HRSD HIGHLIGHTS
September 24, 2021
Covid-19 Testing in Schools
If you have not had the chance to complete this very brief student safety check survey (pooled testing), please do so now in order for us to better gage family support for this possible initiative. If you are still unsure what student safety checks are, please go to our district website where more information is listed. Thank you!
WEEKLY COVID UPDATES
I was able to get into classrooms this week at HRHS and ATD, and was impressed with what I saw- engaged students, creative lessons, analytical thinking and application of knowledge to issues that resonated with our students. Kudos to our wonderful faculty and staff!
Here are the highlights of the relevant information from the state, as of September 23, 2021:
.71% of all fully vaccinated individuals tested positive more than 14 days after the final dose of the vaccine.
The state and Hampshire County have seen a slight increase in case counts and average daily incidence rates from last week.
Case counts over the past 14 days in our five communities have decreased with the exception of Goshen, which has slightly increased but still remains very low. Westhampton and Williamsburg had the greatest decrease in average daily incidence rates per 100,000 over the last 14 days. Williamsburg, Chesterfield, Goshen and Westhampton had fewer than 5 cases over the last 14 days.
Surrounding towns show continued decreases but Amherst's rates continue to rise (63.9 to 82.9 average daily incidence rates per 100,000).
NOTES:
1. The first six communities represent our districts and our high school tuition students.
Northampton and Amherst are of particular interest given their size in the County and their
importance as school and work destinations. Easthampton and Westfield are included due
to their geographic proximity.
2. * cells with fewer than five cells have been suppressed
3. 66% of Hampshire County residents have been administered at least one vaccination dose
for Covid-19 as of 9.16.2021
COVID-19 CASES BY AGE GROUP IN MA:
*These data are uploaded once per week.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BY SCHOOL:
Chesterfield-Goshen:
We currently do not have any confirmed cases within the New Hingham School community.
Williamsburg:
We currently do not have any confirmed cases within the Anne T. Dunphy School community.
Southampton:
The 2 confirmed positive cases that we communicated about on 9/13 are now out of isolation. One of these cases resulted in 2 close contacts, one of which tested positive. The other case communicated on 9/13 generated 5 close contacts. Of those identified, 2 individuals tested positive and these cases were reported to the community on 9/20. Both of these positive cases have completed their isolation, and all identified close contacts have been released from quarantine by the BOH contact tracer.
Westhampton:
This week we had one confirmed positive case in the Westhampton Elementary School community. They were not in school during their infectious period, and therefore, no close contacts were identified in the school community.
Hampshire Regional:
We did not have any new confirmed positive cases in the HRHS community this week. The confirmed positive case we communicated about on 9/16 remains in isolation and is being followed by the BOH contact tracer.
OTHER INTERESTING TIDBITS TO KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP
Norris makes it to the newsletter two weeks in a row! Last week, you learned that DESE posted data regarding staff retention and Southampton was listed with one of the highest rates among teachers at 97.6%. This week Principal Pluta was the recipient of the Patriots Award, which caught her completely by surprise. The award recognizes Principal Pluta's support for the military and their spouses.
The Mobile Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic will be held at the high school on Thursday, September 30th from 4:00pm-6:00pm. You can save time by pre-registering at:
https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/northampton
If you do have an ID and/or an insurance card, please bring it to your appointment.
*You will be able to get your vaccine even if you do not have an ID or insurance.*