Updates February 24 2021

February 24, 2021

Dear Families:

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful day!  A few updates this afternoon:

COVID Cases

We learned of 3 student cases over the past few days:

2 CCHS students that did not require contact tracing

1 CMS student that did require tracing that was complete this morning.

Asymptomatic Testing

The student testing process is off to a very successful start.  We will reopen enrollment shortly for those wishing to engage.

In-Person Learning Time 

As you saw, the Governor and Commissioner announced plans to increase in-person learning time for students.  We are learning the state’s plans as they are shared with us which started today.

As I shared at last night’s School Committee meeting, we had already planned to review possible options this week after returning from the break to increase time in the schools.  The warmer weather and lower case counts allow for some different ideas.  Of course, we need to do this in balance with the safety measures that have been so effective and the structures that have served us so well since we opened on September 9 and allowed us to remain open ever since.  Our starting point is different than many districts given that and the fact that our students have had access to instruction five days per week through in-person and live streaming.  We will use this week and next week to craft the options.  I will bring those options to the School Committee at the March 9th meeting.

Our work to date has been built primarily on strong connections and relationships between teachers and parents, leadership and union, community, and schools.  I am sure that this work will continue into the spring with those same foundations and positive outcomes.

Best,
Laurie