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