Last fall, there was a science-based rationale for screening to increase school safety within the chaos of a global pandemic, devoid of federal, state, or local solutions.
The community delivered a solution in 2021, and we’ve done four weeks of COVID-19 screening at Bromfield and Hildreth, with impressive results: approximately 2,800 samples, with eight positives. Anyone infected remained home and tested within their “bubble,” keeping our schools safer. By testing 750 people per week, our participants act as sentinels for their parents, partners, siblings, and close contacts.
Many thanks are in order.
Thanks to the participants—at approximately 80% participation, we’re touching the families of about 430 students and 130 staff. Thanks to approximately 120 donors, and a couple of grants, offsetting the $250 per person per year cost.
Thanks to the staff and teachers whose safety is paramount. Thanks to the Harvard Teachers Association and to the PTO for their grants and encouragement. Thanks to the sample couriers and the EMTs who do sample collection.
Thanks to Liz Ruark for her scientific rigor and clear communications—she and CovidSafeSchools.org are now a model for other school districts. Also thanks to Shannon Molloy for her key role and involvement of the School Committee. Thank you to Jen Manell for the delivery of masterful materials and to the Harvard Press for its relevant reporting—the light you shine on these topics reminds us to act with compassion, urgently.
Thanks to the Harvard Schools Trust, which has collected nearly $50,000 so far for the program! Thanks especially to Sue Robbins, who’s been vital.
This project relied on Linda Dwight from Day 1. The skill, patience, and strategic application of resources from Dr. Dwight, and her leadership team, have been exemplary.
School nurse Colleen Nigzus has extended herself to manage the sample collection and contact tracing, without added compensation. Similarly, Chris Boyle has managed the IT resources, also without added compensation. Thanks to you both.
I’m inspired by the people who have unified and acted with urgent compassion; it’s what we need in dark times, and it’s simply love. Until there’s a local award for “Global Pandemic Response,” please understand that our program is helping thousands of people every week.
Thanks to all for your daily actions, and know that we love you for this.
Toby Bazarnick, co-founder COVID-Safe Schools
CovidSafeSchools.org
