Milton’s Pierce Middle School to shift to full remote learning for a minimum of two weeks

The following letter was sent to Pierce Middle School parents on October 4, 2020:

Dear MPS Community,

I regret to inform you that we will have to shut down Pierce Middle School for a minimum of two weeks and shift all students and staff to full remote. With three positive cases of COVID 19 at the Pierce within the past five days and the subsequent quarantine requirements of close contacts, we do not have the necessary staffing to safely keep the building open and adequately educate students in the hybrid model. As a result, Pierce will be closed from Monday, October 5th through Friday, October 16th. If all goes well, we will resume in the hybrid model on Monday, October 19th. We will revisit this decision during the week of October 13th
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Please note there is no connection between the identified positive cases of COVID 19 within the school community and, therefore, it does appear to be a “community spread.” Students and staff are safe when in the building as we employ the following preventive measures:

• Adhere to the mandatory MPS Daily Pre Screening Checklist
• Stay home when you are sick and notify your School Nurse for return to school guidance.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
• Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
• As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between non-household members and wear a mask in places where maintaining that distance is difficult.
• Be alert for Covid-19 symptoms.

Still, no school can combat this situation alone. It is mandatory that parents/guardians are “equal partners” in this fight against COVID-19, and we need your help and unwavering support in reinforcing the CDC safety guidelines, at home and at school.

It is incumbent upon all of us to be vigilant. The need for socialization is real, but the need for safe behaviors is critical. Please wear a mask when you are out in public – even for recreational outdoor activities.

All of us –educators, support staff, students, and families – want the Milton Public Schools to be a place for young people to learn, thrive and grow.

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and continued support of our efforts to Protect the Paw and keep The Milton community safe and healthy. Each of us has a role in this endeavor. We are grateful for your partnership to ensure the safe continuation of our in-person learning.

Sincerely,
James F. Jette
Superintendent of Schools