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Updates September 26 2021

September 26, 2021

Dear Families:

This week has us wrapping our first month of school and the weekend weather helped us to sense that October is in the air.  As I mentioned last week, I’ll be providing both COVID and other updates weekly.

COVID Updates

In the past week, we had 3 positive cases:  1 Thoreau adult, 1 CMS adult (pool), and 1 CMS student.  The COVID Data Dashboard will be updated as cases occur during the week.  It is posted here and is on the main district homepage.

Due to current challenges on the vendor’s end, we will NOT be pool testing this week.  Despite the delay, we do believe it is an important, valuable tool.  This year, all consents need to be provided through the CIC portal (not Aspen).  The link is found here if you have not yet enrolled your child:

Electronic Consent Form

Federal Grant Fund Survey- Please Complete

The federal government is currently distributing the funds provided to districts throughout the country through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  Within that Act, is the Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund.  Accessing the most recent round of funding requires input from all stakeholders.  As a result, we ask you to complete a short survey to identify priorities during the pandemic.  The survey is found here.

West Nile Virus

Late last week, the West Nile Risk Level was increased to MODERATE.  Several adjacent towns are now at HIGH risk levels.  A detailed document from Concord Health Director Susan Rask is found here.   At the times of highest risk (dawn and dusk), we strongly encourage all students to be sure to apply bug repellent.

Superintendent Goals 2021-2022

Every year, I set goals for the upcoming school year which are regularly discussed with the School Committees.  These goals identify our priorities and are aligned with the District Strategic Plan.  The goals this year include diversity and equity, special education, literacy, and student mental health.  COVID management is certainly also present but not the sole goal.  The complete set of goals is posted here.

Last week, we held a forum to update the community on the design of a new Concord Middle School.  The recording of the forum is posted here.

MCAS 2021

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released MCAS scores from the spring.  You can find the results on their webpage.  We are reviewing the results.  Individual student information will be sent home in October.  It is very important to remember the many variables during the time prior to and during testing.

Follow Us on Social Media

Especially during the pandemic, we have found social media to be a way to share photos and notes of what goes on in the schools on a daily basis when families do not have as much access.  If you don’t already, please consider following our many accounts. To get started, you might follow my Twitter and Instagram accounts which will link you to many others.

Twitter   @cps_cchs                              Instagram  @ccsuperintendent

Thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration! Have a great week!

Best,

Laurie