Dear Salida Community,

Last year we successfully stayed in person by pursuing a flexible response to COVID. As conditions changed, we added and subtracted layers of protection. This year, we are going to use the same flexible approach. Expect change. The best layer of protection is a vaccine.

Students age 12 and up should get vaccinated. We will also continue with mask wearing, distancing, ventilation, air filtration, disinfecting, and frequent testing. The more individuals take responsibility for their world, and the more local data we have, the more we can use a targeted approach in our responses. The less individuals take responsibility for their world, and less local data we have, the more we will use generalized responses. We want to avoid quarantines, which can be done by getting vaccinated or wearing a mask.

What you need to know:

1. Get vaccinated if eligible and able.
2. If you are sick, stay home.
3. Masks are expected in school. If a child does not wear a mask your family risks quarantines.
   Masks are required for adult guests to our buildings, and on all of our busses for students and
   staff.
4. Staff will be challenging all students to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status in order
   to protect our community, keep our kids in school and businesses open.
5. Students will be tested, unless you let us know differently.
6. Participation in activities will require testing.

Lastly, I want to say thank you to our School Board. Tuesday night they discussed our layers of protection late into the night. Every variety of perspective in our community was represented and discussed. They disagreed with one another and listened to one another. In the end, they found consensus without anger or blame. Civil discourse is possible. This is how we did it last year–together. This is how we will keep in-person instruction a reality this year–together.

Thank you for your support, even when your perspective is not dominant. Ease your anxieties by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask.

Respectfully,

David Blackburn
Superintendent
719.530.5203
salidaschools.com

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Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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