September 26 Updates and Information
September 26, 2020
Dear Families:
Magnificent Students
We celebrate the attitude and vigilance our students are showing toward all of the safety protocols as well as their engagement in remote, hybrid and in-person learning. Please share our positive thoughts and encourage ongoing cooperation. Our kids are great!
CMS Positive COVID Case
The quarantine, testing, and close contact process has evolved uneventfully this week furthering our confidence that the case is isolated and contained.
1:1 K-5 Devices
The technology department has been busy imaging the new devices for the rollout of 1:1 deployment to K-5. This process will continue over the coming week with distribution expected shortly thereafter.
Fully Remote Learners Returning to In-Person Learning
We have had some requests for 100% remote students to return to in-person learning. The initial commitment was for the first quarter or trimester of the school year. If families make a request, we will review the availability of in-person seats. If we can easily have the student return to school, we will consider an earlier return. At times, however, there is impact on class size and distancing that requires more complex planning and will mean that we need more time. We will soon be surveying 100% remote families as to their expected plans for the year to help us be as flexible as possible.
Bike Safety
Hundreds of students are now riding their bikes to school. We ask that parents review safety rules of the road. The School Resource Officers will also be informally meeting with bike riders to remind them of how to be on the road safely.
2020-2021 School Calendar
On Tuesday, the School Committee will consider proposed professional and parent conference days for the months of November and December. The updated draft of the 2020-2021 calendar is posted with the agenda. Confirmation of the dates will be shared after the meeting. We remind you that October 14 is a professional day for all schools.
Symptom Screener
The symptom screener is an important tool in our safety plans. The school nurses follow-up on every “yes” response and work with the family to ensure testing and a safe return to school. We are building a process that will text you if we have not received the response so we ensure everyone participates.
Emerson Hospital COVID Testing Information
Emerson Hospital is collaborating with the schools to ensure access to COVID testing. They shared a document, COVID-19 Testing Information for School Use, that I hope you will find useful. Included here is a Baker Avenue drive thru site that just recently opened.
Concord Carlisle COVID Data Dashboard
This week’s local COVID Data Dashboard is posted on the school webpage. Local cases remain very low.
District COVID Data Dashboard
This week’s District COVID Data Dashboard is also posted. Our numbers reflect the lack of community spread and provide evidence of the CMS case remaining confined.
Remaining Diligent
It is very important that we all remain diligent in our safety practices since is why the local cases are low and remain under control when individual cases occur. Wearing masks, physical distancing, and avoiding large groups is still very important. As one of my colleagues shared in another community, there is no room for error. Cases are creeping up state wide which indicates the need for heightened focus, not less. This takes everyone’s ongoing commitment and dedication.
Enjoy the beautiful fall weekend!
Best,
Laurie