COVID-19 is on the rise again, and it has come for our students. Yet despite the sense of chaos, Hull schools have found the calm within the storm through their careful, precise management of cases.
Student cases across the district have been in the hundreds, but, after hitting a high last week, they are starting to move downward again. There were 76 positive cases reported between Dec. 31 and Jan. 7. The “Test and Stay” program, by which unvaccinated and asymptomatic individuals who are potentially close contacts, are tested daily but remain in school; the program had 311 participants as of Jan. 10.
The snowstorm on Jan. 7 proved to be a blessing in disguise. Students were given the day off and did not have to brave the risky conditions. The weather allowed a sort of reset for the coming week and also allowed the cases to moderate.
But it was not only the cases that needed calming down. The schools had developed a disquieting atmosphere, and every question was: “Did you hear who has COVID?” Students counted the number of classmates they knew were out of school. And between classes, a list of names, seemingly a mile long, was called to the guidance or nurses’ offices.
But all the evidence shows the schools handling the situation remarkably well: making the call for a snow day; ushering parents and students through the “Test and Stay” program quickly, calmly, and efficiently; and calling families and assisting students who have to stay at home.
While the spike in cases may not be ideal, our schools’ handling of it has been, and it shows – in the slow and steady decline we are seeing. This decline should only be aided by the upcoming holiday weekend, which will give faculty, staff, and students yet another chance to relax, recharge, and reset.
For more information on Hull Public Schools, visit hullpublicschools.org.
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