May 8, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

Yesterday, we learned of three Lincoln K-4 students in two families who have tested positive for COVID-19.  None of these students were present in school this past week and therefore, there are no identified close contacts within the school community.

 

You can find all of the information about our Pooled Testing program on our website, including slide presentations, videos and Frequently Asked Questions documents (FAQ).

 

Register for Pooled Testing Now Using these Forms

LPS Pooled Testing Consent Form for Families 

LPS Pooled Testing Consent for Staff

 

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

Dear LPS Community,

 

I want to inform you that this evening we learned of an employee in the Lincoln School K-4 who has tested positive for COVID-19.  As a result, one cohort of students will be moving to remote learning beginning tomorrow.  The families of the students in the cohort and all close contacts have been notified by Principal Collmer.

 

Thank you and have a good evening,

 

Becky McFall

April 29, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

Yesterday I informed you that this week’s Pooled Testing on the Lincoln campus resulted in the identification of one positive pool and that the results for some of our pools were still pending. This morning we received the results for the rest of our Lincoln pools and two additional pools returned positive results. Following our protocols, the members of the positive pools were tested using the secondary BinaxNow rapid test. The rapid test identified one individual in the Lincoln School K-4 and one individual in the Lincoln School 5-8 as positive for COVID-19. All close contacts to these individuals were identified and notified that they are close contacts and must quarantine at home for 10 days since their last exposure with the positive individual. The final outcome is that two more classroom cohorts of students and associated staff will move to remote learning for their quarantine period. Additional student close contacts will also quarantine and attend school remotely for the next 10 days.

 

Yesterday, I also informed you of a Lincoln K-4 student who received a positive test result but had no close contacts in school. Another student in the same household has also tested positive.

Again, it is good that our pooled testing is identifying asymptomatic positive individuals within our community to help us isolate and quarantine in order to minimize the spread of the virus. Please remember to stay vigilant about maintaining COVID mitigation practices.

 

If you have not yet submitted a consent to participate form for your children or for yourself, if you are an employee, it’s not too late! We can add new participants each week. New consent forms must be submitted by noon on Thursday to be included in the following week’s testing pools. Once you sign up consent is provided for the remainder of the year, you do not need to sign up weekly

 

You can find all of the information about our Pooled Testing program on our website, including slide presentations, videos and Frequently Asked Questions documents (FAQ).

 

Register for Pooled Testing Now Using these Forms

LPS Pooled Testing Consent Form for Families 

LPS Pooled Testing Consent for Staff

 

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 28, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that this week’s Pooled Testing on the Lincoln campus resulted in the identification of one positive pool. The results for some of our pools are still pending. Following our protocols, the members of the positive pool were tested using the secondary BinaxNow rapid test. The rapid test identified one individual at the Lincoln School K-4 as positive for COVID-19. All close contacts to this individual were identified and notified that they are close contacts and must quarantine at home for 10 days since their last exposure with the positive individual. The final outcome is that one classroom cohort of students and associated staff will move to remote learning for their quarantine period.

 

In addition, I am informing you of a Lincoln K-4 student who has received a positive test result. Based upon the student’s attendance, there are no identified close contacts in the school.

While it is never good to learn of someone in our community testing positive. It is helpful to know that the pooled testing process worked and identified a positive person who was unaware that they had contracted the virus. That is exactly what Pooled Testing should do to help us ensure that viral spread is minimized. Pooled Testing is most effective when everyone who is able to participate gets tested. Today is another example of the power of this process.

 

If you have not yet submitted a consent to participate form for your children or for yourself, if you are an employee, it’s not too late! We can add new participants each week. New consent forms must be submitted by noon on Thursday to be included in the following week’s testing pools

You can find all of the information about our Pooled Testing program on our website, including slide presentations, videos and Frequently Asked Questions documents (FAQ).

 

Register for Pooled Testing Now Using these Forms

LPS Pooled Testing Consent Form for Families 

LPS Pooled Testing Consent for Staff

 

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 25, 2021

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

I am writing with a summary of positive COVID-19 cases that were reported over the April vacation week. Separate notifications were not sent for cases that did not result in identified close contacts of students or employees.

 

In total, there were eight students from five families who were reported to have tested positive this past week.

 

• Four students attend Hanscom Primary School
• Two students attend Hanscom Middle School
• One student attends the Lincoln School K-4

 

Several of these students were asymptomatic and were identified close contacts to someone who tested positive. Our weekly Pooled Testing program can help us identify asymptomatic individuals within our schools. If you have not yet submitted a consent to participate form for your children or for yourself, if you are an employee, it’s not too late! We can add new participants each week. New consent forms must be submitted by noon each Thursday to be included in the following week’s testing pools.

You can find all of the information about our Pooled Testing program on our website, including slide presentations, videos and Frequently Asked Questions documents (FAQ).

 

Register for Pooled Testing Now Using these Forms

LPS Pooled Testing Consent Form for Families 

LPS Pooled Testing Consent for Staff

 

If your family traveled outside of Massachusetts over the vacation week, please follow our Travel Guidelines. If we become aware of students or employees in our schools who traveled and have not provided verification of a negative test result prior to returning to school, these individuals will be sent home until a negative test result is received or the quarantine period has passed. Failure to follow the Travel Guidelines puts the entire school community at risk.

 

Please continue to:

 

• Check for possible COVID symptoms daily
• Please wear a mask at all times
• Maintain your physical distance
• Wash your hands frequently
• Minimize contact with persons outside of members in your own household

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Over the April recess, if your child tests positive or is identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive, or is symptomatic, please contact Mary Emmons, Administrator for Student Services at memmons@lincnet.org or call her direct line at (781) 259-2700 and leave a message. This phone line will be monitored regularly over the recess period. Information left on the school phone lines may not be received until school reopens on April 26, 2021.

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 19, 2021

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

Two students have tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. One student attends Hanscom Primary School and the second student attends the Lincoln School K-4.

 

Based upon the last day of attendance at school and the date of their COVID-19 test there are no identified close contacts to the Hanscom Primary School student.

Members of the Lincoln School K-4 cohort that includes the positive student are considered close contacts. All close contacts have been notified by Principal Collmer that they must quarantine until they return to school on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Both students who tested positive were asymptomatic. Please remember that even if an individual is not experiencing symptoms, they may still be COVID-19 positive. It is important that we do not become complacent at this time. The effects of exposure to COVID-19 over the vacation week can impact our schools for the 3-4 weeks following the April vacation. Please follow our Travel Guidelines and inform us if you are traveling next week. Please follow our Travel Guidelines and inform us if you will be traveling next week.

 

Please continue to:

 

• Check for possible COVID symptoms daily
• Please wear a mask at all times
• Maintain your physical distance
• Wash your hands frequently
• Minimize contact with persons outside of members in your own household

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Over the April recess, if your child tests positive or is identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive, or is symptomatic, please contact Mary Emmons, Administrator for Student Services at memmons@lincnet.org or call her direct line at (781) 259-2700 and leave a message. This phone line will be monitored regularly over the recess period. Information left on the school phone lines may not be received until school reopens on April 26, 2021.

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 15, 2021

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

I am writing to inform you that a second student at Hanscom Primary School, in the cohort that began quarantine on Tuesday, has tested positive for COVID-19. The families of the students in this cohort and additional close contacts were notified by Principal Vincentsen.

 

Over the last few weeks, we have experienced multiple positive cases within a cohort at a level we have not seen in the earlier part of the school year. It is difficult to know the reason for this increase within cohorts. It could be that there are strains that are more contagious in our communities or, that we have more instances of close contact between students and staff than in the past or, there could be unrelated individual cases. To provide an answer would be purely based on speculation. The best advice is to continue to follow our COVID-19 mitigation protocols. It is important that we do not become complacent at this time, especially with the April vacation next week. The effects of exposure to COVID-19 over the vacation week can impact our schools for the 3-4 weeks following the April vacation. Please follow our Travel Guidelines and inform your school nurse if you will be traveling next week.

 

Please continue to:

 

• Check for possible COVID symptoms daily
• Please wear a mask at all times
• Maintain your physical distance
• Wash your hands frequently
• Minimize contact with persons outside of members in your own household

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 14, 2021

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

I am writing to inform you that a student at Hanscom Primary School, in the cohort that began quarantine yesterday, has tested positive for COVID-19. The families of the students in this cohort were also notified by Principal Vincentsen. Please continue to follow our COVID-19 mitigation protocols. It is important that we do not become complacent at this time, especially with the April vacation next week. The effects of exposure to COVID-19 over the vacation week can impact our schools for the 3-4 weeks following the April vacation. Please see the Superintendent's Bulletin that will be emailed to you later today for information about our requirements for persons Traveling outside of MA.

 

Please continue to:

 

• Check for possible COVID symptoms daily
• Please wear a mask at all times
• Maintain your physical distance
• Wash your hands frequently
• Minimize contact with persons outside of members in your own household

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 13, 2021

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

I am writing to inform you that an adult providing substitute coverage in Hanscom Primary School has tested positive for COVID-19. The families of students in one cohort have been notified that their children are close contacts and will need to remain at home in quarantine through Sunday, April 18th. This quarantine period is based upon the last date of exposure of April 8th and the receipt of the positive test result today. Please remember, close contacts can become symptomatic at any point within the 10 day quarantine period.

 

Please continue to:

 

• Check for possible COVID symptoms daily
• Please wear a mask at all times
• Maintain your physical distance
• Wash your hands frequently
• Minimize contact with persons outside of members in your own household

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 11, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing today with what I hope is our final update on positive COVID-19 cases in the Lincoln Preschool on the Lincoln campus. Today we received verification of one additional preschool student who has tested positive. Preschool Coordinator, Lynn Fagan has communicated directly with preschool families on the Lincoln campus.

 

Four preschool students will continue to isolate and participate in school remotely in the coming days. All other students will be back at school in-person tomorrow. Please be aware that several of the students who tested positive were asymptomatic. Our Town Nurse, Trish McGean consistently reminds us that 59% of COVID positive cases are asymptomatic. It is helpful to have as many students and employees as possible participating in weekly pooled testing. However, it is important to recognize that our weekly tests are only a snapshot in time. There may be individuals who are COVID positive but won't have a concentration of the virus that is yet at a level that can be detected by the test. A few days later, the individual may receive a positive result.

 

As we move forward, please continue to:

 

• Check for possible COVID symptoms daily
• Please wear a mask at all times
• Maintain your physical distance
• Wash your hands frequently
• Minimize contact with persons outside of members in your own household

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 7, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that a Hanscom Middle School student has tested positive for COVID-19. The families of students in the same cohort have been notified that their children are close contacts and will need to remain at home in quarantine through the end of this week with a return to school on April 12th. This quarantine period is based upon the last date of exposure of March 30th and the receipt of the positive test result today. Please remember, close contacts can become symptomatic at any point within the 10 day quarantine period.

 

Please continue to:

 

• Check for possible COVID symptoms daily
• Please wear a mask at all times
• Maintain your physical distance
• Wash your hands frequently
• Minimize contact with persons outside of members in your own household

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 6, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing today with an update on positive COVID-19 cases in the Lincoln Preschool on the Lincoln campus. Today we received verification that two additional preschool students have tested positive. Preschool Coordinator, Lynn Fagan has communicated directly with preschool families on the Lincoln campus.

 

At this time, in total, we have been notified of two employees and 4 students in the preschool in Lincoln who have tested positive. As a reminder, out of an abundance of caution, we closed all three preschool classrooms on Friday, April 2nd. Most of the students who have tested positive have been asymptomatic. As a result, we are recommending that all preschool students on the Lincoln campus get tested for COVID-19, even if they have not been identified as a close contact.

Please continue to:

 

• Check for possible COVID symptoms daily
• Please wear a mask at all times
• Maintain your physical distance
• Wash your hands frequently
• Minimize contact with persons outside of members in your own household

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 5, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

Last week, I notified you of two employees in the preschool on the Lincoln campus who tested positive for COVID-19. Today we received verification that two preschool students have also tested positive. Preschool Coordinator, Lynn Fagan is working with families who are impacted to ensure they have the support they need.

 

Please continue to:

 

• Check for possible COVID symptoms daily
• Please wear a mask at all times
• Maintain your physical distance
• Wash your hands frequently
  Minimize contact with persons outside of members in your own household 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

April 2, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

On Monday I notified you of an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 in the preschool on the Lincoln campus. Today we learned of a second Lincoln Preschool employee who has tested positive. This has increased the number of students and staff who are close contacts to positive individuals. All staff and families with students who have been identified as close contacts have been notified by Preschool Coordinator, Lynn Fagan.

 

Based upon the number of staff and students who are close contacts and under quarantine, I have closed the preschool program on the Lincoln campus until students and staff return on April 9th. We are taking these steps to do everything possible to minimize the spread of the virus amongst the preschool community. Our custodial crews will follow our cleaning protocols in all three preschool classrooms, and the common areas of the Hartwell building.

 

We are seeing another spike of positive cases amongst members of our school communities. While our numbers are small, it is always concerning when we have a positive case in our schools. Having four members of our Lincoln campus community impacted this week leads me to urge you to continue to follow COVID-19 protocols and practices. Many people are reporting symptoms of seasonal allergies. Please do not assume your symptoms are allergies. If you have nasal congestion, do not come to school and please get tested.

 

• Check for possible COVID symptoms daily
• Please wear a mask at all times
• Maintain your physical distance
• Wash your hands frequently
  Minimize contact with persons outside of members in your own household 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

March 29, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that over the course of the day and this evening, we received information about an employee and child from the same household who have tested positive for COVID-19. These two cases impact one cohort in the Lincoln School 5-8 and one cohort in the Lincoln Preschool on the Lincoln campus. In addition, one positive case was also identified in the Lincoln School K-4. This student has not been in school in the last week and therefore there are no close contacts in our school community.

 

The Lincoln School 5 – 8 student and the preschool employee were in school today and as a result, two cohorts of students and associated staff are considered close contacts and will begin a period of quarantine and remote learning tomorrow with a return to school on April 9th. The families of the students in these cohorts and other close contacts have all been notified separately by Principal Sharon Hobbs and Preschool Coordinator Lynn Fagan.

 

In the coming days, I will be providing information for employees and families related to the changes to the Governor’s Travel Order/Advisory. I will do my best to get this information to you soon with April vacation approaching.

 

On the evening news, there was extreme concern raised by the CDC about increases in positive cases. While many of us are getting vaccinated, many still are not vaccinated including our children. Please remain diligent about following appropriate COVID-19 mitigations. Wear masks, practice physical distancing, and wash your hands frequently. Please pay close attention to any possible symptoms in your children or yourselves. Remember to use the daily COVID Checklist and to keep your children or yourselves home if any symptoms are being exhibited.

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

February 25, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that our first round of Pooled Testing on Tuesday on the Lincoln campus resulted in the identification of one positive pool. Following our protocols, this morning the members of the positive pool were tested using the secondary BinaxNow rapid test.  The rapid test identified one employee as positive for COVID-19. All close contacts to this individual were identified and notified that they are close contacts and that they must quarantine at home for 14 days from their last exposure with the positive individual.  The final outcome is that two classroom cohorts of students and staff, and 2 additional individuals have moved to remote learning for their quarantine period.

 

While it is never good to learn of someone in our community testing positive.  It is helpful to know that the pooled testing process worked and identified an asymptomatic positive person who was unaware that they had contracted the virus.  That is exactly what Pooled Testing should do to help us ensure that viral spread is minimized.  Pooled Testing is most effective when everyone who is able to participate gets tested.  Today is an example of the power of this process.

 

If you have not yet submitted a consent to participate form for your children or for yourself, if you are an employee, it’s not too late!  We can add new participants each week.  New consent forms must be submitted by noon on Thursday to be included in the following week’s testing pools.

 

You can find all of the information about our Pooled Testing program on our website, including slide presentations, videos and Frequently Asked Questions documents (FAQ).

 

Register for Pooled Testing Now Using these Forms

LPS Pooled Testing Consent Form for Families

 

LPS Pooled Testing Consent for Staff

 

 

After the Thanksgiving recess and December vacation period we experienced increased numbers of positive cases and close contacts in the 2-3 week period following these vacations. Please pay close attention to any possible symptoms in your children or yourselves during the next few weeks. Remember to use the daily COVID Checklist and to keep your children or yourselves home if any symptoms are being exhibited.

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

This week our nurse on the Lincoln campus has recorded 70 students who traveled out of state over the February vacation. Only 15 of these were known in advance. On the Hanscom campus we know of 24 students who traveled, 18 were known in advance. We appreciate that many families provided the necessary test result documentation upon return to school. Students who came to school without travel notification or test results were sent home from school when information about their travel became known. If you traveled or if you remained in state but had visitors or spent more time in large group gatherings or were in close contact with persons outside of your household, please be diligent about checking for symptoms over the next two weeks.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

February 24, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that two students from the same household have tested positive for COVID-19. One student attends the Lincoln School K-4 and the other attends the Lincoln School 5-8. These students have not been in school this week and the close contact is another household member. Notification of these cases was provided by the family and was not a result of our Pooled Testing carried out on the Lincoln campus yesterday.

 

After the Thanksgiving recess and December vacation period we experienced increased numbers of positive cases and close contacts in the 2-3 week period following these vacations. Please pay close attention to any possible symptoms in your children or yourselves during the next few weeks. Remember to use the daily COVID Checklist and to keep your children or yourselves home if any symptoms are being exhibited.

 

Remember that due to the high incidence of viral spread within households, if anyone in your household is symptomatic all students must stay home. Please review the Household Member is Symptomatic protocol.

 

This week our nurse on the Lincoln campus has recorded 70 students who traveled out of state over the February vacation. Only 15 of these were known in advance. On the Hanscom campus we know of 24 students who traveled, 18 were known in advance. We appreciate that many families provided the necessary test result documentation upon return to school. Students who came to school without travel notification or test results were sent home from school when information about their travel became known. If you traveled or if you remained in state but had visitors or spent more time in large group gatherings or were in close contact with persons outside of your household, please be diligent about checking for symptoms over the next two weeks.

 

Pooled COVID Testing

Our Pooled Testing program to identify possible asymptomatic positive individuals amongst our students and staff began this week. Testing took place on the Lincoln campus yesterday and is taking place on the Hanscom campus today. If you have not yet submitted a consent to participate form for your children or for yourself, if you are an employee, it’s not too late! We can add new participants each week. Your form must be submitted by noon on Thursday of each week to be included in the following week’s testing pools.

 

You can find all of the information about our Pooled Testing program on our website, including slide presentations, videos and Frequently Asked Questions documents (FAQ).

Register for Pooled Testing Now Using these Forms

 

LPS Pooled Testing Consent Form for Families

 

LPS Pooled Testing Consent for Staff

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

February 12, 2021

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

I am writing to inform you that a Hanscom Middle School student has tested positive for COVID-19.  The families of students in the same cohort have been notified that their children are close contacts and will need to remain at home in quarantine through February 19th with a return to school on February 22, 2021. This quarantine period is based upon the last date of exposure of February 4th and the receipt of the positive test result today.  Please remember, close contacts can become symptomatic at any point within the 14 day quarantine period.

 

As we head into the vacation week, please remember to minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  We would like to reduce the possibility of an uptick of positive cases in the two weeks following the vacation week.  Remember, if you travel out of state, students must provide a negative PCR test result before returning to school or quarantine at home for 14 days upon return.  If you are traveling, you should inform your school nurse.

 

Reminder to Register Your Children for COVID Testing

 

LPS Launches Pooled Testing Program

 

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our schools open, we are launching a voluntary pooled testing program for in-person staff and students at no cost to families. Families who choose to participate in this weekly program, which uses a non-invasive swab of the lower nostril, will be helping us keep our schools safe, our students and staff healthy, and our doors open for in-person learning.

 

Please visit https://sites.google.com/lincnet.org/lpsreopeningplan/pooled-testing to learn more and provide consent if you would like your child to participate by completing the LPS Pooled Testing Consent Form for Families. Please submit consent ASAP to be included in the first week of pooled testing on Tuesday 2/23 (Lincoln) and Wednesday 2/24 (Hanscom)

 

Did you know the pooled testing program uses a non-invasive shallow swab of the lower part of the nostril? This isn't the uncomfortable deep nasal swab you may have heard of for other COVID tests!  For a short video demonstration of this easy and painless nasal swab process by a 2nd grade student please watch: https://youtu.be/fJML8xBEKGk

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.
You can also find a map of testing sites at;https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

January 30, 2021

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

I am writing to inform you that a Hanscom Preschool student has tested positive for COVID-19.  The families of students in the same cohort have been notified that their children are close contacts and will need to remain at home in quarantine through February 10th with a return to school on February 11, 2021.  Preschool Coordinator Lynn Fagan and the cohort’s teacher are communicating with families about how to access the remote learning that will begin Monday morning, February 1, 2021. 

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.
You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

January 21, 2021

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

On Sunday January 17th, I provided the following information:  

“we have been informed of a second household with one member who has tested positive.  This household has one student in the Primary School and one student in the Middle School.  Again, because of the high likelihood of virus spread amongst household members, we are treating these students as presumptive positive cases until we receive confirmation of their test results.”

 

Today, I am confirming two positive student cases from this household.  Principal Vincentsen and Principal Ledebuhr have communicated with families of students who are now confirmed close contacts regarding the quarantine period. 

 

In addition, a cohort of Hanscom Preschool students has been identified as close contacts to an individual at the HAFB Child Development Center.  Preschool Coordinator, Lynn Fagan has communicated with families about the quarantine period for their children.

 

We continue to receive information about students, staff, and family members who are close contacts to persons who have tested positive or who are symptomatic.  It is extremely important that everyone continue to take the steps that are known to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.  Wear a mask whenever you are outside of your household.  Maintain at least six feet of distance between individuals.  Practice good hand hygiene.  Now is not the time to let your guard down.

 

If anyone in your household has symptoms, is identified as a close contact to someone outside of school, or tests positive, please reach out to Eileen Dirrane, Hanscom School Nurse, dirranee@lincnet.org or Audra Maria, Lincoln School Nurse, amaria@lincnet.org.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

 

January 18, 2021

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

Thank you for your understanding and patience regarding receiving daily updates on the Hanscom Middle and Primary Schools and COVID-19 cases.

 

Today, I am informing you that one of the two presumptive positive cases in our second household is now a confirmed positive case.  We are waiting for the test results for the second presumed positive student but, based upon what we know about spread within households, we assume this case will also be confirmed.  All students and staff identified as close contacts must continue to quarantine for the 14 day period since the last exposure.  Principals, Julie Vincentsen and Erich Ledebuhr have communicated with these individuals directly to inform them of their quarantine period.

 

In addition, we have been informed of an additional Hanscom Middle School employee who has tested positive.  Principal Ledebuhr is communicating with impacted students and staff to ensure that everyone is in quarantine and strongly recommending that they get tested and provide their results to the school nurse.

 

This brings our total number of positive active cases in the Hanscom Primary and Middle Schools to 8 cases, including 1 presumptive positive and two cases that were communicated prior to last Thursday.  The active cases represent 5 students and 3 employees. 75% of the active cases reside in three Hanscom households. The other 25% percent are employees that do not reside at Hanscom Air Force Base.

 

Because several key staff members are impacted by these situations either as close contacts or individuals who have tested positive, Hanscom Primary School and Hanscom Middle School will be learning remotely until at least Thursday, January 28, 2021. The Lincoln Preschool at Hanscom will remain open.  Individual cohorts may be required to quarantine longer.  If this is the case, you will receive direct notification from your school principal.

 

If anyone in your household has symptoms or tests positive during the remote learning period please reach out to Eileen Dirrane, School Nurse, dirranee@lincnet.org, (781) 274-7723.

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent
Julie Vincentsen, Principal
Erich Ledebuhr, Principal
Lynn Fagan, Preschool Coordinator

January 17, 2021

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

On Thursday, I informed you that Hanscom Primary School and Hanscom Middle School would be operating remotely on Friday, January 15, 2021 and that the Lincoln Preschool at Hanscom was not impacted and would remain open as usual.  This was due to one positive student case and one student and one staff presumptive positive case where all three individuals live in the same household.  

 

Today, I am informing you that the presumptive positive cases are confirmed positive cases.  All students and staff identified as close contacts must continue to quarantine for the 14 day period since the last exposure.  Principals, Julie Vincentsen and Erich Ledebuhr have communicated with these individuals directly to inform them of their quarantine period.

 

In addition, we have been informed of a second household with one member who has tested positive.  This household has one student in the Primary School and one student in the Middle School.  Again, because of the high likelihood of virus spread amongst household members, we are treating these students as presumptive positive cases until we receive confirmation of their test results.

 

Because several key staff members are impacted by these situations, Hanscom Primary School and Hanscom Middle School will be learning remotely until at least Thursday, January 28, 2021. The Lincoln Preschool at Hanscom will remain open.  

 

If anyone in your household has symptoms or tests positive during the remote learning period please reach out to Eileen Dirrane, School Nurse, dirranee@lincnet.org, (781) 274-7723.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of these cases or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent
Julie Vincentsen, Principal
Erich Ledebuhr, Principal
Lynn Fagan, Preschool Coordinator

 

Dear Lincoln Public Schools Community,

 

I am writing to you to inform you that Hanscom Primary School and Hanscom Middle School will be operating remotely on Friday, January 15, 2021. Hanscom Preschool is not impacted and will remain open as usual.

 

This closure is due to our inability to appropriately staff the schools.

 

There is one positive case and two presumptive positive cases all residing in the same household.  These individuals include students and a staff member in the Hanscom schools.  Based upon the identified close contacts, we have moved 5 cohorts to remote learning and several staff members have been identified. The impact on our staffing results in the need to close the schools.

 

We are taking these steps based upon Department of Public Health recommendations regarding the presumptive positive cases, and out of an abundance of caution while we wait to receive test results from the presumptive positive individuals.  When we receive the additional test results, we will make decisions about whether it is necessary to keep the Hanscom schools in a remote setting for an extended period or whether we are able to re-open.   This decision will be communicated to our Hanscom families and employees by Monday afternoon.

 

Our Hanscom families and employees have received additional information from me and the Hanscom administration.

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of these cases or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

January 13, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that a Hanscom Middle School student has tested positive for COVID-19.  Based upon the information we received today regarding testing and results, and when the student was last in school, there are no identified close contacts in the school.

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by February 28, 2021 in order to be present at school.  

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.
You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.  
 
Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

 

January 8, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that a Hanscom Middle School employee has tested positive for COVID-19.  Based upon the information we received this afternoon regarding testing and results, one cohort of students and two other employees have been identified as close contacts. A close contact is defined as someone who has been within 6 feet of distance to the individual for at least fifteen minutes, in a school space, on the bus, or at an extracurricular activity. All families with students identified as close contacts have already been notified by Principal, Erich Ledebuhr.

 

All close contacts must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of test result. We are following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.

 

To further prevent transmission of the virus to other staff and students, we have disinfected the school with a focus on those areas frequented by the community member that tested positive. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place in an effort to continue in person learning. 

 

We are also providing support for all students required to quarantine at home to continue to provide connection to the classroom during a time that we know will be challenging for those children and families involved.

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  This should be the expectation for children as well.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by February 28, 2021 in order to be present at school.  

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test? 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

January 5, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,
I am writing to inform you that a Hanscom Middle School student has tested positive for COVID-19.  Based upon the information we received today regarding testing and results, there are no identified close contacts in the school.

 

A Special School Committee Meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow night, January 5th at 7pm to discuss our COVID-19 cases as well as trends in our communities and across the state.  Look for an announcement coming soon from the School Committee with additional information about tomorrow night’s meeting. 

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by February 28, 2021 in order to be present at school.  

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

 

January 4, 2021

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that a Hanscom Primary School student has tested positive for COVID-19.  Based upon the information we received today regarding testing and results, there are no identified close contacts in the school.

A Special School Committee Meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow night, January 5th at 7pm to discuss our COVID-19 cases as well as trends in our communities and across the state.  Look for an announcement coming soon from the School Committee with additional information about tomorrow night’s meeting. 

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by February 28, 2021 in order to be present at school.  

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

December 31, 2020

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that a Lincoln School K-4 employee who is asymptomatic has tested positive for COVID-19.  The employee was tested yesterday and received results today.  Based upon this timeline, there are no identified close contacts within the school.

 

Each positive case that has occurred over the Winter Recess has been reported to our Town Nurse and Lincoln Board of Health Liaison, Tricia McGean.  In addition, each case has been reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  While we now have seven positive confirmed cases in the Lincoln School K-4 over the past week, the timing of the cases and the distribution of cases across the school do not require additional actions beyond the quarantine periods we are requiring for individuals who have tested positive and who are identified as close contacts.  We are looking very closely at the information on each case and thinking about whether or not there are connections between cases in each situation.  Please be assured that if we see multiple connections or the number of cases begin to present in clusters, we will take the necessary action to move more students and staff to remote learning.  At this time, we are not seeing a need to do so.  We are following all of our protocols and the Lincoln School K-4 has received extensive cleaning over the recess.

 

We are looking at our data daily and consulting with our Town Nurse.  It is extremely important that we receive information from families and employees about positive test results as soon as possible to aide us in making the best possible decisions.  Please review the information below regarding informing the district of positive cases and close contacts. 

 

Winter Recess Notification of Positive Cases and Close Contacts
Over the winter recess, if your child tests positive or is identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive, or is symptomatic, please contact Mary Emmons, Administrator for Student Services at memmons@lincnet.org or call her direct line at (781) 259-2700 and leave a message.  This phone line will be monitored regularly over the recess period.  Information left on the school phone lines may not be received until school reopens on January 4, 2021.

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  We will be strictly enforcing the Governor’s Travel Orders and sending students home when we learn about travel and have not received notification and verification of required test results.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by February 28, 2021 in order to be present at school.  

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

Hello,

 

I have received a few emails asking for clarification on the Travel Order requirements and so, I am sharing this information with everyone.

 

We are following the guidelines of the Governor's Travel Order, the link provided, https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order offers much more detail about the requirements as well as specific scenarios for clarification.

 

Children who are 10 years or younger are not required to have a test.  However, without a test, they must quarantine before returning to school.  So, families will need to choose to either have their children tested and provide the result of the test to the school nurse so that they can return to school immediately if the results are negative or they will need to keep their child home in quarantine for 14 days if a negative test is not provided.  Of course, if the test result is positive we will also need that information and the child will need to quarantine.

 

All children older than 10 years must be tested and provide the result to the school nurse.

 

Unrelated to travel, if a child is considered to be a close contact to someone who tests positive, they must quarantine for 14 days even if they test negative since they could develop symptoms and test positive at any point within the 14 days since they were last exposed to the individual who tested positive.

 

I hope that this information helps to clarify the expectations regarding students who have traveled over the Winter Recess.

 

Best,

 

Becky McFall

 

December 30, 2020

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that a Lincoln School K-4 employee has tested positive for COVID-19.  Based upon the information we received today regarding testing and results, a small number of students have been identified as close contacts. A close contact is defined as someone who has been within 6 feet of distance of the individual for at least fifteen minutes, in a school space, on the bus, or at an extracurricular activity. All families with students identified as close contacts have already been notified by Mary Emmons, Administrator for Student Services.

 

Each positive case that has occurred over the Winter Recess has been reported to our Town Nurse and Lincoln Board of Health Liaison, Tricia McGean.  In addition, each case has been reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  While we have had six positive confirmed cases in the Lincoln School K-4 over the past week, the timing of the cases and the distribution of cases across the school do not require additional actions beyond the quarantine periods we are requiring for individuals who have tested positive and who are identified as close contacts.  

 

We are looking at our data daily and consulting with our Town Nurse.  It is extremely important that we receive information from families and employees about positive test results as soon as possible to aide us in making the best possible decisions.  Please review the information below regarding informing the district of positive cases and close contacts. 

 

Winter Recess Notification of Positive Cases and Close Contacts
Over the winter recess, if your child tests positive or is identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive, or is symptomatic, please contact Mary Emmons, Administrator for Student Services at memmons@lincnet.org or call her direct line at (781) 259-2700 and leave a message.  This phone line will be monitored regularly over the recess period.  Information left on the school phone lines may not be received until school reopens on January 4, 2021.

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  We will be strictly enforcing the Governor’s Travel Orders and sending students home when we learn about travel and have not received notification and verification of required test results.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by February 28, 2021 in order to be present at school.  

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

December 29, 2020

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am sorry to be sending another COVID notification today.  It seems that each time we communicate about a positive case in our schools this week, we learn about another positive case.  I cannot urge you enough to take all possible precautions against contracting the COVID-19 virus.

 

This letter is to inform you that another Lincoln School K-4 student has tested positive for COVID-19.  Based upon the information we received this afternoon regarding testing and results, one cohort of students has been identified as close contacts. A close contact is defined as someone who has been within 6 feet of distance of the individual for at least fifteen minutes, in a school space, on the bus, or at an extracurricular activity.  All families with students identified as close contacts have already been notified by Mary Emmons, Administrator for Student Services.

 

Winter Recess Notification of Positive Cases and Close Contacts
Over the winter recess, if your child tests positive or is identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive, or is symptomatic, please contact Mary Emmons, Administrator for Student Services at memmons@lincnet.org or call her direct line at (781) 259-2700 and leave a message.  This phone line will be monitored regularly over the recess period.  Information left on the school phone lines may not be received until school reopens on January 4, 2021.

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  We will be strictly enforcing the Governor’s Travel Orders and sending students home when we learn about travel and have not received notification and verification of required test results.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by February 28, 2021 in order to be present at school.  

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.
 
Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

December 29, 2020

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that a Lincoln School K-4 student has tested positive for COVID-19.  Based upon the information we received this morning regarding testing and results, one cohort of students has been identified as close contacts. A close contact is defined as someone who has been within 6 feet of distance of the individual for at least fifteen minutes, in a school space, on the bus, or at an extracurricular activity. All families with students identified as close contacts have already been notified by Mary Emmons, Administrator for Student Services.

 

In addition, a Lincoln School K-4 employee has tested positive for COVID-19.  Due to the timeline of the testing and results occurring during the Winter Recess, there are no identified close contacts.

 

Winter Recess Notification of Positive Cases and Close Contacts
Over the winter recess, if your child tests positive or is identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive, or is symptomatic, please contact Mary Emmons, Administrator for Student Services at memmons@lincnet.org or call her direct line at (781) 259-2700 and leave a message.  This phone line will be monitored regularly over the recess period.  Information left on the school phone lines may not be received until school reopens on January 4, 2021.

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  We will be strictly enforcing the Governor’s Travel Orders and sending students home when we learn about travel and have not received notification and verification of required test results.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by February 28, 2021 in order to be present at school.  

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 
You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

Dear LPS Community,

 

Yesterday, the Department of Public Health issued the following communication.

 

‘The MDPH Immunization Division had set the deadline of December 31, 2020 for students to receive a flu vaccination unless they have obtained a medical or religious exemption. The deadline has been extended through February 28, 2021. Schools and school districts have authority to implement vaccination requirements at the local level, and may set policies appropriate for their communities regarding the deadlines for submitting documentation of vaccination.  Schools and school districts should make every effort to ensure that families are connected to school nurses for resources for facilitating access to vaccination, if unable to receive through their primary care provider. Schools and school districts should send a reminder out to parents of this requirement as soon as possible.’ Updated information call also be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/school-immunizations.

 

First, I want to thank all families who have already complied with the requirement to provide verification of Influenza vaccination.  We are continuing to expect verification of vaccination by December 31, 2020.  If you have not yet provided this information, please send it to your school nurse as soon as it is available.  We will not enforce the requirement of vaccination for school attendance until March 1, 2021.  You will save our school nurses and administrators a great deal of time and effort by providing verification of vaccination in the beginning week of January.  Please help us out by taking care of this required action.

 

Thank you,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

 

Influenza Vaccine Requirement for School

 

Attendance: Kindergarten through Grade 12

 

Updated December 22, 2020

 

Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, influenza vaccine will be required for all students. Influenza vaccine is always important to receive to reduce the risk of getting sick with influenza, reduce the severity of disease if one does get sick (including the risk of hospitalization) due to influenza, as well as preventing the spread of influenza to others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine will be especially critical to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population, protect vulnerable populations from severe illness, and decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system.

 

Which students need to receive influenza vaccine?
Students in Kindergarten – Grade 12 will be required to receive influenza vaccine for the current influenza season for school attendance unless they have a medical or religious exemption.

 

When do students need to receive influenza vaccine?
Students must receive influenza vaccine for the current season (i.e., school year 2020-2021) by February 28, 2021. New students entering school before March 31, 2021 must have received a dose of vaccine for the current flu season for entry.

 

Are there any exemptions to receiving influenza vaccine?
Medical and religious exemptions are allowable in the state of Massachusetts. Medical exemptions must be renewed annually and include a statement form a physician stating that the vaccine is medically contraindicated for the student.

 

What type of influenza vaccine can students receive?
Any age-appropriate licensed influenza vaccine for the current season fulfills the requirement. This includes injectable and nasal spray vaccine types.

 

Should students without a documented dose of seasonal influenza vaccine be excluded from school on January 1st?
Enforcement of school immunization requirements is determined at the local level. We encourage school communities to work with families and healthcare providers to satisfy the requirements for students who are not compliant on January 1st. For the 2020-2021 school year only, influenza vaccine must be received by February 28, 2021. Post-secondary institutions are encouraged to work with families and healthcare providers to satisfy the vaccination requirements for students who are not compliant by March 1, 2021.

 

Will my school have to report on influenza vaccine in the Kindergarten and Grade 7 school immunization surveys?
Yes—the surveys will be open as usual during the fall to input information on other vaccines. By January 2021, a new section of the survey may be completed to report influenza vaccination rates for students enrolled in Kindergarten and Grade 7. We anticipate both parts of the survey, the traditional school immunization survey and the influenza component, will be due by the end of January 2021.

 

Will my school have to report the number of students who received influenza vaccine for students in all grades?
While the influenza vaccine requirement exists for every grade, you will be asked to complete school immunization surveys for Kindergarten, Grade 7, and Grade 11.

 

Will influenza vaccine be required every year or just for the 2020-2021 school year?
Influenza vaccine is now a required vaccine for school attendance and will be required as of December 31 for all students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 each school year. For school year 2020-2021 only, seasonal influenza vaccine must be received by February 28, 2021.

 

Do younger students require 2 doses according to ACIP guidelines?
Children younger than 9 may need two doses of influenza vaccine depending on the number of influenza vaccines they have received in the past. Children should be vaccinated according to ACIP recommendations but only one dose of influenza vaccine is required for school attendance.

 

If my school will be providing instruction remotely, will students still need to meet immunization requirements?
The school immunization requirements, including the requirement for seasonal influenza vaccine, apply to all Massachusetts students enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 12, regardless of whether the district is providing instruction in-person, or using a hybrid or remote learning model.

 

December 21, 2020

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that two students from the same household have tested positive for COVID-19.  One student attends the Lincoln School K-4 and the other attends the Preschool in Lincoln.  We received this information early this morning and due to the timing with the start of school, we made the decision to have the two cohorts of students and their associated staff stay home from school today. 

 

After reviewing all of the information with our school nurse and the Lincoln Town nurse, we have determined that based upon the timelines of symptoms, testing, and results, there are no identified close contacts to these students.

 

All families with students in the cohorts that stayed home today have been notified by Principal Sarah Collmer and Preschool Coordinator Lynn Fagan that they may return to school tomorrow. 

 

In addition, I want to follow up on the message that was sent on Saturday, December 19th.  We received information back from the DPH, MA Rapid Response Unit.  Based on the data we provided, we were informed that no additional actions were required.

 

Winter Recess Notification of Positive Cases and Close Contacts
Over the winter recess, if your child tests positive or is identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive, or is symptomatic, please contact Mary Emmons, Administrator for Student Services at memmons@lincnet.org or call her direct line at (781)259-2700 and leave a message.  This phone line will be monitored regularly over the recess period.  Information left on the school phone lines may not be received until school reopens on January 4, 2021.

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  We will be strictly enforcing the Governor’s Travel Orders and sending students home when we learn about travel and have not received notification and verification of required test results.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by December 31, 2020 in order to be present at school.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

Becky McFall, Superintendent

December 19, 2020

 

Dear Families and Employees,

 

I am writing to inform you that a second student in the Lincoln School K-4, from a cohort that is currently remote, has tested positive for COVID-19.  All families with students in the impacted cohort have already been notified by Principal Sarah Collmer. 

 

As a reminder, all students and employees who are close contacts should be tested and must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of test result.  We are following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents whose children are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse to help ensure that we have accurate information for decision making. I have spoken with a representative from the Department of Public Health to inform them of the number of positive cases within the Lincoln School K-4 in the last two weeks.  They will review our data and let us know if additional actions are necessary.  I have also consulted with Lincoln Town Nurse, Trish McGean who serves as our liaison to the Lincoln Board of Health.  If there is additional information in the coming days, I will send additional communications.

 

We are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  We will be strictly enforcing the Governor’s Travel Orders and sending students home when we learn about travel and have not received notification and verification of required test results.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by December 31, 2020 in order to be present at school.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

  

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 
Sincerely,

Becky McFall, Superintendent

December 16, 2020

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

I am writing to inform you that an employee in the Lincoln School K-4 has tested positive for COVID-19. There are no student close contacts and no additional cohorts need to move to remote learning. Steps have been taken to inform the adults identified as close contacts.

 

All close contacts should be tested and must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of test result.  We are following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. 

 

To date we have not had any spread of the virus from a person who has tested positive to another individual within our schools.  However, we are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  We will be strictly enforcing the Governor’s Travel Orders and sending students home when we learn about travel and have not received notification and verification of required test results.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by December 31, 2020 in order to be present at school.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

  

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 
Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent

December 12, 2020

 

Dear parents, caregivers, and guardians,

 

 I am writing to inform you that two students in the Lincoln School K-4 have tested positive for COVID-19. The two students reside in the same household.  As a result, two cohorts of students and four employees deemed to be close contacts will be moving to remote learning. All families with students in the impacted cohorts have already been notified by Principal Sarah Collmer. In addition, students who ride the same bus as the students who tested positive but are in different cohorts will be temporarily joining remote cohorts until we return to school in January.  The families of these additional students have also been contacted directly by their principals.

 

Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe. We have been planning for this scenario and have a comprehensive plan in place to inform families whose children were at risk of exposure or are identified as close contacts in order to support the affected families and students as they navigate this stressful experience.

 

Parents of students who were in close contact with the individual who tested positive have been notified separately. If you did not receive notification from Principal Sarah Collmer or Principal Sharon Hobbs, your child was not a close contact. Please continue to monitor your child and keep your child home if he/she/they shows any symptoms or is not feeling well. 

 

To further prevent transmission of the virus to other staff and students, we are disinfecting the school with a focus on those areas frequented by the individuals who tested positive. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place in an effort to continue in person learning.

 

All students and employees who are close contacts should be tested and must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of test result.  We are following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.

 

As of Monday, we will have four LK-4 cohorts who have been moved to remote learning.  One cohort will return to school this Wednesday.  The other three cohorts will remain out of school until we return on January 4, 2021.  I know that this seems like a lot of students who are impacted.  While being moved from in-person to remote is definitely an impact, I want to assure you that this does not represent a high level of positive cases in our schools. 

 

Since the opening of school on September 16, 2020 we have had a total of 12 positive cases across our entire district.  

 

	Students	Faculty	Staff
Preschool, Hanscom and Lincoln	0	0	0
Lincoln K-4	3	1	1
Lincoln 5-8	1	0	0
Hanscom Primary	1	0	1
Hanscom Middle	2	2	0
District Wide Staff	0	0	0

 

No close contacts have tested positive. This is an indication that there has been no spread of the virus within our schools.  Thankfully, all who have tested positive to date have recovered and returned to school after the required isolation.

 

Our student body and staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our families for their continued efforts to keep children home at the first sign of symptoms. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission.

 

To date we have not had any spread of the virus from a person who has tested positive to another individual within our schools.  However, we are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  We will be strictly enforcing the Governor’s Travel Orders and sending students home when we learn about travel and have not received notification and verification of required test results.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by December 31, 2020 in order to be present at school.

 

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

Becky McFall, Superintendent

December 9, 2020

 

Dear parents, caregivers, and guardians,

 

I am writing to inform you that an employee in the Lincoln School K-4 has tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, one cohort of students and four other employees deemed to be close contacts will be moving to remote learning. All families with students in the impacted cohort have already been notified. 

 

Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe. We have been planning for this scenario and have a comprehensive plan in place to inform families whose children were at risk of exposure or in close contact, to support the affected employee as they navigate this stressful experience, and to sanitize the school. 

 

Parents of students who were in close contact with the individual who tested positive have been notified separately. If you did not receive notification from Principal Sarah Collmer, your child was not a close contact. Please continue to monitor your child and keep your child home if he/she/they shows any symptoms or is not feeling well.  

 

To further prevent transmission of the virus to other staff and students, we are disinfecting the school with a focus on those areas frequented by the individual who tested positive. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place in an effort to continue in person learning.

 

All students and employees who are close contacts should be tested and must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of test result.  We are following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.

 

Our student body and staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our families for their continued efforts to keep children home at the first sign of symptoms. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission. 

 

To date we have not had any spread of the virus from a person who has tested positive to another individual within our schools.  However, we are seeing an increase in students and employees who are deemed close contacts and/or test positive as a result of interactions with persons outside of their household.  As I watch the trends across the state and see the increase of students and staff who need to quarantine at home, I am urging everyone to take a step back and minimize non-essential contact with people outside of your household.  When you are in contact with members outside of your household, please wear a mask that fits well and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times, including when outdoors.  We will be strictly enforcing the Governor’s Travel Orders and sending students home when we learn about travel and have not received notification and verification of required test results.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by December 31, 2020 in order to be present at school.  

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.
 
Sincerely,
Becky McFall, Superintendent

December 7, 2020

 

Dear parents, caregivers, and guardians,

 

I am writing to inform you that a student in the Lincoln School K-4 is presumptive positive for COVID-19. All families with students in the impacted cohort have already been notified. Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe. We have been planning for this scenario and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform families whose children were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support the affected family as they navigate this stressful experience. 

 

Our student body and staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our families for their continued efforts to keep children home at the first sign of symptoms. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission. To date we have not had any spread of the virus from a person who has tested positive to another individual within our schools.

 

Though we cannot provide specific information about the individual who is presumptive  positive, your child was not a close contact (defined as being within 6 feet of the person for at least 15 minutes) of the affected school member, if you did not receive notification from Principal Sarah Collmer. Please continue to monitor your child for symptoms, and keep your child home if he/she/they shows any symptoms or is not feeling well. Parents of students who were in close contact with the presumptive positive individual have been notified separately. 

 

All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who presumed to be positive, regardless of test result.  We are also following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.

 

To further prevent transmission of the virus to other staff and students, we are disinfecting the school with a focus on those areas frequented by the presumptive positive individual. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place in an effort to continue in person learning.

 

We are also providing support for all students required to quarantine at home to continue to provide connection to the classroom during a time that we know will be challenging for those children and families involved. Your child has access to their classwork via their remote learning platform, either SeeSaw or Google Classroom. In addition, we have support at each level for students during quarantine including their Learning Coaches, classroom assistants, tutors, and our counseling services.

 

I am seeing an increase in the number of students and staff who are symptomatic or have been identified as close contacts to someone from outside of our school communities.  It is extremely important that everyone take the necessary precautions to avoid contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus.  Please remain vigilant about wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and hand hygiene.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by December 31, 2020 in order to be present at school.

 

I am urging everyone to consider the risks as the Winter recess nears.  Gatherings with people outside of your immediate household are being highly discouraged by MA and national leading healthcare professionals.  The choices we each make can have dire consequences for others in our community.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.  

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 
Sincerely,
Becky McFall, Superintendent

December 3, 2020

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

I am writing to inform you that one of our Hanscom Middle School employees has tested positive for COVID-19. No additional students or staff were at risk of exposure or in close contact with the individual who tested positive.  There are no close contacts with the individual who tested positive.

 

Our student body and staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission. To date, we have not had any spread of positive cases within our schools.

 

Though we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who tested positive, I want to assure you that we have followed our protocols and have worked with the individuals who are impacted to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to attend to their well-being and to eliminate the possibility of additional spreading of the virus.

 

I am seeing an increase in the number of students and staff who are symptomatic or have been identified as close contacts to someone from outside of our school communities.  It is extremely important that everyone take the necessary precautions to avoid contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus.  Please remain vigilant about wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and hand hygiene.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by December 31, 2020 in order to be present at school.  

 

I am urging everyone to consider the risks as the Winter recess nears.  Gatherings with people outside of your immediate household are being highly discouraged by MA and national leading healthcare professionals.  The choices we each make can have dire consequences for others in our community.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.  

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our staff and families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 
Sincerely,

 

Becky McFall, Superintendent
 

November 19, 2020

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

I am writing to inform you that one of our Hanscom Middle School employees has tested positive for COVID-19. No additional students or staff were at risk of exposure or in close contact with the individual who tested positive.  There are no close contacts with the individual who tested positive.

Our student body and staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission. To date, we have not had any spread of positive cases within our schools.

 

Though we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who tested positive, I want to assure you that we have followed our protocols and have worked with the individuals who are impacted to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to attend to their well-being and to eliminate the possibility of additional spreading of the virus.

 

I am seeing an increase in the number of students and staff who are symptomatic or have been identified as close contacts to someone from outside of our school communities.  It is extremely important that everyone take the necessary precautions to avoid contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus.  Please remain vigilant about wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and hand hygiene.

 

If you or your child have not yet gotten an influenza shot, you should do so immediately.  Remember, all students are required to have proof of a flu shot by December 31, 2020 in order to be present at school.  

 

I am urging everyone to consider the risks as the Thanksgiving Holiday nears.  Gatherings with people outside of your immediate household are being highly discouraged by MA and national leading healthcare professionals.  The choices we each make can have dire consequences for others in our community.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

  

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our staff and families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 
Sincerely,

Becky McFall, Superintendent

November 10, 2020

 

Dear LPS Community,

 

I am writing to inform you that an adult working on the Lincoln campus has tested positive for COVID-19. No students were at risk of exposure or in close contact with the person who tested positive.  We have identified one faculty member who is a close contact and that person is working remotely and will complete a quarantine period before returning to work.

Our student body and staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission. To date, we have not had any spread of positive cases within our schools.
Though we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who tested positive, I want to assure you that we have followed our protocols and have worked with the two individuals who are impacted to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to attend to their well-being and to eliminate the possibility of additional spreading of the virus.

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 
You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   
We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our staff and families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.
 
Sincerely,

Becky McFall, Superintendent

October 28, 2020

Dear LPS Community,

I am writing to inform you that a student in the CASE collaborative classroom in the Lincoln School has tested positive for COVID-19. The CASE classroom is a substantially separate self-contained program that is located in the Lincoln School.  The students in this program reside in many other towns and are not Lincoln residents.  They have their own staff and nurse who work with the students in their program.  The student who tested positive was last in school on Monday and all of the CASE students were on a regularly scheduled remote day today.  I have confirmed that there are no close contacts identified; however, out of an abundance of caution, the CASE cohort will remain remote until November 10, 2020. 

Sanchita Banerjee, Executive Director of the CASE Collaborative has communicated with all of the families in the CASE cohort.  Our custodial staff is carrying out their protocols for cleaning the CASE spaces.

Sincerely,

Becky McFall, Superintendent

 

October 9, 2020

 

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians,

I am writing to inform you that a student in the Lincoln School 5-8 has tested positive for COVID-19. All families with students in the impacted cohort have been notified and their children were picked up from school immediately. Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe. We have been planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform families whose students were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support the affected family as they navigate this stressful experience. 

 

Our student body and staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our families for their continued efforts to keep students home at the first sign of symptoms. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission.  
Though we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who tested positive, your child was not a close contact (defined as being within 6 feet of the person for at least 15 minutes) of the affected school member. Please continue to monitor your child for symptoms, and keep your child home if he/she/they shows any symptoms or is not feeling well. 

 

Parents of students who were in close contact with the community member have been notified separately. All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of test result.  We are also following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.

 

To further prevent transmission of the virus to other staff and students, we have disinfected the school with a focus on those areas frequented by the community member that tested positive. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place in an effort to continue in person learning. 

 

We are also providing support for all students required to quarantine at home to continue to provide connection to the classroom during a time that we know will be challenging for those children and families involved. Your child has access to their classwork via their remote learning platform, either SeeSaw or Google Classroom. In addition, we have support at each level for students during quarantine including their Learning Coaches, classroom assistants, tutors, and our counseling services. 

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

 

Sincerely,

Becky McFall, Superintendent

October 5, 2020

 

Dear parents, caregivers, and guardians,

I am writing to inform you that two students from the same household who attend Hanscom Middle School have tested positive for COVID-19. All families with students in impacted cohorts have been notified.  Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe. We have been planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform families whose students were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support the affected family as they navigate this stressful experience. 

 

Our student body and staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our families for their continued efforts to keep students home at the first sign of symptoms. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission.  
Though we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who tested positive, your child was not a close contact (defined as being within 6 feet of the person for at least 15 minutes) of the affected school member. Please continue to monitor your child for symptoms, and keep your child home if he/she/they shows any symptoms or is not feeling well. 

 

Parents of students who were in close contact with the community member have been notified separately. All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of test result.  We are also following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.

 

To further prevent transmission of the virus to other staff and students, we have disinfected the school with a focus on those areas frequented by the community member that tested positive. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place in an effort to continue in person learning. 

 

We are also providing support for all students required to quarantine at home to continue to provide connection to the classroom during a time that we know will be challenging for those children and families involved. Your child has access to their classwork via their remote learning platform, either SeeSaw or Google Classroom. In addition, we have support at each level for students during quarantine including their Learning Coaches, classroom assistants, tutors, and our counseling services. 

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-. 

 

You can also find a map of testing sites at https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.   

 

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your child's school principal or your school nurse.  If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.

 

 

Sincerely,

Becky McFall, Superintendent