8.25.2020
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff,
You may have been hearing and seeing reports, social media posts and rumors regarding our student athletes testing positive for COVID.
This morning I received confirmation that two volleyball players have tested positive on a nasal diagnostic test adding validity to the rapid tests results. Six others have tested positive on a rapid test. As you know, rapid tests can provide false results.
Last weekend, I immediately suspended volleyball practices and competitions until further notice when I learned of the positive rapid tests of volleyball players. The athletic director sent a communication to the volleyball families. On Monday morning we contacted the Cuyahoga County Board of Health when their office opened.
I have also quarantined a teacher/coach for 14 days who is not showing symptoms. This teacher is working from home.
As of yesterday, a second teacher has been quarantined by Cuyahoga County Board of Health. This teacher has no symptoms and is working from home. This teacher has no connection to athletics.
Per the recommendation of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health the volleyball season has been suspended for at least ten days. The athletic director will communicate with schools on the schedule.
We are working with the CCBH with regards to their contact tracing requirements.
Like you, I am hearing about possible COVID cases involving student athletes from at least two other sports. At the time of this communication, I have nothing confirming that athletes from other sports have tested positive. If and when I do, you will know.
Finally, I want to address the vitriol on social media toward students and their families. This morning a student contacted us out of concern for their friend. What was shown was disheartening and beyond concerning to me. I live in this community and have watched all kinds of actions and have heard the range of opinions from hoax to fear since March. I expect those emotions and the criticisms that come with it. What bothers me to my core is the attacks on students who have made the same mistakes that many of us may have made while moving about the community. I am not excusing the bad decisions and I appreciate the many who have done the right things to try and avoid what is happening with volleyball and possibly other sports. But, I cannot accept the trashing of kids. I get that the poor decisions of others have impacted those who have respected the safety and health protocols we have put into place and the encouragement from coaches to avoid risking infection.
It is incredibly frustrating for many of us who want our students to have some sense of normalcy. What is most important is the physical, emotional and social health of our students and their families.
In another community near us, I know of families that have suffered such extreme criticism their kids are at risk. Is that what we want? I ask that those of you who have the urge out of frustration to refrain from the vitriol toward students and their families. What is most important is the physical, emotional and social health of our students and families.
You can anticipate that I will shut down any other sport/activity when positive tests for COVID are confirmed.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly