Dear School Community Members, 

As we near the mid-point of the 2020-2021 school year, I would like to once again thank all those who have worked tirelessly in maintaining safe learning environments in our schools, those who have transported and fed our students and maintained positive learning experiences for our children.  It has been no small feat!

Over the next few weeks, we will be reviewing assessment data and reports that will help us determine how well our students are performing in regard to expectations.  Based on the data, we will adjust the learning plans for each student to maximize their learning.  In some cases, our students are exceeding expectations and will need additional challenges.  In others, a child may have fallen behind and will need additional support during the winter and spring, perhaps some additional support this summer and, in some cases, a longer term strategy.  Regardless of the plan, I am confident that our school administration and staff will continue to provide those supports needed for student success.

Finally, please continue the use of masks, physical distancing and handwashing as much as possible, and closely monitor your children’s wellness.  When in doubt, please keep your child home and visit your child’s pediatrician.  

Together, we can keep our schools open and continue to provide the instruction and services needed by our children. 

Sincerely,
Dr. Hank Stopinski
Superintendent of Schools

Dear School Community Members, 

During the summer of 2020, the Royalton Hartland CSD Board of Education established a goal of completing a Strategic Plan by the end of the 2020-2021 school year.  The first step in the process was to establish a Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) to assist in guiding the process.   During the November and December meetings of the Board, the following members of the SPC were appointed -- Danielle Alterio, Jamie Capen, Tagen Decker,  Heather Earl, Katie Fisk, John Grzymala, Jessica Heideman, Andy Lang, Keri Pratt,  Cecilia Santos, Wendy Schlosser. Brooke Stevens and Erin Townsend.   

In December, a community survey was conducted and I would like to thank the 225 respondents for sharing their opinions on our current vision, mission and for helping us to identify those values most important to the District.  On Wednesday, the SPC presented a summary of the survey results to the Board of Education.  The SPC is currently hosting a series of focus groups throughout the District and Community to better understand the feedback received and will be preparing to make recommendations to the Board of Education in March.  If you are interested in participating in any of the focus groups, please contact the District Office at (716) 735-2000 ext 2318.

Once the Board of Education has approved the vision, mission and values, work will begin on identifying three to five strategic goals that will help to guide the future of the District.   The SPC will be gathering information and will likely survey the community once again and be presenting recommendations in May or June. 

Finally, please continue the use of masks, physical distancing and handwashing as much as possible, and closely monitor your children’s wellness.  When in doubt, please keep your child home and visit your child’s pediatrician.  

Together, we can keep our schools open and continue to provide the instruction and services needed by our children. 

Sincerely,
Dr. Hank Stopinski

Superintendent of Schools

Royalton-Hartland Parents and Guardians:

In the event that the Royalton-Hartland Central School District (the “District”) is identified as a yellow zone per NYS guidelines for Micro-Clusters, in order to maintain in-person, hybrid instruction we will be required to randomly select and test staff, and students. The District is seeking your consent to test your child(ren) for COVID-19.  If you consent, your child may receive a free diagnostic test for the COVID-19 virus that will be administered by a licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN) or trained staff member.

A rapid COVID-19 test will be used, which will involve inserting a small swab, similar to a Q-Tip, no farther than one inch into the front of both nostrils.  We will notify you if your child tests positive for COVID-19.  Any students who test positive will be sent home and must be kept at home until meeting Niagara County Department of Health criteria to return to school. Please contact your child’s doctor immediately to review the test results should your child test positive for COVID-19.  All negative test results will be mailed home. 

New York State law requires and/or allows some information about your child to be shared with Niagara County and New York State Public Health Agencies.  This includes notifying the Niagara County Department of Health about the COVID-19 results of each student who is tested and may include the student’s name, date of birth, race, ethnicity, gender, address, phone number, and results of the COVID-19 test.  A description of this non-invasive test can be found on the District Website.

A description of this non-invasive test can be found at: https://www.globalpointofcare.abbott/en/support/product-installation-training/navica-brand/navica-binaxnow-ag-training.html 

Please consider completing a digital consent for the Royalton-Hartland CSD to perform a rapid test on your child.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation;

Sincerely,

Dr. Hank Stopinski

Superintendent of Schools