Thankfully, BVPS is seeing a significant decline in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in our schools. In the last month, we have had only 10 new cases, which is significantly less than the peak of the Delta spread where we had 18 cases in one week. Last week, over half of our staff received the vaccine booster. During that same week, Bristol Tennessee City Schools lifted their mask mandate and experienced remarkable success.
Recently, the vaccine was authorized for children ages 5-11. On November 8 at 6:00 p.m. BVPS will host a virtual town hall meeting for parents of elementary children to allow the Mount Rogers Health District to provide information about the vaccine and to answer as many questions as possible. Details on how to access this virtual town hall will be coming shortly. On November 10, beginning at 3:00 p.m., BVPS elementary students will have an opportunity to receive the vaccine at Van Pelt Elementary School. We will release more information about these opportunities soon.
As a result of the downward trend in positive cases, the uptake of the booster by our staff, the success of BTCS, and the availability of the vaccine for almost every student in our division, we are ready to begin planning for our transition out of indoor masking requirements. For clarity, we are not ending an indoor mask mandate, we are beginning to plan to transition back to normal. The planning process will include conversations with our legal team, medical experts, the Mount Rogers Health District, and State Health Officials. Although specific details of the transition plan are currently being considered, I anticipate that a group of vaccinated staff members will begin this process and we will follow a phased approach to reducing masking requirements if the initial phase is successful. As we attempt to return to normal, our main priority is to continue providing in-person learning, so our plan will be developed with that goal in mind. Any one who chooses to wear a mask during or after the transition will continue to have our full support.
Identifying a timeline for beginning the transition will be an integral part of the planning process. Initially, consideration will be given to those who have received the vaccine. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to continue following mitigations at home, in school and in the community to ensure that we remain on our current trajectory. If you haven't taken the vaccine, please consider doing so if you are eligible. As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Thank you,
Keith Perrigan
Superintendent
Bristol Virginia Public Schools
280 Lee St.
Bristol, VA 24201
(276) 821-5600
@BristolSuper
