Embedded Files
Instructions on using ParentSquare
2021.2022 See
April 22, 2021
Dear SAU 9 Families,
As we approach April break I would like to update you on a few important issues regarding our schools. It is hard to believe that upon our return from break we will only have about 30 days left in the school year. There are a few things we can all do in order to finish the year in a positive and productive manner.
Please continue to follow the guidelines provided by the schools, CDC, and DHS. There is still a need to wear masks and practice physical distancing. Please continue to screen for COVID symptoms and stay home if you are not feeling well. If you or your family are in quarantine or isolation please follow those guidelines in order to limit exposure to others. For those who are traveling over vacation, please follow the CDC guidance.
There has been an uptick in the number of positive cases in our schools and community recently which is of concern. Unfortunately we continue to quarantine and isolate students and staff when we have a positive case. We are hopeful that as more people are vaccinated, the number of people inconvenienced by quarantine will diminish. Most of the school staff will be fully vaccinated by May 8th, which will help with the disruption to the school environment.
Vaccine registration is now open for anyone who is 16 years of age or older. In working with the medical community, we encourage students to get the vaccine. We anticipate being able to reduce some of the inconveniences associated with being in school during a pandemic as the number of students who are vaccinated increases. Please reach out to your medical provider for how to get your student vaccinated.
We look forward to finishing out the most challenging school year with great energy and celebration. Have a wonderful April break.
Sincerely,
Kevin Richard
Superintendent, SAU 9
April 16, 2021
Dear SAU 9 Community,
I would like to keep you up to date with the latest developments regarding the COVID -19 pandemic. As Governor Sununu has announced the repeal of the state-wide mask mandate and further changes to the stay at home guidance, we understand parents, staff, and students have questions about the future.
School-based health recommendations are aligned with advice from the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as our local medical providers. You may recall masking and distancing requirements in schools being enacted with the adoption of the SAU 9 Re-Entry Plan in August, prior to the Governor's mandate for the general public, which came in response to a surge in COVID-19 deaths last November.
SAU 9 will continue to require universal masking and physical distancing on all school grounds. These mitigation factors have allowed us to provide face-to-face instruction throughout the year. The cases are not being transmitted in the schools which is a tribute to all students, staff and parents who are following the protocols and procedures.
We understand the reality of COVID fatigue, and acknowledge how incredibly challenging the ongoing pandemic has been for families, staff, and the community at large. We appreciate your continued support so that we can offer face to face instruction for our students.
Sincerely,
Kevin Richard
Superintendent, SAU 9
Governor Sununu's Executive Order 89
April 6, 2021
Dear SAU9 Families,
Governor Sununu has issued Executive Order 89, which requires all New Hampshire school districts to provide face-to-face instruction five days per week for all students beginning on April 19, 2021. The order also allows districts to continue to offer distance learning to families for those who prefer that model of instruction. SAU 9 is proud that we have been providing these options to families since the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.
We are committed to working with families to meet their needs as we navigate the complexities of providing education during a pandemic. The CDC has updated its guidance for schools, including reducing the physical distancing space between students to a distance of three feet with mask wearing. Depending upon the number of students who choose to return to face-to-face learning, we may need to make some adjustments to our current protocols as outlined in our re-entry plan. All students and staff will continue to be required to wear masks, and to engage in daily screening and frequent hand washing.
At this time, we are looking to determine if any SAU9 families would like to make changes to how their child(ren) are accessing education. Please contact your building principal by Friday, April 9 if you would like your child(ren) to return to face-to-face instruction, or if you are currently learning in person and would like to move to distance learning for the remainder of the year. It is important to know that any change in either direction could mean switching teachers and/or courses. In communicating with your principal, we also need to know if there are changes impacting access to transportation.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your building principal or the SAU 9 office.
Sincerely,
Kevin Richard
Superintendent of Schools, SAU 9
School Principal Contact Information:
Kevin Carpenter, Kennett High School: (603)356-4343; k_carpenter@sau9.org
Rich Biche, Kennett Middle School: (603) 447-6364; r_biche@sau9.org
Joe Yahna, Josiah Bartlett Elementary School: (603) 374-2331, j_yahna@sau9.org
Jason Robert, Conway Elementary School: (603) 447-3369, j_robert@sau9.org
Danielle Nutting, John Fuller School (603) 356-5381, d_nutting@sau9.org
Dr. Aimee Frechette, Pine Tree School (603) 447-2882, a_frechette@sau9.org
Gayle Dembowski, Jackson Grammar School: (603) 383-6861, g_dembowski@sau9.org
Please read over the guidance from SAU 9 regarding your child's return to school after illness, contact with a COVID patient, or travel. For more information, please visit http://www.sau9.org/ and click the covid-19 information tap at the top right.
Please read over the guidance from SAU 9 regarding your child's return to school after illness, contact with a COVID patient, or travel. For more information, please visit http://www.sau9.org/ and click the covid-19 information tap at the top right.
March 24, 2021
Dear SAU 9 Community,
As we bring a close to the winter season and look forward to warmer days and brighter sun we would like to provide a few updates regarding some considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the start of allergy season upon us, we would like you to consider the following:
If your child experiences seasonal allergies, please consult with their health care provider for recommendations on prevention and/or treatment with an antihistamine. School protocol still requires anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, even mild, be excluded from school and seek COVID-19 testing. Many of the symptoms of COVID-19 can overlap with symptoms of seasonal allergies--fatigue, congestion, sore throat, runny nose, cough, headache. Also, please bear in mind that it is possible to get COVID-19 and allergies at the same time, and the only way to confirm is with a diagnostic test. We want to thank you for helping us keep our students in school.
With April break one month away, you should also be aware of the following changes to CDC guidance. One major change is that domestic travel within the U.S. no longer requires quarantine upon return to NH, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. This includes domestic travel to U.S. territories. Even though quarantine is not required after travel, it is recommended that individuals seek testing for asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection 3-5 days after travel. SAU 9 will not be requiring proof of testing after domestic travel.
At this time no other changes are being made, but are under consideration. The SAU 9 pandemic response team will be reviewing the proposed changes to best serve the students and staff in the district. We will keep you updated with any changes.
It has been a long year for all of us and we hope to see some positive changes in the future. We appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
Kevin Richard
5 Things To Know 3_18_21.pdfReturn to school guidelines - updated 3.19.21
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