THE NAVIGATOR
January 29, 2021
Newsletter
Exploration of Adding Student In-Person Learning Time at the Elementary Schools
Cohasset Community Health Update
Health Metrics
As of January 28, 2021, the Department of Public Health (DPH) reports that the town of Cohasset’s positive COVID-19 test rate over the past 14 days is 3.76%, with 52 positive cases out of 1408 tests reported. Under the DPH metrics, the town of Cohasset is in the "Red" category for communities who have a population of under 10,000 who have more than 25 positive cases over the last 14 days.
It is imperative that we all follow the protocols of handwashing / hand sanitizing and wearing face-covering masks when appropriate to do so. Here is the complete report that was issued on Thursday, 1/28/2021.
For your information, please find below a summary table of all confirmed positive COVID cases in the District as of Friday, January 29, 2021.
Confirmed Positive Cases as of Friday, January 29, 2021
Please see the links below providing reminders regarding travel responsibilities:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
Update on FLU Vaccine Requirement for Students
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is removing the requirement for flu vaccination for attendance in childcare/preschool, primary, secondary and postsecondary education. Preliminary data show that this has been a mild flu season to date, presumably as people have received their seasonal flu vaccine and have been adhering to mask-wearing and social distancing due to COVID-19. Given the intensive Commonwealth-wide efforts regarding COVID-19 vaccination, DPH wants to alleviate the burden to obtain flu vaccination and focus on continuing our COVID -19 vaccination efforts.
DPH continues to strongly recommend that everyone age six months and older receive their seasonal flu vaccine each year.
Quarantining Guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
Here is the recent guidance from the CDC regarding quarantining:
"Reducing the length of quarantine may make it easier for people to quarantine by reducing the time they cannot work. A shorter quarantine period also can lessen stress on the public health system, especially when new infections are rapidly rising.
Your local public health authorities make the final decisions about how long quarantine should last, based on local conditions and needs. Follow the recommendations of your local public health department if you need to quarantine. Options they will consider include stopping quarantine
- After day 10 without testing
- After day 7 after receiving a negative test result (test must occur on day 5 or later)
After stopping quarantine, you should
- Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure.
- If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider.
- Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash their hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
CDC continues to endorse quarantine for 14 days and recognizes that any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced burden against a small possibility of spreading the virus. CDC will continue to evaluate new information and update recommendations as needed." (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html)
The Important Role Families Play In Stopping the Spread of COVID-19
Families will play an important role in helping to create a culture that prioritizes health and safety. Families should check their children daily for signs of COVID-19 and should keep them home from school if they are not feeling well or if they have been in close contact with a person who has been recently diagnosed with COVID-19. It is also important that families support students wearing masks in school and on the bus. We are strongest when we work together to stop the spread (Initial Fall School Re-entry Guidance, 2020).
CPS Pledge: Healthy and Responsible Behaviors Regarding COVID-19
By coming into Cohasset Public Schools, I pledge I am following:
State expectations for social and physical distancing
Regulations regarding the wearing of facial coverings over your nose and mouth when in public settings (for students from grades PK– 12 and for all staff)
Quarantine directives put forth by the Massachusetts Department of Health and the Cohasset Department of Health
Guidance that has students and staff stay home from school / work if they are experiencing symptoms of fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, or dry cough or if they have exhibited any symptoms relating to COVID-19
PROTOCOLS REGARDING COVID-19
The following information was compiled by our district nurses and provides supplementary information to the protocols stated in the Cohasset Public Schools Fall School Re-Entry Road Map. A big thank you to Kelly Gildea (lead nurse) and our district nurses for compiling this information and for their leadership and guidance during this difficult time.
Cohasset Public Schools Medical Frequently Asked Questions
Cohasset Public Schools Decision Tree Regarding Health Situations Related to COVID-19
COVID-19 Symptom Checklist for Parents and Guardians to utilize with their children
Here are some useful videos regarding Mask Wearing, When to Stay Home, and Hand Washing / Hand Sanitizing prepared by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN).
Osgood: Dave Vinton dvinton@cohassetk12.org
Deer Hill: Laurie Dolan ldolan@cohassetk12.org
Robyn Costa rcosta@cohassetk12.org
CMS: Emily Manewal emanewal@cohassetk12.org
CHS: Leanne McCarthy lmccarthy@cohassetk12.org
Please see the links below for additional resources.
Mental Health Resources (Courtesy of Principal Mills & CMS Newsletter)
Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu observed "In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."
These are certainly difficult times and many parents and families are experiencing great stress. Our ability to cope is regularly challenged and, understandably, there may be times when individuals can no longer manage their emotions. It is important to know where to turn when we reach that point.
To help our families, we share this contact list of support providers--Mental Health and Crisis Contacts These support providers offer great opportunities to help receive help when those we love are struggling to manage.
Updated 2020 - 2021 Calendar
RISE Before and After School Program
Finance and Operations Update
Positions Being Requested for 2021 -2022
Student Opportunity Act (SOA
Information from Director of Student Services, Barbara Cerwonka
Kindergarten Registration is now Open for 2021 - 2022 School Year
Kindergarten Registration Information
Kindergarten Registration Timeline
Integrated Pre-School at Joseph Osgood School
Joseph Osgood Integrated Preschool Registration Information Letter
Preschool registration for the 2021-2022 school year begins on Monday, January 4, 2021. Children who turn 3 by September 1, 2021, are eligible to register for the Joseph Osgood Preschool Program, which is held 4 half days per week (Monday-Thursday). There is a morning and an afternoon session. Entrance to the preschool program is based on a lottery system for peer models. There will be a screening process completed for students to determine if they are appropriate peer models based upon screening tools. Peer Preschool Applications will be available on the Cohasset Public Schools district website at www.cohassetk12.org under Departments tab, Student Services & Special Education, Student Registration Forms then Preschool Registration or at the Student Services Office located at 143 Pond Street, Cohasset, MA 02025. Applications should also be returned to the Student Services Office, no later than January 29, 2021. The lottery will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, and parents will be immediately notified after the lottery. A birth certificate and a document from each category on the Proof of Residency form must accompany all applications. Documentation for Proof of Residency is attached to the application.
Winter Sports Information
Athletics on Track to Resume on January 19, 2021
Winter sports are in full swing! We are so happy that we are able to provide a winter sports season. We will be constantly monitoring the safety of sports throughout the season.
Cohasset Hockey Serves the Elderly
Visit Cohasset Athletics to Get Updates on All of Our Teams
BE THE CHANGE
Please visit our website for resources regarding the promotion of diversity.
Sign announcing Affinity Groups at CHS
Display of Diversity Books at CHS and CMS
Cohasset Middle School Project 351 Recipient Lucy Royston
Project 351 is a grassroots, youth-led, school-based movement for positive change. One that advances Social and Emotional Learning objectives, scales transformative impact for a portfolio of nonprofit innovators, and develops a rising generation of upstanders, bridge builders, and change makers."
We are so proud of Lucy!
Deer Hill Adjustment Counselor, Robyn Costa, sharing cheer with staff and students. Thank you for all you do!
Writing music and using boomwhackers to play during chorus class at CHS
"Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?"
"Have You Ever Wondered How To...?"
Mr. Savage leads an authentic science lesson regarding Virus Vaccinations
Ping Pong Tournament at Cohasset High School
The Cohort B CHS Ping Pong Champions
Lunchtime Bottle Flipping Contest at CMS
Thankful Thursdays at Joseph Osgood School
Keeping the Cohasset Community Clean
One of the 170 Portable Air Cleaners (PACs) installed to help increase air changes throughout our buildings
Deer Hill and Cohasset Middle School Students Help Brighten the Halls of MGH with Art
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Assistant Superintendent Leslie Scollins, Ed.D.
Cohasset Public Schools Student Opportunity Act Plan (SOA)
SAFE HARBORS UPDATES
Safe Harbor Cohasset Coalition’s “Our Safe Home” campaign is about addressing the issues of youth access of alcohol in the community, which involves parents, guardians, merchants, and youth themselves. Parents pledge their commitment to joining other parents in providing a fun, safe, and substance-free environment for our children. Merchants pledge to comply by following the law and regulations, to not sell alcohol to young people under 21 years old. Youth are increasing awareness of the issue by talking to adults in their community.
We recognize that we cannot supervise our teens 24/7, nor can we always control the choices they make. However, we will do our part to discourage underage drinking and we will do our best to help each other support and monitor our teens.
Please see the link below for more information:
Please see the latest edition of the Cohasset Safe Harbors Newsletter. We are so fortunate to have this wonderful student-centered group in the Cohasset community.
Updates
- Cohasset Virtual Youth Center This is now live on the home page of the Town’s website, found toward the bottom right-side of the page. This serves as a central location for all youth-geared programming/events that are occurring via Rec, Library, Elder Affairs, and Safe Harbor.
2. WANTED: Social Media Boosters Looking to volunteer time to the Safe Harbor initiative but don’t have much time to give? Please consider volunteering to be a designated social media booster.
What does this entail?
Receiving communication from Marketing Director that information has been posted for you to like, comment, share, share to Cohasset143 and/or post yourself
How much of a time commitment?
5 minutes a week
Take Care of Yourself and Take Care of Each Other
Please click on the following link to access even more information on the Cohasset Public Schools Web Site.
Please follow me on Twitter for daily updates from the Cohasset Public Schools
Email: psullivan@cohassetk12.org
Website: https://www.cohassetk12.org/
Phone: 781 383 6111
Twitter: @SuperCohasset