***en Español***

Dear Families,

I hope this message finds you healthy and safe. Today’s message includes two components: a reminder about our 30-day survey and an update about our county infection rate.

Parent/Caregiver 30-day Survey Open Through Today (Friday)

Thanks to our families for the 884 survey submissions so far. The survey is open through the end of the day today (Friday, October 16, 2020.)

Please take a few minutes to complete the 30-day parent/caregiver survey at this link:

» Take the 30-day parent survey

The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete. Your feedback will be used to celebrate our successes and to create action plans for improvement associated with our return to school. Your input is valuable; please take a few minutes to complete the survey.

Case Rate Update

The latest infection rate per 10,000 residents in Rice County is 22.20 for the 14 days between September 27 and October 10. Last Thursday, the rate was 14.60.

With the rate going over 20 per 10,000 residents for the first time this school year, it is critical to remember that the District won’t make learning model changes based on one data point. The infection rate per 10,000 residents is one data point, albeit an important one. We know this can swing quickly (again, last week, it was 14.60 per 10,000 residents.) We look at other factors, such as the number of positive COVID-19 cases at a school or the rate of influenza-like illnesses within a school community.

We continue to closely monitor all of these data points (and more.) We are in regular contact with Rice County Public Health and will continue to make the best decisions we can based on the public health situation.

You can always look at the latest Rice County data on their website.

Once again, we must be vigilant and not let our guard down concerning safety protocols. It is our collective efforts that will determine whether or not students can stay in school. Please, please, please:

  • Wear a face mask when in public.

  • Wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap.

  • Maintain social distancing of six-feet.

  • Stay home when you are not feeling well.

Thank You

I always close with gratitude because I am sincerely grateful to live and work in this community. I appreciate your ongoing support, feedback, and grace. We must continue to work together to navigate the COVID-19 global health emergency successfully.

Sincerely,

Matt


Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools