Update on Covid Cases and Phase 1 Return to In-Person Learning
Dear Crocker Farm Families,
The Amherst Health Department has notified the District that the total active cases of Covid-19 have increased from 35 to 51 since we were notified that the Phase 1 return to in-person learning would be delayed. The updated daily count exceeds the Districts’ metrics from the tentative agreement with the Amherst-Pelham Education Association for returning to in-person learning, which include:
- fewer than 28 new cases per week per 100,000 (using a 7-day rolling average) in Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties, with a weighting of .8 for Hampshire County, .1 for Franklin County, and .1 for Hampden County
Given these metrics, the District will implement a minimum two-week delay in the Phase 1 return to in-person learning, with an anticipated in-person learning start date of October 15, 2020. This change will also push the Phase 2 and Phase 3 return to in-person learning back by two weeks. The updated start dates are included in the chart below:
| Phase 1:Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade, Special Populations | October 15, 2020 | Elementary: 5 days per week (9:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.) |
| Phase 2:Second Grade, Third Grade | November 2, 2020 | 5 days per week (9:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.) |
| Phase 3:All ARPS Students | November 30, 2020 | Grades 4-6: either 2 days per week or 5 days per week*(9:50 am – 3:10 pm) Grades 7-12: 1 day per week (expanded to two days in February) (9:00 am – 2:20 pm) |
*Depending on transportation and space; to be determined once binding family surveys are sent and results are analyzed (October)
As our community deals with the current uptick in Covid-19 cases, we will keep you informed of any impacts on the Amherst Regional Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Morris, Superintendent