Dear EMS Families and Staff:

Thank you for your understanding as we have navigated the recent positive COVID cases that have been identified. I am writing this email to share an update and some clarification.

We were told of our first positive case on Thursday, December 10. We worked with the Vermont Department of Health (VDOH) to conduct extensive contact tracing, we notified all individuals who were considered to be close contacts, and Superintendent Flanagan sent a District-wide communication to that effect.

Last night, Sunday, December 13, we were notified of two more cases. We spent last night and all today working with VDOH to identify close contacts and conduct contact tracing. We then notified all individuals who are considered to be close contacts; this process is complete and if you did not receive a phone call or email, you/your child is not considered a close contact and is safe to return to school when we reopen.

There are two things that I would like to clarify.

• If someone is identified as a “close contact” it means that they have been in contact with a person who has tested positive. Having been identified as a “close contact” does not mean that someone has become COVID positive, but it does mean the individual will need to quarantine and monitor their symptoms. We tell all who are considered to have been in close contact that they must quarantine until they either receive a negative COVID test or quarantine for 14 days.

• We have no reason to believe that there was transmission among the three cases within school. I believe that the mitigation strategies that we have utilized have created a very safe environment for our staff and students:

• Wearing Masks

• Practicing physical distancing

• Utilizing the pod system

• Sanitizing and hand washing

• Insisting that any individual who demonstrates any symptoms stay home.

I’m sincerely grateful for the students, staff, and families that comprise the EMS community. The year has involved so many adjustments, and this community continues to come together. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

Absolute gratitude,

James Kiefer

Principal Edmunds Middle School

jkiefer@bsdvt.org