Canton schools press on amid recent COVID surge
By Mike BergerCanton students and staff made their return to school on Monday following the recent holiday break, and early indications suggest that the schools are weathering the surge in COVID cases, albeit with a higher than usual amount of student absences on the first day back on Monday, January 3.
Interim School Superintendent Derek Folan said that staff absenteeism was also higher than normal but remained at a “manageable” level.
He noted that extracurricular programming will continue as scheduled, and CHS winter sports are also moving forward, although the girls basketball program remains on pause until January 10. (The wrestling team recently paused for a few days but is back practicing.)
“No doubt there are many challenges with COVID, but everyone has handled it very well,” Folan said. “A special shout out to our nursing team, which has talked to the families, walked everyone through the protocols, and paid special attention to students.”
With a supply of COVID-19 rapid tests delivered last week by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Folan said teachers were offered three different pickup options, and hundreds of staff members picked up tests in tests in advance while many others obtained a test prior to school on January 3. He said only a few staff members tested positive.
Folan said the reason for the high number of student absences on Monday stems from students testing positive during the holiday break or students showing initial symptoms and electing to stay home.
Folan said the district is weathering this period well and is committed to in-person learning under safe conditions, thanks to the good-faith efforts of employees and “great partnerships” with families and students.
In a letter to families, Folan highlighted the various mitigation measures the district has put in place to ensure a safe learning environment, including use of air purifiers, twice weekly enhanced cleanings, mask wearing, good hand hygiene, distancing when possible, and COVID testing.
He also stressed the importance of home screening and continued communication between the nursing team, families and staff.
“In addition,” noted Folan, “DESE and DPH have released a series of updated COVID-19 Response Protocols that reflect current medical guidance from state safety officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These protocols will be reviewed thoroughly this week.”
Folan did note that Canton is adopting the shift to a five-day isolation period (rather than the 10-day period) for positive cases, effective immediately. “This important protocol update is endorsed by DESE, DPH and our local safety officials,” he said.
Folan was planning to update the School Committee on the school’s reopening, vaccination rates, and safety protocols at its meeting on January 6. Based on the latest metrics, Canton remains in the “high” transmission risk category with 263 cases reported over the seven-day period from December 24-30 — up from 105 the week prior.
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Posted by Mike Berger
on Jan 7 2022. Filed under News, Schools.
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