Avon Learning Community:
Good afternoon. We hope you had an enjoyable week. In addition to information sent in the newsletter from principals, here are some additional updates for a variety of topics:
Outreach Survey-
Thank you for all of those who have responded to the survey sent on 5.3.21. At this point, we have close to 400 responses. This is outstanding. Thank you.
The plan is to review the data as quickly as we can. We will continue to work with the health department, our school physician, and guidance from the NYSDOH in order to improve our procedures and protocols.
A theme quickly emerged from the early responses, and we acknowledge that there will always be disagreement about some of the rules, and face coverings are no different. It does not help that there is a disconnect between the CDC and the NYSDOH regarding masks. This creates confusion. Regardless of personal views, the expectation on campus at this time is that masks are to be worn. This includes masking while using the playground and during dismissal. Should the NYSDOH issue additional guidance, then we will review this expectation.
Positive Cases-
Grade 12 Student - This student was last in attendance on 4/27. Contact tracing was done, and all additional school-related/family identified contacts were notified.
Grade 12 Student - This student was last in attendance on 4/30. Contact tracing was done, and all additional school-related identified contacts were notified.
Grade 9 Student - This student was last in attendance on 5/4. Contact tracing was done, and all additional school-related/family identified contacts were notified.
Staff Member - This staff member was last in attendance on 5/5. The collective contact tracing did not identify any additional school-related contacts.
Vaccines-
We recognize that vaccines are a personal decision. I want to pass along that the LCDOH communicated that there are vaccine surpluses at Walgreens and CVS at this point.
Also, the LCDOH has asked schools to assess whether or not families are interested in having schools host a vaccine clinic assuming vaccines continue to be approved for younger children. We will send that survey early next week.
Traffic Patterns-
The paving of Clinton Street has been moved from Monday May 10 to Wednesday May 12.
Staff Appreciation-
Avon’s tradition is to celebrate all staff this week. This has been a hard year on all of us. I truly appreciate the efforts of our staff during this year. From our cleaners to remote learning teachers, from our nurses to our counselors, our business office staff who were serving lunches last week, to our teachers and coaches who continue to put in the time and and pour themselves into that time; I am fortunate and inspired to work with such a tremendous staff. On behalf of the Board of Education and Administrators, we offered some snacks earlier this week, but I want to take this moment to publicly thank them for their efforts this year.
Thank you.