The Story
Omicron has officially infiltrated the district. And it’s not messing around.
What’s the big deal?
Well, to put it simply: across the district, positive COVID cases have been skyrocketing across the district for both students and staff. There are currently 178 positive students in the district. That’s almost 5 times as many as the week before break.
Why the uptick?
The Omicron variant is known to be much more contagious than previous strands of COVID, however, it’s also usually less severe. A number of factors are likely contributing to the surge we’re seeing right now, including holiday travel, cold weather, and the lack of a mask mandate.
What if a student tests positive?
Students who test positive have to stay home for an isolation period that’s a little murky right now. DHHS says that they’re adopting the new CDC guidelines of a shorter quarantine, but the state of NH hasn’t yet released their plan. So we’re not entirely sure what the district is doing.
How do students keep up in quarantine?
The BSD is apparently looking to hire someone for an Academic Assignment Support staff, with one person to support students in quarantine at each school in the district. This would definitely be better than the nonexistent support that’s in place right now.
What else is the district doing?
BHS has a 14-day mask mandate in place through January 20th because of their seven classroom clusters (yikes). Mr. Fournier also says that he is planning on asking for the school board’s approval to enact a district-wide mask mandate at tonight’s meeting. Sidenote: Mr. Fournier “will not be responding to emails regarding face coverings”. So for all the Karens out there considering berating him over email, know that he won’t give you the satisfaction of a response.
Anything else?
The district is still offering testing clinics at the SAU building on Monday and Thursday evening for symptomatic students with a school nurse’s referral. The Bedford Fire Department is also offering a series of vaccination clinics for anyone aged 5+ on Wednesday January 12th, 19th, and 26th from 3-6pm. They will have the Pfizer vaccine of initial and second doses as well as booster shots. Appointments can be made by email.
The Runaway
The Omicron variant is expected to peak quickly, but until then, buckle down and wear your mask.
What to Say…
When we’ve been slacking on giving sports updates…
The girls basketball team is slam dunking into the season with 7 wins and 1 loss – an almost perfect record. The boys are tagging a little behind but still have a decently good record with 6 wins and 4 losses. The boys hockey team have perfected their slap shot and their record (3-0), and the girls team have the same amount of victories but unfortunately 2 more losses. Alpine ski had their first race last Thursday, and both boys and girls won. On a grim note, the wrestling team has been outmatched for their 2 meets and has no wins under their belt. We wonder if there’s any overlap with the boys soccer team and the wrestling team…? On the bright side, January is jam-packed with viewing opportunities for all the BHS fans out there with nothing better to do.
When you better brush up on your 5th Amendment rights…
Recently Robert Fojo, a well-known Bedford attorney, has been facing some legal and public backlash. Oh so exciting, lawyer drama. Fojo has been suing school districts across three states in protest of COVID safety rules and regulations, and has attained quite a reputation for jacking up legal bills for public schools. However, he recently had his license revoked, when the Attorney Discipline Office (basically the Lawyer-Police) submitted a petition to suspend Fojo’s license, alleging that he mishandled client funds of up to $100,000. Not exactly a simple little “I’ll pay you back later” situation. The ADO also claims that he wasn’t truthful during the investigation of his actions. Fojo has confessed to the mismanagement of funds, but claims it was due to superficial reasons mostly out of his control. Fojo is currently awaiting a hearing to appeal to have his license returned, so he can go back to practicing law, but it’s not looking likely that he’ll win. Karma.
Things to Know
Mentally prepare yourself…
Today during R2, BHS students and staff will be having a class discussion about the Run-Hide-Fight strategy.
If you’re in need of cultural enrichment hours…
The BHS Band is performing in their winter concert on Thursday at 6:30pm in the high school theater.
Woooooah wooooah we’re halfway there!
Semester 1 ends on Thursday.