Good Afternoon,
It sure has cooled off a bit this past weekend. I do hope that folks were able to enjoy some time outdoors and with those that you hold dear.
I’m including three video links today for your review and consideration.
First, is the August 31st Update video that includes important information on the Stay-At-Home procedural update (also included below).
Next is the complete 4 minute video that I shared in the update. It shows how powerful it can be when everyone is working together. A quick note on this video: it was sent to me by a respected and valued colleague in the middle of last week, and I am grateful that it was.
Last, I’m sharing a Dear Students video that I will be sending to students as well, so that you can see what was sent to them. Interesting in this video is the Word Cloud that opens the video is the same Word Cloud from the student challenge that ended on April 6th. That challenge asked students to share what they missed most about school in 15 words or less. That was 3 weeks into the pandemic and we’re now approaching 6 months. Also worth noting, the song that opens the video also was one of the top 10 songs from another student challenge in the spring. I thought it was fitting and appropriate to use in this message as well.
And with that, I am presenting a complete version of the updated Comprehensive Plan for everyone’s convenience. I wish everyone a wonderful week ahead. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to the holiday weekend coming up as it will be another opportunity to connect with those that we hold dear in our lives. Stay safe everyone and remember…..
WE GOT THIS!
Be Well,
Robb
COVID-19 Data: Here is a 7-day look at the data related to COVID-19 that we’ve been tracking since March. Source: NHDHHS COVID-19 Page
*One additional case for Cheshire County turned up in the cumulative total on 8/25 that was not included in the daily report (which was 2) of new cases.
**Two additional cases for Cheshire County turned up in the cumulative total on 8/26 that was not included in the daily report (which was 0) of new cases.
Note - In consultation with NHDHHS more specifically, the Joint Information Center for NH, it was explained that additional cases come in at various points in time from other states, thus they do not report it as a new case for that specific day. It was articulated to me directly, that there is up to a 2-week lag in information coming in from other states. In erring on the side of caution, I’ve included the additional cases not reported in the daily report as part of our calculation.
For ease of understanding, I’m adding in the charts from the Comprehensive Opening Plan so that it is easier to understand how the numbers above may impact our schools.
Decision-Making Model
The following describes how we will make determinations on what model we will be using at any point in time. The first chart demonstrates the risk levels based on positive cases per 100,000 people. The second chart is the tipping points that we will use to move from one model to another. The third chart is the real data for both Cheshire County and the State of New Hampshire.
- The Harvard Global Health Institute key metrics for COVID Suppression issued on July 1, 2020. The rate is calculated using a 7 day rolling average of new cases per 100,000.
- The following chart illustrates the decision tipping metrics that will be used:
**In our original plan, the tipping point for going from the blended hybrid to fully remote was a seven day rolling average of 25 new cases per 100,000. In response to concerns voiced during the SAU-wide Board meetings, we lowered that number to a seven day rolling average of 10 new cases per 100,000. This aligns with the previous risk level chart in that both the orange and red risk levels are combined to go fully remote.**
- The data reported by the NHDHHS COVID-19 Dashboard for our county and our state:
(as of August 30, 2020)
Additional Sources: US Census Bureau and NH Population Estimates - 2019
The data will be monitored on a daily basis and determinations will be made and communicated no later than the last Friday of every month (September 26, October 30, November 27, and so forth).
We will use the Rate per 100,000 data across Cheshire County as opposed to using the statewide or town specific data for decision points on any model that we are implementing. The rationale for using the county data is because it will give us enough time to shift prior to a local outbreak in any one of our communities. Unless there is an urgent need to immediately shift to a fully remote model, a period of two weeks will be used to give families and staff enough lead time to transition to any change in model.
Meals: Food service during the hybrid model will be offered starting the first day of school. Students will be able to participate in their lunch programs while they attend school in-person. Grab-and-go meals will be available weekly for remote only learners and those participating in the hybrid model.
Friday, August 28th was the final day of the Summer Food Service Program offered by Southwestern Community Services, Inc. since June 29. All area students, including those from SAU 29 districts, remain welcome to utilize the lunch program free of charge. SCS is encouraging folks to take advantage of the curb-side pick-up at Keene Middle School, Monday through Friday. For more information please contact Rhonda Hull, SCS Community Food Coordinator at 603.719.4240 or rhull@scshelps.org
Mental Health & Cultural Awareness: Below are some resources that may be helpful as we end our summer vacation.
Resources:
- https://www.parents.com/kids/education/back-to-school/12-fun-first-week-of-school-traditions/ Cool ideas….clever, fun and creative.
- https://discoveries.childrenshospital.org/preparing-kids-school-covid-19/ to help talk with your kids about returning to school.
- https://www.unicef.org/parenting/talking-to-your-kids-about-racism to help talk with your children, our students about racism. This article covers ages ranging under 5 years old, between 6-11years old, and 12+.
- https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/5-ways-stand-against-racism-and-injustice/37355 This article addresses acceptable ways to condemn racism.
- https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/how-white-people-can-talk-their-kids-about-racism/37361 This is a great way to start a conversation about racial issues with your kids. Racism thrives in silence.
- The 5 Signs to help you identify and support others who may be struggling more than usual at this challenging time, or at any time.
Reporting Abuse: If you see something, please say something. You can find guidance on the NH Department of Health and Human Services website.
Additional Resources:
- Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention - We’re here for you 24/7. You don’t have to be in crisis to call. Call our hotline at: 603-352-3782 or 1-888-511-MCVP
- National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
School Boards: Please use the links below to access the most recent school board meetings for your respective school district.
Chesterfield - CSB Meeting Video
Harrisville - HSB Meeting Video
Keene - KBE Meeting Video
Marlborough - MbSB Meeting Video
Marlow - MwSB Meeting Video
Nelson - NSB Meeting Video
Westmoreland - WSB Meeting Video
School Buildings:
In order to facilitate the cleaning of our buildings, we need to ensure that they are not in use for periods of time each day. Beginning August 31st and until further notice, each building will observe the following hours for times the building may be utilized:
All buildings are closed on the weekend.
School Calendars: The 2020-2021 school year calendars can be found using this link: SAU 29 School District Calendars.
School Grounds: Outdoor facilities were opened on Monday, June 22nd. Playgrounds will remain closed as proper sanitization can not meet recommended guidelines. Organizations and teams wishing to use the facilities must arrange to do so through the facility use process. Contact your respective school district for further information. Users of the facilities shall continue to practice social distancing while on school grounds.
School Year 2020-2021 Opening: All seven of our districts have adopted an opening plan for the start of SY 20-21. They are:
- Chesterfield: Beginning fully remote and moving into the blended hybrid with a modified school calendar in that staff now begin on September 1st, students begin on September 10th and the last day of school for students is shifted to June 23rd.
- Harrisville: Beginning with the blended hybrid plan and a modified school calendar that staff now begin on September 1st, students begin on September 10th and the last day of school for students is shifted to June 23rd.
- Keene: Beginning with the blended hybrid plan and a modified school calendar that staff now begin on August 31st, students begin on September 10th and the last day of school for students is shifted to June 23rd.
- Marlborough: Beginning fully onsite and a modified school calendar that staff now begin on August 28th, students begin on September 10th and the last day of school for students is shifted to June 22nd.
- Marlow: Beginning with the blended hybrid plan and a modified school calendar that staff now begin on August 31st and students begin on September 10 and the last day of school for students is shifted to June 23rd.
- Nelson: Beginning with the blended hybrid plan and a modified school calendar that staff now begin on August 31st and students begin on September 10th and the last day of school for students is shifted to June 24th.
- Westmoreland: Beginning with the blended hybrid plan and a modified school calendar that staff now begin on September 1st and students begin on September 10th and the last day of school for students is shifted to June 23rd.
Screening: Daily screening and self-reporting SHALL be conducted for each student and staff member prior to leaving for school in the morning. We are currently working with a recognized medical company to make this process user friendly for all of our families and staff. The technology solution we are implementing will guide users through a series of prompts that are consistent with the current CDC Screening Guidelines as of July 31, 2020. The system will ask people to respond to:
The building administrator will have a dashboard that will generate a report for their specific site, with live results as they are input by both parents/guardians and staff. Anyone that did not conduct the screening prior to reporting to school will be required to complete the screening upon arrival and sent home if attendance is not approved.
Travel: The following chart serves as a guide for any travel to/from areas outside of New England (Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island) within the last 14 days (starting from the last day of their travel outside New England), irrespective of the mode of transportation for travel (public vs. private transportation). It is important to note that this information is subject to change as information is updated by state officials.
Stay-At-Home Requirements: Parents/Guardians and staff know the risk of their level of exposure through their daily activities (where they have been, who they have interacted with, what safety measures they had in place). Nobody wants to be the person who infects another so it is imperative that we all comply with the following chart (consistent with the guidance from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services released on August 28, 2020 and linked below chart) that serves to provide clarity:
***Updated August 28, 2020 with the release of the NHDHHS School Toolkit***
Additional Source: CDC When You Can be Around Others
Special Education: As we gear up for a new and exciting school year, Special Education is working very closely with building leaders to ensure that the needs of students with disabilities are met. As always, please reach out to your child’s special education teacher or building principal with questions. You can also contact the Student Services Offices at 357-9001 extension 230 or email rmatte@sau29.org if you have any questions. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Thank you!
Contact Information: Dr. Rick Matte is the lead contact person for all COVID-19 inquiries and concerns at all SAU 29 schools and districts. He can be reached at rmatte@sau29.org.
Governor Sununu has also activated a 24-hour COVID-19 hotline for all related needs and supports. The hotline can be reached by dialing 211.
Technology: Teachers, we have installed some software for remote teaching. Currently we have Kami which integrates with Google classroom. Sreencastify will let you record your computer screen to share with the class. You can also have your image in the corner of the screen as you record the lesson. EquatIO Easily add equations, formulas, graphs to G Suite for Education. It has a scientific calculator, and periodic table charts.
Parents, we will be sending out an online registration form for PowerSchool. Please look for the form that will allow your student to use Youtube while we are in remote learning.
Technology support during COVID19: Please see the update.
Power School update:
We have upgraded Power School and in doing so we need to make sure we have all the latest data for your contacts and emergency contacts. We will be sending out a link to a video that will show you how to update your emergency contacts. As we get closer to the opening of school we will ask that you make sure all your information is correct for you and your students. We are putting in place an online registration to keep your important information up to date. Once we have it up and running we will send out a notice to all important links.
Help desk number: (603) 352-0640 ext 3871. For help with the Home user and remote learning click here.