Easton USD #449 Covid-19 Update
Pleasant Ridge Families,
Our community has done a terrific job of keeping our students learning in-person and we appreciate the role each of you have played in that plan. As you know, our students returned after Winter Break in a “mask optional” environment. When the USD #449 Board of Education made this decision, our numbers were, and had been, very low. As recently as mid-week this week I reported to the Board that our COVID numbers remained solid and I saw no change in sight. You might imagine how disappointed I am to be making this report to you today.
The 4% threshold:
As part of the Board’s announced plan, students would be able to Test to Learn in order to remain in school and avoid potential quarantine days. The Board also adopted a 4% Positivity Rate Cap. If / When a school’s number of positive cases (students and staff) reached 4% of the total population, by building, that building would revert back to a two-week mandatory masking period in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Today I am announcing that Pleasant Ridge Elementary has joined PRHS and PRMS in reaching and exceeding the 4% threshold. In accordance with district policy, PRES students will report to school on Wednesday, January 19th, under a temporary mask mandate to slow the spread of COVID-19. This temporary change will be in effect through February 2, 2022.
The USD #449 school community will redouble our efforts to maintain normal school and activity schedules through-out this time.
Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation and understanding.
Tim Beying
Superintendent Easton 449
