Schools

Cambridge Public Schools Publish Coronavirus Update For December 14

'The earliest that CPS can return to in-person learning is December 21.'

Press Release Desk's profile picture
Press Release Desk, News Partner

Press release from Cambridge Public Schools:

December 14, 2020

Dear CPS Community,

Find out what's happening in Cambridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"I hope you enjoyed some time with family this past weekend before colder weather sets in this week.

While we were hopeful this week would mark a return to in-person learning for students, the earliest that CPS can return to in-person learning is Monday, December 21. We will communicate our final decision this week on or before Friday based on the latest data in consultation with the Cambridge Public Health Department.

Find out what's happening in Cambridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

There are two factors that determine whether we can return to in-person learning. First, when 2 or more of the CPS metrics exceed the thresholds, CPS shifts to remote learning for at least a period of 7 days. Second, at least 2 metrics must be below thresholds for 7 consecutive days before CPS returns to in-person learning. At this point in time, the earliest we would have data showing us that we have been below the thresholds for seven days is Friday afternoon, December 18. As of today, we have been below the threshold for three consecutive days. Please see the information below for how these numbers are calculated and where you can find more information on the City of Cambridge’s COVID-19 Data Center.

Please know that we are working in partnership with our public health officials to make the best decisions possible with the information that we have in hand. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

In this message:

  1. Timeline for Return to In-Person Learning
  2. Give Feedback through the Family Survey & Listening Sessions
  3. Planning for Second Semester and Expanding In-Person Learning
  4. Afterschool Opportunities
  5. Flu Shots Required by December 31
  6. OSS Update on Advanced Learners
  7. Key Dates & Upcoming Meetings/Events"

Sincerely,

Kenneth N. Salim, Ed.D.
Superintendent

1. Timeline for Return to In-Person Learning

We have included the table below which shows the timeline and the public health data we have today. You can also view this detailed data on the City of Cambridge Data Center website. Please note that the Cambridge Public Health Department receives test results on a continuous basis each day, and like other medical lab test results, it can sometimes lag over a few days. This means that the case counts reported on the City of Cambridge’s COVID-19 Data Center for previous days may be adjusted to take into account newly confirmed cases that come in from different labs across the state.

As of today’s data, last Friday was the first day we were below the threshold of average of 25 cases per 100,000 (7-day average). It is possible that as new confirmed cases are reported, we may exceed the threshold on one of the previous three days. We will be examining those updates which are posted publicly by the Cambridge Public Health department when making the final decision.

2. Give Feedback through Family Survey and Listening Sessions:

Provide feedback on your family’s experience via the family survey or by participating in family feedback sessions remaining, hosted by Robin Harris, director of family engagement. Join via zoom.

3. Expanding In-Person Learning

CPS continues to plan for expansions of in-person learning in the second semester when the public health conditions permit it. Our family feedback sessions, student and family survey, and staff feedback are providing us with valuable information as we develop plans for the second semester. We will share more information about emerging plans. All families will be asked to submit an enrollment form in early January about second semester plans.

4. Afterschool Opportunities:

This winter, the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) is offering DHSP Online, free virtual programming for young people in kindergarten through eighth grade. Beginning today, Cambridge youth can join their peers in virtual activities led by DHSP staff. Virtual activities will be offered Monday through Friday from 3 - 6PM. Learn more and sign up here.

5. Flu Shots Required by December 31:

Just over two weeks remain for students to get their required flu vaccine, unless a religious or medical exemption is provided. CPS students who are between 12-22 years-old can receive a flu shot at the Teen Health Center located at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. You can call 617.665.1548 for more information. Please email or call your child's school nurse with the date and location of your child's flu vaccine administration.

6. OSS Update on Advanced Learners:

Please find the slide deck, the Questions and Answers document, and the Home/School Partnership Ideas generated from recent OSS webinars about advanced learners. Our discussions were illuminating and we appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts, questions, comments and ideas. You can find up to date information and resources about Advanced Learning at CPS on the Advanced Learning Hub and subscribe to receive updates about Advanced Learning at CPS. For more information, contact Molly Singh, Lead Teacher of Advanced Learning & Twice-Exceptional Learners.

7. Key Dates & Upcoming Meetings/Events

This press release was produced by Cambridge Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.

More from Cambridge