Updates December 19 2021
December 19, 2021
Dear Families:
Welcome to the last school days of 2021!
This Week’s Spotlight
This week, I highlight the dedication of our amazing school bus drivers. In times when the National Guard has been called up to drive children to school, we are so very grateful for their commitment to our students. It is important to share their contributions to the fabric of our district beyond driving itself. Throughout the pandemic, their willingness to support the schools during the middle of the day led to a large number of them serving as student supervisors. Without this support, it would have been impossible to cover the changes to the lunch program and beyond. They have also engaged in our work in equity and cultural competency as seen in the photo below during The Playbook Initiative Training at the middle school last spring. Many of the drivers have very extended careers. Among the longest was Linda Robbins pictured below who retired last year after 47 years! We hope that you will join us in thanking them for their service to our children. I would be remiss not to share appreciation for Transportation Manager John Arena who makes it all happen day in and day out!
School Security
The schools have a comprehensive Emergency Response Manual that includes security practices. In the early days of COVID some of these were on hold since, at times, they directly conflicted with the COVID protocols. We are actively reviewing and again prioritizing these practices. Teachers will participate in refreshers early in 2022. We are also exploring a communication app that would allow for immediate and easily accessible emergency information. Please watch for additional information in further updates.
Concord Middle School Project
On Thursday night, the Public Hearing for the proposed Concord Middle School was held. If you would like to hear the presentations that focused on building design, sustainability and solar energy, and taxpayer impact, the link to the Hearing is posted here. Additional information about the project is found on the Concord Middle School Building Project website.
Update Children’s Room Opening Concord Free Public Library
Please see this linked update from the Concord Free Public Library about the new date to open the new children’s room.
COVID Updates
In the last week, we had 6 positive COVID cases for a total of 81:
1 Alcott student
1 Willard student
1 Willard staff
2 CMS students
1 CCHS student
We also had adult cases today at Ripley and CCHS.
The COVID Dashboard will be updated throughout the week.
Please use the COVID email account over the vacation for all COVID-related communication. The administrators and nurses will not be checking email regularly.
COVID Email Account: covid@concordps.org
Have a wonderful week and vacation with friends and family!
Best,
LaurieDecember 19, 2021
Dear Families:
Welcome to the last school days of 2021!
This Week’s Spotlight
This week, I highlight the dedication of our amazing school bus drivers. In times when the National Guard has been called up to drive children to school, we are so very grateful for their commitment to our students. It is important to share their contributions to the fabric of our district beyond driving itself. Throughout the pandemic, their willingness to support the schools during the middle of the day led to a large number of them serving as student supervisors. Without this support, it would have been impossible to cover the changes to the lunch program and beyond. They have also engaged in our work in equity and cultural competency as seen in the photo below during The Playbook Initiative Training at the middle school last spring. Many of the drivers have very extended careers. Among the longest was Linda Robbins pictured below who retired last year after 47 years! We hope that you will join us in thanking them for their service to our children. I would be remiss not to share appreciation for Transportation Manager John Arena who makes it all happen day in and day out!
School Security
The schools have a comprehensive Emergency Response Manual that includes security practices. In the early days of COVID some of these were on hold since, at times, they directly conflicted with the COVID protocols. We are actively reviewing and again prioritizing these practices. Teachers will participate in refreshers early in 2022. We are also exploring a communication app that would allow for immediate and easily accessible emergency information. Please watch for additional information in further updates.
Concord Middle School Project
On Thursday night, the Public Hearing for the proposed Concord Middle School was held. If you would like to hear the presentations that focused on building design, sustainability and solar energy, and taxpayer impact, the link to the Hearing is posted here. Additional information about the project is found on the Concord Middle School Building Project website.
Update Children’s Room Opening Concord Free Public Library
Please see this linked update from the Concord Free Public Library about the new date to open the new children’s room.
COVID Updates
In the last week, we had 6 positive COVID cases for a total of 81:
1 Alcott student
1 Willard student
1 Willard staff
2 CMS students
1 CCHS student
We also had adult cases today at Ripley and CCHS.
The COVID Dashboard will be updated throughout the week.
Please use the COVID email account over the vacation for all COVID-related communication. The administrators and nurses will not be checking email regularly.
COVID Email Account: covid@concordps.org
Have a wonderful week and vacation with friends and family!
Best,
Laurie