February 8 Important Update
With local conditions continuing to improve, and with the recent guidance on transmission of the virus among young people, the Board of School Directors made some important decisions about the return to in-person learning at the February 8 board meeting. Here is a synopsis of their decisions.
Beginning Monday, February 22, students who were coming to the building back in October will return to the school four days per week. Families who opted for fully remote learning will continue in that model. Wednesdays will be remote learning days for everyone.
Both schools will maintain the early dismissal every day to provide time for teachers to work with remote students. The Middle / High School dismisses at 1:30 pm and the Elementary Center dismisses at 2:30 pm. Bus schedules will not change. Meals continue to be free for all students in-person or remote.
We continue to follow to the greatest extent possible the recommended practices and protocols for a safe and healthy environment. Face masks are required for everyone. Face shields are not acceptable unless they are used with a mask. There are no mask breaks except for lunchtime. Extra masks are available in classrooms for students who forgot a mask or need a clean one. Also, plastic shields have been placed on desks and tables in every room. One area where we cannot be fully compliant is the recommendation for six feet of distance between desks. We have as much space as possible between desks, but it is not six feet in most rooms. We believe the desk shields will help mitigate that issue.
We ask that families who wish to change their placement from remote to in-person or in-person to remote should communicate their intentions to the principal by February 17. Only families wishing to make a change need to communicate their intentions to the principal.
It is also our expectation that families will continue to communicate with the school nurse regarding any concerns, questions or situations related to COVID-19 symptoms or testing.
We look forward to the 22nd, when students and teachers will be reunited and the schools will once again fill with the familiar sights and sounds of a school day. In the meantime, we wish everyone continued good health.