Superintendent's Weekly Update 9-17-21

 

Hi all,

I hope everyone had a great week. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet many of you this week at our open houses. Again it was a return to some sense of normalcy here for everyone in the Douglas Public Schools. Early this week Mr. O’Brien, our Middle School Principal, shared an observation he made of our students. Every day during bus duty he greets students as they come off the bus. He says more often than not, he hears students thanking the bus drivers and wishing them a good day. This is a testament to our students and our community. All too often we hear about the negative things students do and not the positive. I am certain you share in my pride in hearing this!

Grant ApprovalGreat news-- we have been awarded $6,000 to purchase equipment and supplies to enhance and improve the breakfast program!The funds will be used for:

  • Purchasing a new sliding door refrigerator for the Primary School breakfasts to allow for fast & easy access to Grab & Go 

  • Purchasing heat lamps, display ware, and blenders all to help improve the offerings available to students at breakfast at the elementary, middle and high school

  • If you would like more information on our free breakfast program please contact your student’s school.

COVID Testing Plan:

Last week you received an email outlining our three testing options for students and staff. These included in school symptomatic testing, weekly pooled testing, and the test and stay program. In order for you to enroll in any of these programs you needed to give consent through the CIC website. Giving consent on this website allows for you to enroll in the program and is required at the state and local level.

However, we do realize that some families may only be interested in parts of these programs. In order for us to get a clear picture of which testing program you want your student to participate in, we need you to fill out the following brief survey to OPT INTO each of the programs. Your student will only participate in the programs that you consent to via this survey. 

Remember that before your student will be allowed to participate, you will need to give consent on the CIC Website. Please complete one survey per child. 

At any point in the year you can contact your student's school should you decide to make any changes to your testing consent program.

Click on your student’s school below to complete the survey.

Douglas Primary School

Douglas Elementary School

Douglas Middle School

Douglas High School

Our test and stay program will be up and running starting on Monday September 27. I do apologize for the wait to get this started however, we have had to go through several steps in order to get this started for staff and families. After working internally with our staff and external agencies we will have this ready on the 27th. We are still waiting for additional resources from CIC to begin our pooled testing program. Once we have more information I will share that with you.

Safety Reminders

Everyone has been great following our safety protocols. We can not get complacent with these. I share these as a reminder for all.

  1. Avoid large social gatherings

  2. Wear a mask

  3. Practice social distancing

  4. Wash your hands frequently

  5. Follow the guidance set forth by the Governor

  6. If the Board of Health calls, please answer and provide them with the information they need

  7. If you are sick, stay home

  8. If you live with someone that is symptomatic, stay home until they test negative


COVID Dashboard:

Attached is a link to our COVID Dashboard that will be updated weekly. Unlike last year where I sent our letters every time we had a COVID positive case, I will not do that this year. This Dashboard will provide you with weekly numbers by building. We will continue to reach out to close contacts and also to families if they have been exposed to a presumptive positive student.


Respectfully,


Paul Vieira, Ed.D

Superintendent


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