Staying In-person in Elizabeth Schools
Nov. 6, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Since the spring we have focused on one goal, to safely bring students and staff back to full in-person learning. We know how much you value the academic and social opportunities provided through this approach to education. It used to be taken for granted. Now, it is not.
Over the last week, we have seen a noticeable change in how COVID is affecting in-person learning. A week ago Wednesday, no students were engaged in remote learning because of exposure to positive cases in our schools. Today we have approximately 90 students, in three schools, in remote learning because of COVID coming into schools and students being exposed.
Fortunately, the virus has not been spread at school. In all but one case, the virus has been brought into schools by individuals coming to school sick, or coming to school when household members are sick and/or awaiting a COVID test.
Since the number of people being exposed to COVID, getting sick, or testing positive is increasing, and because you value in-person instruction, it is more important than before to follow the most important public health protocols. According to Elbert County Public Health, about 44 % of cases in our area are attributed to family spread. How each family reacts to this public health situation affects our ability to maintain in-person learning for all families.
Our schools have been successful because of your cooperation, communication and diligence. It’s essential that we avoid complacency (and fear). More than ever, if we take reasonable precautions (staying home when sick, limiting close contact), we can minimize disruptions to the kind of learning we so highly value.
Please see the letter from Elbert County public health and education leaders for more information on two high priority steps each family can take.
Best regards,
Douglas Bissonette
Superintendent