What a remarkable fall of learning and being together in person! We are enormously grateful for your sustained commitment to keeping the Crossroads Academy community safe and healthy.
As many of you are aware, we are currently experiencing very high levels of COVID transmission in our community. Vermont leads the nation in infection rates, and New Hampshire is not far behind. Neighboring schools have experienced an uptick of cases and some have had to cancel classes.
As the holidays approach, many families have asked me to define “travel.” While there is no standard definition, we do know that travel outside of our normal circles and routines may bring increased exposure, which is why our COVID travel policy recommends daily rapid testing after returning home to reduce the risk of your child unknowingly spreading COVID in school. I recognize the inconvenience and expense of home testing, but please keep in mind our mission of keeping our community healthy and learning in person.
It is particularly important to recognize that given the high levels of COVID transmission in the Upper Valley, indoor gatherings even with local family and friends bring some risk. Fortunately, we now know more about how to effectively use rapid testing as a tool to reduce this risk. If you choose to gather indoors with those outside of your household this holiday season, consider asking everyone (even those who are vaccinated) to take a rapid test just before arrival, then daily thereafter. Rapid antigen testing, when used in this way, is a powerful way to reduce the risk of visiting with family and friends.
We recommend that you purchase an adequate supply of rapid antigen tests (e.g. BinaxNow) as soon as possible to ensure that you have enough on hand for the upcoming holidays. These are available at many pharmacies and at www.walgreens.com.
Like everyone, I have learned a few things about COVID over the past year:
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COVID loves to go on the road: If you are traveling, please review our travel guidelines.
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COVID likes to hide: To be sure it’s not tagging along to any holiday gatherings, request that friends or family take a rapid antigen test on the day of the gathering, then daily thereafter (holiday testing recommendations). Be sure to stock up on home test kits now while they are readily available.
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COVID loves a party: because indoor gatherings are the main vehicle for the spread of this virus, it’s safest to keep gatherings outdoors.
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COVID hates masks and small crowds: Always use your face mask indoors and avoid crowded spaces.
COVID has prompted us to find creative ways to spend quality time with our loved ones. I hope that we can find a renewed appreciation for all that we have during this month of gratitude and stewardship.
Have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving Break!
Dan Morrissey
Head of School
