Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s):
Over the past few weeks, there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases at the elementary level and in grade six. Several of the cases were identified as possible* or probable** in school transmission***.
This academic year the District has shifted how it communicates COVID-19 cases based on feedback from families. Last year, families shared that the number of emails regarding new cases was overwhelming. As a result, the District shifted to a different communication model. The model is:
-
The District publishes a weekly COVID-19 Dashboard each Thursday (Posted to the District Website). Included on the Dashboard is a link to a Daily COVID-19 case count, which again is updated daily.
- Parents of children who are identified as COVID-19 positive are notified by phone.
- Parents of children who are identified as close contacts are notified by text or email.
- The District will communicate by email with all families of an individual school if there are two or more possible or probable in-school transmission cases.
Lastly, I’m asking for families’ support in ensuring that we have continuity in schooling for all students. Our goals are to ensure students, faculty, and staff safety and access to high-quality teaching and learning. To help achieve these goals it is essential that families:
- MONITOR for symptoms daily
- STAY HOME if having symptoms
- WEAR A MASK CORRECTLY indoors
- GET VACCINATED if eligible
- TEST routinely
- Practice good HAND HYGIENE
Respectfully,
Gregory L. Martineau
Superintendent of Schools
*What is a possible in-school transmission? A possible in-school transmission is when an individual is identified as a close contact in school and subsequently tests positive. It is labeled as potential transmission because sometimes, in addition to the exposure at school, these individuals may also have had additional recent exposures outside of school.
**What is a probable in-school transmission? A probable in-school transmission is when an individual is identified as a close contact in school and subsequently tests positive and they had no other known exposure outside of school.
***What happens when there is an in-school transmission? The Medical Advisory Team meets to review the data associated with the case, evaluates the mitigation strategies that are being employed, and advises on the next steps. Some of the things we evaluate are the activities happening, air quality, distancing, and masking in the areas where transmission may have happened.
