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Updates January 18 2021

January 18, 2021

Dear Families:

I hope you had a great long weekend!   I am sharing updates and reminders tonight.

Positive COVID Case

We learned of a positive student COVID case at CMS this weekend.  There are no contacts since the student has not been in school since before the break.

COVID District Data Dashboard

The COVID District Data Dashboard is updated as of Saturday morning.  Including this additional case, the total number of identified cases since school opened is 97.

DPH Community Dashboard

The DPH Weekly Community Dashboard indicates that Concord and Carlisle remain in the yellow category.

Asymptomatic Pooled COVID Testing Survey

As indicated last week, we will be participating in the state’s surveillance COVID testing program.  This is a program utilizing pooled PCR tests that are processed in groups of 10.  The positive pool is tested individually in order to identify the positive person. We expect to be able to conduct the individual PCR test at CCHS with a 24-48 hours turnaround for test results.  The entire pool of 10 quarantines until the results are received.  The state is offering districts 6 free weeks.  We will be then be discussing the next steps.  It is very helpful to have data about the level of interest so please complete this one question survey as soon as possible.

Updates to the Travel Order

DPH now indicates that if you have a previous PCR positive COVID test documented then you do not need to be tested after travel.  In lieu of providing a negative test result, anyone who tested positive previously will need to share the documentation of that with us prior to a return to school.  The state also clarified that a vaccine does not exempt you from the need for testing at this point.

If you traveled this weekend out of state, you must provide a negative result to the school nurse after your return to Massachusetts (unless the above applies).

Special Martin Luther King Day Programs on WIQH

A number of programs related to Dr. King’s birthday are shared on WIQH this weekend.  This list outlines the details.

New Concord Middle School Community Forum

On January 25 at 5 p.m., a forum will provide updates and offer opportunities for feedback about the process of designing a new Concord Middle School.  Details are found in this flyer.

Have a great start to the week!

Best,

Laurie