Fall 2020 Athletics
Posted on 09/16/2020

September 16, 2020

 Dear families and students,

 

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. 

 

We have made the difficult decision to delay the Fall 2020 athletic season with the hopes that we can implement a season later in the school year. We strongly believe that our decision will keep our students, staff, families, coaches, officials, and surrounding school districts safer.

 

The district recognizes the tremendous disappointment this decision will cause our students, families and community. We know that athletics are a very important part of our student’s school experience and they serve as an avenue for our students to build character, integrity, teamwork, and leadership. We ask for patience and understanding as we look forward to the time when our school can welcome back our athletic programs in the tradition of success that we have come to celebrate.

 

Sincerely,

Mary-Margaret Zehr                                                     

Superintendent of Schools                                         

Oneida City School District


Oneida Athletics Letter 9162020.pdf