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Reading Public Schools Spring Update 9

Good Morning, Reading Public School Staff and Community,

I hope that you are enjoying this beautiful weekend.  Here is Spring Update #9.  Have a great day!

  • All Mitigation Strategies Are Still in Effect-Even though the CDC has relaxed the mitigation steps for fully vaccinated individuals, all Reading Public School mitigation strategies are still in effect.  The population that we work with have not been vaccinated and we have had two instances in the last few weeks where a fully vaccinated staff member has tested positive for COVID.  Please continue to be diligent in following all of our mask, hand hygiene, and physical distancing protocols.  We appreciate your support!
  • Health Updates-The following positive cases were reported this week in our schools:
    • 1 Parker Middle School Student, in person,  5 students quarantined
    • 7 RMHS students through pool testing and contact tracing (Reported as a State Epidemic Event). Six of the student were from the Girls Track Team and 45 students were quarantined.
    • 1 Joshua Eaton Student, in person, 20 students quarantined
    • 1 positive pool at Wood End, reflex testing identified positive, 22 students, 0 staff quarantined.
    • 1 positive student at Parker, 6 students quarantined, 0 staff.
    • 1 positive student at Eaton, 13 students quarantined 0 staff.
    • 1 positive student at Coolidge, 1 student quarantined, 0 staff.
    • 1 positive staff member at Joshua Eaton, 1 staff member and 17 students quarantined.
  • Other Health Information-In addition to the above, we would like to report additional information on pool testing and vaccines.
    • We have conducted 2006 pool tests thus far, each pool with 5-10 individuals.  In those 2006 pools, 22 have tested positive.
    • Over 520 RMHS students have had at least one dose of the vaccine.
  • Assistant Superintendent Appointment Announced-We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sarah Hardy has been appointed as the next Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching in the Reading Public Schools.  Dr. Hardy is currently a Central Office administrator in the Stoneham Public Schools where she has done extensive work with staff in literacy and equity/social justice professional development.  She was previously an elementary principal in Stoneham.  Her education background includes a Doctorate of Education from Boston College, a CAGS and MEd from UMass Lowell, and a BA from Rivier College.  Dr. Hardy will begin on July 1st.  Please welcome Dr. Sarah Hardy to the Reading Public Schools!
  • Lynn Lyons Presentation on Tuesday-Reading Public Schools is presenting a free mental health training for Staff and Community Members.  Lynn Lyons Lynn Lyons is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in Concord, NH. She has been in private practice for 28 years specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults and children. Lynn travels internationally as a speaker and trainer on the subject of anxiety, its role in families, and the need for a preventative approach at home and in schools. She is a sought after expert, appearing in the New York Times, Time, NPR and Psychology Today.  To register for this workshop please click on the link below.

Lynn Lyons – Supporting Children (and Ourselves) with Anxiety, May 20 at 6:00-7:30 pm 

Registration Link for Workshop

  • Kindergarten Screening Update-Kindergarten Screening for next year’s Kindergarten students will be held on Wednesday, September 1 and Thursday, September 2nd.  There will be no kindergarten classes held on those two days.  Because of the Rosh Hashanah holiday on September 7 and 8, the first day of Kindergarten classes will be held on Thursday, September 9th.  This change in the first day of school for kindergarten students is consistent with School Committee Policy IMDA on Religious Holiday Accommodations.
  • Student Services Office Hours for the Remainder of the Year-The Student Services Office has posted their office hours for the remainder of the school year.  If you would like to meet with Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Jennifer Stys and Director of Special Education Allison Wright, the dates and link to sign up are below.

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