Dear Freeport High School Families,
Beginning February 1, 2021, school districts have been authorized by the governor and the New York State Department of Health to participate in a condensed season of high-risk sports, including boys and girls basketball, cheerleading, wrestling, football, volleyball and boys and girls lacrosse. The required approval of the Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) has been provided. School districts participating in high-risk sports will be required to follow the specific guidelines and protocols set forth by the NCDOH and comply with the New York State Interim Guidance for Sports and Recreation.
Freeport Public Schools will be proceeding with the high-risk sports and will meet and exceed the NCDOH guidelines. The health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. There will be three condensed seasons, Winter Sports, Fall Sports, and Spring Sports between February and June. High-risk Winter sports including boys and girls basketball, cheerleading, and wrestling will run February 1st - February 27th. We will be following many of the same protocols instituted during our successful pre-season workouts. In order to participate, these safety protocols must be followed:
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All coaches and staff will be required to wear masks
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Athletes will be required to wear masks during practices as tolerated and when not actively competing during games
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All students, faculty and staff will answer a daily health screening questionnaire and have their temperature checked prior to participating
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Students will be organized into small cohorts to maintain low coach to athlete ratios
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Students will bring and use their own marked water bottles
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Students must wash and sanitize their hands before and after each session
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Limited equipment will be used; students may use their own equipment where appropriate, and should bring their equipment home for cleaning after each session
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Any equipment used during the session will be cleaned and sanitized before and after being used
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Limited locker room access for changing purposes only; students will need to take belongings with them to practice
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No spectators will be permitted at games at this time. Games will be on Livestream for viewing when possible.
We will be conducting mandatory on-site COVID-19 testing on a weekly basis for participating staff and athletes. Arrangements for testing have been made through ATC, the healthcare provider we have partnered with for COVID-19 testing. The first mandatory screening is set for Saturday, January 30th. You will be receiving further information regarding this and a link to sign up for an appointment.
Further details regarding the upcoming seasons will be coming from the Athletic Department. We understand our students have missed their ability to participate in sports and are excited for this opportunity. It is important that all students and families adhere to the guidelines put in place to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. By cooperating together, we can make this athletic season safe and successful. As always, remember to follow the health and safety protocols of M-S-W: Wear your masks, Social Distance and Wash your Hands. Please follow the protocols set for travel and small gatherings. Should you have any questions regarding the High-Risk Sports Seasons, please contact Jonathan Bloom, Athletic Director, at 516-867- 5330.
Regards,
Kishore Kuncham, Ed.D.