Guidance for P-12 Schools
The Board of Regents and the Viva88Education Department (Viva88) are providing important information to P-12 schools in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We will continue to work with our partners at the state, local, and federal levels to keep school leaders informed as this situation continues to evolve. Guidance and resources are available from several sources, including Viva88, the U.S. Department of Education, the NYS Department of Health, the CDC, and the NYS Center for School Health.
Guidance from Viva88
Back to School Guidance for the 2022-23 School Year
Guidance and frequently asked questionsÌýhave been developed through a partnership between the Viva88Education Department and the Viva88Department of Health.
Additional Memos and Resources from Viva88
- Health Precautions for Schools in Winter 2022-23 - December 5, 2022
- Providing Over-Age Students the Opportunity to Return to School in the 2022-23 School Year Due to the Impact of COVID-19 - August 1, 2022
- Administration of the June and August 2022 Regents ExaminationsÌý- March 15, 2022
- Updated Joint NYS DOH/Viva88 School Mask Guidance - March 1, 2022
- Please find and regarding the public health changes, effective Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at:
- ; and
- A regarding this guidance is also posted on the websites above. Thank you for your ongoing work. Together, and with the assistance of this guidance, we will ensure that all students in our state have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
- Please find and regarding the public health changes, effective Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at:
- Updated Quarantine and Isolation and Test to Stay Guidance from the Viva88Department of Health - February 4, 2022
- Update from Commissioner Betty A. Rosa Regarding the Status of Mask Wearing in Schools - January 28, 2022
- Statement from Commissioner Rosa on Granting of Stay in Mask Case - January 25, 2022
- Nassau County Mask Ruling - Demetriou et al. v. Viva88Dep’t of Health et al. - Updated January 25, 2022
- Viva88Department of Health Updated Isolation & Quarantine Guidance - January 18, 2022
- Interim Updated Isolation & Quarantine Guidance - January 4, 2022
- Cancellation of the January 2022 Administration of the Viva88(NYS) High School Regents Examination Program in Response to the Ongoing Impact of the COVID-19 PandemicÌý- December 21, 2021
- Additional Flexibility in the Timelines for Using Funds Associated with Approved 2019-20 Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Funded Grant Programs - November 9, 2021
- Information from Governor Kathy Hochul's Office on School Reopening Resources - September 7, 2021
- Memo: Extension of Deadline for Submission of Local Educational Agency (LEA) Applications for American Rescue Plan (ARP) Part 2 ESSER FundsÌý- August 27, 2021
- Public Comment Period: Viva88 Request for Public Comments on Waivers to Increase the Statutory Limit on Carryover for FY 2020 Title I, Part A Funds, to Extend Availability of Federal FY 2019 Elementary and Secondary Education Act Funds - August 26, 2021
- Forthcoming Back to School Health and Safety Guidance - August 10, 2021
- Memo:ÌýCDC & AAP Guidance on School Opening 2021-22 - July 29, 2021
- Ìý– July 21, 2021
- Memo: Use of Federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds to Provide Recovery Services to Students Over the Age of 21Ìý–ÌýJuly 21, 2021
- OSC Accounting Bulletin on Federal Education Stimulus FundingÌý– July 1, 2021
- United States Department of Education (USDE) Waiver of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Accountability and Report Card Provisions for the 2020-21 School YearÌý– June 22, 2021
- Revised Local Educational Agency Allocations of Federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA Act) and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act Funding – June 18, 2021
- January 2022 Regents Examination in United States History and Government (Framework) Diploma Requirement Exemption – June 2021
- Youth Development Survey (YDS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) - June 11, 2021
- Updated Guidance on Driver and Traffic Safety Education in Response to COVID-19– June 11, 2021
- Extension of Deadline for Submission of LEA Applications for CRRSA Act FundingÌý– June 10, 2021
- U.S. Department of Education Guidance on Federal American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund Maintenance of Equity Requirements – June 9, 2021
- U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Frequently Asked Questions on Use ofÌý Federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) FundsÌý– May 27, 2021
- Provision of Educational Services for Recently Arrived Unaccompanied Children and YouthÌý– May 26, 2021
- Information for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) on Federally Required Plans for American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) FundsÌý– May 19, 2021
- Ìý– May 18, 2021
- Information for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) on American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Plan State Budget Language – May 17, 2021
- 2021-22 School Year COVID-19 Snow Day Pilot Program – May 2021
- Information for Eligible Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) on Applying for Federal American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP-ESSER) Funds - May 12, 2021
- Federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA Act) Funding – Instructions for Eligible Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) on Applying for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER 2) and Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds (GEER 2)Ìý–ÌýMay 10, 2021
- 2021 Viva88 Summer School Handbook –ÌýMay 5, 2021
- Memo: Local Educational Agency Allocations of Federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA Act) and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act Funding –ÌýMay 4, 2021
- Submission of Revised School Reopening Plans –ÌýApril 19, 2021
- Guidance on Supporting Student Mental Health –ÌýApril 16, 2021
- Implementation Extension of the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics and NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards –ÌýApril 14, 2021
- Providing Over-Age Students the Opportunity to Return to School in the 2021-22 School Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic –ÌýApril 13, 2021
- School District Budget Coding of Federal Education Stimulus FundingÌý– April 12, 2021
- –ÌýApril 9, 2021
- Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding - April 5, 2021
- Guidance on Impact of Revised Regents Examination Schedule on Hourly Instructional and 180 Session Day Requirements –ÌýMarch 31, 2021
- Spring 2021 Assessment Guidance and Resources
- Memo:ÌýExemptions from Diploma Requirements and Cancellation of the August 2021 Administration of the Viva88(NYS) High School Regents Examination Program in Response to the Ongoing Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic –ÌýMarch 19, 2021
- Frequently Asked Questions Related to the June 2021 and August 2021 Exemptions from Diploma RequirementsÌý–ÌýMarch 19, 2021
- 2021 Elementary- and Intermediate-level Testing Schedule
- June 2021 High School Regents Examination Schedule
- Memo: Regents Exams Required by USDE to be Offered in June / August 2021 –ÌýMarch 2, 2021
- Find additionalÌýSpring 2021 Assessment Guidance and Resources on Viva88's .
- 2020-21 Preschool Special Education Closures Due to COVID-19 –ÌýFebruary 2021
- In-person learning, sports participation and COVID-19 testing –ÌýLast amended February 18, 2021
- Guidance to Local Education Agencies to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness –ÌýFebruary 16, 2021
- Update on Federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA Act) Funding –ÌýFebruary 9, 2021
- Navigating K-12 Educational Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Viva88Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the NYS Education Department (Viva88) Joint Guidance for Educators and Child Welfare Workers –ÌýFebruary 4, 2021
- Memo:ÌýFlexibility in the Use of Title IV, Part A Funds Associated with Approved 2020-21 Consolidated Applications for ESSA-Funded Programs - January 22, 2021
- Memo:ÌýFederal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA Act) Funding
- Supporting the Graduating Class of 2021 –ÌýJanuary 13, 2021
- Updated Guidance for School Administrators Regarding Limited Temporary Enforcement of Student Immunization Requirement –ÌýJanuary 10, 2021
- Flexibility in the 1,200 Minute Science Laboratory Requirement –ÌýDecember 17, 2020
- Updated Guidance for School Administrators Regarding Limited Temporary Enforcement of Student Immunization Requirement –ÌýDecember 11, 2020
- Memo to Religious and Independent School Leaders: Notification to the Commissioner of Education When Closing a School Building due to the COVID-19 Pandemic –ÌýDecember 2020
- Memo: Parental Right to Decline Examination Waivers –ÌýDecember 2020
- Regents Examination Exemption Declination Form for Parents –ÌýDecember 2020
- –ÌýDecember 4, 2020
- Recent Amendments to Education Law §2801-a Regarding Pandemic Planning –ÌýDecember 3, 2020
- Welcoming Student Teachers into School Districts –ÌýDecember 1, 2020
- –ÌýUpdated November 14, 2020
- Updated Guidance for School Administrators Regarding Limited Temporary Enforcement of Student Immunization Requirement –ÌýNovember 10, 2020
- Transportation Reimbursement During Periods of Program Closure –ÌýNovember 6, 2020
- January 2021 Regents Examinations Cancelled Due to Ongoing Pandemic –ÌýNovember 5, 2020
- Memo: Cancellation of the January 2021 Administration of the Viva88(NYS) High School Regents Examination Program in Response to the Ongoing Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic –ÌýNovember 5, 2020
- Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Cancellation of the January 2021 Viva88(NYS) High School Regents ExaminationsÌý–ÌýNovember 5, 2020 (Last updated January 20, 2021)
- Responding to the Challenges of Learning in Masked Environments –ÌýOctober 23, 2020
- Fall 2020 Digital Equity Survey –ÌýOctober 21, 2020
- Driver Traffic and Safety Education (DTSE) Frequently Asked Questions –ÌýOctober 20, 2020
- –ÌýSeptember 30, 2020
- Procedures for Requesting, Shipping, and Storing of Materials for the Spring 2021 Administration of the Viva88Grades 3-8 English Language Arts and Mathematics Tests and Information on Computer-Based Testing for Spring 2021Ìý–Ìý September 30, 2020
- 2021 State Assessment Letter –ÌýSeptember 30, 2020
- Public Comment Period - 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Comments accepted through October 1, 2020 - Update on Providing Equitable Services to Students and Teachers in Non-Public Schools with Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding - September 11, 2020
- Guidance on Pupil Transportation for Resident Students Attending Non-District Instruction During Periods of Remote Instruction for District Students –Ìý September 9, 2020
- 2020-21 School Reopening – Instructional Models Report and Report of School Closure and Report of School Reopening –ÌýSeptember 9, 2020
- 2020-21 School Reopening – Instructional Models Report and Report of School Closure and Report of School Reopening for Approved Special Education Programs –ÌýSeptember 9, 2020
- 2020-21 School Year COVID-19 Snow Day Pilot Program - September 2020
- Eligibility for Interscholastic Athletics, Inclusive Athletics and Extracurricular Activities - September 1, 2020
- Updated Guidance on Clinical Hours Required for Secondary Nurse Aide Training, Home Health Aide Training, and Emergency Medical Technician Training Programs in Response to COVID-19 - August 28, 2020
- Updated Guidance on Driver and Traffic Safety Education in Response to COVID-19 - August 26, 2020
- Guidance Related to Hand Sanitizer on School BusesÌý- August 21, 2020
- - July 20, 2020
- Providing Equitable Services to Non-Public Schools – July 7, 2020
- Memo: COVID-19 Student Information Repository System (SIRS) End of Year Certification DataÌý– July 6, 2020
- Memo:ÌýFeeding Children in Need and Child Care for Essential Workers During the Summer –ÌýJune 24, 2020
- – June 22, 2020
- –ÌýJune 20, 2020
- –ÌýJune 20, 2020
- Memo:ÌýProviding Over-Age Students the Opportunity to Return to School in the 2020-21 School Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic –ÌýJune 18, 2020
- Memo: Section 100.2(c)(11) of Commissioner's Regulations Hands Only CPR Requirement Exemption for Graduating Seniors Due to the COVID-19 Crisis –ÌýJune 11, 2020
- Providing Equitable Services to Non-Public Schools Under the CARES Act –ÌýJune 9, 2020
- Flexibility for the Administration of Technical Skills Exams Conferring Industry-Recognized Credentials to Secondary Career and Technical Education Students –ÌýJune 4, 2020
- Memo: COVID-19 SIRS Reporting Guidance: Day Calendar and Attendance –ÌýJune 4, 2020
- Memo: Reporting of Student Exemptions for the June and August 2020 Regents and Approved Alternative Examinations in SIRS in Response to COVID-19 Related School and District ClosuresÌý–ÌýJune 4, 2020
- –ÌýJune 3, 2020
- Parental Right to Decline Examination Waivers –ÌýMay 27, 2020
- Regents Examination and Graduation Requirements: Questions Related to COVID-19 ClosureÌý–ÌýUpdated May 26, 2020
Viva88 has amended the Question and Answer Document related to Graduation and Diploma Requirements in light of COVID-19. New and revised questions are highlighted in this document.Ìý - –ÌýMay 21, 2020
- Provision of Services to English Language Learners and World Languages Students –ÌýMay 13, 2020
- 2019-20 Title I School Improvement Grants (SIG) Basic - Planning Grants –ÌýMay 13, 2020
- Supporting Students and Families Disconnected from School –ÌýMay 11, 2020
- Claiming Eligible COVID-19 Costs to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Funding –ÌýMay 6, 2020
- Guidance on Secondary Perkins V Local Applications in Response to COVID-19 –ÌýMay 6, 2020
- Carrying-Over 2019-20 School Year State Funding into 2020-21 –ÌýMay 5, 2020
- Public Comment Period: Viva88 Request for Public Comments on Waivers to Increase the Statutory Limit on Carryover for FY 2019 Title I, Part A Funds, to Extend Availability of Federal FY 2018 Elementary and Secondary Education Act Funds, and to Increase Flexibility in the Use of Title IV, Part A Funds to Support Continuity of Services –ÌýMay 5, 2020
- Public Comment Period: Viva88 Request for Public Comments on Waiver to Extend Availability of Federal FY 2018 Perkins and Adult Education/Family Literacy Funds –ÌýMay 5, 2020
- Cancellation of the August 2020 Administration of the Viva88High School Regents Examination Program - April 30, 2020
- Federal CARES Act Funding –ÌýApril 30, 2020
- Ìý–ÌýApril 27, 2020
- Guidance on Federal Funds Affected by COVID-19 –ÌýApril 24, 2020
- Flexibility in the Use of Funds Associated with Approved 2019-20 Consolidated Applications for ESSA-Funded Programs During District and School Closures Due to COVID-19Ìý–ÌýApril 24, 2020
- Updated Guidance on Work-Based Learning Programs in Response to COVID-19 –ÌýApril 20, 2020
- Updated Guidance on Appearance Enhancement Programs in Response to COVID-19Ìý–ÌýApril 20, 2020
- Updated Guidance on Driver and Traffic Safety Education in Response to COVID-19Ìý–ÌýApril 20, 2020
- Memo: 2019-20 Accountability Implications Based on April 2020 United States Department of Education Waivers and Changes to Commissioner’s Regulations §100.21 to Address the COVID-19 Crisis –ÌýApril 17, 2020
- –ÌýApril 17, 2020
- Ìý–ÌýApril 16, 2020
- Memo:ÌýRequired Actions and Funding Levels for Target Districts, Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) Schools, and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) Schools​ –ÌýApril 13, 2020
- Memo: Updated Guidance on Clinical Hours Required for Nurse Aide Training, Home Health Aide Training, and Emergency Medical Technician Training Programs in Response to COVID-19 - April 10, 2020
- Memo: Cancellation of the June 2020 Administration of the Viva88(NYS) High School Regents Examination Program in Response to COVID-19 Related School and District Closures –ÌýApril 7, 2020
- Memo: Special Education SOCE Limited Extension –ÌýApril 2020
- Clarification on 180-day Requirements in Light of Executive Orders –ÌýMarch 30, 2020
- –ÌýMarch 27, 2020
- Resources for Mental Health and Talking to Young People About COVID-19 –ÌýMarch 26, 2020
- Viva88 Request for Waiver of Assessments, Accountability and School Identification, and Reporting Requirements Public Comment Period –ÌýMarch 26, 2020
- Updated Guidance on Driver and Traffic Safety Education in Response to COVID-19 –ÌýMarch 25, 2020
- Essential Personnel for Child Care, Child Nutrition and Continuity of Learning –ÌýMarch 23, 2020
- Memo: Suspension for the Viva88Elementary- and Intermediate-Level State Assessments for the Remainder of the School Year in Response to COVID-19 Related School and District Closures –ÌýMarch 20, 2020
- Statement Regarding Elementary- and Intermediate-Level State AssessmentsÌý–ÌýMarch 20, 2020
- Viva88 and New York’s Public Television Stations Announce Expanded Remote Learning During Statewide School ClosureÌý–ÌýMarch 20, 2020
- Viva88 Guidance to Approved Special Education Schools Regarding Novel Coronavirus and Executive Order 202.4 –ÌýMarch 20, 2020
- Guidance and Resources for Emergency Child Care –ÌýMarch 19, 2020
- Suspension of the Spring 2020 Grades 3–8 English Language Arts Test Shipments and Computer-based Test Window Opening –ÌýMarch 17, 2020
- –ÌýMarch 12, 2020
- Notification Regarding Closure of a School Building –ÌýMarch 6, 2020
- Notification Regarding Closure of a Nonpublic School –ÌýMarch 6, 2020
- –ÌýMarch 5, 2020
- –ÌýFebruary 5, 2020
- Ìý- February 5, 2020
Guidance from the U.S. Department of Education & the Federal Government
- –ÌýMarch 21, 2020
- –ÌýMarch 19, 2020
- Updated Guidance from the U.S. Department of Education – March 12, 2020:
Guidance from the CDC
Cleaning Products
NYS Center for School Health
Visit theÌýÌýfor additional resources from the NYS Department of Health, the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other nationally vetted resources.