As you may be aware, the Memorial School currently has a large number of COVID cases. Since last Friday, we have been notified of twenty-four cases schoolwide with twenty cases in the fifth grade alone. Because we no longer contact trace and rely on self-reporting of COVID cases, we are not able to identify the fifth-grade play as the sole cause of transmission; however, it is natural to assume it may have contributed to the spread.
In keeping with the Masking Update published on February 16, 2022, MERSD has consulted with the Manchester Board of Health, the Department of Education, and our school physician to ensure we are taking the proper actions in response to the uptick in cases that have been reported this week.
All confirmed that we are taking the appropriate steps and should continue to do the following:
- Follow DESE guidance and protocols for identification and quarantine
- Encourage students and staff to wear masks
- Encourage parents to have their students vaccinated
- Encourage parents to enroll their students in the at-home testing program
- Encourage parents to keep students home when sick
- Utilize symptomatic testing when students present with symptoms in school
Maintaining a safe environment for all is a priority for the District, and masking is strongly supported and encouraged for all who wish to continue with this mitigation practice. Masks are available in all schools, and all families are encouraged to enroll. MERSD Student At-Home Testing Opt-In.
Although masks are encouraged for students and staff, there are circumstances when they are still required. In accordance with guidance and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the following requirements are in place until further notice:
- A face covering that covers the nose and mouth is strongly recommended to be worn by individuals who remain unvaccinated or are otherwise immunocompromised in school buildings, and on school grounds, even when social distancing is observed.
- Individuals who are vaccinated are not required to wear a mask but may do so if desired.
- Students and staff returning from 5-day quarantine following a positive COVID test must follow strict mask use, other than when eating, drinking, or outside, and conduct active monitoring for symptoms, through day 10 of exposure.
- Masks will be required in all school health offices.
MERSD will continue to monitor Memorial School and seek further consultation from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and our local Boards of Health should numbers continue to increase.
In alignment with MERSD’s Strategic Plan core value of creating, a just and equitable environment that respects individual differences and the diversity of, our communities, country, and world, I ask that as we transition to this next phase of COVID management all members of the MERSD community work to support each other, consider the community implication of personal decisions, and value each other's personal choice in this matter.
Sincerely,
Pam
Pamela Beaudoin
Superintendent
Manchester Essex Regional Schools
