Superintendent's Weekly Update 2-18-2022

 


“The Douglas Public Schools offer diverse learning experiences that meet the academic, social, physical, and emotional needs of all students. We provide a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment in which students may achieve academic success and personal growth. Decisions are made in the best interest of students.” 


Masking:

Last week, Commissioner Riley and Governor Baker announced that the mask mandate in public schools will be lifted effective Monday February 28, 2022. As a result of this, we are holding a School Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 7PM via Zoom where my recommendation to the Committee will be to rescind our mask policy and follow the Governor’s and Commissioner's recommendation. If the School Committee votes to approve my recommendation, they will rescind all of our current mask policy language. This vote is needed by the School Committee in order for us to be mask optional. If the School Committee does vote to rescind our current mask language, then effective Monday February 28 the wearing of masks in schools will be optional. 

Some other important information to keep in mind going forward:

  • Per a Federal Mandate, masks are still required on school buses. 
  • Any individual that is admitted to the nurse’s office will also need to wear a mask.
  • The MIAA released a statement last week, that the mask mandate will be lifted for athletics on February 28, but local school districts can still require masking. 
  • DESE will also update their guidance regarding quarantining for COVID positive individuals. Currently, after a five-day isolation and/or quarantine period, individuals must wear a mask around others for an additional five days, except when eating, drinking, or outdoors.
  • Individuals who experience COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and obtain testing. If they receive a negative result and their symptoms improve (including remaining fever-free for a 24-hour period without fever-reducing medication), they can return to school but should also wear a mask until their symptoms fully resolve. 
  • There will be zero tolerance for negative comments regarding any choice for masking.  Moving forward, every person will have a right to make their own decision that works best for them. Staff members and students have the option to decide what is best for their current situation.

I have met with principals in order to prepare for this potential change upon our return to school after the break. They have met with students this week and will also meet next week with them to review the potential changes and expectations. We will continue to monitor things and adjust accordingly as needed. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to any of us here in Douglas.

Test Kits:

Just a reminder that you can still sign up to receive a free test kit every two weeks for your student. Click here to enroll. 

Substitutes 

We are still looking to hire substitutes for classroom teachers, nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, and support staff. If you are interested, please contact any of the building principals. 

Vaccination Clinic

Thank you again to our local Board of Health for helping to set up another vaccination and booster clinic at our Elementary School. The clinic will be held on Friday 1/28,22 from 3PM-7PM. The follow up date for the second dose is February 18 from 3PM-7PM. Here is the link to register. 

https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/transformativehealth?calendar=773558c1-32ac-438f-932d-89653f44d10c

 

 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.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable break. The return from February break means that spring is around the corner. Although we may still get an unexpected storm and we will still get some days with frigid temperatures, the days do get a little longer and the weather is a little nicer. All of which is very promising. I am excited for what the spring will bring us here in Douglas.

Respectfully,


Paul Vieira, Ed.D.

Superintendent


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