BOXFORD – Superintendent Michael Harvey and the Masconomet Regional School District wish to share an update on COVID-19 mitigation measures and protocols ahead of the start of the school year.
“We are committed to conducting this school year in a way that’s mindful of the dangers of COVID-19, while ensuring an engaging in-person learning experience for all of our students,” Superintendent Harvey said. “I urge all in our school community to familiarize themselves with virus protocols, continue making decisions with safety in mind, and get vaccinated or boosted.”
Vaccine Clinics
Masconomet will be hosting multiple vaccine clinics through the fall that are open to the public. The clinics will be held on the following Fridays from 3-6 p.m. at the Masconomet Regional High School cafeteria:
Sept. 16 and 23, Oct. 14 and 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.
Those receiving a booster dose are asked to bring their vaccine card. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The following vaccines are available at each clinic:
Pfizer, including primary doses for those 6 months old and above, and boosters as authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Moderna, including primary doses for those 6 months old and above and boosters for those over the age of 18. Moderna boosters are not authorized for anyone under the age of 18. To learn more and register, visit CapeAnnClinic.com.
Additionally, there are several family-friendly vaccine clinics available to coincide with the beginning of the school year. Information about these and other clinics is available via the state’s VaxFinder tool: Vaxfinder.mass.gov.
All individuals over the age of six months are eligible to be vaccinated with a primary series vaccine. Everyone over the age of five is eligible for a booster as well.
Isolation and Exposure Precautions
The district is following state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Department of Public Health guidance around COVID-19 exposure and isolation protocols. https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop.html
In alignment with those guidelines, students and faculty who have a known exposure to the virus but are asymptomatic may attend school, though a self-administered rapid test is recommended after confirmation of exposure.
Masks
There is no statewide mask mandate at this time. Masconomet will open the year with a mask-friendly approach, which empowers faculty, staff, and students’ families to make their own choices regarding masking. All members of the Masconomet community will be supported and respected, regardless of their choice.
Testing
While Masconomet will not be conducting testing this year, members of the community are encouraged to take advantage of fully reimbursable home tests, which they can obtain through their local pharmacy.
Everyone is eligible to be reimbursed for up to eight tests per month through their health insurance. For answers to frequently asked questions about this program, visit the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services website here.
To learn more about the process for reimbursement through a specific health insurer, visit that insurer’s website. Families and staff are encouraged to utilize home tests regularly, especially when symptoms of a possible COVID-19 infection are present.
###
A message from the Masconomet Regional School District
News from the Masconomet Superintendent 