Superintendent's Message
March 20, 2022
Dear Families:
Thank you for your ongoing engagement in recent days, as we experienced several significant events simultaneously. I am very grateful for everyone who supports us. I want to recognize the work of the Concord health leaders and Concord and Carlisle Police Departments and the tireless work they do to keep children safe. That was never more evident than over the past week.
COVID Updates, Especially for Peabody Parents
We continue to see cases decline at Peabody, which began on Friday after 51 positive cases occurred last week. Below is a summary of our plan for this week in consultation with local leaders, DESE, and the state epidemiology office:
- Masks will be required for all sixth graders on Monday and Tuesday.
- Pool testing occurs tomorrow at Peabody. Assuming symptomatic and pool testing results remain low, we will return to mask optional on Wednesday.
- All positive students need to remain masked on days 6-10 following the 5 day quarantine period.
- This weekend, we changed all of the filters and reinstated the electrostatic sprayers in addition to our regular cleaning practices and opening the school to the fresh air. We will continue to spray for another week and ensure fresh air flows often.
We are not reducing capacity limits on audience sizes which were just increased. For this week only, we ask that any large audiences at all school events mask until we have a bit more time behind us with this surge.
The COVID dashboard remains active and is updated daily, usually after 3 pm.
Search for CCHS Student
Under the leadership of the Carlisle Police Department, we are fully cooperating in the search for Eloa, who was last seen at CCHS on Friday afternoon. It has been a very busy weekend. We remain hopeful for her safe return. If you or your child has any information, please contact the Carlisle Police at 978-369-1818. Please also contact the counseling staff if you or your child require any support.
Thank you for the ongoing collaboration and partnership. Enjoy this beautiful first day of spring.
Best,
Laurie
March 19, 2022
Dear Families:
Last night, we learned that a CCHS student was unaccounted for. Eloa is a ninth grader who lives in Carlisle and has not been seen since yesterday. The Carlisle Police ask that you share any information that you have.
The posting below is found via the link at the Carlisle Mosquito.
Thank you so much for your help.
Best,
Laurie
March 19, 2022
Dear Families:
We are cooperating with the Concord Police Department in their request for any information regarding two incidents of pellet gun shootings at vehicles yesterday. Please see the details below and contact them if you have any information.
Best,
Laurie
*UPDATE* Concord Police Department Investigating Second Incident of Person Being Struck by Pellet
MARCH 18, 2022 BY BENJAMIN PAULIN
Police Believe Incidents May Be Related to ‘Orbeez Challenge’ on TikTok
CONCORD — Chief Joseph O’Connor reports that the Concord Police Department is investigating a second incident today where a person was struck by a pellet, believed to have been shot from an air-powered pellet gun.
Approximately 6:45 p.m. today, Concord Police were called to the intersection of Sudbury Road and Thoreau Street for a report of a teen that was struck by a pellet. The teen was not injured. A black Range Rover may have been involved in the incident.
A water gel pellet was recovered and collected as evidence by police.
Concord Police now believe that this incident may be related to a recent TikTok trend called the “Orbeez Challenge,” where small circular water gel pellets are shot from air-powered pellet guns at people or property. Several incidents of the “challenge” have been reported throughout the country in recent weeks, with some leading to people being injured. There have also been several arrests made as a result of these incidents.
Chief O’Connor would like residents to know that they are taking these incidents seriously and anyone caught may be arrested or face criminal charges.
“These incidents could cause serious injury and we’ve seen cases in other parts of the country where innocent people have been hurt,” Chief O’Connor said. “Anyone caught engaging in this reckless behavior could be charged with assault and battery or assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.”
Earlier today, around 4 p.m., a driver reported to Concord Police that she was struck in the face by a projectile that she believed was from an air-powered pellet gun. The reporting party said she was driving north on Sudbury Road near Oxbow Lane, and was passing a dark-colored sport utility vehicle when she was struck in the face.
Police believe that these incidents may be related and are continuing to investigate.
Anyone with information on this incident, or anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area, to call police at 978-318-3400, or to call the Concord Police anonymous tip line at 978-318-3407.
March 17, 2022
Dear Families:
I write to share updates on the current COVID status in the schools. As you know, we have been watching an outbreak at Peabody in grade 6. All other schools continue to have low COVID counts, including Sanborn. Today, we had another 8 cases at Peabody, bringing the total this week to 44.
In addition to the COVID cases, we have been carefully watching attendance rates as well. There are small upticks or no changes in the K-5 schools, Sanborn, and CCHS. Today, we faced a 30% absentee rate at Peabody. Regardless of what illness (i.e.flu, or stomach virus) caused that rate, we would be reviewing where we are at and what makes sense next.
I spent the morning communicating with local public health officials and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Following those discussions, it was decided to close Peabody just for tomorrow to allow for a chance for ill students to recover, instruction to occur consistently, and to reduce any remaining virus transmission. Given that it is a school closure, there will be a half-day makeup day in June. Again, we would react the same if it were a flu or stomach virus outbreak that grew to this extent. We expect to be fully operational at all schools on Monday.
We are very grateful that all ill students and staff with COVID have mild flu-like symptoms. In addition, all grade 6 students and staff have been provided antigen tests to test at home on Monday morning or if they become symptomatic. Out of an abundance of caution, we will thoroughly clean the Peabody building tomorrow.
All other schools will operate normally and remain mask optional tomorrow. No one can quite explain why these events are occurring in such an isolated way so far. Clearly, exposure at school played a role. We will continue to work with health officials and DESE to determine any other necessary mitigation steps.
We are available to answer your questions or concerns and, as always, appreciate your support and patience as we continue to face unexpected situations.
Best,
Laurie
March 15, 2022
Dear Families:
I wanted to share a brief update as to the COVID cases today. We had 12 additional students test positive at CMS Peabody and continue to see very low case counts at the other schools. The middle school will do a second round of pool testing tomorrow (Peabody) and Thursday (Sanborn) in addition to distributing more antigen tests.
Have a great night!
Best,
Laurie
March 14, 2022
Dear Families:
As of this email, the Peabody building of Concord Middle School had 18 students and 1 adult test positive since yesterday. There are NO new cases at Sanborn.
As best as we can tell, exposure occurred at school and at the community event on Saturday night, which possibly served as a contributing factor. Either way, we ask that everyone carefully attend to symptoms this week at all schools since it is impossible to determine exposure sites definitively.
We consulted with the local health officials and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education late this afternoon. Given those discussions, the following protocols are in place and will be reviewed as the week continues:
- All grade 6 students and staff attending Peabody will mask for the remainder of the week.
- All Concord Middle School students will mask on the buses for the remainder of the week.
- A reminder that anyone symptomatic should get tested and stay at home until symptoms subside.
- We encourage everyone to participate in pool testing and engage in the at home antigen testing program, which can be used before Friday if symptoms develop. We will likely repeat pool testing at Peabody later in the week.
The COVID Dashboard remains active and indicates the currently very low case counts at all of the other schools right now.
We will continue to provide updates as we have them, and thank you for your cooperation in what appears to be this newest phase of the pandemic.
Best,
Laurie
March 14, 2022
Dear Families:
I am forwarding the message below that was just shared with Concord Middle School families so that all community members have the information.
Best,
Laurie
_________________________
March 14, 2022
Dear Middle School Families:
I write to share an update on the positive COVID cases at Concord Middle School. In grade 6, 13 positive cases were reported over the weekend and this morning. It appears there may be a connection to a community event on Saturday night.
We wanted to share the information so that you can make informed decisions about masking this week, participate in pool and antigen testing, and monitor students for symptoms. The COVID Dashboard will be kept updated this week so you can monitor the situation.
This circumstance reminds us that COVID is still present as we bring back typical events. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have questions or concerns.
Best,
Laurie
March 13, 2022
Dear Families:
The sun is just setting as I write at almost 7 p.m., which brings a sense of hope for spring. I am also hopeful because yesterday, we noted the second anniversary of the first impact of the pandemic on the schools when we closed for what we thought would be a week. A week? I am always mixed about whether or not I wish I knew what was coming. I generally think not because then I would have only worried about the many changes that would occur not have been able to factor in what proved to be most important. There is no doubt that the commitment of resilient school staff, the nurturing from dedicated families, and the community’s efforts at large kept the needs of children as a priority. We are deeply thankful for the partnership as it evolved, which led to a stronger sense of trust and respect for one another. Those connections will serve us well as we move forward through the recovery process and visioning for the future.
In the Spotlight
You frequently hear from DEI Director Andrew Nyamekye as he shares updates, events, and newsletters. At Tuesday night’s School Committee meeting, Mr. Nyamekye presented an overview of his entry plan to date. The presentation included important feedback from focus groups and highlighted what will become our priorities for the longer term. The slides are found here. The recording of the School Committee meeting is here (minute 53). I urge everyone to spend some time reviewing the findings so far.
While Mr. Nyamekye is a district leader in DEI, he does not do the work alone. Indeed, the work requires that we all actively participate. As much as the school environment allows many students to thrive, that is not the case for everyone if they do not come to school comfortable being themselves. As a collective community, we must commit to fostering the belonging and inclusion of all of our students. Thank you for being on this very important journey with us.
COVID Updates
Case counts remained low last week as we shifted to optional masks. The COVID Dashboard remains active. Effective immediately, we are no longer limiting audience size for student performances or capacity limits for school-related family events.
Have a wonderful evening!
Best,
Laurie
March 9, 2022
Dear Families:
I write to provide updates about masks on transportation and in preschool and provide reference information for families.
Masks on Buses
Effective immediately, masks are optional on all school transportation.
Masks in Preschool
Effective March 21, 2022, masks will be optional for all preschool students. This will allow time for the faculty to connect with families.
Resources
Dr. Rachel Kramer is a psychologist who frequently provides parent programs locally. She generously shared the document linked here as a means of support and guidance for parents as we move through this next phase of the pandemic to optional masking.
Upon request, I am also linking the CDC guidance for children as a piece of information for families in making their own decisions about whether or not to mask.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Best,
Laurie
March 6, 2022
Dear Families:
It seemed appropriate tonight to stay singularly focused on the notable threshold we will cross tomorrow when masks will be optional in most places for most students. I thought sending an easy to read list of the most important information would be helpful.
Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Post Secondary
Masks are optional as of tomorrow, March 7.
Preschool
Masks are required in the preschool for the time being. Consideration of removing masks in preschool is on the agenda for Tuesday night’s School Committee meeting.
Buses
Masks are required on all buses for now. The School Committee will discuss the recent CDC recommendation to remove masks on Tuesday night.
Health Offices
Masks are required at all times.
The entire COVID protocol document is updated on the school webpage: COVID Protocols March 2022
The COVID Dashboard is updated daily. Last week, we had 21 cases following the break. We continue to encourage pool and home antigen testing.
As I mentioned previously, inclusion and belonging are core values of our schools. As personal choice is afforded to all, it will be critical that we act according to those values by respecting and honoring each individual choice. The teachers and administrators have and will continue to share this message.
It has been extraordinary two years. We look forward to the partnership in this next step. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have questions or concerns.
Best,
Laurie
« Previous Page — Next Page »