The pandemic isn't over

As you all know, we had to close down Monroe Central for this week. Our goal is to be back to school this next Monday, October 19. 

I would like to remind all staff and students that their activity outside of the school environment can have unexpected consequences. We have procedures in place to limit contact from student to student whenever possible, but that is only within our campus; we cannot control what anyone does outside of the school environment. We can only hope that this latest closure has been a wake-up call for all staff and students: we must remain vigilant to the real possibility of being exposed to COVID-19 as we go about our daily lives. 

The pandemic has been center stage for the largest part of our 2020, and for the majority of our education since mid-March. While we are happy to be back to teaching in-person, we cannot jeopardize the health and safety of our students and staff; if COVID cases and exposure continue, we will be forced to close again. We all need to be wearing our masks, washing our hands, and maintaining social distancing protocols -- while these are things we can monitor at school, these are not things we can keep track of when you are home. Please keep gatherings to a minimum and constantly exercise all safety precautions. 

This past Tuesday, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield stressed to U.S. governors that it’s important to re-focus on these keys to disease mitigation ahead of the holidays. He says that even small gatherings are contributing to an increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations in at least 36 states -- which means that masks, hand-washing, and social distancing are important even during those extended family get-togethers over the holidays. Experts have also warned to use caution around college students, who will start returning home soon and often show mild or no symptoms at all but can still spread COVID to others.

Some students were visibly upset when they heard we would be closed for the remainder of the week. My heart goes out to the athletes and their teammates who depend on one another. We all need to remember that our actions both inside and outside of our school environment have an influence on the health and safety of us all. 

I believe there’s a snippet of a song circulating that provides some wisdom in this time -- “The pandemic isn’t over just because you’re over it.” 

Stay safe,

Joe Semple, Principal