The STEM Weekly Stream
STEM Academy Family Newsletter
DECEMBER 10 - LETTER TO FAMILIES
Covid Safety Message
Hello STEM Families.
As anticipated, there has been an increase in positive Covid cases after the Thanksgiving break. We have had a number of positive cases among our students since last Wednesday, December 1; and given the prevalence in the city of Chester and Delaware County, we must expect some of our students and staff may become sick. Therefore, we are reinforcing our safety measures. I would like to communicate the steps we have taken, what we will continue to do, and supports we need from families to remain healthy and safe.
Over the past few days, teachers have been instructed to re-teach our Covid safety protocols to all their classes. This includes wearing masks properly over the nose and mouth. We are maintaining distance between students to the extent possible, without hindering teaching and learning. Students and staff are sanitizing hands frequently, and wiping desks and/or tables down with sanitizer upon leaving class. New PPE supplies have also been ordered and delivered to classrooms. Binax Now rapid testing is implemented for students and staff when appropriate.
All positive cases have been investigated to determine close contacts. A close contact is considered a person who was within 6 feet of the person who tested positive, for 15 minutes or more, with both parties unmasked. Our school nurses have contacted families of those students who have been identified as close contacts in each case. If you have not heard from us, your student was not determined to be a close contact.
In order for our efforts to be effective, we must rely on support from our students and families as well. First, please reinforce safety protocols with your students. Second, please screen your student daily and do not send them to school if they exhibit symptoms. Finally, if your student does test positive, please notify us immediately so we can begin contact tracing.
We also encourage all families to have their eligible children vaccinated. This will decrease the risk of contracting the virus or being symptomatic if infected, and shorten the length of quarantine if needed. This Tuesday, December 14, vaccinations will be available at the first home game for the Chester Clippers boys basketball team, beginning at 5:00. Please also check the CUSD Vaccination Calendar for more information on vaccination.
Thank you all for your continued support as we strive to provide a high quality and safe education for your student. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Have a great weekend!
Brendan Bell
Principal, STEM Academy
Contact STEM
Email: bbell@chesteruplandsd.org
Website: https://www.chesteruplandsd.org/sas
Location: 1100 West 10th Street, Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 610-447-3650