Dear Akiba-Schechter Community,
I write with good news. On Sunday night, I shared with you that there were four grade school staff members who had been in contact with me and possibly exposed when I was pre-symptomatic. I am happy to report that each of those staff members remains asymptomatic, has tested negative for COVID, and has strictly adhered to CDC and local guidelines.
Thanks to our protocols and diligence, we are most grateful that transmission did not occur within our community. Although this was a disconcerting and challenging situation, it was also a reassuring success: our precautions and commitment to our Social Covenant worked to keep our Akiba community safe.
And so, it is with great happiness that we welcome all grade school students back to in-person school on Monday, February 1, barring any unexpected developments over this weekend. If you have any questions about our decision, please feel free to reach out to any member of our Health Committee.
In order to make this return possible and to continue to keep our community safe, we ask each of you to fill out the Health Screening emailed to you today with the past week in mind. It is important for us to have as complete a picture of our community’s health as possible as we prepare to come back together. Please note that the Health Screening will be updated over the weekend, so take the time to read it carefully again on Monday morning.
In other good news, the vaccinations of our staff are well underway. Many staff members have received their first doses of the COVID vaccine, and others have appointments scheduled. We are working diligently to help secure appointments for those staff members still in need.
Please make sure your child brings back all supplies--including Chromebooks, chargers, headphones, notebooks, and bins--that were sent home for the week of remote learning.
On a personal note, I have been deeply moved by the beautiful messages and well wishes I have received this week. Thankfully, I continue to experience only mild and manageable symptoms and will follow my doctor’s orders to rest. I look forward to when I am safely able to return to school. In the meantime, I know our students and staff are in the good care of my heroic and gifted colleagues.
Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom.
Yours,
Miriam Kass, Principal
on behalf of the Akiba-Schechter Health Committee
