HRSD HIGHLIGHTS
February 4, 2022
DISTRICT TIDBITS TO KEEP YOU IN THE LOOOP
It's official, we have a permanent high school principal, effective immediately! Principal Hotz's hard work ethic, firm but fair management style, strong communication and instructional leadership skills, as well as her historical knowledge of HRHS make her a perfect fit. Congratulations, Principal Hotz!
The HRHS Budget Hearing that was scheduled for Monday the 7th
will now be held on Monday the 14th.
We will have a regular School Committee meeting on Monday the 7th at 6:00 PM (via Zoom).
FREE WEEKLY AT-HOME TEST KITS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF:
Click here to opt your student in to receive the at-home COVID testing kits. This is a quick, five question opt-in form.
If an individual has tested positive for COVID in the last 90 days, should they participate in the at-home antigen testing?
No, weekly surveillance testing with antigen tests is NOT necessary or recommended during this time period. Due to natural immunity, reinfection (especially asymptomatic reinfection) is extremely rare in this 90 day window.
- IF someone with recent COVID infection develops symptoms within the 90 days, they should test WITH AN ANTIGEN TEST. If positive, treat as such.
- They should not test with a PCR within the 90 day window as they could test positive (though not be infectious) due to the sensitivity of the test
STATE BUDGET UPDATE:
The FY 2023 Governor’s budget recommendations for the fiscal year 2023 have been released. The budget recommendation will go to the House Ways and Means Committee before deliberations on the House floor. After that, the Senate Ways and Means Committee will consider the budget. In past years, both the House and the Senate have made significant changes to the initial proposal from the Governor. In other words, there is a long road ahead before the FY 2023 budget is finalized. In addition to Chapter 70 reimbursements, school committee members have been particularly concerned with funding for special education, charter school mitigation, and regional transportation line items.
We are still in need of a School Committee notetaker
for the Southampton and high school meetings.
If you are interested, please contact remerson@hr-k12.org.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY?
Upcoming Dates to Keep in Mind for the month of February:
- February 7: HRHS School Committee (6PM Zoom; the budget hearing originally scheduled will be held on 2/14)
- February 8: WES School Committee 6pm
- February 9: HRHS Budget Subcommittee meeting 3:30; Norris School Committee 6pm
- February 10: WES Negotiations (4:300-7 Zoom)
- February 14: HRHS School Committee 6pm (budget hearing for FY23)
- February 15: ATD Para negotiations (5-7 Zoom)
- February 16: ATD School Committee 5:30pm
- February 17: NHRES School Committee (5:30 Zoom to vote on budget)
- February 18: Half Day for Norris students
- February 21-25: Winter vacation
- February 28: WES Negotiations (5-7 Zoom)
DISTRICT & COMMUNITY COVID NUMBERS IN REVIEW:
In the last two weeks, the state's Covid case rate has decreased considerably! During the last month, the MA rate dropped from 271,900 to 107, 769! Hampshire County rates have decreased by 50%, as well. Our community rates continue to be stable in Goshen and Worthington but have decreased in Chesterfield, Southampton, Westhampton and Williamsburg. Neighboring community rates are decreasing as well, most notably in Amherst (60% decrease).
LOCAL COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 5 years and older, and boosters for those eligible. See chart on booster information below.
February 5th
William E Norris School (Southampton)
10:00-11:00 (Children ages 5-11)
11:30-1:00 (Ages 12+)
February 9th
Hampshire Regional High School (Westhampton)
2:30-5:30 (Ages 12+)
WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF FULLY VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS IN EACH SCHOOL?
ATD
Students = 75.19%
Staff= 95.0%
Combined population= 79.88%
NHRES
Students = 32.43%
Staff= 97.44%
Combined population= 45.99%
NORRIS
Students = 48.10%
Staff= 94.12%
Combined population= 55.10%
WES
Students = 53.13%
Staff= 90.70%
Combined population= 64.75%
HRHS
Students = 76.33%
Staff= 96.91%
Combined population= 80.31%
For additional town data pertaining to Covid-19, please use the link below:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BY SCHOOL:
In the chart below, you will see COVID data from each school this week.