Return to School Plan Update – Letter to the School Community (1/7/2021)

January 7, 202

Dear Clayton School Community:

First, allow me to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. It is my sincere hope that, in this upcoming year, we will be able to return to some normalcy. Until then, we must continue to take all the necessary health precautions.

The purpose of this communication is to update you on our return-to-school plan. As I stated in my November 18^th letter to the community, my intentions are to begin to bring students back to school beginning January 19^th. With that in mind, I am announcing that starting January 19^th, all preschool, kindergarten, and special needs programs will be returning to a phase 3 early dismissal schedule on a daily basis. The remaining grades (1^st through 12^th) will return the week of January 25^th. Grades 1 through 12 will be returning to a hybrid phase 2 learning schedule with students remaining in their blue and gold cohorts. Wednesdays will continue as remote learning days for all 1^st through 12^th grade students. The building principals will be following up shortly with the details of each building’s schedule. Please be reminded that the return days remain flexible and are subject to current health conditions.

It is my hope that we can continue to bring additional students back on a daily basis, but this can only happen if we all follow the CDC recommended COVID-19 guidelines. Please keep your children home if they are sick. Remember to wear face coverings, wash your hands, and social distance whenever possible.

As always, thank you for your support and flexibility.

We remain Clipper Strong!!!!

Sincerely yours,

Nikolaos C. Koutsogiannis
Superintendent of Schools

NK/rml

Positive Case Notice – Letter to the School Community (11/25/2020)

November 25, 2020

Dear Clayton School Community:

This letter is to inform you that an employee at Clayton Public School District has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This individual was in close contact with the employees who tested positive earlier this week and had been quarantined as a precaution. The District is coordinating closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to assure the health and safety of our community. The people who have been in close contact have been notified and quarantined.  Initial contact tracing has indicated that no students have been in close contact with this individual.

The District is cleaning and disinfecting all exposed areas. The school is also taking precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and other germs and is cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily. The status of this situation is fluid, and we are monitoring it closely.

We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage parents and students to continue following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promoted safeguards, such as:

• Staying home when you are sick;
• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks, and utensils;
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);
• Wearing a face covering while in school; and
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.

As always, we appreciate your support and cooperation. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern.

Sincerely yours, 

Nikolaos C. Koutsogiannis
Superintendent of Schools
NK/rml

Positive Case Notice – Letter to the School Community (11/24/2020)

November 24, 2020

Dear Clayton School Community:

This letter is to inform you that an employee at Clayton Public School District has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This individual was in close contact with the employee who tested positive yesterday and had been quarantined as a precaution. The District is coordinating closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to assure the health and safety of our community. The people who have been in close contact have been notified and quarantined.  Initial contact tracing has indicated that no students have been in close contact with this individual.

The District is cleaning and disinfecting all exposed areas. The school is also taking precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and other germs and is cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily. The status of this situation is fluid, and we are monitoring it closely.

We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage parents and students to continue following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promoted safeguards, such as:

• Staying home when you are sick;
• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks, and utensils;
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);
• Wearing a face covering while in school; and
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.

As always, we appreciate your support and cooperation. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern.

Sincerely yours,

Nikolaos C. Koutsogiannis
Superintendent of Schools
NK/rml