Alison Villanueva, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Friday, July 23, 2021
Dear Watertown Faculty, Families, and Students,
This past week, all CT school districts were once again reminded that Covid-19 vaccines are the number one mitigating strategy to prevent Covid-19 so that our schools and community may safely remain open fully in person this coming Fall. At this time, anyone 12 years of age or older is eligible for the vaccine. Fully vaccinated students and staff do not need to quarantine (unless exhibiting symptoms) if they are in contact with someone who is Covid positive. This means, fully vaccinated individuals can remain in school, athletics, and any other extracurricular activities. In addition, students who get their first dose of vaccinations in the next two weeks will be considered fully vaccinated with two doses by the start of the 2021-2022 academic school year.
To find a COVID-19 vaccination outlet near you, please visit CT.GOV for a full listing of vaccine providers.
The Watertown Public Schools will be working with CT DPH and our local health care provider to begin offering vaccination clinics again for the 2021-2022 academic year and more information to come.
As all districts receive additional guidance from the State about specific prevention strategies for the start of the school year, information will be communicated to all Watertown families. We anticipate new guidance from the Governor’s office in the coming weeks. We are looking forward to a strong start to the 2021-2022 school year!
Although the CT DPH and CSDE have not updated mask wearing recommendations/guidance for school yet, if you would like to contact someone directly or are just looking for more information about State mask requirements as they adjust this summer, please contact:
Ann Marie Hitchery, Chief of Staff (CSDE): am.hitchery@ct.gov
Governor Lamont: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/Contact/Email-Governor-Lamont
CT Department of Public Health: ask.dph@ct.gov
Sincerely,
Dr. V
Happenings and Useful Information
Health and Safety
Our local Torrington Area Health Department has started to provide weekly reports on: covid-19 positivity and vaccination rates within the torrington area health district (TAHD) jurisdiction
Vaccinations
DPH Released the two attached flyers as outreach materials to help encourage athlete’s to get vaccinated. English Flyer - Spanish Flyer
FREE PD FOR CT EDUCATORS Aug 2-13: Connecticut Partners with ISTE to Bring High-Quality Professional Learning Opportunities at No-Cost to Connecticut Educators
Educators interested in taking part of a free online PD for ISTE, click for flyer! To register, CT educators can simply fill out the form at iste.org/CTSLA. This will process the registration for free.
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is collaborating with the Commission for Educational Technology to contract with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to bring high-quality professional learning opportunities at no-cost to Connecticut educators. ISTE U’s Summer Learning Academy (SLA) 2021 provides 15 hours of PD on the topics you and your students need right now as you prepare to return to in-person learning environments in a pandemic-transformed world. The SLA features microcourses and webinars on timely topics like designing for inclusion, supporting student well-being, and accelerating student-driven learning. The Summer Learning Academy’s flexible format allows you to attend live or watch later, plus you can access course materials and recordings through end of October 2021. Register ASAP as space is limited!
This is obviously completely optional as it is the summer...but in case you are interested the link is above!
Quote of the Week
“Be real. Be Yourself. Be unique. Be true. Be honest. Be humble. Be happy”. ~anonymous