Dear TJS Community,
This is an update from the TJS Covid-19 Task Force to address changes in protocols and procedures for the return from the winter break. As the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly, we are taking every precaution to keep our community as safe as possible. In November, we were seeing lower transmission rates and spread. At that time, we were hopeful that we could return to school in January on time and with masks as optional for all. This week, however, the transmission rates according to the TMC are 1.31%, a decrease from the previous week but still higher than the week before break, and a dramatic increase from November. Test positivity rates increased from 15.4 % last week to 28% this week. (https://www.tmc.edu/coronavirus-updates/). Harris county reports a 16.6% positivity rate over a 14-day period average. Our school population numbers are similar.
In delaying the return to school by 2 ½ days until Monday, January 10th for students, it allowed us to ensure that the maximum number of teachers and staff, as well as students, are out of quarantine and back in the classroom.
Reporting:
We continue to encourage all of you to report positive cases, keep children with symptoms at home and get testing and vaccinations as they are available. Please complete the form to report symptoms, exposures or positive tests for students here. The TJS guidelines for vaccinated individuals will follow the CDC updated guidelines here.
Nurse Mary will handle reports and contact tracing in a timely manner. However, due to the frequency of reports and rise in cases, she may not be able to respond immediately. Please allow one business day from the initial reporting of symptoms, positive test, or exposure for her to respond. During this time, please keep your child at home.
The continued diligence of our community in our efforts to reduce the transmission of COVID will help to ensure that our staff and students can continue to come to school, maintain instructional time, reduce the need for hard-to-find substitutes, and help keeping those in high-risk categories from becoming ill. While we were hoping to reduce protocols this winter and allow for a mask-optional decision, we find ourselves having to be more vigilant. As the Omicron variant spreads and the greater community develops more immunity through vaccinations and infections, we will again consider making masks optional later this semester.
After-school Programs, Tutoring, and Events:
We will continue to host after school programs, tutoring, and parent tours as usual with the current protocols in place. Some in person events that would have occurred after school hours will be postponed to a later date. These will be communicated to the TJS community as the events are updated.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work through this challenge. Please send questions or feedback to the Task Force by completing the feedback form here.
Sincerely,
TJS COVID-19 Task Force