November 20, 2020
Dear Families and Colleagues,
Over the past week we have seen a troubling rise in the number of positive COVID-19 cases across the state and here in Madison. The District COVID Review Team held its regular Friday meeting today to review Town, regional COVID-19, and district-specific data concerning positivity rates. The team determined local indicators support staying with our current models of instruction: Daniel Hand High School on full remote through Friday, December 4 and K-8 schools continuing with in-person instruction.
To date, there has not been a case in which a student or staff member has become positive as a result of exposure in our school environment. Our mitigation strategies of cohorting, social distancing whenever possible, mask wearing, using desk shields, and quarantining when necessary have contributed to a safe and healthy school environment. We commend our staff and students for their efforts in continuing to follow our protocols. The district regularly posts updated confirmed case numbers across the system on our district website.
🦃 Thanksgiving
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday week, I want to encourage everyone to follow the guidance from health experts regarding your holiday plans. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports: As cases continue to increase rapidly across the United States, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.
If you plan to travel or gather with extended family, please follow safe travel protocols including mask wearing, social distancing, and limiting the size of the gathering. After Thanksgiving break, please follow quarantine guidance related to out-of-state travel or if your family was part of a large gathering. If your student needs to self-quarantine following the holiday, please inform your school nurse or building administrator promptly.
Mental Health Matters
Throughout this school year we have continually stressed the important of physical health in an effort to help stop the spread of this virus. As we enter the holiday season, I would like to remind our community that mental health is just as important. Please see the following resources:
We appreciate your ongoing support and understanding as we continue to respond to the ever-changing conditions in our community. Please continue to wear face coverings and practice social distancing – our success in fighting this pandemic depends on each one of us doing our part to slow the spread.
Very truly yours,
JeanAnn C. Paddyfote, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools
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