O’Neal shifts to distance learning April 25-29 due to water damage

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Edmund J. O’Neal School of Excellence will transition to distance learning for all students next week due to water damage that has occurred during spring break.

A leak in a third-floor bathroom caused damage to all three floors of the building. Crews worked on Sunday and throughout the week to clean up and repair the building. However, the restoration team determined that the extent of the damage was more extensive than originally known and also will require mold remediation. 

The district initially had planned to complete the clean-up and repair work this week. However, the new scope of the work will take longer.

The transition to distance learning will begin Monday with an afternoon schedule for picking up meals, Chromebooks and materials. Remote instruction will begin Tuesday and continue through Friday.  We also will have more information next week about the status of the building and anticipated return to in-person learning. 

Please note that all district schools and offices will be closed Tuesday, May 3 in observance of Eid al-Fitr.

Schedule for the week of April 25-29

All students who attend O’Neal will follow this schedule next week. This includes all students in the Albany International Center and Dual Language programs, as well as our self-contained special education students. 

  • Monday – Students and families may pick up meals for two days and Chromebooks on Monday from noon-5 p.m.
    • Prekindergarten – Pickup will be at the regular pre-K entrance on Second Street.
    • All other students and families – Pickup will be at the main entrance on Lark Street.
  • Tuesday-Friday – All students will attend school virtually for the rest of the week. 
    • Students should plan to login to their Google Classroom on Tuesday at the regular start of the school day – 8:30 a.m. for grades 6-12, and 9 a.m. for prekindergarten through grade 5. 
    • Teachers will have more information about the schedule for the rest of the week.
  • Wednesday - Meals for three days may be picked up from 8 a.m.-noon at our Third Street entrance.

State 3-8 math testing

The New York state math exam for students in grades 3-8 is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday next week. This exam is being postponed for all students in testing grades at O’Neal. 

Students taking the state math exam must attend school in-person. We are working on plans for alternative locations for O’Neal students in grades 3-8 to attend in-person to take the exam. Please watch for more information about those plans next week.