District News
School Status UpdateThe Pittsfield School Board has extended the school district’s red status through Friday, February 5. The red status means that students and staff will be fully remote during this time period. The decision to extend the remote period was primarily based on three reasons. First, the positivity rate of new COVID-19 cases is now higher than 10%, and the total number of cases in Pittsfield has nearly tripled in the past six weeks. If we moved back into orange or yellow status (hybrid), it is likely we would go back and forth between being open and closed. Finally, we believe this offers stability, consistency, and safety for students and staff during an unpredictable time. The School Board will reassess the school status at its meeting on February 4.
Feature
Internet Assistance Program
The Internet Assistance Program application is now available (see application below). The Pittsfield School District is now allocating funds to support those with new internet installations at their home for remote learning. Using federal relief funds by way of the ESSER grant (better known as the CARES Act), the school district is able to provide reimbursement for monthly internet costs. To apply for reimbursement, you must be a new subscriber between March 2020 and present day. The school district will provide reimbursement of monthly costs for Atlantic Broadband’s internet assistance package for families with one school-age child or for the high speed internet package for families with two or more school-age children. Please send completed applications to Sally Blanchette at sblanchette@pittsfieldnhschools.org.
Administration
Health Services Updates
The Health Services office would like to share the following resources with families:
- COVID-19 Priority Testing Locations – the sites listed at this link prioritize appointments within 24 hours for students and school employees with symptoms.
- COVID-19, Cold, or Flu – the chart linked here by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital provides an overview of common symptoms.
If your child is experiencing any symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19, please contact Cindy Caravella at ccaravella@pittsfieldnhschools.org.
