Superintendent's Weekly Update 2/12/21

 Hello,

I would like to wish everyone a restful and enjoyable February break. It only seems like a few days ago we were getting ready for Christmas break. If the next 7 weeks go by as quickly as these last 7 weeks, we will shortly be enjoying spring weather and everything associated with it. I would also like to thank the principals and all the parents that attended our state of the schools presentation. It is important for us to share with you what is happening in our schools and it is equally important for us to be partners with you in this process. Thank you to those that attended and your continued support. As a reminder, if you test positive, become ill, or have to quarantine please notify the school during the vacation week. We need this information to stay safe and open.

Return to School Survey:

On Wednesday, I sent out a return to school survey that I am asking everyone to fill out. To date we have had over 850 people respond. I will keep the survey open through the middle of next week to give everyone an opportunity to fill it out. Yesterday we received word from DESE that they are adjusting the guidelines on transportation which will allow for more students to ride the bus. I am still going through the 11 page document and will need to meet with our leadership team and Tellstone our bus company on the impact of this, but the good news is that this will make it easier for students to get to school and lessen the need for parents to have to drive students to school. 

As I stated in my email to you on Wednesday, the original plan to come back to school was to bring back k-3 students full time and to adjust the schedule for grades 4-12 for more in person instruction. Since then a lot of positive things have occurred for us to be able alter that plan and potentially bring more students back to school this year. As I said in the summer and it rings true again now, information changes daily and that causes us to make changes in our plans. This happened yesterday with transportation. Once I receive and look at all the data, I will share it out with you next week. I will also include information on upcoming community forums to discuss our return to school plans with you. 

Link to surveys below:

DPS

DES
DMS
DHS

Close Contact Update:

On Wednesday I sent out a letter stating that we had a COVID positive case with no close contacts. After I sent out the notification, I received new information that there were two close contacts. Those individuals have been contacted and have not been in school since Wednesday. I wanted to be certain to share this with you.

Travel Advisory:

Below is some information from our nurses about the travel advisory that is still in place. 

COVID-19 Travel Order issued by Governor Baker

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

The Order applies both to residents of Massachusetts returning from out-of-State travel and to residents of other States and any other persons who come to Massachusetts for personal or business travel. Travelers who do not comply with these rules may be subject to a civil fine of $500 per day.

All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, MUST quarantine for 10 days unless you: 

1. are coming from a lower-risk state (there are currently none, except Hawaii) 

2. test negative with an approved molecular (PCR) SARS-CoV2 test, on a sample obtained 72 hours or less prior to arrival in Massachusetts. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted.

3. test negative with an approved molecular (PCR) SARS-CoV2 test, on a sample  upon returning to Massachusetts. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted.

4. meet the exemption criteria https://www.mass.gov/guidance/guidance-for-travelers-arriving-in-the-commonwealth-of-massachusetts#exemptions-to-the-quarantine-requirement

You MUST quarantine until you receive the negative result. 

Refer to the approved test sites on the mass.government website.

https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing

Testing for children, 10 years and younger, who are traveling with an adult from their household is not required. If the accompanying adult chooses to quarantine, the child must also quarantine. If the accompanying adult chooses to obtain a test, the child and adult must quarantine until the adult’s negative test result is received.

**A copy of a negative PCR test is required prior to your child returning to in-person instruction.

Distinct report card:

Every year DESE sends out a report card to schools and communities. They write, “Families and communities are critical partners to a district's success. Just as a student's report card shows how they are performing, the district report card shows how a district is performing in multiple areas. It shows the district's strengths and the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the district is meeting the needs of all students.” We will look at the data this provides us and begin to make the necessary changes and improvements. Many of these changes will be highlighted in the work our Blueprint Committee is working on. Below is a link to the report card.

https://reportcards.doe.mass.edu/2020/DistrictReportcard/00770000

COVID Data

Attached is a link to our COVID Dashboard along with guidance and information for families. Link To COVID Dashboard  guidance for families 

I hope each of you have a great break and time with family.

All my best,

Paul