Dear Prep Parents and Students,
Yesterday the Douglas County Health Department's COVID risk assessment dial increased from 3.1 to 3.5, putting it right between high (orange) and severe (red). Additionally, Prep's current three-week rolling average for positive cases is 1.67, with our most recent positive case reported last Tuesday, October 13. Using the decision matrix in our Pandemic Response Plan, this puts us at a crossroads. Based on the trajectory we see in the county's data, we have decided to plot out an orderly transition to Level 2 - Hybrid.
We will plan to remain in Level 1 - Normal Capacity through November 2. Assuming the county's statistics continue to move in the wrong direction, we will transition to Level 2 - Hybrid on November 4 starting with the white cohort in-person and the blue cohort remote. November 3 will remain a faculty workday with office hours but no classes. If the risk assessment dial moves back down before November 2 and our own numbers stay low, we will remain in Level 1 - Normal Capacity. If there is a dramatic change to the county's risk assessment or a significant increase in Prep cases before then, we may accelerate these plans.
While the county's statistics are definitely concerning, there continues to be solid evidence that well-regulated schools are safe. We still have no evidence of spread between anyone in a classroom or co-curricular setting since the start of the year. However, given the rate of transmission across the county along with the input we have received from our medical advisors, we believe that it is best for everyone at Prep as well as the wider community to adopt a more conservative approach until the rate of community spread is not as severe.
In order to help us achieve the goal of keeping students in school, we ask that everyone follow Governor Rickett's guidance to avoid crowded places, close contacts, and confined spaces and to be sure to wear a mask when it is not possible to do this. Nearly all of the positive cases the schools have had to contend with over these last several months are the result of people not following these safety measures in social settings. Please make sure that these practices are in place even when not in school in order to help us keep everyone in school.
Uncertainty coupled with ongoing changes makes for an especially challenging environment in which to teach and learn. As we move back and forth between levels, we will do our best to make sure everyone has time to prepare whenever possible. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work together to persevere in the midst of these trying times.
AMDG,
Jim Bopp