For a pdf version of the ARPS Update, please click here.

Para obtener una versión de la actualización de ARPS en español, haga clic aquí.

Para uma versão do ARPS Update em português, clique aqui.

I am pleased to report that the District has had a period of 15 days without a positive COVID case, and I believe that the hard work and diligence of our students and staff in following our COVID safety protocols has helped make that possible.  While we know there will be new cases as the year progresses, we will continue to follow those protocols in order to keep the case numbers as low as possible.

One of our COVID safety protocols is to have bus windows open when students are being transported.  Providing this increased ventilation on buses is critical to helping prevent COVID spread, and DESE has encouraged all districts to maintain the open-window practice in all but the most severe weather.  As temperatures continue to drop, this will mean that the bus rides will be much colder for our students.  Please keep this in mind and have students dress warmly, in layers, even if the outside temperature isn’t extremely cold.  We encourage anyone who may need assistance in providing warm, winter clothing for their children to reach out to our ARPS Family Center at 362-1871 or, if you prefer, contact your child’s teacher, Assistant Principal or Principal.  Help is available for anyone who needs it.

I am also pleased to report that pooled COVID testing is slated to begin in the elementary schools during the week of October 25 and at the secondary level the following week, according to the testing vendor.  Testing will be administered by the vendor’s staff.  As noted in last week’s newsletter, in order for any staff member or student to participate in pooled testing they must register and give consent at https://www.cic-health.com/consent/ma?district=Amherst-Pelham.  For questions about the testing program or about signing up, please reach out to your school nurse.

Finally, the dates have been set for our on-site vaccine clinics for students aged 12 and over.  They will be held on the afternoons of Friday, October 29 and Friday, November 19, in the Middle School gym.  Other logistics are still being finalized and will be shared as soon as possible.