Category: Health & Safety Portfolio
-
Advisory: New lead testing requirements in effect
State water testing law has been amended for 2022-23, changing the time frame for testing and the action level for lead, among other changes.
-
Snow day, delay or remote? Let your community know what to expect
Communications considerations and sample language for weather-related school closures.
-
Advisory: Promoting the 988 mental health helpline
This post provides considerations for communicating about the newly established Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Line.
-
Continuation of operations plans must be posted online
Ensure that your district’s continuation of operations plan is posted in compliance with state law
-
Advisory: Clarification on distribution of concussion-related materials
Earlier this fall, the School Communications Portfolio released an advisory for districts regarding new legislation that requires schools offering tackle football programs to provide specific concussion materials to parents/guardians of participating students. There has been some confusion as to how exactly districts need to distribute the materials, which are available on the New York State Department of Health…
-
Advisory: New law requires schools offering tackle football programs to provide specific concussion information
State legislation requires school districts to make concussion-related materials available for parents and guardians. Learn about what and how to communicate this information.
-
Advisory: Updated substance abuse materials released by the state
Earlier this month, the New York State Education Department and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services issued updated joint guidance and resources for school districts to assist with addressing substance abuse. The collaboration provides districts with information to assist students, teachers and parents looking for help and support related to…
-
Advisory: Religious exemptions removed from state vaccination law
With the worst outbreak of measles in more than 25 years taking place in the United States and outbreaks in New York state primarily driving the crisis, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on June 13 signed a bill into law that immediately removed the religious exemption for school vaccination requirements. Per the amendment to Public Health Law…
Recent blog posts
Recent Portfolio Releases
- Advisory: Annual report required for internet-enabled device policy enforcement
- Advisory: New water safety information
- Required notifications for school districts (2026-27)
- Encourage families to fill out Free and Reduced-Price Lunch applications
- NY Inspires: A plan to transform education in New York state