Superintendent: Saugatuck Elementary COVID Cases on the Rise; Full School Testing Friday for All Consenting Families
Superintendent Thomas Scarice Dear Saugatuck Families,
As we have been reporting there has been an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases at SES. As of today, 15 total cases have been identified over the past week. Although there appears to be very limited transmission within the school as new cases span multiple grades and classrooms, by definition, a sudden rise in the number of cases at this rate would constitute an outbreak.
As a proactive measure we have reached out to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH), including the state epidemiologist, to review the cases and our current mitigating measures. This discussion affirmed that community transmission (i.e. after school activities, large community social events, etc.) has likely contributed to the recent rise in cases at SES. As a result, it appears that in-school mitigating measures have been effective. DPH only recommends school closures if there is an inability to staff the school. This is not an issue at this point in time.
As an additional control measure for early detection, and to blunt any additional spread, it was recommended by CT DPH to offer a round of surveillance testing for all students and staff at SES. Testing will be held Friday October 1 and administered by our testing partner, Progressive Diagnostics.
For parents who have already consented to the voluntary testing program, your child will be included in the testing this Friday. If you have not yet consented to the district voluntary testing program, you are strongly encouraged to complete the “school testing student consent form” on the hyperlink below by the end of the day tomorrow. Additionally, the “school testing” link below will provide information about the district voluntary testing program.
If you would ONLY like to take part in the testing offered this Friday and NOT the weekly screening, please email the health office staff so that your name can be removed after the Friday testing.
School Testing Student Consent Form
I would like to thank you for your support as we work together to keep our children and community safe.
Sincerely,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Weston Historical Society's new exhibit, "Weston Slept While the Nation Roared: Life in the Twenties"
Professor John Coleman Darnell and Dr. Colleen Darnell, noted Egyptologists are surrounded by their authentic 1920s era clothing they loaned to the Weston Historical Society for the Society's new exhibit, "Weston Slept While the Nation Roared: Life in the Twenties", which is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 1pm-4pm at 104 Weston Rd. in Weston, CT. The exhibit explores the monumental events taking place around the world as well as how Weston slowly emerged from an agricultural society to one that became a refuge from the chaotic life of the city. More info at : www.westonhistoricalsociety.org
Weston Historical Society's Roaring 20's Lawn PartyWas The Bee's Knees!
Or was it the cat's pajamas? Either way this special event to promote the Society's new exhibit, "Weston Slept While the Nation Roared: Life in the Twenties" was held on Saturday. Over 150 visitors enjoyed a stunning afternoon of music, dancing, and fun! The impeccably attired Professor John Coleman Darnell and Dr. Colleen Darnell treated visitors to the dancing of the age. Grammy award - winning Vince Giordano and his Traditional Jazz Ensemble performed Jazz Age classics. Special musical guests included Jerron Paxton and Miss Maybell and the Jazz Age Artists. The speak easy libations were supplied by event sponsors Tito's Handmade Vodka, Black Bear Wine and Spirits, Newburgh Brewing Company and Peter's Spirit Shop of Weston and generous support by Leslie D. & William Weiss III and Amy Jenner.
