Dear Parent or Guardian,
On Friday, we learned that a kindergarten scholar tested positive for COVID-19 in Ms. Peluso’s class (Room 104). This scholar did not attend school Wednesday through Friday of last week and was last in school on Tuesday, September 21. The scholar’s positive test was reported after school dismissed during carpool.
There are 5 scholars in Ms. Peluso’s class who have siblings in the following teachers’ classes: Ms. Bideau (3rd), Ms. Moreland (5th), Ms. Noel (4th), and Ms. Savary (PK).
In keeping with our mission of keeping our scholars safe, because of a potential direct exposure to a scholar who is COVID positive, we are requiring Ms. Peluso’s class to quarantine for the duration of this week. This class will be allowed to return to school on Monday, October 4. During this time of quarantine, Ms. Peluso will teach the class virtually.
All siblings of scholars in Ms. Peluso’s class will be eligible to return on October 4 OR WITH a negative test as early as today, Monday, September 27. Testing could not occur any sooner than Sunday, September 26. These siblings are also eligible to attend school virtually during this time with the exception of pre-kindergarten scholars. There is no virtual option for pre-kindergarten. Pre-kindergarten teachers will contact parents with instructions for keeping pre-kindergarten scholars engaged during their absence.
Our response is in keeping with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Georgia Department of Public Health, as well as other experts. During this time of quarantine, scholars will be able to attend school virtually with the same curriculum they would have had in class. Virtual class will begin daily at 8:00 am and end at the regularly scheduled time of dismissal. Scholars must wear their uniform for virtual class each day.
If your scholar is experiencing symptoms, please call your doctor right away, notify AOS, keep all siblings home, and obtain a COVID-19 test.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Fever (100 degrees or higher), shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, cough, headache, new loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, congestion or runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, muscle or body aches.
We believe in the efficacy of our COVID-19 protocols and will be vigilant in continuing these efforts in order to keep our community safe.
AOS COVID-19 Protocols
- AOS scholars, faculty and staff, and campus visitors will now be required to wear a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status as we begin the school year.
- AOS will no longer require daily temperature/health checks upon arrival to school, but we ask families to continue to monitor their scholars’ health. Any scholar exhibiting any of the above COVID-19 symptoms should obtain a COVID-19 test. If the test is negative, they are free to return to school when they are feeling better and are fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours.
- If a scholar tests positive for COVID-19 or comes in close contact with someone impacted by COVID-19 (i.e. within 3 feet for at least 15 minutes), that scholar must quarantine for a period of 7 to 10 days. A negative COVID-19 test will be required to return after 7 days.
- If a scholar or teacher tests positive, AOS will attempt contact trace to ensure all who are impacted comply with COVID-19 protocols for unvaccinated/vaccinated individuals.
- Daily classroom cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing.
We appreciate your understanding as we worked diligently to contact trace and communicate our findings to you. It was our effort to communicate 100% of the information we had, in the most detailed manner, as quickly as we could. We pray that all scholars and their families endure this time with peace, love, and the grace of God and we sincerely hope that all scholars will be able to join us again in person on Monday, October 4.
Blessings,
Dr. Stacy Lambert-Johnson