November 29, 2020
Dear Upham School Community,
I want to share a very important message with you from Linda Corridan (Director of Nursing Services) and the Wellesley Department of Health regarding additional positive COVID cases reported at Upham.
I hope that you and your families enjoyed this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. I know that for many of us, it meant smaller family gatherings and spending time with loved ones using technology instead of being together in person.
I am writing to let you know that we received reports of additional positive cases at Upham School throughout the long weekend. As a result of this information, Dr. Lussier, Mr. Dees, Mrs. Warmington, Mrs. McCauley, RN (Wellesley Health Dept.), and I met this morning to discuss the situation and to identify our strategy moving forward. We used the School-Based COVID Response to guide our discussion and action steps. Per our established protocol, we reviewed each case and verified that all contact tracing had been completed. As a result, we have identified that one classroom (Cohorts A, B, and C) will be placed in quarantine for a fourteen-day duration. The teachers, staff, and parents associated with the identified classroom will receive a separate message from Mr. Dees. No other action is required for the rest of the Upham School community.
I realize that this is concerning news but want to assure you that we will continue to monitor Upham School very closely. I strongly urge all of the Upham staff to continue to participate in the surveillance screening available every week. Staff and families need to be vigilant with all safety protocols. Wearing a mask when outside your home, good hand hygiene, physical distancing, and limiting social contact with your immediate family circle are all essential as we work to keep our community safe. Also, it is essential that you follow the directions from the MA. Dept. of Health if you have recently traveled outside of the state.
Anytime there is an outbreak of a virus or illness it can be very unsettling for families and staff. Keeping everyone informed, safe, and healthy is always our priority. If any other special instructions develop, it will be communicated to all members of the school community.
Take good care and stay well.
Sincerely,
Linda Corridan
Director of Nursing Services