Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members:

Today's Weather & 2021-2022 School Calendar

I hope you are all safe and warm on this icy Friday morning.   While the snow accumulations did not pan out as forecasted, the ice is a significant issue for travel.   We will make up this day as part of our five (5) emergency weather days at the end of the school year.  That brings our last day of school to Friday, June 17, 2022.   You can see the revised calendar at this link.  

Parent Communication Survey Results

About a month ago, we sent out a communication survey to determine more effective communication methods.  As a result of that survey, we have revamped our whole newsletter structure.   First, many of you preferred text messages with links to the newsletter (in addition to email).  Second, we made the format more interactive so you could receive important information without redundant information. Third, we created a section entitled “Family Resources” with quick access to district information. We also created a format to search previous newsletters in a more efficient manner. We look forward to your feedback to see if the format is more helpful.  

Masks Optional in All School & Extracurricular Activities (2/28/22)

As I reported last week, we are excited about the recommendation at the state level from the Commissioner of Public Health to transition from a pandemic to an endemic.  As you are aware, beginning Monday, masks will be optional in all school and extracurricular activities.   We reinforced with our students this week that the decision to wear masks is a family choice based on an assessment of personal health risk and should be respected.  We encourage our students to be respectful and kind, regardless of that choice.  We would hope that you would reinforce those concepts at home prior to Monday.  We want to continue to promote a culture of respect and inclusivity.  

DPH's Request to Distribute Home Test Kits

I know that there were some questions on social media about the Department of Public Health’s request to distribute the home tests, specifically the date and reasons why.   The Department of Public Health requested that we distribute and request that parents conduct the home test to “catch” any asymptomatic individuals prior to Monday with the “masks optional” being implemented by schools.  From their perspective, it would help mitigate any exposures.   We were originally told to instruct families to test on Saturday and then the guidance changed to recommend Monday morning (February 28th) prior to school.  As you also know, we were asked to distribute two test kits to families and staff, but they had the pick-up date for additional kits for today but canceled due to the weather.  We had enough existing kits to send home a kit for all staff and all students (PreK-5).  We chose those age levels because those ages have the lowest vaccination levels. Our shipment has been rescheduled to March 2, 2022, and we will be distributing the second kits (PreK-5) and two kits in grades 6-12.  Because we are receiving such a large shipment, if you need any additional kits for your extended family, please do not hesitate to let us know.