Good Afternoon BRSSD Community!
Given the declining trend in Covid-19 cases and the positivity rate in San Mateo County, we wanted to provide you with an update on reopening plans. These trends are encouraging as we look forward to schools returning to in-person learning. As a District, we continue to monitor county health indicators and measure our teacher, staff, and community readiness to take the initial steps to offer a hybrid model. The safety and well-being of our educators and students is our highest priority.
Our progress was discussed at the Board of Trustees meeting yesterday evening. After reviewing trend data, initial staff and community survey data, and a thoughtful discussion around health and safety, the Board of Trustees provided additional direction for our pathway toward in-person instruction. Recognizing positive trends, we have determined that we will begin a tiered implementation toward hybrid instruction no sooner than mid January 2021 and only when positivity and case rates in the county are approaching or within the Yellow Tier. In the meantime, we are looking to develop additional academic supports, advance our staff testing protocols, and continue working with our staff towards a successful hybrid reopening.
Today the County of San Mateo announced that no-cost testing for COVID-19 is available for children ages five and older starting Tuesday, October 20th. This new testing represents a change in the county’s testing approach in that you no longer need to be exhibiting symptoms in order to be tested. San Mateo County is partnering with Curative Inc. to provide the testing, which involves a simple-to-use oral mouth swab test that is self-administered. Families can go together and get tested if they wish. Curative will bill a family’s insurance for the test. If the family does not have insurance, the county will cover the cost. You can find more information about the testing program for children on the county’s website.
Continuing the positive trend forward requires us to remain vigilant in following community health guidance and making safe choices. San Mateo County Health is providing Free Flu Vaccine Clinics. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated. No appointment, ID, or health insurance is needed. You can find location, date, and time information on these flyers (Spanish and English). With Halloween around the corner, check out San Mateo County’s guidance for a safer Halloween. Ensuring a safe return to school for our students is a community effort!
Belmont Water Dog Run
It’s not too late to participate in the Belmont Water Dog Run. Between now and October 25th, you can run/walk in your neighborhood or any open public area while maintaining social-distancing, wearing a face covering, and following all local regulations designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. For more information, visit https://belmontwaterdogrun.com.
Your participation supports education in Belmont and Redwood Shores. In 2019, our event provided more than $16K in grants to worthwhile educational projects. To continue this community support, we invite you to join our VIRTUAL 2020 run.
Voting Information
November 3rd is election day. If you would like more information on how to register to vote, how to submit a ballot, and learn about the ballot measures, visit the San Mateo County voter information page at https://www.smcacre.org/smcvote.
Have a wonderful weekend!
