Parents & Guardians of Kindergarten through 6th Grade Students- 11/12/2020

Dear Parents & Guardians of Kindergarten through 6th Grade Students:

Thanks to all of you for your patience and your understanding as we continue to phase-in students to in-person learning. I especially want to thank those families that have chosen to remain learning remotely as we sort through some of the challenges of our current learning platform.

As of today, we have our Pre-K through sixth grade students back on campus for in-person learning in an AM/PM hybrid model. Based on my visits to most classrooms this past week and reports from students and staff, things have gone extremely well, and we are all enjoying being back in the classroom! I have been extremely impressed and appreciative of students and staff following safety protocols including masking, social distancing, hand washing and everyone looking out for each other. The ability of our schools to remain open is highly dependent upon the compliance of these required protocols in order to minimize the impacts of COVID-19. So far – so good, we have been able to limit transmission in our schools and the Health District continues to support our efforts in returning students to our school campuses. Since we have re-opened our schools to in-person learning, no students have tested positive for COVID-19.

In the days ahead, it will be extremely important for all parents to work together at home and with your respective schools in order to keep our students, staff and our community safe. It is of the utmost importance that when you or a family member have COVID-like symptoms and/or tests positive for COVID-19, that you immediately inform the school nurse or building principal. I have attached an important screening tool for you to consult to assist you in determining whether or not you should send your student to school if he/she is experiencing COVID-like symptoms.

Beginning this Monday, we are also requiring all parents to complete a “Fast Pass” which is a weekly attestation form confirming that your child is symptom free prior to coming to school. The “Fast Pass” involves completing a checklist of questions regarding COVID Symptoms. Temperature checks will continue to be taken on site at our schools if you are unable to do so at home. The “Fast Pass” will improve the efficiency of on-site screening for students.

Stay safe and thanks to all of you for working with us to ensure our students and staff remain safe.

Barry DePaoli, Superintendent