Weekly Briefing 11.20.20

 Lewis County Metrics

Cases are on the increase again in Lewis County and are currently predicted to breach the 200/100,000 mark. We are beginning to get reports of students who have been exposed to adults who are testing COVID-positive. We are grateful to those families who are voluntarily isolating their children who have been exposed. As of this writing, no students or staff have tested positive for COVID. We believe that this is the result of our community masking, keeping distant and practicing hand hygiene. Our staff has been diligent at cleaning and disinfecting spaces as well as promoting "hands, face, space" in our buildings. As a team, we're doing our part to keep schools open in the buildings.

Holidays

Traditional times for gathering are here. This year, we ask that everyone is mindful that the virus does not observe holidays. Large, indoor gatherings will only put us further behind in our efforts to reopen our schools fully and see a return of athletics and activities. While it is painful to be away from our loved ones during the holidays, this sacrifice will help us not overrun our healthcare systems and will help us get our local businesses reopened.

TMS/THS

We are currently planning to bring students back to TMS on December 1. We're also planning to bring the Class of 2021 and students with special needs to THS the same day. We continue to be on track to bring all high school students back to the new classrooms in January. 

Until December 14, all indoor athletic activities are suspended. We're hoping that infection rates will subside enough that the Governor will lift those restrictions in December. 

We encourage parents to stay in contact with their students and teachers to help support learning remotely. We still have a number of disengaged students who will struggle when we come back to regular order if they haven't engaged in studies now.  

Our fall achievement scores were consistent with what we would have expected if we had been in school through the past spring. In spite of the shutdown, students have continued to grow. We note gaps in their skills and knowledge, but not as many or as profound as we were imagining. This is great news. It means that the learning losses can be overcome as long as students stay engaged.

Regular Order

I want to be certain that we don't begin to accept our current situation as something that will always be. Teaching and learning remotely is more difficult. Attending on a hybrid schedule is more difficult. Eating by yourself is unpleasant.

At some point, the impact of the virus will subside and we will return to all students learning on campus in regular groups. We'll have athletics, activities, music and community events. We are always pointing toward that goal of reducing the spread to levels where it is possible to have regular order again. Like young children on a long drive, I find myself asking, "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" We thank you for your partnership in this effort. If everyone does their part, we'll get back to regular order.

Weekly Briefing 11.13.20

 Lewis County Metrics

Cases in Lewis County continue to rise, but at a somewhat lower level than the rest of the state. We have some students who have had close contacts and are isolating, but so far, no COVID-positive cases in our schools. We are hopeful that the holiday season won't increase cases and cause us to retreat from our current plans to bring TMS and the Class of 2021 back to the buildings. 

Thank you

Thanks to everyone who is practicing hand hygiene, masking and maintaining distance, we've been able to bring students back to TES and to have modified athletic practices. These have had tremendous benefit for our students, especially in their overall emotional well-being. Living a rural lifestyle allows us to "sneak around behind" the virus and engage in activities that are out of the reach of our urban neighbors. We are not immune though, so please continue to be vigilant especially during the holidays.

Weekly Briefing 11.6.20

 Lewis County Metrics

The curve appears to be flattening, but at a much higher level than we need in order to return to regular order. Hands, face and space remain the best weapons we have for reducing the spread.

Return to the Buildings

1st, 4th and 5th grades returned to TES this week on AM/PM schedules with half in the building for half the day, Monday through Thursday. Students and staff are excited to see one another again and to be working on campus, even though we're still using our safety protocols. Reminder that Fridays are a remote learning day for all students and staff to allow our maintenance team to do deep cleaning and disinfecting of the buildings.

Our thanks to parents who have been so cooperative in the transition from home to school by allowing busses to drop off students and clear before private vehicles enter the drop zone. This keeps our busses on schedule to get to the next set of homes and stops. Our transportation department is working almost constantly throughout the day with special routes in addition to the regular routes. We also thank you for using the attestation "coupons" as this speeds up the screening process upon entry to the building. 

Athletics

All sports are engaged in modified practices in cohorts of 6 with masks and distance. WIAA has new guidance on interscholastic contests. Currently, our county's case rate is too high to allow for contests. We're hoping that, by working together, we can reduce case rates so that our athletes can have a season. For more information on WIAA's guidance go to WIAA Guidance.

If you have questions about athletic seasons, practice or other athletic questions, please contact our Athletic Director, Grady Fallon.