On the eve of the first group of students returning to Colonial School District schools under a hybrid model, Superintendent Dr. Michael Christian announced that two staffers recently tested positive for COVID-19. While the district did not identity the staffers or their positions, it did share that one was from Plymouth Elementary and the other was from Ridge Park Elementary. Dr. Christian went on to state that since the two became positive during the virtual model, there was not “sustained exposure to other employees.”

Below is the text of the email:

Dear Colonial Parents/Guardians:

As we prepare to open schools for in-person instruction, we must also continue to address COVID-19 cases in our school community. I am writing to inform you that two Colonial staff members, one at Plymouth Elementary and one at Ridge Park Elementary, have recently tested positive for COVID-19. We have partnered with the Montgomery County Office of Public Health to address these cases. As required, the employees are quarantined during their recovery, and we wish them well during this time. Because this occurred during our virtual program, there was no sustained exposure to other employees. However, it certainly is a reminder that we need to emphasize safety and communication.

We are looking forward to welcoming students back to school tomorrow. However, we urge you to keep your child home if they have a fever of 100 degrees or higher or are exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, sore throat, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, headache, chills, loss of taste or smell, muscle pains or aches, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. Please remember, students coming to school must wear a mask at all times, except when eating lunch or when at least six feet apart at recess. Click here to view Colonial’s Face Coverings Procedure for staff and students. 

Our custodial staff is prepared to keep Colonial schools clean and safe on a daily basis. We have an abundance of hand sanitizer and soap throughout our schools for our students and staff. Additionally, we have placed directional and social distancing signage in each of our buildings for students and staff to follow. Working together, we will remain Colonial safe and strong and get through this pandemic together.

Sincerely,

Michael Christian, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools