HRSD HIGHLIGHTS
January 7, 2022
DISTRICT TIDBITS TO KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP
Happy Snow Day! We are hoping this day provides a bit of respite for students and faculty, as increased illness and absences have crept into our schools.
Upcoming Dates to Keep in Mind for the Next Two Weeks:
- January 11: WES School Committee 6pm
- January 12: Southampton School Committee 6pm (via Zoom); HRSD SEPAC meeting 7-8pm (via Zoom)
- January 17: NO SCHOOL due to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- January 18: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS due to Professional Development Day for Staff; ATD Negotiations (5-7pm via Zoom)
- January 19: ATD School Committee 5:30pm
Pooled testing was approved at last night's NHRES School Committee meeting. HRHS School Committee approved additional half days for students on January 28 and March 11.
We are in need of a notetaker for the Southampton School Committee meetings, which are the second Wednesday of every month (6pm start). Minutes should be short and to the point, and the notetaker needs to have the ability to briefly summarize discussions. If interested, please email remerson@hr-k12.org for more information.
DESE/DPH have issued updated guidance for responding to Covid. Please see a copy of our updated DISTRICT Covid protocols here.
The KN95 masks from DESE have a filtration efficiency rating of 28-45%. 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.
When are HRHS athletics suspended due to Covid? See below:
ATHLETES POST-COVID:
Return to Sports Following COVID-19 Infection
Evidence suggests that following a COVID-19 infection there is a risk for cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory complications. The effects of COVID-19 infection can be present in both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases. It is best practice to follow a graduated resumption of training to assess the physical and psychological factors associated with a COVID-19 infection.
HRHS Athletes who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to receive written medical clearance from their healthcare provider for clearance to return to sport. They will not be allowed to participate in any capacity until written medical clearance has been obtained.
Once clearance is obtained from the proper medical professional (primary care provider or specialist if medically indicated) the athlete will be able to return to sport based on the healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Asymptomatic or mild cases:
For a child or adolescent who is COVID-19–positive who is either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic (<4 days of fever >100.4°F, <1 week of myalgia, chills, and lethargy) a phone or telemedicine visit with the pediatrician is recommended, at a minimum, so appropriate guidance can be given to the family.
Moderate cases:
For those with moderate symptoms of COVID-19 (≥4 days of fever >100.4°F, ≥1 week of myalgia, chills, or lethargy, or a non-ICU hospital stay and no evidence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children [MIS-C]), an in person evaluation by their primary healthcare provider is recommended.
Severe cases:
For children and adolescents with severe COVID-19 symptoms (ICU stay and/or intubation) or MIS-C, it is recommended they be restricted from exercise for a minimum of 3 to 6 months and obtain cardiology clearance prior to resuming training or competition.
This protocol was developed utilizing recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, British Journal of Sports Medicine, National Federation of High School Sports, and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021, December 1). Covid-19 interim guidance: Return to sports and physical activity. https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-interim-guidance-return-to-sports/
Drezner JA, Heinz WM, Asif IM, et al. (2021, August). Cardiopulmonary Considerations for High School Student-Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Update to the NFHS-AMSSM Guidance Statement. (National Federation of State High School Associations & American Medical Society for Sports Medicine). https://www.nfhs.org/media/4860120/updated-2021-nfhs-amssm-guidance-statement-on-cardiac-considerations-with-covid-19-final-8-17-21.pdf
Elliott N, Martin R, Heron N, Elliott J, Grimstead D, Biswas A. Infographic. Graduated return to play guidance following COVID-19 infection. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54:1174- 1175.
Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. (2021, February 18). Frequently Asked Questions Regarding MIAA Athletics in 2020-2021. http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/FAQsregarding20202021Athletics_Fall_II.pdf
Wilson MG, Hull JH, Rogers J, et al. Cardiorespiratory considerations for return-to-play in elite athletes after COVID-19 infection: a practical guide for sport and exercise medicine physicians. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54:1157-1161.
DISTRICT & COMMUNITY COVID NUMBERS IN REVIEW:
Numbers continue to rise at a rapid rate throughout the state and Hampshire County. In fact, the state's number of positive cases has gone from 33.4k cases on 12/3/21 to nearly 148k on 1/1/22. Williamsburg has seen the biggest jump over the last two weeks within our community, however, case counts are up everywhere.
COVID-19 VACCINES
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 5 years and older, and boosters for those eligible.
COVID Vaccine Clinic @ Norris
Saturday, January 8th, 2022
10am-11 am (Children age 5-11)
11am-1pm (Age 12+)
Pre-registration REQUIRED
https://www.northamptonma.gov/2219/Vaccine-Clinics
If your child has recently received their 2nd dose, it is important to remember that individuals are not considered fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after the 2nd dose. Therefore, it is important for those recently vaccinated to remain vigilant with mask wearing, social distancing, hand hygiene, and staying home/testing when not feeling well.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE VACCINATED IN EACH GRADE IN EACH SCHOOL?
ATD
PK: 0 students, 0%
K: 9 students, 69.23%
Grade 1: 6 students, 54.55%
Grade 2: 10 students, 55.56%
Grade 3: 15 students, 65.22%
Grade 4: 14 students, 77.78%
Grade 5: 15 students, 78.95%
Grade 6: 23 students, 82.14%
TOTAL= 92 students, 70.77%
NHRES
PK: 1 student, 3.57%
K: 7 students, 29.17%
Grade 1: 4 students, 33.33%
Grade 2: 7 students, 36.84%
Grade 3: 3 students, 17.65%
Grade 4: 5 students, 31.25%
Grade 5: 6 students, 33.33%
Grade 6: 7 students, 50.0%
TOTAL= 40 students, 27.03%
NORRIS
PK: 1 student, 2.86%
K: 29 students, 44.62%
Grade 1: 23 students, 38.33%
Grade 2: 24 students, 41.38%
Grade 3: 20 students, 29.85%
Grade 4: 26 students, 50.98%
Grade 5: 33 students, 42.31%
Grade 6: 25 students, 40.98 %
TOTAL= 181 students, 38.11%
WES
PK: 2 students, 18.18 %
K: 4 students, 28.57%
Grade 1: 3 students, 33.33%
Grade 2: 6 students, 46.15%
Grade 3: 5 students, 41.67%
Grade 4: 3 students, 25.0 %
Grade 5: 14 students, 73.68%
Grade 6: 9 students, 52.94%
TOTAL= 44 students, 45.83%
HRHS
Grade 7: 89 students, 71.77%
Grade 8: 94 students, 71.76 %
Grade 9: 70 students, 67.96%
Grade 10: 76 students, 78.35%
Grade 11: 83 students, 83.84%
Grade 12+: 99 students, 77.34%
TOTAL= 511 students, 74.93%
COVID-19 AND FLU VACCINATION RESOURCES:
- Webpage about vaccinations for children ages 5-11: Parents are encouraged to contact their health care provider for an appointment or visit VaxFinder.mass.gov.
- Booster Eligibility Graphic and COVID-19 booster frequently asked questions for information about boosters.
- Reorganized “Trust the Facts, Get the Vax” website and resources
- Flu shot facts
For additional town data pertaining to Covid-19, please use the link below:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BY SCHOOL:
We want to thank our families who kept us informed of those school community members that tested positive over the holiday break. It helps us to keep a pulse on the health of our communities, as well as help guide decisions around necessary mitigation strategies. It is important to note that the majority of these cases were not in school while infectious. In the cases where individuals were in school while infectious, non exempt close contacts were appropriately notified. The numbers below represent the number of positive cases that were reported to us over vacation.
ATD- 5
NHRES- 6
NORRIS- 20
WES- 8
HRHS- 41
In the chart below, you will see COVID data from each school this week. Please note the number of individuals isolated may be more than the number of cases this week as some positive cases from vacation are still isolating.