Dear Clipper Families!

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!

Staff returned on Tuesday for Convocation on the all purpose field at FHS. It’s wonderful we can all be together again. Our newest SelectBoard member, Onjalé Scott Price, joined us in a keynote address. We had several students join us in announcing teachers with 25 years of service and those who earned Professional Teaching Status (PTS). Students lead us in the pledge, sang the National Anthem, and recited the Peace Builders Pledge. The FHS Clipper Marching Band performed “Rise of the Dragon” as part of their 2021 Field Show. It was so nice to have students join us in a celebration of our awesome Clipper Staff. We’re overjoyed to have every student back in our schools, all together again!

Remember, this year we begin on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Please check the PreK and kindergarten schedule for start dates.

Masks in Schools. As a reminder, Commissioner Riley has mandated all school staff and students age 5 and above wear masks indoors through October 1, 2021. The Commissioner has indicated we will receive more guidance later in September.

COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing In-school. Two testing programs:

1. Symptomatic Testing: When a student or staff member presents with symptoms during school, they may be tested with a BinaxNOW rapid antigen test (and depending on results, may be recommended for a PCR test). Please do not come to school or send students to school if they are experiencing symptoms at home.
2. Test and Stay for close contacts: If an asymptomatic student or staff member has been identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 positive individual, they may be tested in school with a BinaxNOW rapid antigen test for at least five (5) days from the first day of exposure. This option allows asymptomatic students and staff to remain in school with a negative test. Updated Information: Staff and students identified as a close contact outside of school must follow the traditional quarantine protocol. The Test and Stay option is only available to close contacts identified during

Parents may complete the online consent form for in-school testing. We will also send a paper copy home on the first day of school for anyone who does not want to fill out the online form. Link for consent: https://www.cic- health.com/consent/ma?district=null.

Reporting Vaccinations. You may report vaccination information to our Public Health Nurse, Jennifer Reissfelder, at 774-392-6477 or jreissfelder@falmouth.k12.ma.us. Having this information on file assists us in making quarantine decisions when contact tracing is necessary. Vaccinated asymptomatic staff and students do not have to quarantine.

Student and Staff Vaccination Clinics. Reminder, we will be offering vaccination clinics for our students 12 years and older at Morse Pond, Lawrence, and FHS. Unvaccinated staff are encouraged to sign up.

Falmouth High School
September 24 9:00 am-11:00 am

Lawrence School
September 24 11:30 am -12:30 pm

Morse Pond School
September 24 1:00 pm -2:00 pm 

Family Forum. We are holding a fourth family forum on September 22, 2021 from 6:00-7:00 pm to reflect on what our students’ needs may be for the upcoming school year based on how your child(ren) fared last year. The Falmouth Public Schools will be receiving a third round of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds. These federal dollars are provided to school districts to help address the impact of the pandemic. If you are unable to join us, you may send comments via email to pmurphy@falmouth.k12.ma.us.

Please enjoy the long weekend! We’ll see you back on Wednesday, September 8th. We’re going to have a great school year!

Sincerely,

Lori Duerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Falmouth Public Schools