October 2, 2021
This is our weekly COVID-19 update for the last week of September. As we begin the month of October, the overall number of COVID-19 cases in our community and the number of active student and staff infections in our schools are in decline. The number of quarantines for students and staff have also decreased over this same time period. Due to these improvements, this will be our last weekly update. If we see a reversal in these numbers, we will be sure to keep everyone up-to-date. Remember, you can continue to monitor our current District COVID Data by school on our website or by clicking the link below. This information is updated every 24 hours:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gIGr9k9tTCxMWU5vq7lneTmEH6JTgkguK95TxxttoN8/edit?usp=sharing
This coming week, parents and guardians will have the opportunity to complete a survey concerning the “Test to Stay” program. The Board wants to see how much interest there is in this program before giving final approval at the October board meeting. Test to stay allows a student that has been identified as a close contact to remain in school as long as they agree to follow all guidelines of the program, instead of being automatically quarantined for a 10-day period. This program does not allow continued participation in athletics or extracurricular activities. The survey will give parents more information about the program through a series of Yes and No questions and will take less than 5 minutes to complete.
Next week, the Community COVID Vaccination Drive continues at Estill County Middle School on October 7. Students, parents and staff are eligible. Participants will receive t-shirts, door prizes, gift cards and other incentives for their participation. It also appears that the Pfizer vaccination may be approved for elementary students from the ages of 5 – 12 by the end of this month. We will keep parents informed when any new information is available and the District, along with the Health Department, will make this opportunity available as soon as final approval has been given.
Fall Break is just one week away. We ask that everyone remain vigilant, continue to practice safe habits and please be considerate of others. Continue to wear a face covering while indoors and follow all CDC guidance. We can defeat this virus if everyone continues to work together.
See everyone back at school Monday morning. Have a great day!
Jeff Saylor, Superintendent
Estill County Schools