Palmyra Schools

Community Update for Friday, November 20th

Good morning,

Here is the latest weekly update for our district.

District Covid Update:

Although the number of positive COVID cases continues to climb across the state, the number of positive COVID cases in our school district continues to stay relatively low. This week, we did have two new positive staff cases and one new positive student case.
Although our total district number did rise a bit, we were able to manage these cases in a safe manner and continue school operations. We believe keeping these numbers low is due to the mitigation strategies we have in place and the collective efforts of our staff and students to follow our safety protocols. Despite unprecedented conditions, our staff and students continue to do their best every day. Thank you!

COVID Numbers as of 11.19.2020:

- 17 positive staff cases (8 HS/ 9 Elementary) since the beginning of school in August.
- 22 positive student cases (16 HS / 6 Elementary) since the beginning of school in August.
- Total positive COVID cases are now at 39. This is an increase from last week.
Otoe and Lancaster counties continue to be in a Red “risk dial” status.
- Here is a link to information for Lancaster County.
- Here is a link to information for the Southeast District Health Department.
Students or staff impacted by positive COVID cases will quarantine or self-monitor for symptoms in alignment with local health department and district protocols.

Directed Health Measure (DHM) Highlights:

The current DHM that went into effect at midnight on November 11th states that all indoor extracurricular activities are limited to 25% capacity.
Here is the link to the newest Directed Health Measure:
- http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/SEHD-DHM-November9.pdf
- Key points:
  - Fan attendance for all indoor youth extracurricular activities is limited to household members of participants only.
  - Household units must maintain six (6) feet of distance from any other household unit.
  - Household units may not exceed eight (8) individuals.

Masks:

Just a reminder: Our district requires masks for all school visits, events, and activities. Please remember that even if you are outside on school property, we would like you to wear your mask if you are around other people and aren’t able to safely social distance. This includes dropping off and picking up students.
Now more than ever it is important that we all continue to wear masks in a proper manner and avoid the 3 C’s. Listed below (and attached to this message) are a few graphics that may help as reminders:

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a reminder that school is still in session next week on Monday (11/23) and Tuesday (11/24).
As Thanksgiving break approaches, please take time to safely enjoy time with family and friends!
Although there has been a myriad of challenges so far this year, I am very thankful for our students, our staff, and our community. The way that everyone has stepped up to these challenges has been admirable. Keep it up!

Activities Update:

Congratulations to all of our students and coaches involved in the “One Act” play production this past week. Everyone involved in the production did a fantastic job, and we ended up taking third place. Great job Panthers!!
Just a reminder that all extracurricular youth activities in Lancaster County have been postponed until Monday, December 7th.
Thank you again for your flexibility in limiting the spread of the virus as we continue to adjust to the local health department and NSAA activity guidelines.

Have a great rest of your day and a safe weekend,

Go Panthers!

Mike