Bridgehampton Families,

I hope all is well. I am writing to bring to your attention an important matter regarding COVID-19 and its prevalence in Suffolk County. Recently we
have seen COVID-19 infection rates in Suffolk County rise. This has many concerned about what the coming weeks mean for holiday plans and the
ability to keep schools open. This letter contains information regarding new requirements put out by the State this week, this will assist schools
in remaining open.

The data suggests that we have had a successful reopening of schools. It is clear that students are safer in school than not. Since September 14, 2020, Bridgehampton Schools have had 2 reports of positive COVID cases, and we believe that not one of these cases were the result of school spread. Our protocols of reduced density, wearing masks, cleaning/sanitizing and social distancing are working. Regardless where COVID-19 spread begins, its prevalence in the community has implications for school operations.

As per Governor Cuomo’s “Micro-cluster Initiative,” areas with higher levels of community spread may be designated as Yellow, Orange or Red
zones. In those zones, rapid testing (non-invasive nasal swab) of students and staff is required for schools to remain open for in-person instruction.
You can read more about the micro-cluster initiative below. Additionally, please view the document below with the requirements as of November 30,
2020.

Micro-Cluster Initiative- https://forward.ny.gov/cluster-action-initiative

https://forward.ny.gov/

While we have not been designated as a micro-cluster, COVID-19 positivity rates in our county have increased. Bridgehampton is taking proactive
measures so we can be prepared in the event we are designated a zone. Please keep in mind that if Bridgehampton falls into any of the zones, we
will need to conduct a rapid test (non-invasive nasal swab) on a percentage of the staff and students for COVID-19 in order to remain open for
in-person instruction.

The Suffolk County School Superintendent’s Association has been working with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) to develop a plan for testing to take place in our schools, by trained personnel (nurse), should it be required. *This is being done to support a welcoming environment for our faculty, students and for those tested, to see a familiar face. Further details regarding school-based COVID-19 testing, including information about the test itself, can be found below. *

School Based COVID-19 Testing
-
below

Therefore, the District has created a survey to determine potential participation and gauge what percentage of random testing would be
attainable. Your response to this survey does not bind you to your decision if and when testing begins.

Willingness Survey - https://forms.gle/qjD9F6Wa3AAPZyjB9

You would be provided with an additional consent form. Please complete one survey for each child in your household by Wednesday, December 23, 2020. I know there are many questions that still need to be answered about the details of the testing. Once more information is available, we will be sure to share it with you. Thank you for everything you are doing. I wish you and your families a restful, happy and healthy holiday season.

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