Weekly Update
Dr. Ryan Glaze, Superintendent
Friday Message 8/28/2020
Good Afternoon:
On Thursday afternoon, our task force met and discussed our next steps in the reopening plan. Our discussion revolved around data trends in Tipton County, specifically the positivity rate. We presented insights to terminology, such as what unique individual testing actually means and the difference between overall testing percentage. We also shared new data rolled out by the Governor's Office, which includes guidance for schools. A link to the statewide COVID Dashboard is here. If you scroll down to the map of Indiana and click on Tipton County, you will find information specifically for our county.
When Tipton County data loads, look at unique individuals tested on 8/27/20. That number was 1.5%, on a seven-day rate. This data represents individuals tested once using a nasal swab, who have a positive result. The next data point to look at is positivity all tests rate. As of 8/27/20, it was a positivity rate of 3.4%. This data is the positivity rate of individuals who have tested multiple times or had an antibody test. All of this data is a seven-day average. It is updated daily afternoon. The indicator that needs to be watched closely is the unique individual positivity rate. This is one of the data points we will use to make decisions on phases of reopening.
Another data point we use comes from the Indiana Department of Health and the Governor's Office as part of the Back on Track Indiana Plan. The slides below provide insight into how this plan guides recommendations to schools on reopening status and phases.
Due to the data and based on the above recommendations, we have decided upon in-person instruction with some additional mitigation strategies.
Secondary (6-12) Schedule: Starting Tuesday, September 8
Monday and Tuesday- All Grades In-Person Learning
Wednesday - Grades 6-12 Students Virtual
Thursday and Friday- All Grades In-Person Learning
This change will have no impact on elementary. To allow for in-person learning, we will implement the following mitigation strategies.
Use Wednesdays as a virtual day to deep clean the middle school and high school
Hire two temporary full-time custodial positions whose specific job is cleaning desktops and deep cleaning all buildings during 2nd and 3rd shifts.
Using areas of our buildings to social distance, including some of our larger classes, such as the team room (TMS), Community Room (TES), Media Center Areas (THS), Auditorium (THS), Main Gym (THS). Social distance is considered 3-6 feet between desks with students wearing masks.
Purchase desk shields in classrooms where needed.
Closely monitor positive cases of both students and staff and watch the data provided from the state.
Altering passing period times to main social distancing.
Continue social distancing practices during lunch by using the Team Room (TMS) and the Main Gym (THS).
If we see a sudden increase in positivity rate in the county, or in our schools, we can pivot quickly and make adjustments similar to what we've done with our 6th grade students. If we need to return to hybrid, we can also do that quickly.
Our goal has always been to make school as normal as we can. Allowing for in-person learning is that next logical step if we allow data to form our decision-making. Beyond the data, we want to ensure that our students and staff feel safe and that we have taken the necessary steps to protect them as much as we can.
I know we have many strong opinions of both sides of this decision. For those families who are concerned, TCSC Virtual is still an option as we have extended the deadline for registration. If you have questions, please contact us! We want you to make the best decision for you and your family.
This will not be perfect, but may be the only time this semester our students can return to full in-person learning. It might last two weeks or two months. What I have recently seen gives me renewed hope of what we can accomplish in the days, weeks, and months ahead because we know being in school is fundamental to a child’s development and well-being. We also know that actions taking place outside of class are as important as actions taken inside.
As our understanding and knowledge about community and household spread increases, we are also learning that there’s a lot we can do to keep our doors open to in-person instruction and activities. Keep up the good work by continuing to mask up, distance, and abide by the best health practices both on and off campus. You are a great team, and I know we can figure this out together! #TiptonPride
Tipton Community School Corporation
Email: rglaze@tcsc.k12.in.us
Website: www.tcsc.k12.in.us
Location: 1051 South Main Street, Tipton, IN, USA
Phone: (765)-675-2147
Twitter: @drryanjglaze