All Shook Up...an update!SB1-8-21
Mr. McElhinney was DJ for today’s dismissal and reminded everyone that it was Elvis’ birthday today. I wished that I remembered that earlier and perhaps today’s hoodie theme could have been a pompadour instead...although the sweatshirt was very comfy. We can save the sunglasses and sideburns for another day.
Translations via Google translate
Hopefully, you were all able to see the announcement Superintendent Olsen sent out regarding an upcoming shift in our Structured Learning Time. If you missed it, you can access it here: SLT Update to Parents. I have received a few questions already and I know we are planning to share an updated Frequently Asked Questions document next week to help answer any questions or concerns. One point of clarification right away is the letter mentions 90 minutes in the afternoon but students at the middle school level will continue to access three 35 minute classes in the afternoon session which combines to make 105 total minutes of added Structured Learning Time. We are not changing our overall daily schedule, students are still expected to be school ready from 7:35 until 1:55 as they have been all year. The adjustment is increasing the amount of time that students can access live interactions with their teachers by shifting some of the previously designated asynchronous time in the afternoon to be more time bound synchronous learning. Teachers will be communicating more specific information regarding their classes to students using the Google Classroom platform over the next week.
With the increase in COVID-19 cases following the holidays, more and more families are asking questions regarding quarantining and isolating. I am concerned that some folks haven’t paid as close attention to the information Ms. Hanly has shared earlier since they might not have felt it applied to them at the time. Please make sure to read her notes from the clinic which I include every week as she continues to provide the most updated information that is available.
Without further adieu, this week’s notes from the clinic brought to you by Baby New Year...
January 8-Notes from the Clinic: Sue Hanly, MSN, RN
I pray everyone was able to have a ‘stress-free’ vacation week. I wanted to clarify some information about positive COVID cases, close contacts and isolation/quarantine. If someone tests positive for COVID, they need to isolate for a minimum of 10 days from symptom onset. If they tested positive on 12/5 and their symptoms started on 12/3-their isolation would be from 12/4-12/13; recovered on 12/14 and able to resume all activities outside the home. (Symptom onset date is considered day zero.) If someone is tested for COVID and is asymptomatic but tests positive, their isolation starts with the day of the test-that is day one. Again, even if they are asymptomatic, they need to isolate for 10 days from the test, out on day 11. You do not need a negative test to come out of isolation because individuals can continue to test positive for 3 months, although no longer considered infectious.
Close contacts are all household members of a positive case as well as anyone that person was with for more than 15 minutes, less than 6 feet apart 48 hours before symptom onset-if asymptomatic, 48 hours before the test. We have not had anyone test positive in our school building as a result of being a close contact in the building! We have had students and staff test positive b/c of outside school activities.
There are districts-including Chelmsford-who are quarantining entire classrooms when someone tests positive. That is not a practice that is recommended by the state!
The quarantine guidance has changed. Please note this chart with the different options:
Letters have to go out to the entire school community whenever there is a positive case. We cannot share if it is a student or staff member or if it is a student, what grade or what pod. The school nurses also have to fill in a shared spreadsheet with Bill Olsen and Kerry Clery when anyone is in quarantine or isolation. Names are not shared just whether it is a staff or student, dates of isolation or quarantine and a return to school date. Every positive case also needs to be reported to DESE. Continue to share with me if your child is out of school b/c of an exposure. That information is kept confidential.
As you all know there have been an increase in cases not only in Westford but around the state and beyond. The holidays created a spike in cases because of social gatherings and travel. Our school has remained a safe place for students and staff to be! I am proud of the work our custodians are doing on a daily basis! Stay safe and please reach out with any concerns.
With that, have a wonderful weekend,
Chris
Dr. Christopher Chew
Principal
Stony Brook School
Westford, MA 01886
WESTFORD YOUTH LACROSSE (WYL) - WYL is accepting registrations for the Spring 2021 season for the boys and girls programs (Grades 1 - 8) as well as the mixed FiddleStix Program for Kindergarten age. Westford Youth Lacrosse play starts in mid-March with indoor practices. Games start in early April and run through mid-June.
FiddleStix is a great entry program for Kindergarten age children looking to try something new. No equipment needed. One day per week commitment. No weekends.
Go to www.westfordlax.org to learn more and to register for any of the WYL programs. Registration ends February 14, 2021. Uncertain about committing to spring registration now? Don't worry, no payment is required until the registration deadline. Don't miss out on registering now to guarantee your spot for the spring lacrosse season.
Lacrosse is the fastest sport on two feet and one of the fastest growing youth sports in the country. Help spread the word to your friends who may be interested in playing Lacrosse that registration is HAPPENING now!
Sincerely,
The Westford Youth Lacrosse Board
https://www.facebook.com/westfordyouthlax/