December 10, 2020

Thank you for your continued support of Central Noble Schools. This year has been difficult for students, staff, parents, and families. Over the past several weeks, Central Noble has worked hard to provide quality instruction in a safe and caring learning environment. The staff and administrators continue to strive to provide in-person options for students. Throughout this time, we have been forced to utilize short-term closures in all or part of the buildings due to the inability to provide sufficient staffing.

Over the past several days, Central Noble has had several additional staff members and students quarantined due to contact tracing. The number of positive cases within the school building remains low. Please continue to practice good hygiene, social distance where possible, and wear a mask where not possible. Also, please continue to pre-screen your students before they arrive at school or participate in activities outside of the school. If you have questions about your child’s health, please contact the school nurse or your health care provider. Please be reminded that the school nurses are working hard to implement the contact tracing and quarantine protocols that are being handed down by the district administration, as well as, the county and state health department. This is a difficult job and I ask for your grace and support as they work through the process. This is not something that they want to do, but rather something they have been required to do. Please keep this in mind as we continue through the school year. They are working very hard to keep your child safe and the school buildings open.

Last week, the CDC and the ISDH provided quarantine options for staff and students to return to school after a shortened quarantine and/or a negative test. At this time, under the recommendation of Dr. Gaff, we have not implemented the new quarantine options. There are logistical stipulations tied to implementation that would add additional responsibilities to building staff, as well as mask and social distancing requirements for the person returning. We have hopes of implementing the new procedures as we return in January.

Unfortunately, the significant number of staff quarantines continues to make it difficult to provide quality instruction within a safe environment. At this time, I must announce that Central Noble Schools will move to distance learning for all students for the final week of the semester, Monday, December 14 through Friday, December 18. The intent is to return to in-person instruction on Monday, January 4. Tomorrow, the teaching staff will send home the necessary resources for students to complete the at-home instruction. Each building will communicate student expectations to families. It is critical that students complete assignments and assessments in a timely manner as we work to finalize grades for quarter 1.

Your involvement and support is appreciated. I know that extended leaves are a challenge for families. It is our intent to return to in-person instruction as soon as possible. Since the temporary closure is due to staffing concerns, extra-curricular competitions and practices will continue as scheduled. If you have questions about the closure, please contact the building or district administration.

Thank you for the continued support of Central Noble Community Schools.

Troy Gaff

Superintendent