Salida School District Superintendent David Blackburn sent an open letter to students and family members addressing the plan for the 2021 – 2022 school year.

The Salida community pulled together during the COVID-19 pandemic last year to make in-person learning a reality for our students — one of the most challenging years in our history.

Following the dedicated success of last year, Salida Schools will be in-person again for the ‘21-’22 school year.

COVID-19 continues to be a reality for our community, yet we go into the new school year knowing far more than we did 12 months ago, and the availability of a vaccine has drastically changed the battle against the disease. Salida Schools strongly recommends a vaccine for all of those ages 12 and over. The vaccine has proven to be safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death.

Vaccines are available locally at a number of convenient locations at no cost. Please reach out if you would like help finding a vaccine clinic or distribution center.

This year, Salida Schools continues to cooperate with our public health officials to keep our kids safely in school. We will continue to adjust our procedures as we monitor the impacts of COVID-19 within our community, and we are committed to reducing invasive practices.

Expect guidance and responses to change as needs arise. Starting this year, we have the following student expectations:

  • All students are strongly encouraged to wear a mask as per guidance.
  • In collaboration with public health students can opt into a free, regular testing program to increase protections.
  • Everyone riding a bus to school will be required to wear a mask while on the bus as currently required by the DOT.
    All adult visitors to the school must wear a mask.

And most importantly:

  • If your child is sick, please keep them home! This goes beyond COVID-19. If someone has a fever or other symptoms of being sick, please help protect others by staying home. Your student will be sent home if they are symptomatic or have a fever.
  • Students need to be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school.

Last year was a learning experience for all of us. Again this year, when we learn more about managing the risk of COVID-19, then we will adjust our procedures, working towards greater normalcy for our students and community.

Additional resources can be found on our website at salidaschools.com.