Dear North Reading Public Schools Community,
I'm writing today to provide some important COVID-19 related updates.
Extension of the Mask Mandate
Earlier today the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released a statement on the extension of the Mask Requirement which will continue through at least January 15, 2022.
While I'm sure that the news of this extension will be welcome to some and frustrating to others, there are several points to consider that this extension will allow, including:
-- the opportunity for the younger students (ages 5-11) to receive the vaccine
--time for us to move beyond the holiday seasons and the associated travel/gatherings
As stated in the press release above, the masking requirement, along with the test and stay protocol, has allowed many more students to remain in school this year which is our ultimate goal.
There still exists the possibility for additional considerations for lifting the mask requirement prior to January 15th if we meet the 80% vaccination thresholds. As I have shared previously and at our recent North Reading School Committee we are not at this threshold in any of our buildings at this time but may be able to achieve this threshold for the middle/high school once our younger students are able to be vaccinated. For this calculation the middle/high school is considered one building.
Currently, our local data, which I have reviewed in collaboration with our Public Health Director and Town Officials, through October 22nd is as follows:
- Individuals aged 12-15 (68% fully vaccinated)
- Individuals aged 16-19 (77% full vaccinated)
As stated in the press release, "The Department, in collaboration with medical experts and state health officials, will continue to evaluate and consider other criteria that could be used in the future to lift the mask requirement based on public health data."
Optional Vaccination Clinics
We continue to offer opportunities for eligible students to be vaccinated with the next being on November 4, 2021 at the Batchelder School at 6pm- 7pm. If you are interested in attending please use the link below to register for your appointment
https://www.appointmentquest.
- For anyone under the age of 18 a consent form signed by a parent/guardian must be presented in order to receive a vaccine
- Please plan on staying for 15 minutes after being vaccinated (30 minutes for anyone who has had a prior anaphylactic reaction to any medication)
- Vaccination is free for everyone regardless of insurance coverage
- If you are insured please bring your insurance cards to the clinic
- We will be administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine which is currently approved for ages 12 and up and are taking future appointments for children ages 5-11 based on the anticipated CDC/FDA approval at the time of our clinics
- This is a 2 dose series given 3 weeks apart
- A link for registration for 2nd doses will be provided after the 1st dose clinics have been completed
- Booster shots will also be available based on the guidelines below. We will have the Pfizer vaccine available for boosters for anyone who has completed a primary vaccine series meeting the below requirements
- A single booster dose of COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to individuals:
- 65 years of age and older
- 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19
- 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2
- A single booster dose of COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 2 months after completion of the single-dose primary Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine regimen to individuals 18 years of age and older.
- Each of the available COVID-19 vaccines as a heterologous (or “mix and match”) booster dose in eligible individuals following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine.
- A single booster dose of COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to individuals:
Pooled Testing
Our routine COVID pooled testing process is underway at all five schools. Though highly complicated, the process is working and our nurses are doing a fantastic job working with our students, families, and staff.
During the month of October there have been a total of nine individuals who have tested positive for a total of 33 since the school year began. Locally our numbers are trending in the right direction. Due to our continued precautions there continues to be no indication that there has been any in-school transmission. Please visit our District Website to view our dashboard for more COVID-19 related data and information
Thank you and be well,
Dr. Daly
