Ray-Pec Parent Community,
As I spent time in car lines this week visiting with many of you, several questions were asked about our recent experience with COVID-19. Many of you remarked on the number of communications sent out this week that reported positive cases of COVID-19. I want to take a few minutes to share our latest data with you.
There was an uptick in reported cases this week
What many of you shared with me in the car lines is true, as our numbers have increased this past week. However, that fact needs to be balanced with the fact that our previous weeks have seen very low numbers of reported cases. Together, that may make the feeling of this past week seem heavy. We all hope this past week is not indicative of a new trend, but only time will tell. As of this writing, 7 students and 6 staff members are in “isolation” and are not in school due to being tested as positive for COVID-19. Based on contact tracing, it appears that none of the isolations are due to a school-related virus transmission. This is continued great news. We have a total of 87 students and 17 staff members not in school due to being in “quarantine.” Fifty of those in quarantine are due to a potential exposure at a school or school-related event. These numbers are increases over what I reported to you two weeks ago. Prior to this week’s experience, I had received a few questions about our plan for moving forward. For now, our plan is to continue with the path that we have set. We will continue to watch these numbers closely. All of this information can be found on our COVID-19 dashboard, which is updated weekly.
You can help
Adherence to best practices in combating the spread of the virus needs to continue to be at the top of our minds. Physical distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, staying home if you have symptoms of COVID-19, and following isolation or quarantine directions from the CCHD are commitments we need to continue to make. Very importantly, if your child is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please keep her or him home from school. Keeping students at home when any COVID-19 symptom is present has proven to be a very effective mitigation strategy for us.
There is still much uncertainty ahead
I have written this before and I want to keep this in front of you. To our parents who work outside of the home, there is the potential for classroom, school or district closures and transition to distance learning throughout the upcoming months. Please think about and prepare a personal contingency plan should a classroom, school or district closure become necessary.
Actions underway based on your feedback
As you know, we asked for feedback last week on the many changes that have been necessary for this school year. Based on the preliminary feedback, our Academic Services Department and building principals are developing additional academic intervention opportunities for students in need. More information will be communicated once the opportunities are developed.
National Principals Month
October is National Principals Month. Without a doubt, our entire teaching and support staff have done some incredible work to help Ray-Pec get to this point in the 2020-2021 school year. One of the reasons this school district finds itself in this position is because of the tremendous leadership by our building principals. I ask that you join me in thanking our building principals for a job well done. I know they would appreciate that.
As I have said before, this is a year unlike any other. Plan and adjust. Patience and grace. These characteristics are the hallmark of any great organization as it makes its way through difficult and challenging times.
Thank you for entrusting your children to the Ray-Pec School District.
Mike Slagle
I am passionately driven by the belief that Everyone Is Created To Flourish
