchoolMessenger as the new district-wide communication/robo platform. ParentSquare, will allow Oneida to unify all parent communication from the district, schools, classrooms and school activity groups under one umbrella.

Please see the Updated Interim Guidance for Pre-K to Grade 12 End of Academic Year Celebration Events, including Graduations. The June 7, 2021 update to the Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency does not apply to end of academic year celebration events, such as graduations and moving-up ceremonies, which are large, public events that occur outside the scope of in-person instruction, scholastic, and extracurricular activities.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the June 2021 district newsletter.

The Oneida City School District Board of Education appointed Matthew Carpenter as its new Superintendent of Schools at its May 25 meeting. The Board selected Mr. Carpenter after a multi-step process and careful deliberation that included feedback from many stakeholder groups. He will join the district on July 19. Mr. Carpenter has served as the Director of Early Childhood Education for the Syracuse City School District since 2018, overseeing approximately 2,000 students in 19 school-based pre-k programs in Syracuse as well as 25 pre-k programs at community agency sites.

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act or CRRSA provided a little over 2.5 million dollars in funding to the district to offset costs caused by the pandemic and support the academic and social emotional needs of students. The American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA provided a little over 5.6 million dollars in funding to the district to provide financial relief and respond to the learning loss resulting from the pandemic.

The Oneida City School District voters approved the 2021-2022 school budget with 282 in favor and 92 opposed. Voters also approved the bus lease proposition by a vote of 295 to 92 and the capital reserve proposition by a vote of 292 to 93. Congratulations to Dr. Gormely on his 5 year term seat with the BoE and Mr. Coakley on his 1 year term seat with the BoE. Thank you to all of the community members who took the time to vote on 5/18. We are grateful for the continued show of support!

The Oneida City School District Board of Education has two seat openings. One seat has a 1-year term and begins May 19, 2021, and one seat has a 5-year term that begins July 1, 2021. Each candidate has the opportunity to introduce themselves and discuss some of the important issues facing the school district. ​On May 18th, district voters will elect two members to the Board of Education and vote on a school budget. Voting will take play at Oneida High School and Durhamville Elementary School. Everyone must wear a mast at polling locations and in school buildings.

There was a Public Hearing on the Proposed 2021-22 Oneida City School District Budget on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 6:00PM in the Oneida High School Auditorium. Click HERE to watch recording of Public Hearing.

As part of our improvement planning process we will be surveying our parents, students and staff to obtain feedback to assist us with planning forward. The following survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will help identify whether our improvement efforts have made an impact over the last year, and bring attention to additional strengths and opportunities. The results of this survey will continue to guide the future direction of the district.

The Oneida City School District Board of Education will take the next steps in its search for a new Superintendent of Schools when its three finalists visit the district on May 3-5, 2021. During the course of the visits, the candidates will meet with representatives of various stakeholder groups, including administrative leaders, instructional and non-instructional staff, students, parents and community representatives. They will also tour some of the district’s facilities and learn more about the culture of the community. Following the visits, the Board of Education will select a final candidate for further consideration. The Board anticipates appointing a new Superintendent around June 1. The Board has been working with Madison-Oneida BOCES District Superintendent Scott Budelmann as its search consultant since January and remains committed to a thorough, transparent and timely process to appoint a new district leader.

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the May 2021 Budget edition of our district newsletter.

Please see the Updated Interim Guidance for End of Academic Year Celebrations During the COVID-19 State of Emergency. This updated guidance from the New York State Department of Health (DOH) supersedes the June 14, 2020 guidance for “Graduation Celebrations during the COVID-19 State of Emergency” and is informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “Guidance for Organizing Large Events and Gatherings,” updated March 8, 2021.

As we prepare for your child’s return on Monday, April 19th to in-person learning four days week, we are providing you with a video to share with your child to ease their transition. The Amended Reopening plan will be posted on the website Friday, April 16th for your review.

The NAMM Foundation recognized Oneida City School District for its commitment to music education with the Best Communities for Music Education Award again this year!! Congratulations to all of our students and teachers on this honor and thank you to the community for your support!!

OCSD K-12 will be changing to “four” days a week in-person learning. Wednesday will remain as a virtual learning day for all students to provide time for teachers to meet virtually with learners, have office hours, and allow us to deep clean classrooms. Students that are currently virtual and have confirmed they are staying virtual for the remainder of the school year, will continue to receive instruction.

I’d like to give you an update on the status of the Superintendent search. As many of you know we conducted a survey on the Thought Exchange which resulted in numerous responses. In addition to that Mr. Scott Budelmann, our search consultant, met with Five focus groups - Leadership, Instructional, Non-instructional, Parents, and Students. With both the Thought Exchange and focus groups we asked for and received information on the strengths of the District, opportunities for growth, and qualities and characteristics desired in a Superintendent. Many thoughtful responses were offered and we are using these responses to craft our questions for the interviews. You are part of the process. Many thanks to all who participated in any fashion. Please know the Board is taking your thoughts and beliefs to heart.

2021-2022 Registration for Pre-K and Kindergarten is now OPEN! For children residing in the Oneida City School District who have turned 4-years old on or before December 1, 2021 for Pre-K or 5-years-old on or before December 1, 2021 for Kindergarten.

Every year Madison-Oneida BOCES art teachers have an art show showcasing their work alongside one of their student's work that has a common theme/tie. This year, Oneida has 5 art teachers and their students that are participating! Check out the virtual gallery!

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the March 2021 edition of our district newsletter.

Linked below you will find two documents from NYS with updated information on travel and quarantine guidelines. For more information about COVID19 or travel guidelines please visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

The Board of Education of the Oneida City School District is seeking a new Superintendent of Schools and we need your input! We greatly appreciate your participation with the first ThoughtExchange question. All of our voices matter and your continued participation in this process is crucial and valued. Click here to participate in the second and final question ​ https://my.thoughtexchange.com/177834104 . You'll be asked to respond to one open-ended question, consider and assign stars to some of the ideas shared by others (20 to 30 is ideal), and learn what's important to the group. You can rate as many thoughts as you’d like before moving on to Discover where you can see all the thoughts sorted by the average star rating

We are pleased to announce that Kindergarten will be full day, four days a week, effective March 8, 2021. The schedule will run as follows:

The Oneida City School District is proud to celebrate and share the news of student achievement, innovative programs, and unique enrichment opportunities in our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy the February 2021 edition of our district newsletter.

The Board of Education of the Oneida City School District is accepting applications for the position of Superintendent of Schools. The search process will be conducted over the next several months. The Board will be assisted in the selection process by Mr. Scott A. Budelmann, District Superintendent of the Madison-Oneida BOCES. All application materials should be sent to Mr. Budelmann for initial review. Candidates are prohibited from contacting the Board and individual Board members. The Board will make all decisions concerning the selection process, the evaluation of candidates and the initial appointment.

This is a friendly reminder that the Oneida City School District is operating under the national summer food service waiver program until June 30, 2021. Any resident of the district 18 years old or younger is eligible for free breakfast and lunch. Please contact your child’s building principal for more information!

On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, students will resume their typical learning schedule. The building principals will communicate specific information regarding the hybrid schedule. We ask that our community members, students and staff remain vigilant with CDC recommendations of masking, socially distancing and washing hands frequently. We also want to urge all families to keep your children home from school if they are ill or answer yes to any question on the health screener.

As the Oneida Reopening Advisory Committee considers options for reopening our buildings in the future, one model the committee is collecting data on is synchronous instruction. The Committee is asking that you take a few minutes to consider and record your thoughts on this model of instruction and complete the following ThoughtExchange.

The Oneida Board of Education has appointed Dr. Kathy Davis as Interim Superintendent to lead the district while it searches for a permanent successor to Mary-Margaret Zehr. Davis will join the district in February. ​Board President Robert Group said Davis is already familiar with the district, having served as Interim K-12 Executive Principal last year, which will allow for a smoother transition period.

A BIG Oneida Thank You to the members of the community who came out and voted for the facilities improvement project! In Favor- 221 Against-64 The $21.6 million facilities improvement project that was passed (with no additional tax impact) will: Replace outdated syste

District staff spent Monday deep cleaning Otto Shortell Middle School and Oneida High School and prepared documentation for the Department of Health to begin contact tracing. Custodial/ maintenance staff and administrative/office staff went above and beyond for the district.

Today, the District was notified that a student at Oneida High School has tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, the student who tested positive has a sibling in the home who attends Otto Shortell Middle School. District officials in conjunction with the County Health Departments immediately began their investigation, which is ongoing. The District is not permitted due to privacy laws to identify the student involved and we have provided as much information as possible.

This week, Superintendent Mary-Margaret Zehr accepted a position in another school district and will be leaving Oneida in a few months. In the four years she has led this district, Mrs. Zehr has made a tremendous impact on students, staff and our educational programs. We would like to thank her for all of her hard work, dedication and expertise during her time here. We wish her well in her future endeavors.

Please click on the link below to view the results of the ThoughtExchange " What is working well will remote learning and hybrid learning and what are the biggest challenges you are seeing or experiencing with remote and hybrid learning?"

Updates on elementary report cards for the 2020-2021 school year.

The attached document from Superintendent Zehr provides additional guidance about COVID protocols, ThoughtExchange, and staying home when sick.

The attached document from Superintendent Zehr provides additional guidance about COVID protocols, next steps, and staying home when sick.

In the past six months, we have worked tirelessly to follow the NYSDOH and NYSED guidelines to open our buildings to staff and students. We are thrilled to have students return to our schools. School districts are now being asked to make a local decision of determining if and how to begin athletics given the current guidelines and requirements. ​ The District has over 20% of our students learning virtually due to concerns with health, safety, and COVID-19. Additionally, we are still unable to have 100% of our high school students in attendance each day, and it is considered unsafe to have a bus operate at full capacity. The District is approaching the decision regarding the start of athletics with the same health and safety concerns we applied in determining our modes of instruction.

The attached document from the Superintendent provides additional guidance about the first day of school, athletics, staying home when sick and communication.

Please fill out the School Meal Google Survey linked HERE. IMPORTANT: All deliveries will take place between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. One breakfast meal and one lunch meal will be delivered per day if requested. Due to limited resources, the District can only provide a “drop-off” service. Per NYS regulations, meals can only be delivered to a parent, guardian or the student. We cannot deliver to day care providers. If you are requesting meal(s) to be delivered, you must have a cooler or other container that can be placed either at the end of the drive or near the front entrance as all meals contain milk and may contain other perishable items such as yogurt. Meals requiring payment must be prepaid on MySchoolBucks. To set up an account please contact Hollie Ackerman, Food Service Director, 315-363-6901 x-2581.

There will be three virtual events for parents and staff to get additional information and ask questions about the start of school. Wednesday, August 19 at 10:00 AM Join Zoom Meeting https://moric-org.zoom.us/j/92440094066 Meeting ID: 924 4009 4066 One tap mobile +19292056099,,92440094066# US (New York)

We launched an exchange to discover different perspectives to help inform our decisions on the reopening plan. The specific question posted was "What are your thoughts and questions regarding our reopening plan?" You can explore the results of this exchange with the interactive tools in the link below.

Today, Governor Cuomo provided school districts with approval to open school buildings this fall. Oneida City School District will start the 2020-2021school year with a hybrid model. The attached document from the Superintendent provides additional guidance about informational meetings, instructional schedules parent requests for remote instruction, and parent requests for changes to group assignments.

Oneida City School District has received several guidance documents from the NYS Department of Education, NYS Department of Health and the NYS Governor's office. All of the documents can be found here.

As we plan for instruction in the fall, we do so with parents as partners in mind. Through the recent Thoughtexchange survey parents requested for more ways to help their child. That’s why, for the first time, we are inviting parents to participate in our online Google trainings! You can learn how to better help your child work in Google Classroom, how to create slides, docs, or access their school email. Materials can be found on the district website under Parent Resources > iLearning Parent Resources > Google Support. ​https://sites.google.com/ocsdny.org/ocsdilearning/home . A list of the Google 101 training sessions can also be found in the PDF below.

Thank you to NBT Bank for the school supplies and $75 donation for additional supplies! Every bit helps and we are so grateful!

We have just completed over two weeks of instruction and we are looking for feedback about what we are doing well and what we need to adjust with our remote learning. Your input is valued and appreciated.