COVID Information

 

Dear Families of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School,

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we work through this pandemic and flu season. You most likely have noticed, there are kids absent – a few! Some are testing positive, and some are just sick.  Please monitor your child for symptoms and keep them home if ill. A runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache, and fatigue are the most common symptoms.

The classes are shoring up their protocols throughout the day.  Your kids have been fabulous wearing their masks. The teachers will work with you individually for any work needed while your student is absent.

We are committed to in-person learning.  The staff, across all grades, has been so helpful filling in for staff when they need to be out.  Continue to pray that we have the necessary coverage, and the ‘peak’ of this nastiness subsides sooner than later.

Thank you for keeping us apprised.  We are so grateful you are following the COVID protocol.  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Mahar.

What should students or staff do if they test positive for COVID-19? 

Those who test positive for COVID-19 need to notify school administration immediately.  They are not eligible to return to school until the appropriate quarantine period has been completed.

Isolation protocols for any student or staff who test positive

Isolate for 5 full days after last close contact if all these conditions are met:
·         5 days have passed since symptom onset (or 5 days have passed since positive test, and they have no symptoms) AND

·         No symptoms are present, or they are resolving AND

·         No fever within past 24 hours without medication

·         Upon returning, continue to monitor for symptoms and wear a mask

*Note: if a person with COVID symptoms tests negative with a rapid-antigen test, they should test again within 48 hours (using either antigen or molecular test).

Modified quarantine for close contact

Quarantine requirements for students, teachers and staff who come into close contact with someone with COVID-19:

If you fit into this category Quarantine Requirements
·         Ages 18 or older and completed the primary series of recommended vaccine but have not received a recommended booster shot when eligible.

·         Received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (completing the primary series) over 2 months ago and have not received a recommended booster shot.

·         Are not vaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series.

Quarantine may end 5 full days after the last close contact * (day one is the day after the last contact) as long as:

·         No symptoms have developed.

·         You have received a negative COVID test result from a test taken no sooner than day 5.

·         When returning from quarantine after day 5, you must wear a closely fitted mask for 10 days, including during recess, extracurricular and athletic activities.

 

If no test is taken at or after day 5, then you must quarantine for 10 days.

No quarantine is needed if all these conditions are met:
·         Ages 18 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.

·         Ages 5-17 years and completed the primary series of COVID vaccines.

Had confirmed COVID within the last 90 days.

*For household exposures this would be the last day the person with COVID is considered infectious.

How will students who need to quarantine stay up-to-date with their school work?

A healthy family member may come by the school to pick up a packet of homework for the time the student is out, if requested by the parents. Teachers are also posting homework in Google Classroom. If/when a student is feeling up to it, please have them check their Google Classroom for homework assignments.

Given the transmissibility of the omicron variant, we are experiencing a surge of COVID-19 cases in the local community.  To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 at St. Mary Magdalen, please reinforce the importance of handwashing, masking, and physically distancing when discussing strategies with your children at home. Please continue to keep your child(ren) home from school if they are showing any symptoms of illness.

Please keep the health and well-being of the St. Mary Magdalen students and staff in your thoughts and prayers!

Blessings,

Bernie