Great Neck Public Schools

SCHOOL REOPENING 2020-2021

NYS Micro-Cluster Strategy

New York State Micro-Cluster Strategy

Q: What is the New York State Micro-Cluster Strategy? 

A: Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) instituted a Micro-Cluster Strategy that uses data and factors to identify areas where clusters of COVID-19 may be occurring, assigning them as Red, Orange or Yellow Cluster Zones, and implementing recommendations and restrictions based on their rating.

For more information, visit https://forward.ny.gov/

Q: What is the District’s current designation?

A: On Nov. 23, Governor Cuomo announced portions of the Great Neck Peninsula as a yellow zone. This designation is determined by the NYSDOH based on a geographic area’s 7-day positivity rate. Great Neck’s yellow zone boundaries, which are established by the State, include schools located north of Northern Boulevard.

Q: Is the entire District located in the yellow zone?

A: The current Great Neck yellow zone does not encompass our entire school district. The yellow zone boundaries set by the State include: E.M. Baker, John F. Kennedy and Saddle Rock elementary schools, North Middle School, North High School, Village School and the SEAL program. The District's other schools -- Parkville, Lakeville, South Middle, and South High -- are located outside the zone boundaries and are therefore exempt from yellow zone requirements. (See the detailed map above.)

Q: What are the testing requirements for our schools identified as being part of a yellow cluster zone? 

A: Schools located in a yellow zone must test 20% of the combined in-person staff and student population over a two-week period immediately following the announcement of a yellow zone designation. If the results of the testing reveal that the positivity rate among those tested is lower than the yellow zone’s current 7-day positivity rate, testing at that school will no longer be required to continue. 

State-Required COVID-19 Testing in Our Schools (Dec. 2020)

Q: Has the District selected a third-party vendor to administer and process COVID-19 tests? 

A: Yes. The tests will be administered by trained professionals from ATC Healthcare Testing and Screening. Samples will be processed at a laboratory.

Q: What type of test will be used?

A: Trained professionals will administer a PCR test, which is considered the “gold standard” in the diagnosis of COVID-19. Also called a molecular test, this COVID-19 test detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A fluid sample is collected by inserting a long nasal swab (nasopharyngeal swab) into the nostril and taking fluid from the back of your nose to get a sample. Results will be available in 2-3 days.

Q: When will testing take place?

A: Testing is scheduled to take place on Monday, Dec. 7 and Tuesday, Dec. 8.  Each school within the yellow zone will be assigned a specific time frame for trained professionals to administer tests for students and staff at that location. 

Q: How will the selection of in-person students and staff to be tested occur? 

A: The District is asking for voluntary participation of students and staff by completing the GNPS COVID-19 Test Consent Form. Students and staff who submit consent forms by Dec. 3 will be included in the testing on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. 

Q: Can parents be present when their child is being tested? 

A: The District has arranged for an after-school window to accommodate parents who wish to be present during their child’s COVID test. These testing periods are scheduled for Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. at North Middle School. In accordance with the District's COVID visitor protocols, parents are not permitted at tests administered during the school day.

Q: Will there be a charge for in-district COVID-19 testing? 

A: There will be no out-of-pocket expenses for these tests. The third-party vendor can charge your health insurance provider for the cost of the exam. If a student is not covered by medical insurance, the parent/guardian may provide a Social Security Number and the cost will be billed to the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act.