Rochester Public Schools Shares Update on Post-Holiday Reopening Plan

ROCHESTER —  Superintendent Kyle Repucci wishes to share an update on the district’s reopening plan following the holiday season.

Starting Tuesday, Jan. 19, all students in kindergarten through eighth grade will return for in-person learning unless they have previously opted to participate in fully remote learning. Students in grades 9-12 will continue with fully remote learning until Feb. 1 and return for in-person learning at that time.

As previously scheduled, there will be no school for students on Monday, Jan. 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The decision to temporarily keep students in grades 9-12 in remote learning was made to help reduce the number of contacts students and staff have as they transition from their first semester classes to their second semester classes. The School Board discussed and voted to approve this plan at their meeting on Thursday, Jan. 14. To view the presentation from the meeting, click here.

District officials will continue to monitor the situation over the next two weeks and will share any updates should further adjustments need to be made. Families are encouraged to sign up for district’s various communication and emergency alert programs. More information about the various programs and how to sign up can be found here.

“We look forward to having all students who have opted for in-person learning return next month,” Superintendent Repucci said. “However, it remains vital that everyone continue to do their part to prevent any further spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please be sure to follow all health and safety guidance inside and outside of school, such as wearing a mask or face covering and practicing social distancing. Most importantly, please be sure to stay home if you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, chills, respiratory illness, aches or change in taste and smell, or believe you have been exposed to someone who has contracted COVID-19, get a COVID-19 test and stay home until you receive your results. Families should screen their students for symptoms prior to their arrival to school and keep their students home if they are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19. Testing can be done either through your primary healthcare provider or at one of the testing sites located throughout the state.

Please note that if you or your child are currently quarantined, you must remain in quarantine for 14 days, even if your test is negative. This is due to the fact that symptoms can present up to two weeks after exposure.

In addition, to prevent further spread of the disease in the community, Rochester Public Schools ask that students, families and staff take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the disease:

• Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well. Students should stay home from school should any new or unexplained illness, no matter how mild, develop. This precaution is meant to keep all staff and students safe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, please adhere to social distancing guidelines and keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
• Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Children may worry about themselves, their family and friends getting sick with COVID-19. Tips for talking to children about COVID-19 can be found here.

To learn more about COVID-19, please check these trusted resources:

• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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