July 27, 2021

Parents;

     As we approach the start of school for the 2021-2022 school year at Fleming, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has release new guidance for COVID-19 prevention in schools. This guidance emphasizes using multiple prevention strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain safe operations of schools.  This CDC guidance is simply guidance and not requirements at this point. The guidance does give more local control than we experienced last year.  One exception to the guidance is that we are required to wear mask while on the school bus.  In accordance with state and federal requirements, masks are required to be worn at all times for our school bus drivers and for all people who ride the school bus.  

     The Fleming School values having students in our school building and we also believe that students benefit from in-person learning.  Our top priority for the coming school year is to safely instruct our students in the school building.

The following are key takeaways from the CDC guidance:

• Masks should be worn indoors by all individuals who are not vaccinated.
• Screening and testing for COVID-19 is suggested for unvaccinated people. The Fleming School is not mandating testing.
• Schools should maintain at least 3 feet of physical distancing.
• Increased ventilation, cleaning and disinfection of the school.
• Handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
• Students, teachers, and staff should stay home when they have signs of any infectious illness.

     The Fleming School is committed to creating the safest environment possible for our students through using proven disease prevention measures.

     Masking is a critical strategy when a community is at higher risk of transmission. The school will create an accepting environment for parents and students who choose to use masks, however, wearing a mask is not required in our school building. 

     We are looking forward to another outstanding school year at Fleming; however, we must remain vigilant and take important mitigation steps to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.  Please call the school with questions.

The Fleming School