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Revised COVID Protocols and Full Day Monday January 3

January 1, 2022

Dear Families:

Happy New Year!  Tonight, I share our plans for Monday as well as our revised COVID protocols for the upcoming weeks.

Monday, January 3

We will have a full day on our regular schedule on Monday.  I have been able to sufficiently connect with leaders, health officials, and staff this week with more time planned together tomorrow to review our updated protocols.  Staff will be able to test prior to student arrival.  Our students need our routines to stay in place, albeit with some modifications to enhance safety.  It was unlikely we could conduct student pool testing effectively without being in session.  I am not sure there was a perfect plan here as you will see my peers in other districts doing different things.  As superintendents, we have been well-connected this week and know that we each have our own individual contexts.

 

Updated COVID Protocols for January

 

The link above outlines our complete list of protocols to return as safely as possible next week.  Significant changes are in yellow from previous plans this year.  Below are the most noteworthy items to bring to your attention:

 

  • Reinstating 3′ distance wherever possible including in classrooms with students facing the same direction
  • Isolation and quarantine of positive cases and unvaccinated close contacts is now 5 days per DPH protocol
  • Those individuals with COVID in the house need to stay home for the same 5 days and test negative before returning to school.
  • Everyone should stay home even with mild symptoms.  Please do not dismiss any symptoms.
  • We now accept both PCR or antigen tests (including at-home ones).
  • Students will wipe down desks when classes transition.
  • Elementary students will return to the classroom for lunch.  CMS and CCHS will space as much as possible when eating.
  • High quality masks are important.  We encourage staff and students to consider wearing N95 masks.
  • Pool testing is recommended for everyone.  We will test two days per week for the coming weeks.
  • We continue to monitor ventilation and regularly track CO2 readings in all of the schools.  Students missing school will receive prioritized assignments and a flexible approach to make-up work.

As has been the case for the last two years, we will monitor the plan and adjust accordingly.  Further communication and opportunities for questions will soon follow.

I am confident that together we can get through yet another chapter of the pandemic.  Have a wonderful evening!

Best,

Laurie