The following message was sent to families in our Rensselaer Academy program:
This afternoon, we were notified that a staff member at Rensselaer Academy tested positive for COVID-19. This individual has not been physically present in school since December 11th.
At this time, we have contacted all staff members and families whose students came in close contact with this positive case at Rensselaer Academy. If you have not already been contacted today by Questar III, there is no further action needed on your part regarding quarantine.
Out of an abundance of caution and based upon the availability of staff, Rensselaer Academy will pivot to remote instruction through December 23rd.
Your child’s teacher will be contacting you directly to make sure that your child understands the process for connecting to remote instruction. More importantly, we want to reassure you that although this interruption of in-person instruction can be disconcerting, we are deeply committed to your child’s continued success in our program.
As a reminder, please click here for state guidance on contacts of contacts. The positive case is considered person “A”, those in contact with person A are considered a person “B” and must quarantine, and any students or staff who had contact with these individuals – person “B” – are considered a person “C”. A person “C” is not at risk of infection and would not be subject to quarantine unless a person “B” had or developed symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19.
All students or staff directed to quarantine due to close contact to a positive case or that have been required to isolate due to a positive COVID-19 test must provide proof of release by their local health department before they can return to school.
While we understand that you may want additional details, privacy laws restrict us from disclosing or confirming any personal identifiable information. We appreciate your understanding.
We are working in close partnership with our public health partners and will continue to follow state and local guidance regarding our response to the ongoing pandemic. Please be reminded that we must all work together to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Families members can assist our efforts by wearing masks, social distancing, washing your hands, limiting your exposure from others outside your household (including avoiding group gatherings), and staying home if you or your child are sick.
Please continue to monitor yourself or your child/children for any symptoms of COVID-19 and report any absences and positive test results to our office immediately. Symptoms vary, and some people may not experience any symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider (or a local urgent care or the county health department if you do not have one) to be assessed if you or your child have one or more of these new or worsening symptoms:
- a temperature greater or equal to 100.0° F
- feel feverish or have chills
- cough
- loss of taste or smell
- fatigue
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- muscle pain or body aches
- headaches or nasal congestion/running nose
Thank you all for your ongoing efforts to keep Rensselaer Academy safe and healthy. Please contact me directly with any questions or concerns.
Andy Pemrick
Principal
Rensselaer Academy
