eagleweb

We have received questions and feedback regarding our policy of requiring a move to four weeks of distance learning for families who opt to travel and need to quarantine upon return. We brought these concerns to the attention of our Re-Entry Committee on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. 

Our decisions are based on the safety and well-being of our entire community during this pandemic. We understand that families are under tremendous stress; however, we also recognize that the decisions that each person makes impact all in a learning community. 

The committee has made the following adjustment to the travel restrictions:

  1. Families who travel to states with Rhode Island travel restrictions during February or April vacation will not need to select the four-week distance learning option, as long as they are returning to the state by Sunday, February 21 or Sunday, April, 25, and are prepared to return to in-person learning at the end of the quarantine period with a negative BiNax or PCR test result. (Note PCR is required for close contacts to positive cases). 
  2. Families who opt to travel for vacation purposes to states with Rhode Island travel restrictions during scheduled **school weeks will continue to need to request four calendar weeks of distance learning. Any days that a student does not attend distance learning will count as an unexcused absence. For families who departed for February vacation early, and were not aware of these guidelines, you will be able to return after quarantine as outlined above in the travel during February vacation section. **The week leading into February vacation is the only exception we will make to travel during a school week due to the date of this communication. 

Return Date to RI

Day 8 (Test Date)

Return Day with Negative Test

Return Date without Test (all dates same because of weekend)

Friday, February 19, 2021

February 27, 2021

March 2, 2021

March 8, 2021

Saturday, February 20, 2021

February 28, 2021

March 3, 2021

March 8, 2021

Sunday, February 21, 2021

March 1, 2021

March 4, 2021

March 8, 2021

Friday, April 23, 2021

May 1, 2021

May 4, 2021

May 10, 2021

Saturday, April 24, 2021

May 2, 2021

May 5, 2021

May 10, 2021

Sunday, April 25, 2021

May 3, 2021

May 6, 2021

May 10, 2021

Frequently asked questions

  1. Which states require travel quarantine upon return? 

The list changes each week, typically on a Monday, based on that state’s positive percentages. Quarantine is required if you travel to another country or are in the state during the week that it is on the list. The current list can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y2bZYshiLAhXgYsz5zGutBWPgtACR4VuD7IvWqyJFdo/edit#gid=0

2.                   Why does Barrington require a 10-day quarantine with testing? 

In requiring the quarantine with testing, we have decreased our 14-day requirement, allowing students and teachers back in schools sooner. Our requirements are allowing us to maintain low numbers of positive cases in our schools. In addition, we have seen significant spikes in cases immediately following Thanksgiving and December vacations. Rather than closing our schools after February and April vacations to all learners, requiring a quarantine with testing will hopefully support us in remaining in-person.

 3.                   Why do we have to take a 4-week distance learning option if we travel during scheduled school days?

It is very challenging for teachers to track and prepare for learners who change their learning model. Selecting this option respectfully supports teachers and principals for planning which students are in their building and presents them with fewer changes in their student in-person and at-home learners. 

4.                   Will there be any opportunities for travel procedures to be changed moving forward?

We will continue to monitor and track our data and make adjustments accordingly. If we find that more restrictions or fewer restrictions are appropriate, the re-entry committee will reconvene and make adjustments at any time for the safety and well-being of our community. With new COVID strains, vaccinations, and updated information from the CDC and RIDOH shared regularly, our travel restriction procedures must remain fluid. 

 We understand that as we approach the February vacation week, we are all in need of a break and a much-needed chance to relax. Still, we must continue to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols and guidance from the CDC and RIDOH to return to our school buildings following the break safely.  The District will continue to monitor the ongoing safety protocols and restrictions regarding COVID-19 and update you if any changes occur in our District protocols.  Our students, staff, and families' health and safety remain our top priority in all decisions we make.

We thank you all for your continued cooperation, patience, and understanding.