Spring Events & COVID Reminders

As we head into the end of the school year, I know we are all very excited about the many upcoming student performances, activities, and celebrations.  In advance of the many large group gatherings that will be taking place, I am sending a reminder about how we can work together to minimize the risk of spreading COVID in our community.

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 remain available in all schools, and all families are encouraged to have their students vaccinated and to keep their students home when sick.

Additionally, I’d like to encourage everyone to please take advantage of the at-home testing program.  By testing your students at home, you can help us to minimize the risk of spread in school.  The more families who participate in the at-home testing, the more successful we will be in managing in-school transmission.  If you have not signed up for testing, but would like to participate, please call or email your school contact and a kit will be sent home.  

• Memorial: Joanne Seaman, RN - seamanj@mersd.org / 978-526-1909
• Essex Elementary:  Nicole Grasso-Correnti, RN - grasso-correntiN@mersd.org / (978) 768-7324
• Middle School:  Carolyn Houde –houdec@merd.org  / (978) 526-2022
• High School:  Mary Lumsden - lumsdenm@mersd.org / (978) 526-4412

Reminder: 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.

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 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. 

I look forward to seeing you at our spring events.