Covid Update #2 Recommending Students Wear Masks

  Covid Update (#2 This Week) Recommending Students Wear Masks Good Evening Frontier and Union #38  Families: This week's pool test results reflect the continuing increase of COVID-19 in our communities. The case numbers are highest at Frontier, Deerfield, and Conway Schools. See the latest positive cases on our  district dashboard . Given the increase, I am writing to provide you with some additional information, clarify our protocols related to cases and describe how we are addressing this spike in COVID-19. The  Centers for Disease Control  has elevated Franklin County’s COVID-19 Community Level to “high” and recommends that residents wear a mask while indoors in public, get vaccinated or boosted if eligible (use this link to register for the  May 20th COVID Vaccination Clinic ) and take additional virus precautions such as washing hands and remaining home when sick.  How our district is addressing this covid at this time . We recommend that students wear masks indoors . This is not a mandatory requirement, but given the increase in numbers there is a higher risk of transmission.  We will continue to support families' decisions around masking but will not discipline. students for not wearing a mask. In PK - 6 classrooms where we are aware of multiple cases, families will be notified by their building principal and students and staff will be strongly encouraged to wear masks as multiple cases increase the likelihood of spread within our classrooms.  As a reminder continue to : Keep children home if they are sick, even if they test negative for COVID. Notify the school if your child is home with COVID-19. If your child is a close contact because a member of your household is COVID positive they should mask at school for 10 days following exposure. Please contact your school if you are interested in signing up for an at home COVID testing kit. Thank you for your continued partnership to keep our community healthy. As the situation improves we will notify families of any changes.  Darius Modestow, Superintendent

Thursday, May 12 2022

Covid 19 Update, A Reminder to be Vigilant

  Covid 19 Update, A Reminder to be Vigilant  Dear Frontier and Union #38 Community, As you are likely aware, there has been a rise in Covid cases in our county.  We would like to stress that while for many of us the risk of getting Covid seems manageable, there are many in our community who, for various reasons, are at greater risk.   The Schools would like to stress the following: Continue to monitor your child for symptoms and keep your child home if they have any symptoms or are not feeling well. Test if your child has any symptoms. The weekly tests provided by the school may be used for symptomatic testing.  If your child is a close contact in a community or household setting, they must wear a mask when returning to school regardless of vaccination status. Those who are vaccinated may continue to come to school as long as they have no symptoms and will need to wear a mask through day 10. If your child is unvaccinated they must remain home for at least five days and may return as long as they have no symptoms. As with those who are vaccinated a mask must be worn through day 10.  Questions about a case or close contact guidance can be directed to the school nurse or local public health nurse for your town.    The end of the school year is traditionally a time for many fun events and activities for the students. Let's work together to make sure everyone is able to participate by protecting our classmates and friends from preventable transmissions.   Stay Safe, Darius Modestow, Superintendent

Sunday, May 08 2022

Teacher Awards

Congratulations to our District’s 2022 Grinspoon Award Winners, they were recognized last night at a ceremony at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. We are so proud of Stacey Chapley and Maggie West .   To repeat part of Stacey's message last evening in a brief address to the audience.  I couldn’t have achieved this award without the support of my colleagues and friends! Stacey Chapley , Frontier HS Science  Maggie West ,  Conway 5th Grade    "Encourage, Lift, and strengthen one another." -Deborah Day

Thursday, May 05 2022

Dedication of the Frontier Track

  Hello Frontier Community, On  Monday, May 9th at 4:45 p.m. the Frontier track will be dedicated to longtime track coaches,   Bob Smith and Walter Flynn . Please join us in celebrating and recognizing these two extraordinary educators who collectively coached for 65 years (and going!) at Frontier Regional. The dedication will take place just prior to the 5:00 p.m. start of the evening dual track meet vs. Mahar Regional.   Hope to see you there! Darius Modestow

Wednesday, May 04 2022

Change to Mask Mandate 3/14/22

  Dear Frontier and Union #38 Families, The Frontier Regional and Union 38 School Committees held a joint meeting on March 2 and voted to adopt a revised policy to allow FRSU38 schools to become mask optional effective March 14, 2022. We recognize this a significant change in practice after the past two years and individuals will be at different stages of comfort with this shift.  Schools will take a proactive approach to educate students about individual choices related to mask-wearing and will not tolerate negative behaviors towards students who choose to wear masks.  As a district and community, it is important that we respect each person’s choice in whether to continue masking or not and allow everyone to make the choice that is best for themselves and their families. Exceptions per DESE and DPH, include: Masks will continue to be required in all School Health / Nurse offices and will be provided at each location; Per DPH masks are required for cases and close contacts returning to school from isolation or quarantine on day 5 or later and must be worn through day 10; Masks will no longer be required on school transportation; All COVID19 testing programs will continue (pooled testing, symptomatic testing, and distribution of iHealth home antigen tests); Other mitigation measures will remain in place. Physical distancing safety protocols, augmented ventilation (opening windows), and reminders to remain home when sick will continue; Masks are recommended for those who are not fully vaccinated or are immunocompromised. As we have throughout the pandemic; however, we will continue to monitor local case counts and local and state health department guidance and will make adjustments to our safety plan as needed, including a return to a mask mandate if necessary. Thank you to the Frontier Regional and Union #38 community for your continued support. Darius Modestow, Superintendent

Thursday, Mar 03 2022