Health Office Update: Feb 17, 2022
February 17, 2022
This health office update was originally sent to families on February 17, 2022
Current cases
TA had one new Covid case this week, presumptive contacts are in the 8th grade.
Upcoming plans related to the Covid pandemic:
The Agency of Education and the Vermont Department of Health are moving schools and the general public toward understanding that Covid will become endemic, like the common cold or the flu. Thetford Academy will move forward carefully as we move into that phase.
Changes in our Covid mitigation strategies:
- MASKS: At TA, our plan is to maintain required masking when we return from break and reassess as we go into March. For one thing, we are awaiting news from the Town of Thetford regarding their current town-wide mask mandate, which we are obligated to follow.
- GATHERINGS: We are looking forward to opening up (i.e. relaxing) some of our current campus protocols, namely resuming large group gatherings in March, starting with short half-school assemblies on Wednesdays and for Founders’ Day.
- HEALTH SCREENINGS before school: TA will no longer be asking students about Covid symptoms/exposure after the upcoming break. We will continue to greet students and say hello when students arrive at school.
- Rapid antigen tests are being handed out to all students & staff Thursday. It is recommended to rapid test the weekend of February 26th & 27th to make sure your student is Covid free before they return to school after vacation.
What stays the same:
- If your child is ill with: fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea they always need to stay home.
Athletic Clearance post Covid
A friendly reminder your child needs a sports clearance if they had Covid, the information re: guidelines are found on the TA Health Page on the website.
PRESCRIPTION & OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
Medications may be given at school if necessary. If your child needs medication at school please contact the health office. Students must have:
- A written order from their doctor/PCP for medication to be given at school.
- Written permission from a parent if under 18 years old.
- Students must take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, TUMS, etc. in the Health Office.
Health Screenings
The Health Office will begin screening for vision and hearing in March, specifically 7th, 9th and 12th graders. If you have any questions, please email.
Immunizations and Exemptions:
All outstanding immunization records or exemption forms are due immediately to the Health Office or your student risks being excluded from school. Thank you.