January 3, 2022
Dear Blacksmith Parents,
We hope that your holiday break was filled with joyous moments and cherished memories. I also hope that the new year brings you health and happiness.
As you know, the Omicron Variant continues to impact our country and our local conditions as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff has been meeting with local public health officials, reviewing any updates from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and monitoring the spread of the virus on our campus. We have been very fortunate to avoid some of the classroom closures and higher case rates of other ISDs and we appreciate all the help you have given us to make that a reality.
We remain committed to a safe return to school.
Procedures are in place for our Spring semester and we will resume classes, as planned, on January 5, 2022. Staff will continue to monitor our reported cases for the virus and update our database each Friday. Should we have a significant outbreak, we will follow our protocols and close any classrooms that are needed. Those who test positive must remain at home. We would also ask that you continue to help us by keeping your student(s) home who do not feel well until they are symptom-free. Please refer to our Healthy Campus procedures for all the information.
We remain committed to staying informed.
Staff will continue to participate in the Superintendent's discussions with our surrounding districts, and with conference calls offered by both Tarrant and Denton County Public Health officials. At this time, we have no information that allows us to or the need for us to switch to remote learning; however, we received regular communication from TEA regarding operations for Charter/Public schools.
Below, you will find helpful information:
· The Academy campus was closed during winter break and our facilities were deep cleaned.
· Beginning this Friday, we will return to spraying the building each weekend to mitigate COVID-19 from spreading.
· Hand sanitizers, hand washing soap, are readily available for students and staff.
· Our Day Porter will be going through and cleaning high-touch points on the campus throughout each day.
· We will offer another (voluntary/optional) vaccination opportunity to our staff, students, and parents on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 3 pm in the Multi-purpose Hall (MPH).
· We will continue to review CDC and public health recommendations as it relates to quarantine dates and balance this with what is occurring on our campus. If changes are needed, we will update our procedures.
· We do not have the authorization to offer remote learning at this time.
As a gentle reminder, the choice to wear a mask is up to you. I encourage you to consider this option until the Omicron Variant runs its course.
We are aware that a few schools in the North Texas area have made minor adjustments to their protocols, while others feel their current protocols are appropriate. Please know, that what you hear in the news is a synopsis of what is being said and/or considered in the larger meetings we are in with the Superintendents in our area. We collaborate with a wide group of professionals on this matter and will continue to do so for the healthiest campus possible for the students and staff.
We know that you are concerned with the rising cases of COVID, as are we. We will continue to monitor the health of our staff and students and adjust as needed. It is a high priority for our team to continue to keep the campus open and accessible for learning, support our amazing teachers and support staff who are on campus each day, and be responsive to your needs as parents.
Sincerely,
Mechelle Bryson, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Westlake Academy, IB World School
