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Districts across area are halted by virus

‘Threat’ intensifies

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Chautauqua County school leaders have mapped out a timeline regarding district closures. All districts will be closing to students on Wednesday with some shutting their doors to students as early as today.

Most of the decisions came immediately after Chautauqua County declared a state of emergency and recommended that all schools close their doors on Wednesday. Many of those that have closed have set a tentative return date of April 20 — the last day of a two-week spring break.

One of the first to announce closure for today was Erie 2 Cattaraugus-Chautauqua BOCES. Forestville Central Schools quickly followed. “Based on (Sunday’s) announcement from the Chautauqua County Department of Health, Forestville will be closed for all students (today) and will remain closed until further notice.

“While this school closure applies to students, all faculty and staff will need to report to work. Having our faculty and staff report is in keeping with Health Department guidance and will allow us to plan for and provide ongoing instructional materials for our students.”

Dunkirk announced Sunday night it was closed to students today with staff expected to be in attendance.

Students would then attend on Tuesday. Brocton was following the same schedule.

Gowanda Central School announced it was to be closed from today to Friday. “The situation will be re-evaluated mid-week for future plans,” Superintendent Robert B. Anderson said.

In Fredonia, the district and all programs will be closed to students today. Students should report for a regularly scheduled day on Tuesday. On this day, the district says, students will receive instruction for study, tools, and supplies for the duration of the closure, which at this time is undetermined. Following the recommendation of the Chautauqua County Department of Health, beginning Wednesday, school will be closed for an indefinite period of time.

Cassadaga Valley announced it was closed starting today for students. A return date is not yet determined. Staff are still expected to report.

Pine Valley Central School District will be closed for students starting today until further notice.

The administrative team and supervisors need to report today and all other staff members are expected to report starting Tuesday.

“We understand the very real implications a closure has on our families and that these implications are far beyond loss of instruction,” the district said on its Facebook page. “Our staff have been and will continue to be crafting continuity of education, health care, feeding, and mental health service plans. We will be in touch with all families in our community as soon as possible.”

Westfield, Silver Creek Ripley and Chautauqua Lake also announced its districts were closing effective today.

Erie County announced its schools would be closed to students until April 20. That would include North Collins and Lake Shore Central Schools.

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