An Update on Testing from Head of School Lise Charlier

CSW is committed to the health and safety of its staff and students, and to public health initiatives in the state of Massachusetts. CSW has been and continues to be transparent around all its decisions and protocols regarding COVID-19, especially regarding prevention.  CSW has not taken a position against testing and we continue to actively look into this option as an additional measure in support of student health and safety.  As stated a few times in writing and in Q&As earlier this summer,  we are not currently offering testing on campus nor as a preliminary requirement to be on campus. We are requiring daily check-in screening and asking anyone exhibiting or experiencing any symptoms to stay at home. In addition, we are asking everyone to comply with MA guidelines around mask-wearing, gatherings, etc.
 
Here are some answers to your questions:
  1. DESE has not recommended or required testing as of this date
  2. A number of peer schools have decided to test while a number of others have not
  3. Our three pillars of investment and attention/ focus are masking, hand washing, and distancing – including physical space on campus and managing air quality.
  4. Testing has been evaluated: cost/resource requirements balanced against our other priorities is not possible at this moment- I have already reviewed testing options and will continue to do so.  In addition I worked this summer, and continue to consult with, Dr. Adrianna Bravo, Aux, the Stone House Group, and our liason from the COVID-19 Response Team, Public Health Nurse from the Town of Weston, Public Health Department. We are in the process of putting together a committee to specifically look into testing and help the school monitor the fast changing (and hopeful) advancements in testing accuracy, reliability, cost and overall usefulness to our community. 
  5. DESE has guidelines around sharing information about a member of the community who tests positive.  Privacy needs to be respected and families will be informed in an appropriate way but we will not disclose any names.  CSW and contact tracers from the department of public health will be in touch with those who need to be reached directly to quarantine and will utilize accepted guidelines to contact, monitor, and support anyone in quarantine or isolation.
Finally, I want to thank those who have sent me constructive and helpful information.  We are ready to open the school to in person learning on Tuesday but I must share that many faculty and staff are themselves juggling their own children's hybrid (or fully online) schedules and they have made herculean efforts to be present for our students.  I ask that you respect these efforts by being partners as we move forward.  The opposite detracts from our joint goal of keeping school open for in person learning in a physically and emotionally safe environment.  

The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.