Hello, Polk Schools Family.
First, I want you to know we are grateful for your patience and support throughout the pandemic. You have continued to work with us as we strive to keep our students and staff safe and our schools open.
I said from the start of the year some things would be unpopular and inconvenient, but the vast majority of you have been understanding and helpful. Thank you.
We are excited to begin the second half of our school year tomorrow. Our Board of Education and entire staff have worked hard to reopen our schools and serve our students in safe and productive ways. Districts around us have closed or have not been at the level of in-person learning we have been able to achieve. I believe we have been able to stay open because of people following the procedures and protocol we have in place. We have yet to see a COVID outbreak or significant spread in our classrooms.
As cases have risen in our county, we want to make sure we can continue to keep our schools open for in-person learning. Please remember these important points that all in-person families agreed to at the beginning of the year:
- Do not send students to school when they are sick or have COVID symptoms – we ask that your check their health each morning before sending them to school
- Do not send your students to school if the student or someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, is in the process of being tested or is experiencing COVID symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, new cough, loss of taste or smell, or chills
- Please follow the guidance given to you regarding quarantining and isolation when an exposure or positive case occurs
- Follow the W’s – wear a face covering, wait six feet apart, and wash your hands frequently
I can give you examples of when families have contacted us, kept us informed, and then we were able to isolate individuals instead of closing a classroom or bus. I can also give you examples of people not following these guidelines and exposing others, potentially putting other students and staff at risk and causing classrooms or schools to be closed.
I know that different people feel different things about the pandemic and the associated rules and guidelines, but our goal is to keep everyone safe and to keep our classrooms and schools open for students. We absolutely depend on your decisions and help to do so. Thank you in advance for your continued cooperation and support.
I wish all of you a wonderful second semester, and please reach out to us if we can be of any assistance.
Take care of yourselves and each other, and remember, Better Days are Ahead, Polk County!
