Dear Beacon Community:

I wanted to update you on a couple of items, namely on our Voluntary Surveillance Testing Program and an opportunity to give the state input on high stakes testing this year.

Voluntary COVID-19 Surveillance Testing

First, if you want to volunteer for testing, please fill out the form.  If you have already filled it out, thanks and we will be in touch.

In Spanish: https://forms.gle/kcN97V6WfH5zEuFEA

In English: https://forms.gle/8c2ce6J6vypovVZT6

Our first day of testing will be Wednesday, February 10 for Gold students.  We pushed back testing a little bit due to some projected winter weather on testing dates this upcoming week.  We will also test on Sunday, February 14 for Blue students.  We will start calling next week to set up appointments.  Testing will be at the Beacon High School parking lot and people will be able to stay in their cars the entire time.  Thanks for your patience as we set up this program.

Highlands Current Conversation about Beacon Schools During COVID-19 February 3, 7:00

If you have not had enough of me on Zoom this year, here is another chance.  The link to register is here: http://ow.ly/FyZM50Dk6Jq  and they allow questions.  We will do our own Reopening BCSD Zoom Town Hall later in February where I can probably be more specific about potential next steps for the district.

New York State Seeking Input on High-Stakes Testing

New York State is seeking input on high stakes testing and their letter and information is below.  I believe that the high stakes testing program should not take place this year for logistical, health, and educational reasons.  Below is your chance to share your opinion, I shared mine!

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is seeking input from stakeholders about the need for additional flexibility related to certain provisions of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) pertaining to administration of State assessments in spring 2021 and identification of schools and districts for improvement.

Comments on the draft waivers may be emailed to  ESSAComments@nysed.gov with “ESSA Comments from (sender/organization name)” in the subject line. Comments will be accepted through February 5, 2021. In addition, stakeholders are encouraged to fill out a brief survey regarding the 2020-21 school year student assessment and school accountability processes.

NYSED Assessment Waiver Request Letter to USDE

NYSED Accountability and School Identification Waiver Request Letter to USDE

Have a good weekend!

Matt