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superintendent's updates

NSPS New Close contact and isolation guidance

1/13/2022

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Dear NSPS Families and Staff, 

Attached is a document that summarizes some of the new close contact and isolation guidance issued by the CDC and Rhode Island Department of Health. Complete documentation is located at https://www.back2schoolri.com/outbreak-response-protocols/

In spite of the current COVID surge and staffing shortages, North Smithfield Public Schools is committed to remaining open and in-person. While there have been calls statewide to switch to distance learning during this surge, we recognize that not all families have the means to care for their children during the daytime hours at home. We also hold that the best place for students to be is in school with their teachers, classmates, and friends. 

With the shortened isolation period, Monitor-to-Stay program, and Test to Play for our student-athletes, we are not only working to keep our students healthy, but healthy students in school even if they were an in-school close contact.  Even during this surge, schools remain a safe place for children as we maintain facilities with good ventilation and continue to practice proven protocols. Especially at this time, sick students should remain at home. 

The next few weeks will be the most challenging for attendance, staffing, and transportation, but I am confident that we will get through this together. 

nsps_close_contact_and_isolation_updates_1_2022.pdf
File Size: 105 kb
File Type: pdf
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monitor_to_stay_attestation_form.pdf
File Size: 46 kb
File Type: pdf
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New CDC and RIDOH Guidance Letter

1/7/2022

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Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff,

On Thursday, 1/6/2022 the Governor and the Department of Health released updated COVID guidance for Rhode Island schools.  

https://health.ri.gov/publications/memoranda/20220106-COVID-Prevention-Strategies-PreK-12.pdf
 
These changes were promoted by the Rhode Island Superintendent’s Association and are designed to keep more children out of quarantine and in school. The data shows the  previous quarantine and close contact guidelines had the negative effect of keeping many healthy students at home and out of the classroom. 

The new guidelines, based on the changes released by CDC on December 31, 2021, allows K-12 public schools in Rhode Island to change our protocols for quarantine, as well as increase our capacity for in-school screening, referred to as Monitor to Stay, and in-school testing for our athletes, referred to as Test to Play. In addition to the continued focus on full vaccination and booster of adults and children ages 5 and older and mask-wearing in public, these two strategies continue to be the most effective means of minimizing the transmission and impact of COVID-19.

Regardless of the changes it is vital that students and staff who have symptoms stay home from school. 

We will have more information how NSPS will be implementing the new guidelines, but effective immediately: 

  • The quarantine period for COVID-positive staff members and students, and their in-school close contacts, is now reduced from 10 days to 5 days, with a return on day 6, if the person is symptom-free and has been fever free for 24 hours. Anyone past 5 days and symptom free may return to school on Monday. If symptoms are not resolved or fever is present the isolation period is extended. A negative PCR test is recommended, but is not required. Household contacts follow different protocols.
In the coming week: 
  • NSPS will be replacing our planned Test-to-Stay pilot program for unvaccinated students in grades PK-6, with Monitor-to-Stay at all grade levels. This will allow students that are determined to be in-school close contacts, and are  symptom-free, to remain in school. Unlike Test-to-Stay, Monitor-to-Stay will not require the student to receive a daily antigen screening. While an antigen screening will be available for those who request it, we will primarily rely on a daily student/parent wellness attestation over a five day period..
  • Athletes, regardless of vaccination status, who are determined to be an in-school close contact, may still participate in Interscholastic League sports through Test-to-Play as long as they remain symptom-free and have a negative rapid test given during the school day.  
There is still a lot of information to unpack and we know you will have questions. We are also waiting on some additional information ourselves. Again, please look over the release from the Governor's office and the RIDOH. 

https://health.ri.gov/publications/memoranda/20220106-COVID-Prevention-Strategies-PreK-12.pdf

You can address any general questions to me and, while I probably won't be able to respond to everyone individually, I can certainly take your email into consideration and respond en masse. For any questions about how the new guidelines affect your student individually, you should consult your school’s nurse. Further guidance and clarification will follow. 
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    Michael St. Jean, 
    Superindent of Schools

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North Smithfield School Department
P.O. Box 72
​Slatersville, RI 02876 
P: (401) 769-5492      F: (401) 769-5493

Michael St. Jean, Superintendent
North Smithfield Middle School - ​Room 137
1850 Providence Pike
North Smithfield, RI  02896

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