Aviator Update
January 14, 2022
Good Evening Aviator Families,
Please note some changes to our COVID guidance below. Please note there is no school for students on Monday. Enjoy the long weekend.
Next week is A week!
Ms. Denise Mandis, Principal
Welcome Amanda King, Special Education Para-educator in COMPASS
Yearbooks On Sale
http://yearbooks.classic-photo.com/MD152016/home3/Bookstore.jsp
Order Instructions
Click Link
Select blue Order button under book you want to order
Next you will be asked to Log in for returning users or Sign up to create an account for first time users
Next screen takes you to Shopping Cart where you will enter # of books
Enter Student Name (for each book if more than 1 is ordered)
Enter Teacher Last Name Only (for each book if more than 1 is ordered)
Select Checkout
Enter Billing Information (check box at bottom for shipping same as billing)
Select Next
Review Order then select continue
Enter Payment Information then select Pay
Kids Heart Challenge Information
Duke will be kicking off the Kids Heart Challenge the week of January 24.
All donations will be made online and the registration link can be located below or in the virtual flier. Donations are due February 18.
Ms. Blakely will distribute thank you gifts during PE as they are earned and come available. Some thank you gifts will not be available until they are shipped to our school after February 18.
PTA Information
Upcoming PTA Dates:
2/11 Duke Talent Show
We need a few more items for this month’s Staff Appreciation event, please sign up if you can donate something.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4fa9ac2cabfc1-lets
Last chance to sign up for the Duke Talent Show!
https://forms.gle/JrnTZu8EAynUkkBX8
Spirit Night at Slice House 2 Go 1/13 3-7pm. No flyer necessary, just tell the cashier you’re there to support Duke!
Upcoming Key Dates
January 17, 2022- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
January 21, 2022- Two Hour Early Dismissal
February 1, 2022- Report Cards Available in HAC
When is TOO Sick for School?
- temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher (without fever-reducing medication)
- throwing up or diarrhea within 24 hours
- pink and crusty eye(s)
- COVID-like symptoms
We have many individuals within our school community who may be particularly vulnerable to illness of any kind. Your concern for their well-being and the health of our entire school is greatly appreciated.
Our nurse, Dana Lowien, is available to answer your questions! As we navigate the return of 530+ students, we appreciate your close communication. Please do not hesitate to call if you have ANY questions about your child's health needs.
COVID Testing Protocols
Our current guidelines define COVID symptoms as any one of the following:
Fever of 100.4 or higher, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea or vomiting or new onset of a severe headache or new loss of taste or smell.
A student with any one of the above symptoms will need to have a negative COVID test (either a PCR or an Antigen test) or a doctor's note with an alternative diagnosis for their return to school. Home COVID tests are not acceptable for a student's return. The student's symptoms must be resolved or be significantly improved and the student must be fever free for 24 hours without taking fever reducing medications.
SMCPS is now accepting NEGATIVE rapid antigen COVID tests for return to school. If both tests (antigen and PCR) are performed and the send out PCR lab later results in a POSITIVE COVID test, the student will then have to remain home to complete their isolation period as determined by our local health department.
Please see the Updated Isolation/Quarantine Guidance
SMCPS COVID Guidance for Students
St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) Testing
COVID-19 testing through SMCHD is offered free of charge (no out-of-pocket cost, co-payment, co-insurance, etc.) for those who live or work in St. Mary’s County.
PCR Tests
- Appointments required: click here to create/access your patient portal account and to make an appointment
- Community members experiencing issues with the portal may the CIAN call customer support line at: 844-800-2426
- Wait times may be longer than usual, even with an appointment due to the high volume of patients receiving care. Thank you for your patience. If you are feeling sick or think you may have COVID-19, it is recommended that you stay home except to get medical care and follow these steps.
- No doctor’s order or insurance needed
- Free of charge (no out-of-pocket cost, co-payment, co-insurance, etc.)
- Masks/face coverings required
- Results available in 24-48 hours in your patient portal