HRSD HIGHLIGHTS
February 18, 2022
2022 PIONEER VALLEY TEACHING IN EXCELLENCE AWARD
Shelley Seymour teaches a variety of science courses at HRHS, with the majority of her time being spent teaching AP Bio. "Ms. Seymour is patient and kind; she is able to form close personal relationships with her students and have fun with them, while still ensuring that they are accountable and able to meet her high academic and behavioral expectations. Ms. Seymour demonstrates all of the qualities that we hope to see in all teachers."
Brian Gilman is the technology specialist at ATD and WES. One of his colleagues shared "that Brian Gilman demonstrates excellence in teaching practices each day in our school community. He responds to students, families and coworkers consistently with a positive attitude, kindness, patience, and thoughtfulness. He truly makes a positive impact on our entire school community."
Below are pictures of our winners. Mr. Gilman's family joined the ATD community via Zoom when he was announced as the winner. Ms. Seymour posed with her class, who was taking a quiz when we surprised her.
IS THE MASKING POLICY STILL IN EFFECT?
Our School Committees have been having difficult conversations this month, pertaining to next year's budget and the current mask mandate. While DESE is rescinding the mask mandate on February 28th, each School Committee must vote to alter their masking policies. What's the current status?
HRHS: School Committee has approved masks optional starting February 28th
ATD: School Committee has approved masks optional starting March 21st.
NHRES: School Committee has approved masks optional starting March 21st
This evening at 5:30pm, Southampton School Committee will discuss the mask mandate, and Westhampton School Committee will do so on Wednesday, February 23rd at 6pm.
Combined elementary survey results for parents, caregivers and staff pertaining to masking were divided- about 55% advocated for dropping the mask mandate; 36% would like the mandate to continue, and 9% were unsure or could support either statement. Asked if masks were optional, would you or your student still wear them in schools, 31% said they would still wear a mask, and 47% would not. The other 22% were unsure.
How will schools be different after the mask mandate is lifted?
Masks will continue to have a place in our schools for the foreseeable future.
Students should still bring a mask to school with them.
1. Masks are still required on school buses and vans, per federal public health order.
2. Masks will continue to be required in school health offices, regardless of the reason for the visit.
3. Any individuals returning to school after testing positive for COVID must mask during days 6-10.
4. Masks will be required for any asymptomatic, unvaccinated individuals returning to school after being identified as a close contact outside of school during days 6-10.
5. All individuals are encouraged, but not required, to wear masks when they are in situations that require them to be close to others, such as group or partner work in the classroom.
6. It is strongly recommended, but not required, that unvaccinated individuals continue wearing masks while indoors.
7. Any symptomatic individuals who have been cleared to return to school after following our District COVID-19 Protocols will be encouraged, but not required, to mask until symptoms resolve.
If there is an uptick in cases, NHRES and ATD School Committees have given administrators the authority to reinstate masking if necessary. At the high school level, the Safety Committee would meet to make a recommendation to the School Committee.
I want to be clear that although the state has dropped the mask mandate for schools, our policies are in effect until School Committees rescind them, and failure to follow these policies may result in disciplinary consequences.
We understand that this announcement will be met with worry and anxiety for some, and relief for others. It is critical that we support one another in our personal decisions. Individuals in our school community will be expected to demonstrate respect for the decisions that others make around mask-wearing.
The Commissioner will continue to monitor public health data, consult with medical experts and state health officials, and issue further guidance and/or requirements as needed.
WHERE CAN I FIND KN95 MASKS?
While I am certainly not advertising one brand of masks over another, I have had inquiries about KN95 masks. These Powecom KN95s have a >90% filtration efficiency rating, arrive relatively quickly from New York, and offer reasonably priced adult and child sizes:
https://bonafidemasks.com/powecom-kn95-sm-respirator-mask-10-masks-per-pack/
Please consult the CDC document, "KN95 Respirator Test Results" that can be found at the link below to see if the efficiency rating of these masks, or other masks you may be looking at are adequate for your preferences.
PLEASE USE AT-HOME TEST KITS ON FEB. 27TH
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY?
Upcoming Dates to Keep in Mind for the month of February:
- February 18: Southampton School Committee 95:30 Zoom) to discuss masking policy
- February 19: Westhampton Board of Health (9am Zoom)- will discuss masking
- February 23: Westhampton School Committee (6pm Zoom) to discuss masking policy
- February 21-25: Winter vacation
- February 28: WES Negotiations (5-7 Zoom)
- March 2: NHRES School Committee 5:30
- March 3: ATD Negotiations (5-6:30 Zoom)
DISTRICT & COMMUNITY COVID NUMBERS IN REVIEW:
The state's Covid case rate continues to decrease! Currently, there are 35,576 cases in MA (remember, there were 271,900 in January!). There are currently less than five cases in Chesterfield, Goshen, Westhampton and Worthington; 36 in Southampton and 12 in Williamsburg. Interestingly, while area towns are seeing decreases, Amhesrt has once again risen from 508 cases to 846.
WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF FULLY VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS IN EACH SCHOOL?
ATD
Students = 68.35%
Staff= 95.0%
Combined population= 74.30%
NHRES
Students = 33.33%
Staff= 97.44%
Combined population= 46.56%
NORRIS
Students = 48.83%
Staff= 94.25%
Combined population= 55.91%
WES
Students = 49.54%
Staff= 90.70%
Combined population= 61.18%
HRHS
Students = 78.11%
Staff= 96.91%
Combined population= 81.74%
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.