December 18, 2021
Dear Parents and Staff,
In the past two days, the Clinton Public
Schools has been notified of 19 positive cases, with 15 of those cases from The
Morgan School. This large number of cases impacting one school in such a
short time is unusual. An analysis of the cases points to a likely
exposure outside of school related to a single gathering. In addition to
the high school cases, we have received notification of two positive COVID-19
test results for two members of the Joel Elementary School community and 2
positive cases impacting Eliot Middle School.
We have been contact tracing for all of
these positive cases at our schools and all individuals determined to be in
close contact with the positive cases will receive a phone call or message and
be informed about required actions.
The rapid increase in cases has been
concerning and we have consulted with the CT River Area Health District related
to this recent upward trend. We will continue to do so to ensure that we
are doing all we can to contain transmission and to ensure a safe school
environment. Our continued analysis of the data supports the conclusion
that the current rise in cases is linked to transmission outside of our schools
in indoor settings where individuals are unmasked.
It is important to note that we must all
work together to slow transmission, and to keep our entire school community and
Clinton community healthy. In school, we will continue to work to
implement our mitigation strategies to ensure a safe learning environment and
to minimize transmission and the number of quarantines that are
necessary. The proven mitigation strategies, including vaccination,
mask-wearing indoors, social distancing, staying home when ill, and hand
hygiene are necessary to reduce and control the spread of COVID-19. As a
reminder, if any staff or students exhibit any of the symptoms related to
COVID-19 they should stay home, call their medical provider to report their
symptoms, and notify School Nurse Supervisor Donna Frechette at [email protected] or 860-664-6572.
The District will continue to respond to
notifications of positive COVID-19 cases of students or staff in the district,
to work closely with the CT River Area Health District, and to communicate with
our families and staff all necessary information and notifications.
Summary data of positive cases and public health metrics are updated weekly and
can be found on the COVID-19
dashboard on the district
website.
If you have questions, please do not
hesitate to contact me or our School Nurse Supervisor Donna Frechette at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Maryann
R. O’Donnell
Superintendent