North Putnam implements COVID guidelines; all district schools closed through Sept. 7

Monday, August 30, 2021

ROACHDALE — Due to concerns with the school corporation’s COVID positivity rates, masking and closure guidelines have been put in place at North Putnam Schools.

In the latest development since the guidelines were adopted, all schools in the district will be closed through Tuesday, Sept. 7 because of the rate of positive cases and quarantining.

With dissenting votes from Amber Greene and Mark Hoke and an abstention from Board President Travis Lambermont, the North Putnam School Board approved these new guidelines during a special meeting Thursday.

In the same motion, the board also approved for a dashboard to be posted on North Putnam’s website with the positivity percentage for each school in the district. Superintendent Nicole Allee said this would then be updated every Wednesday.

North Putnam is the second county school corporation to implement masks after Greencastle Schools started requiring them beginning Aug. 16.

The positivity rate corporation-wide, as well as those in the individual school buildings, will determine closures and the masking requirement going forward. With her recommendations to the board to implement the guidelines, Allee provided that they were aimed at mitigating the spread.

Masking will be required when the corporation-wide positivity rate is above one percent, with it becoming optional if it falls below this. As it stands at two percent, the requirement which was implemented on Friday will be in place for a minimum of two weeks.

All students and staff will be required to wear masks inside school buildings except for eating and drinking and during strenuous activity. Masking is already required on school buses per a federal mandate.

Meanwhile, school buildings will be closed for five days if their positivity rate is at three percent or more. A school would also be closed if the quarantine rate is at 20 percent or more. Allee added that other factors including cafeteria staff, teacher or bus driver shortages would be taken into account.

Extracurricular activities scheduled for affected buildings would also be canceled or suspended for the closure period. There is also an expectation that students in those buildings would not attend extracurriculars at others.

As to outside organizations utilizing facilities at North Putnam, Allee said at the meeting las that the school corporation would not control their own guidelines given that there is not a county-wide mandate.

With Corporation Treasurer Tanya Pearson absent, Corporation Attorney Darren Chadd and Administrative Assistant April Lambermont joined Allee and the board for the meeting.

Allee stated in a video message Thursday afternoon that the positivity rates for the prior week were as follows: Bainbridge Elementary School at 3.5 percent; North Putnam Middle School at three percent; North Putnam High School at 0.5 percent; and Roachdale Elementary School at less than 0.5 percent.

For the corporation-wide masking requirement, the one-percent threshold would be exceeded if there are 14 positive cases.

With the understanding that these numbers will be fluid, the three-percent threshold at individual schools means the following:

• North Putnam High School (444 students enrolled): 14 positive cases

• North Putnam Middle School (336): 11 positive cases

• Roachdale Elementary School (213): seven positive cases

• Bainbridge Elementary School (376): 12 positive cases

“We apologize for the inconvenience, but we are trying to keep as many students in school — in person — as possible, and make decisions based upon only the buildings that are impacted,” Allee said in the message.

Due to their positivity rates, Bainbridge Elementary School and North Putnam Middle School were closed and due to return on Sept. 7. This is accounting for the three-day Labor Day holiday.

It was announced Monday afternoon that North Putnam High School and Roachdale Elementary School would also be closed until Sept. 7.

Allee told the Banner Graphic that the high school was at a 21-percent quarantine rate. Though its quarantine rate stands at 14 percent, it was decided to move Roachdale Elementary School to virtual learning given its smaller number of students.

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  • If the board president can't make a decision and vote, then maybe he shouldn't be on the board.

    -- Posted by Falcon9 on Thu, Aug 26, 2021, at 11:02 PM
  • There is so much information showing that mask mandates do not work. Positivity rate is just as high, if not higher, in places that have mask mandates vs those that do not. It's a "feel good" measure. It's also a way for those with no power to impose their "POWER" over the people.

    -- Posted by Jaxks on Thu, Aug 26, 2021, at 11:09 PM
  • Masks do work. All studies show that. Stop making things up to push your false narrative.

    -- Posted by BJCP96 on Thu, Aug 26, 2021, at 11:11 PM
  • “There is so much information showing that mask mandates do not work”

    I would like to see the sources where you are getting this information. Care to share?

    -- Posted by Koios on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 6:08 AM
  • Maybe more accurate language would help in this conversation. Masks work sounds much different than masks help, which is more accurate.

    Masks don’t prevent. They may help minimize. Masks don’t stop but they may hep minimize. Kind of like the language around vaccines. People act like they are immune after being vaccinated. They aren’t. Much better protected would be more accurate language.

    Before some go off deep end, I didn’t condemn either practice. I am vaccinated and wear mask where appropriate to do so. I also no very cautious people with same status who have gotten very sick

    My point is language being used is not accurate. I will preface with I could be wrong but I think honest communication would help some who are concerned.

    -- Posted by beg on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 6:45 AM
  • -- Posted by direstraits on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 9:47 AM
  • BJCP96: Have you not saw all the videos from doctors, BEFORE the DEMOCRAT RUN Youtube, removed them because they didn't fit the narrative? Mask may help, but not enough to mandate they be worn. It's all a "Feel Good" measure. CDC, Pelosi (China walk), and many other democrats have said the same. But now they are in power, they have changed their tune. Get informed.

    -- Posted by Jaxks on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 9:59 AM
  • The CDC’s, U.K.’s, and WHO’s earlier guidance was much more consistent with the best medical research on masks’ effectiveness in preventing the spread of viruses. That research suggests that Americans’ many months of mask-wearing has likely provided little to no health benefit and might even have been counterproductive in preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

    -- Posted by Jaxks on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 10:01 AM
  • @beg I agree completely. Neither “side” is communicating clearly and honestly. This is to be expected from the conspiracy wingnuts, but we have to hold our government and media to a higher standard, and they aren’t meeting or even approaching that standard.

    The link above me is a prime example. Viral loads taken completely out of context to prove vaccines are harmful, which isn’t remotely true.

    Fauci said on TV yet again “if we can just get some people vaccinated and mask up, we’ll be ok in a few weeks”, like he expects people to believe him *this time* as opposed to all the other times he has told the same lie.

    Sorting through all the misleading stuff to find an actual truth to protect yourself and your family shouldn’t be this difficult. Our government and media should bring us truthful information to help us make informed decisions, and if they refuse to do that, we should replace them with someone who will.

    -- Posted by techphcy on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 10:04 AM
  • Thank you, Dr. Allee for asking the NP school board to re-instate the requirement of mask-wearing in the NP schools. And THANK YOU board members Joanie Knapp, Rachel Mandeville, Eric Oliver and Ron Spencer for voting to affirm Dr Allee’s recommendation.

    While neither vaccinations or the wearing of masks are PERFECT solutions to preventing the transmission of COVID-19, both practices are effective in reducing the transmission rates of the virus. Since none of the elementary school-age students are eligible to receive the vaccinations, wearing facial coverings to reduce aerosol transmissions, washing hands, and social distancing are the best means to keep young students healthy and in school. If the student population can be kept healthy, then schools can continue to operate in-person and parents can avoid missing work due to filling the role of parent-teacher at home.

    As to sources of SCIENTIFIC information to validate the effectiveness of masks-wearing, all one needs do is search “scholar.google.com.” You can access scientifically researched topics through Google Scholar. There are MANY studies which have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of using various facial coverings to reduce or prevent the aerosol transmission of pathogens.

    -- Posted by LJScott on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 10:06 AM
  • Where does it say the vaccine is harmful? No where in the article does it say that. It says that the masks are potentially counterproductive. Stop changing the words to fit your narrative.

    I am NOT a Anti-masker, or a Anti-Vaccine. I am PRO CHOICE. If we have the right to tell people that they have to wear a mask, for a "feel good" measure, or they have to get a Vaccine to save lives, then there are plenty of other issues we can use to start telling people they have to do to save lives.

    -- Posted by Jaxks on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 10:11 AM
  • Jaxks - If getting informed means buying into all the wack-a-doodle stuff you just posted above, I'll stay uninformed, thanks.

    -- Posted by BJCP96 on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 10:19 AM
  • 2 schools in the county are masked and 2 are not. Be interesting to see the differences. My prediciton is you will not be able to tell any difference in infection rate etc.

    -- Posted by taylortwp on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 12:22 PM
  • *

    The tin foil epidemiology team of "did my own research" experts is out in force, it seems.

    Expertise is dead, indeed.

    -- Posted by Bunny1E on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 1:10 PM
  • @Jaxks you are taking my comment and applying it to something else. You’re making a mistake in reading comprehension. Read what I wrote which is clear and unambiguous. Then follow the bouncing ball to your error.

    -- Posted by techphcy on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 1:43 PM
  • 3.5% positive 96.5% negative. lets go virtual, insert eye roll. Sorry 96.5%

    -- Posted by jmack46120 on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 3:24 PM
  • Tin foil LLS is creating chaos. I agree with you Bunny

    -- Posted by beg on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 6:20 PM
  • Talking about tinfoil! RSOTS was able to find a three-layer tinfoil hat that will apparently protect a person's cranium from any and all outside pressures: conspiratorial, radiological, governmental, or even diabolical.

    This intrigued me, so I investigated a little further and discovered that for the well-dressed denier there are even plans available, online, for tinfoil masks! I wasted no time. I got mine! Now, I'm fully protected!

    -- Posted by Prince of Stardust Hills on Fri, Aug 27, 2021, at 9:21 PM
  • *

    Dang it POSH you find all the good stuff. Time to get on my dial up AOL and see if wish.com has any left.

    -- Posted by RSOTS on Sat, Aug 28, 2021, at 12:19 AM
  • *

    The article linked above is not conspiracy. To dismiss it as such without reading it only makes you look small-minded for being afraid to read differing opinions.

    That being said, that website IS associated with Robert Kennedy Jr. He is a well-known anti-vax advocate. And not just the 'rona. (Anyone remember reading his magazine, GEORGE?)

    SO if you actually read the article you will see that they are referencing a scientific paper on a study done.

    BUT they (the author) are making assumptions in their own conclusions (likelihood varying) to make their point. (notice the words POTENTIALLY, MAY, ALMOST CERTAINLY)

    SO if you REALLY want to do you own research (regardless of some people's disregard for self discovery), I would suggest actually reading the study that is referenced. Or at the very least read the article with an open, and critical, mind.

    AND then make up your own mind as to the conclusions of the study and the value of that information in your life.

    AND no, this study has absolutely nothing to do with masks at all... it is a push to do away with [not]vaccine mandates in hospital settings, especially for healthcare workers.

    As for the mask hoopla...

    Masks do something. Their effectiveness is a matter of debate. But baseline+1 is still better than baseline. Make your own decisions.

    And yeah, you can find studies on both sides of the argument. And you can find anecdotal evidence on both sides. Try looking at both objectively and making an informed decision for what is best for you and your family. (And let everyone else do the same.)

    Hopefully you will start to see you are being played against each other for neither's benefit.

    Oh, and yes I lol'd at the two weeks mention... I think I remember hearing that somewhere else before.

    -- Posted by dreadpirateroberts on Sat, Aug 28, 2021, at 2:24 PM
  • New addition to LLS playbook

    -- Posted by beg on Sun, Aug 29, 2021, at 8:32 AM
  • This isn’t a pro or con mask comment but just a question that seems to contradict logic- why can unmasked students sweat all over other students be allowed if masked are needed in class?

    I am asking Pro Maskers for insight as I find this contradictory

    -- Posted by beg on Sun, Aug 29, 2021, at 8:36 AM
  • Why bother with foil hats and masks when a good thick plastic bag will solve all your problems. Tie tightly under the chin for complete protection.

    -- Posted by techphcy on Sun, Aug 29, 2021, at 1:18 PM
  • @DPR I would agree strongly with the majority of your comment. The prevailing medical opinion on our cheap paper/cloth masks is about 10% reduction in transmission, which is indeed “something”, and I will certainly take that information into account.

    My problem with the article is it is *heavy spin*. I am all for a good conspiracy theory and this article is not it. It’s data taken completely out of context to push an agenda. There’s enough of that on the 24/7 news; I don’t need more of it in my daily reading.

    -- Posted by techphcy on Sun, Aug 29, 2021, at 1:32 PM
  • Wow, really? There is a comment above that is awful humor, or encouraging those they disagree with to do something very dangerous. Or both. Gotta love the obedience to: "Please be respectful of others and try to stay on topic"

    Eliminate those that disagree with you- today's new definition of tolerance.

    -- Posted by beg on Sun, Aug 29, 2021, at 4:24 PM
  • And the instruction given in the last sentence is insensitive in so many ways.

    -- Posted by beg on Sun, Aug 29, 2021, at 4:27 PM
  • So this paper takes down the article about the music fest, shuts down comments, puts up a scrubbed down version with no comments allowed, and now won’t

    report about the music fest. Curious. Who exactly got to them and is it that easy to manipulate a free press?

    -- Posted by taylortwp on Mon, Aug 30, 2021, at 12:16 PM
  • *

    Techphcy - Yes, there is a BUNCH of spin in that article.

    Unfortunately both sides play for the victory and not for truth many times.

    But there is some interesting stuff in there, once you distill it out.

    But too often honest discussion is not allowed. Groupthink prevails. We have always been at war with Eastasia.

    If people would reason it out, they would find:

    1) The 'rona isn't going away...

    2) There are lots of options on how to deal with the 'rona if you get it. Do your own research (dig deep), come up with your own thoughts/questions, and discuss them with your doctor.

    3) Both sides don't really care about you. You are a statistic and a piece of anecdotal evidence in their propaganda wars. Live/die. [not]vaccine/ivermectin/??. For them you are a +1 added to some column or other.

    4) People should live their lives.

    -- Posted by dreadpirateroberts on Mon, Aug 30, 2021, at 8:02 PM
  • practical sense and questions of a similar type result in silence

    -- Posted by beg on Tue, Aug 31, 2021, at 7:19 PM
  • OKAY, I think I got it! Watched a quick explanation, I think by an Israeli scientist, who explained what a protein spike was and why this virus is far from under control and why the COVID vaccine isn't really a vaccine.

    And with the new variant that might be forming in South Africa compared to the current Delta variant and existing parent virus, I'm raising my alert level from vaccinated-and-not-concerned to vaccinated-and-exploring-all-the-options. Does this mean I'll be wearing a mask in the car when I'm alone, probably not.

    But I think a bio suit might be kind of cool for the bunker. They are actually somewhat inexpensive at the lower end, and the more expensive ones look like they could have been in the movie THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN.

    If RSOTS gets one, I'm going to get one, too.

    -- Posted by Prince of Stardust Hills on Tue, Aug 31, 2021, at 9:52 PM
  • Well Prince, at least you agreed to getting the vaccine, hopefully. Maybe you won’t have to resort to taking ivermectin, which is used not to treat a virus infection, but is more commonly used to treat eukaryotic worm infections, especially but not exclusively in livestock.

    Maybe you are making the leap from conspiracy theory to real science. Let’s hope!! Do your research on the term eukaryotic.

    -- Posted by Koios on Tue, Aug 31, 2021, at 10:38 PM
  • Hmmmm

    -- Posted by beg on Wed, Sep 1, 2021, at 7:33 AM
  • Sorry, KOIOS. I'll never follow you to the dark side. And making the "LEAP" to "REAL SCIENCE?" Seriously? The term "REAL SCIENCE" sounds too much like a mantra chanted by a group willing to be led by someone hiding in the shadows, such as crazy so-called experts who repeat falsehoods on TV and pass hard-earned taxpayer monies to our enemy for biological research. And why our enemy? Couldn't the shadow government trust our own laboratories, or in the least an ally or even the Israelis to accomplish the same research? Too many questions.

    Just because I received the jab doesn't mean I'm falling for the rest of the real science story. As far as I know, a daily dose of one or more double-cheese burgers and large order of fries offers me just as much protection from the COVID virus. Indeed, such supplements have worked very well, so far. But like DPR suggests, I'm willing to do my own research.

    Free Britney.

    -- Posted by Prince of Stardust Hills on Wed, Sep 1, 2021, at 2:14 PM
  • *

    POSH - If you order your Bio-Hazard suit from thingsremembered.com you could get it personalized with "Free Britney" on the back. I'll go halfsies with you on a bulk order of them so we can save the world.

    -- Posted by RSOTS on Wed, Sep 1, 2021, at 4:36 PM
  • “ As far as I know, a daily dose of one or more double-cheese burgers and large order of fries offers me just as much protection from the COVID virus. Indeed, such supplements have worked very well, so far. But like DPR suggests, I'm willing to do my own research.”

    I think this says it all.

    -- Posted by Koios on Wed, Sep 1, 2021, at 8:25 PM
  • Playbook

    -- Posted by beg on Thu, Sep 2, 2021, at 12:43 AM
  • *

    Koios - I'm going to say that that you and I will align 96% of the time with our thoughts but you quoting POSH and missing the sarcasm and fun of the post is like trying to explain theonion.com to my mom....

    -- Posted by RSOTS on Thu, Sep 2, 2021, at 1:12 AM
  • Hard to tell sometimes.

    -- Posted by BJCP96 on Thu, Sep 2, 2021, at 8:20 PM
  • still silence

    -- Posted by beg on Fri, Sep 3, 2021, at 5:55 PM
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