January 5, 2021
Dear Springfield Public Schools Community:
There is no doubt that 2022 is off to an incredibly challenging start. We are thankful to our staff and families that were able to transition to a virtual day. Tomorrow, Thursday, January 6, 2022, will be an early dismissal day as previously announced. We are looking forward to welcoming all of Walton’s students back into their classrooms for the first time this school year!
Please know we are carefully watching the weather report for Friday, January 7, 2022 and we will make every effort to make the appropriate decision based on available weather information from local and state authorities.
COVID-19 Health Status
We are very grateful for the families that have utilized the COVID-19 Health Status form to communicate student health status with the schools. It has been helpful in tracking positive cases and student health patterns. We also appreciate the caution shown by families who are monitoring their student’s health and keeping students that are symptomatic at home.
As we move forward, we will work to provide district updates of confirmed positive cases at the conclusion of the school day, with the recognition that these numbers have been fluctuating based on what type of test is administered and the length of time required for results. In addition, we are now reporting on positive rapid tests that may or may not be confirmed via a PCR test, but are representative of a student that is required to follow the isolation/school exclusion guidelines set below.
| School | Jan. 4-5 Positive Cases Reported |
Dec. 24 - Jan. 3 Positive Cases Reported |
|
Edward V. Walton Early Childhood Center |
3 |
44 |
|
Thelma L. Sandmeier Elementary |
1 |
13 |
|
James Caldwell Elementary |
0 |
14 |
|
Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School |
6 |
55 |
|
Jonathan Dayton High School |
5 |
51 |
*This count is based on parent reported positive tests and has not been fully confirmed.
These numbers do not include school staff.
Isolation/Quarantine/School Exclusion Guidance
While the CDC and NJDOH are making updates to protocols, the guidance for school settings has not changed, and includes the following:
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Individuals who receive a positive test result will be required to quarantine for 10 days from the date of the positive test or 10 days from the onset of physical symptoms, based on a consultation with the nurse/health department. This time period is not impacted by vaccination status. The day of the positive is considered day zero, and the return date will be calculated based on the test date. When multiple positive tests have been taken, the date of the first test will be the day zero.
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Individuals that are fully vaccinated and/or who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days are not required to quarantine following exposure or travel. Individuals that are vaccinated are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, as they may indicate a breakthrough case.
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Individuals that are not fully vaccinated, but who are identified as a close contact, will be excluded from school for 7 or 10 days.
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An unvaccinated individual identified as a “close contact” that remains asymptomatic after exposure, and who receives a negative PCR test on day 5,6, or 7, following the exposure, may return to school on the 8th day following exposure.
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The results of the PCR test must be submitted to the school nurse prior to the return.
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An unvaccinated individual that remains asymptomatic after exposure, but does not participate in a PCR test, may return to school after the 10th day following exposure.
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All guidance can be found on the NJDOH website: Department of Health | Communicable Disease Service | COVID-19: Information for Schools.
Some general reminders include:
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As more students become vaccinated, please remember that they are only fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose.
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If a student is fully vaccinated, they do not need to quarantine for exposure. If they have an exposure, and in turn, become symptomatic, they should test and wait for negative results prior to re-entering school.
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Contact tracing is a time-consuming process, it might not be feasible for instant notification. Please be understanding as our nurses and administrators are working tirelessly to make sure all exposed parties are notified as timely as possible.
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As a reminder, you have attested to the fact that it is your responsibility to monitor your child for COVID-like symptoms on a daily basis. Please do not send your child to school if they are feeling ill.
As always, please remain vigilant in tracking any symptoms within your home and do not send symptomatic students to school. If your child needs to remain at home due to covid-like symptoms, a positive test, or a close contact, please complete the COVID-19 Health Status Form.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to keep our community safe.
Sincerely,
Rachel Goldberg