The following message was sent to families in our Rensselaer Educational Center and Academy at Rensselaer Educational Center programs.
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Questar III was informed today that a career and technical education (CTE) student attending the afternoon session at Rensselaer Educational Center has tested positive for COVID-19. However, this individual has not been physically present in school since October 15, 2020.
Per our health and safety protocols, Questar III BOCES has been in communication with the Rensselaer County Department of Health to determine any necessary follow-up. The county is continuing to investigate at this time. We have also been in close contact with the student’s home district. The county has advised that due to the timeframe of the positive case notification we are to continue with our regular cleaning protocols. The building will be open as normal on Monday, October 26.
Due to privacy requirements, we cannot divulge any further information about any individual who has a confirmed case of COVID-19.
We encourage you to offer your full cooperation if you are contacted by a representative of the local health department. If you are not contacted by a representative from your local health department there is no further action needed. Questar III will assist the county with contact tracing efforts using attendance records as well as other information. While I understand that you may want additional details, privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personally identifiable information.
We ask that all families continue to follow all safety guidelines outside of school hours including proper use of face coverings, social distancing, proper hand hygiene and avoiding gatherings and travel to states with high positivity rates. We also remind you to please complete the daily health screening form for your child prior to sending them to school.
Please monitor your child(ren) for any symptoms of COVID and report any absences and positive COVID-19 test results to your child’s school. Symptoms vary, and some people may not experience any symptoms. Please contact your healthcare provider (or the county health department if you do not have one) to be assessed if you or your child have one or more of these new or worsening symptoms:
- a temperature greater or equal to 100.0° F
- feel feverish or have chills
- cough
- loss of taste or smell
- fatigue
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- muscle pain or body aches
- headaches or nasal congestion/running nose
Thank you all for your ongoing efforts to keep Rensselaer Educational Center safe and healthy. Please contact principals directly with any questions or concerns.
Anthony DeFazio, Principal
Rensselaer Educational Center
adefazio@questar.org
(518) 273-2264
Chris Martel, Principal
Academy at Rensselaer Educational Center
chris.martel@questar.org
(518) 273-4264
