Covid Vaccine for Macy*s Band Students
State laws establish vaccination requirements for public school children, so Union Public Schools will follow the guidelines as directed by the State of Oklahoma. The COVID-19 vaccine is not currently required for school attendance or participation in band classes or other arts electives or extracurriculars.
Union Band Parents Club believes that every parent/guardian must make the decision whether or not their child will receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Parents/guardians should be aware that health and safety protocols, such as vaccine requirements, may differ from state to state. These mandates are not controlled by Union Public Schools or by Union Band Parents Club. Band students who are traveling must follow all local requirements of the destination location(s).
NYC Current Covid Requirements
As anticipated, it has been announced that beginning Monday, August 16, 2021, The City of New York will be implementing the “Key to NYC Pass” initiative that will require Proof of Vaccination (POV) for indoor venues such as restaurants, entertainment, and performance venues. The ships utilized for the Thanksgiving Celebration Dinner Cruise are considered floating restaurants / entertainment venues and would fall within the scope of the initiative.
We are uncertain at this time if hotels, especially those including breakfast service, will be subjected to the mandates set forth under the initiative. Of course, things can change at any time and additional restrictions may be put in place that we cannot foresee.
The Key to NYC Pass will be in effect for an indefinite period of time and will likely remain in place for Thanksgiving Week. Currently, there is no option to present a negative covid test in lieu of Proof of Vaccination. There are still questions about those who are not able to receive the vaccine for medical reasons; more details will be available when information is released by the City of New York.
What does this mean for Vaccinated Students?
In order to safely travel students to NYC, UBPC will start collecting Proof of Covid Vaccination records immediately. Students will need to carry this Proof of Vaccination while in NYC as well. UBPC will need to receive vaccination records no later than October 1, 2021. If for any reason you cannot provide Proof of Vaccination by October 1, please contact president@unionbands.com
What does this mean for Unvaccinated Students?
There are two options for unvaccinated students:
Parents/guardians, upon consultation with their family physician, may choose to have their student vaccinated. UBPC will need to receive vaccination records no later than October 1, 2021. In order to meet this deadline, the latest date for students to receive the first Pfizer Covid Shot is August 27, 2021. If for any reason you cannot provide Proof of Vaccination by October 1, please contact president@unionbands.com
Parents/guardians, upon consultation with their family physician, may choose NOT to have their student vaccinated. In this case, there are two potential courses of action:
The student may withdraw from the trip immediately; any funds UBPC is able to recoup will be credited back to the student’s miscellaneous ledger. Refund checks can be requested and will only be granted after an account review is performed and any monies paid to the travel agent on behalf of your student’s registration is recouped.
The student may remain on the trip roster in hopes that the requirements will change before scheduled departure for the trip. As the trip date nears, more and more money will become non-refundable, therefore this option comes with increased financial risk for the student and their family. If the vaccination requirements do not change, the student will not be able to travel on the trip, as UBPC cannot take unvaccinated students to a city where proof of vaccination is required for all indoor areas and events.
In the next few days, we will be sending each family a link to complete a form to submit to us your student’s vaccination status and trip intentions. We know vaccination is a personal choice for each family and it is our hope that the above information will provide you with the information you need to make a decision before completing that form regarding your student’s travel to NYC this fall. As always, it is the mission of UBPC to help and serve our families. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions at questions@unionbands.com
Family/Friends/Alumni travelers: please reach out to Students on Broadway with questions about your travel at team@studentsonbroadway.com.
