Hello Rangers!

And Happy Holidays!

Yes, I know, it sounds almost too happy to say that with such enthusiasm. However, this is my favorite season - from contemplating and sharing with others what we are thankful for, to giving gifts to family and friends, whether it be physical things, shared experiences, or just a good joke. 

There is a lot that has challenged us this year, and more challenges to come. However, we are learning and improving every day, and we are moving in the right direction. A couple of months ago the Department of Health published a recommendation for reopening schools safely. That guidance set the number of positive COVID cases as a marker for low risk (less than 25 cases per 100,000 residents in the county), moderate risk (between 25 and 75 cases per 100,000 residents), and high risk (greater than 75 cases per 100,000). From that point, we brought most of our students and staff to school safely. The surge in cases in late November is slowing; today we are under 100 cases per 100,000 in Jefferson County. 

Not only are our cases going down, but there has also been approval of one vaccine, and likely more approvals are on the way. Look at this page from our Department of Health. The first set of vaccines is in Jefferson County and frontline healthcare workers will be getting those vaccines starting this week. Vaccinations for school staff are coming soon - hopefully in January or February of 2021.

It is looking pretty good that we will be able to bring cohorts of students back to school in January. The reopening team, comprised of parents, students, teachers, staff, board members, and administrators will meet the first week of January to review the conditions at that time and set timelines and conditions for the return to in-person learning for our students. 

The next couple of weeks is a great time to take a break from school. Rest, recharge, spend time with folks in your household, meet with your larger network over your favorite communication platform (Facetime, Google Hangouts, etc.). Get out into the fantastic outdoor opportunities we are surrounded by. Enjoy the gifts around you, and know that we will be ready for engaging in the new year with you. 

Happy Holidays, and thank you for being a Ranger!

Frank Redmon