50th Annivesary Celebration!
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ParentSquare Health Screening
In order to comply with the NYSDOH, NYSED, and CDC guidelines, all staff and parents will complete a daily health screening. All families need to log into the ParentSquare website or download the ParentSquare app to successfully complete the daily health screening. Here are directions on how to access the Health Screening Form in ParentSquare.
In Memory of Coach Engle
The Mount Markham Central School District is deeply saddened to learn of long-time educator and coach Charlie Engle's recent passing. Coach, along with his wife Judy, dedicated decades as educators to the youth and community of Mount Markham. Coach Engle retired from a 48 year coaching career in 2016 with 654 wins, 13 Section Championships, and 4 trips to the State Final Four. Coach retired with the most wins in New York State HIstory, and in 2018 was elected to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. These accomplishments pale in comparison to the man he was and continued to be right up until his passing. A man who turned boys into men. Our heartfelt love and sympathies go out to all of Coach's family. Mount Markham is mourning today.
COVID-19 Update: November 19
Mount Markham CSD will make every effort to stay open for in-person instruction if Herkimer County becomes a “yellow zone.”
The Mount Markham Central School District will honor our promise to the community and attempt to stay open for as much in-person instruction as possible. We will continue to make decisions that are in the best interest of our region and school community.
Over the weekend, the New York State Department of Health released an addendum that changed some of the logistical information associated with “yellow zone” micro-clusters. Specifically, if Herkimer County obtains a 7-day positivity rate of 3.5%, then it will become a “yellow zone.” As a result, all schools in this zone would be required to shift to virtual instruction OR randomly test 20% of their students and staff for COVID-19 over a 2-week period if they choose to remain open for in-person and/or hybrid instruction. If the results of the 20% testing come back below the regional threshold (3.5%), then we would not have to continue with testing. If these test results are above the regional threshold, then we would have to repeat the testing process. For Mount Markham CSD, we would need to test approximately 210 students and 50 staff members over a 2-week period in order to stay open in a “yellow zone.”
In the event we become a “yellow zone,” we will make every effort to stay open for in-person instruction and complete the 20% testing requirement. However, we must recognize that there are some factors outside of our control that may hinder our ability to accomplish these goals. Specifically, parental consent to conduct COVID-19 testing in a school setting and access to COVID-19 testing supplies are a major concern at this time. If we cannot meet the 20% testing mandate, then we will be forced to shift to 100% virtual instruction. It is important for parents to start thinking about childcare arrangements in the event we are forced to close and shift to 100% virtual instruction. Navigating the demands that come along with virtual instruction is not easy and we recognize the hardship this puts on your family.
Other Important COVID-19 Related Information:
Scholastic Book Fair
The Middle School Scholastic Online Book Fair opens on Monday, November 9 and runs until November 22. Shop our Book Fair online & earn rewards for our school!
Visit our Book Fair homepage to get started at: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/mountmarkhammiddleschool
COVID-19 Guidance Update
Based on clarified guidance from the New York State Department of Health and conversations with the Herkimer County Department of Public Health, Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES and its 10 component school districts will make the following three clarifications to their COVID-19 absence policies to take effect Tuesday, October 27, 2020:
Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms must be evaluated by a healthcare provider within 48 hours. Unless the individual is evaluated within 48 hours or is awaiting COVID-19 PCR test results, districts must notify the Herkimer County Department of Public Health and the individual may not return to school. The Department of Public Health will initiate contact tracing, make a determination about quarantine, and determine when the individual may return to school.
When a student or staff member is sent home because of COVID-19 symptoms, that individual's household members may remain in school as long as they are symptom-free or until the Department of Public Health directs otherwise.
The quarantine/isolation period for the individual sent home will be 10 calendar days (instead of the current 14 days) from the onset of symptoms, with the final three days being symptom-free. The Department of Public Health will determine the quarantine/isolation period for other individuals in the household if needed.
The Herkimer BOCES component school districts are Central Valley, Dolgeville, Frankfort-Schuyler, Herkimer, Little Falls, Mount Markham, Owen D. Young, Poland, Richfield Springs, and West Canada Valley.
Here’s what you can do with ParentSquare:
More information, and helpful resources, will be coming over the next few days. After signing up, look for welcome messages from ParentSquare admins, building principals, teachers, and more. 
Free Meals for K-12 Students!
Exciting News!
We’re happy to share that the USDA and New York State Education Department have approved free breakfast/lunch meals for students 18 and under, through the end of June 2021. Specific to Mount Markham, the Food Service Department will be working with the High School, to accommodate students needing ‘To-Go’ bags on their virtual learning days.
Please note that we’ll still be asking families to fill out the Free/Reduced application. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you!
MMCSD
