2020-10-30 Athletics Outbreak at Summit High School (Un Brote de Atletismo en la Escuela Preparatoria)
Hello SSD Community Partners,
Following local public health guidance and reporting procedures, the purpose of this letter is to communicate that Summit School District has been notified that two scholars from the Boys’ Basketball offseason training program at Summit High School have confirmed COVID-19 cases. As these scholars were in close contact with each other and had positive test results within 14 days, this situation is referred to as an outbreak. According to public health, an outbreak is defined as, “two or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in a facility or (non-household) group with onset in a 14 day period.”
At this time, it is not suspected that this Athletics Outbreak is in relation to the social interactions and parties that caused the Summit County Social Outbreak among teens earlier this week.
The scholars have been advised by a medical professional to isolate as a result of a confirmed positive COVID-19 test results. Each case of COVID-19 is assessed by public health or a medical professional, and district decisions have been made in collaboration with our local public health team while following the CDPHE guidance (Spanish).
We are concerned about the individuals and families of these individuals who have tested positive, and we wish to offer them confidentiality and privacy during this time. We are also working closely with local public health to make sure we are being actionable in keeping other staff and scholars safe. We would like to take this opportunity to provide additional details and next steps the district will be taking.
As part of this process:
Summit High School will continue online learning with the intent to return to in-person classes on November 9, 2020.
In-person extracurricular activities and athletics have been suspended while SHS is learning online. SHS is using the online learning period, to re-assess protocols around current and future extracurricular programming.
Teaching and learning at all Summit schools will continue, and SSD remains committed to the health and safety of all scholars and staff.
Scholar(s)/staff member(s) with COVID-19 positive cases have been instructed by a medical professional to stay at home and isolate for a minimum of 10 days.
In collaboration with public health, contact tracing has been conducted, and any individuals who may have been in close contact will be notified by Summit County Public Health and instructed to stay at home and monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
District staff are continuing to work with public health to make decisions regarding the health and safety of all schools.
FREE Meals will continue for all scholars at SSD. Meals can be picked up according to the Grab-N-Go meal program schedule. Please do not come to pick up meals if you are sick.
SSD is following our usual high standards and strict protocols of frequent and thorough cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing in all learning environments.
As a reminder, staff and families should continue to be diligent in continuing to practice the six Commitments to Containment (1. wear a mask, 2. maintain 6 feet of distance, 3. wash your hands, 4. stay home if sick, 5. get tested at the first sign of symptoms, and 6. get a flu shot) as a safeguard for personal health and well-being.
If COVID-19 symptoms develop, please stay home. Those with symptoms should schedule a test immediately at a free community location by calling 970-668-5584. As we respect the privacy of our staff and scholars, the name of the individual or details regarding the incident will not be released.
Thank you for your continued support in these always changing times and for your support in keeping our scholars and staff safe.
Dr. Marion Smith, Jr. - Superintendent of Schools
Drew Adkins - Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Timothy Ridder - Summit High School Principal