Dear Parents/Guardians:
This week has been particularly difficult in relation to COVID-19. We have seen an increase in the number of positive cases in our district and community and, as a result, will have 70 students out on quarantine or isolation next week (COVID-19 Dashboard). As a point of reference, last year, we only exceed 60 students or staff in quarantine three times. According to the “COVID-19 Precaution Decision Rules”, adopted by the School Board, when the District has over 40 students in quarantine or isolation we will move to Level 2 and masks will be required when indoors. Accordingly, masks will be required, during the school day, in School District of Bloomer Schools for the week of October 4, 2021 (next week).
We are cognizant of and understand the issues, both for and against, the wearing of masks in school settings and realize some may disagree with this decision. With that being said, our top priorities are the safety of our students, keeping our schools open for in-person instruction and continuing to provide a wide-variety of educational opportunities. The wearing of masks has been shown to slow the spread of the virus and reduces the distance for close contacts from within six feet to within three feet of a confirmed positive individual, thus greatly reducing the number of students who would need to quarantine. It is our hope that by wearing masks we will be able to avoid a serious outbreak which would require more restrictive precautions and could result in the closure of schools. Accordingly, we ask for your support in helping us to enforce this school policy so that we may return to a mask optional status as soon as possible.
The quarantine or isolation list will be reviewed next week, on October 7, 2021, to determine the status for the following week.
As a reminder, we ask that you please screen your children for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to sending them to school. If your child is exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms, please keep them home from school and contact your health care provider to determine next steps. A list of COVID-19 related symptoms can be found at here.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support during this difficult time. Resources related to COVID-19 can be found below.
Best wishes,
Brian Misfeldt
Superintendent
School District of Bloomer COVID-19 Dashboard
COVID-19 Precaution Decision Rules
Chippewa County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Testing
Chippewa Count Department of Public Health Coronavirus Response Page