Good day from HSD. This is Jim Chasse.
I wanted to make families aware of a COVID case in our schools.
There is a positive case of COVID-19 at the Hermon Middle School that affects both grade 6 cohorts; by CDC guidelines this requires both grade 6 cohorts and several staff members to quarantine. This is approximately 75 people. There is also an amount of connectivity between siblings, friends, and staff.
The state has changed quarantine times from 14 to 10 days, this quarantine time carries into the winter break. We are using an abundance of caution and will be moving the middle school to remote instruction beginning this Tuesday until the start of winter break. Teachers have been preparing and practicing for this switch, details of remote instruction 2.0 will be communicated directly from the school.
Thank you for your help in containing any viral spread by distancing, hygiene, masks, and adhering to guidance around gatherings and increased exposure.
I wish my messages about COVID were not so frequent and intense. I believe we can get through this together and appreciate your patience and teamwork.
We will continue to monitor cases, listen to the state guidance, and make the best local decisions possible.
If you have questions please contact your school nurse, principal, and teachers.
Thank you and have a great week,
Jim Chasse
FYI- People should stay home when they are sick. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that ranges from mild to severe. It can be more severe in adults 60 years and older and in those with underlying conditions. The virus mainly spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms include the following:
• fever or chills • cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• fatigue • muscle or body aches • headache
• new loss of taste or smell • sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting or diarrhea
Please keep in mind that many things can cause respiratory illness, so students and staff should be up-to-date on influenza and routine vaccinations.