Dunkirk schools will not be in session on Tuesday. Interim Superintendent Sylvia Root issued a community update on the situation at the largest school district in the north county in a letter to the community:

“This is an important message from The Dunkirk CSD. All classes and activities have been cancelled for our Dunkirk students beginning Tuesday, March 17 and are not expected to resume until Monday, April 20 after spring break.

“Teachers have put together educational packets for your children and you will be able to pick them up at the child’s (children’s) building or secondary students could come to pick them up on Tuesday from 8 a.m to 11:30 a.m. If you can’t pick up your child’s (children’s) packet(s), we will mail them this week.

“While at this time there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in our county, it is important that we all work together to follow the Dept. of Health and Human Services recommendation. These recommendations are as follow:

1. School districts in Chautauqua County to close effective March 18, 2020 until further notice. This recommendation applies to students; districts can make individual determinations about faculty and staff.

2. These recommendations were made for several reasons:

a. To slow the potential spread of disease among groups of students in confined spaces.

b. To protect vulnerable populations, including older adults, those who are immune-compromised, or have a chronic medical condition, especially heart or lung disease and diabetes.

c. To promote social distancing; putting space between yourself and others, limiting large gatherings, and refraining from handshakes and hugs.

Over the coming weeks, our staff will provide our students with support in continued learning at home and access to school meals.

During the emergency school closure from Tuesday, March 17 through April 3, related to COVID-19, the Dunkirk City School District will make available for pick up on a daily basis a bag lunch and breakfast for its students and children of the same household up to the age of 18.

Distribution of Grab & Go meals will take place 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 and is anticipated to continue as long as school is closed for COVID-19. However, distribution will not be offered during the two week school break scheduled April 6, 2020 through April 17, 2020.

The District will continue to monitor the situation and will update meal distribution information as necessary. Sites where meals can be picked up and taken home for consumption are:

High School — Front Entrance on 6th Street

Middle School — Back Entrance on Swan and 5th Streets

School 3 — Loading dock on Monroe St.

School 4 — Cafeteria door near playground

School 5 — Cafeteria door near loading dock on Brooks Avenue

School 7 — Cafeteria door in bus loop on Several St.

District and NCCS students should go to the nearest site.

“If families have any questions regarding this program, please contact your building principal or the District Business Office at 716-366-9300 extension *2092.

“Lastly, our staff members are asked to check email every 24 hours in order to keep informed of the ever changing emergency situation in New York State. I am asking that families please check our website or Facebook as we continue to work on their students’ instructional program.

Stay safe and healthy,

Sylvia A. Root

Superintendent of Schools