Good afternoon.
I would like to pass along a few bits of information:
COVID-19
- We had an additional student COVID case in Grade 5 this week. We were notified late Thursday evening. Based on the circumstance, no additional contacts were identified.
- LCDOH is recommending that schools, in most cases, no longer consider proximate contacts because there have been so few cases of transmission at school. This means that distancing and masks are generally going to be considered enough to protect individuals. This is great news as it will immediately begin to limit required quarantines/isolations. We are, however, reminded that every situation is different. We will still need to do the contact tracing to identify contacts and look for extenuating or unique circumstances. This information will also help us to conduct additional tracing should a subsequent positive emerge. As with all things COVID, the information is evolving and will continue to do so as we learn more about variants and vaccines.
- We were hoping to do a full vaccine clinic for school-related professionals. Unfortunately, there are not enough doses to do so. Instead, we are partnering with Livingston County schools and the LCDOH in order to get our staff to vaccination clinics when they are available. Our faculty and staff has been creative, flexible, and proactive when these opportunities arise. We are doing our best to minimize disruptions at school.
- Please see the graph for related information. Again, much of the decline in cases can be attributed to the shift in focus from testing to vaccinations. Yet, the 7-day rolling average has also decreased to below 6% this week, so the trend appears to be downward both according to case counts and positivity percentage.
Avon's Late Arrival Professional Learning Day on February 4th
- On Thursday, February 4th, we will conduct our first planned "Late Arrival Professional Learning Day." In effect, this is a partial conference day. The faculty and staff will be engaging in professional learning while the students are at home.
- These days were a part of the approved instruction calendar that was previously communicated.
- Here is how it will work - Schools will be open and students will attend; however, the start time will be delayed by 2 hours. In a nutshell, the transportation pick up will be 2 hours later than the usual pick up time. The school day will end at the same time.
- During the planned delay, staff will report and will engage in focused and required professional responsibilities.
- This is our first attempt at this arrangement. It will not be perfect. We will learn from our experience and make improvements for the next scheduled late arrival day on March 11th. The third, and last, planned late arrival day is planned for April 15th.
- Please contact your building principal with specific questions.
Athletics
- We are excited for the return of the 'high-risk' sports. No one expected this announcement late last Friday. In the one week that transpired, we have met with the LCDOH and other Livingston County Schools. Additionally, we conversed with BOCES, the Livingston County Athletic Association, and our school physician. Finally, we are working through guidance materials from the NYSDOH, the New York State High School Athletic Association, and Section V. There are still many wrinkles to iron, but we are excited and grateful for the opportunity.
- We anticipate the contests will be similar to the Fall, with a few adjustments. Masks and COVID screening will be required for athletes and spectators. Most are only allowing home spectators. Some are allowing none at all.
- Mr. Englert will be communicating more specific information to athletes, coaches, and families.
Celebration and Update
- This morning, I had the pleasure of attending the Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Genesee Valley School Boards Association (GVSBA). At this session, Cynthia Towler, Michael Cullinane, and Jeannette Cullinane accepted recognition for Distinguished Student Service. GVSBA recognized Avon's Theatre and Drama efforts related to Scrooge . Additionally, Michale opened the session by singing the National Anthem. Very proud of and appreciated for all the folks who made Scrooge happen for our students and for our community.
- In the coming weeks, we will disseminate additional information about our website upgrade and our plan to utilize additional social media platforms. The new website will be much more phone friendly which will allow us to reach a broader audience.
Enjoy the weekend!
Ryan