Dear Parents/Guardians:
On November 18, we moved to a fully remote model of learning for all students because of a
concerning increase in positive COVID-19 cases in town, some of which were connected to our
school community. At that time, I indicated that we hoped to bring our students and staff back on
December 7, and that that return could be delayed based on future data. I am heartbroken to report that the number of positive cases for the Town of Monson this past week have trended sharply upward, necessitating that we continue in the present model of fully remote learning for all students. The target date for return is January 4, 2021. As before, should cases continue to rise, this return could be delayed as well. Additionally, the Holiday Reverse Parade that was originally scheduled for this Friday, December 4, has been postponed to a date to be determined.
You may be aware that the State recently changed the metrics for a municipality to be given a red
designation. Populations are now taken into account, and for towns with populations of less than
10,000, at least 26 cases are needed to “go red” instead of the previous number of 8 per 100,000.
However, the School Committee unanimously approved a proposal I made which identified two
additional metrics that must be met for our schools to remain open should the Town be designated high risk by the Department of Public Health:
Case Count of the last 14 days is 15 or less
Percent Positivity of the last 14 days is 2.5% or lower
Even with the new metrics, Monson has entered the red zone. They are one of only eight
municipalities in Western Massachusetts to do so. The most recent data is below:
Average daily incidence rate per 100,000
Our target: 8
Last week: 20.4
This week: 33.2
Case Count Last 14 Days
Our target: 15
Last week: 24
This week: 39
Percent Positivity Last 14 Days
Our target: 2.5%
Last week: 3.27%
This week: 5.56%
Frankly, these numbers are alarming, and after discussion with our nurse leader and administrative team, this decision was made. We are hopeful that the numbers will trend downward in the upcoming weeks so that we can bring everyone back to the buildings safely.
We understand this is not an optimal situation for many families, but as always, the health and
safety of everyone in our school community must be our first priority. Please know that our
administrators, teachers and support staff will continue to do all they can to ensure your child
receives a quality education throughout this difficult time.
As I did in the Spring, I will provide you with weekly updates throughout the coming weeks. Also, do not hesitate to reach out to your building administration should you have any questions.
Sincerely, Cheryl A. Clarke, Ed.D. Superintendent