October 26, 2021

McCulloch Families and Employees,

This email is a follow-up to the message sent last night regarding the increase in COVID19-related absences at McCulloch. Over the last five school days 19 new positive COVID19 cases have been reported. This includes four additional student positives that were reported to us today. These students were last on campus when contagious on 10/18, 10/21, 10/22 and 10/25. These 19 cases and associated quarantines have pushed the five day rolling average of COVID19-related absences at McCulloch to over 7%.

Per our board approved Return to Learn Plan, when a building reaches 7% or higher on its five day rolling average, required masking should be considered. Due to the nature of the positive cases and quarantines being spread out across the building, we feel it is in the best interest of our students and employees to implement required masking at McCulloch beginning Tuesday, October 26. It is our goal to help slow the spread of COVID19 and limit the number of additional quarantines. Keeping students healthy and in school is a top priority! Required masking will be for all preschool-5th grade students, all employees and any visitors. This will be reevaluated on Friday, November 5

We’re hopeful that reevaluation on this date will indicate a much lower percentage of COVID19-related absences so we can remove required masking at McCulloch on Monday, November 8.  

It is important to note that during this period of required masking any new close contacts that are exposed to a positive COVID19 case while at school starting October 26 can qualify for a modified quarantine. This means that any student who was properly masked when exposed can continue to attend school as long as they do not have any COVID19 symptoms.

We do want to remind our families that our visitor/volunteer masking protocols follow what is currently being implemented for students and employees. Since parent teacher conferences are taking place this week we ask that all individuals attending conferences be masked when social distancing is not possible.

Below are a few reminders:
  • The reason for the nine school day required masking period is because this falls within the 10-14 day approximate incubation period for COVID19 to spread.
  • Masks/face coverings should comply with district dress code requirements.
  • Fully vaccinated individuals are still required to mask during this time, but do not have to quarantine if they become a close exposure, as long as they do not have any symptoms.
  • When under a requirement, masks/face coverings can be removed: 
  • While consuming food and drink, playing a sport, when outdoors, exercising or using exercising equipment while exerting themselves. 
  • While working in settings which might increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
  • Please contact the McCulloch office if you have questions regarding medical or other masking exemptions.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation during this short-term adjustment.

Josey McPhail
Director of Communications
Republic School District