Being fully vaccinated redefines the contact tracing process. Read on for the CDC's guidelines.
By Margee Brennan and Jenn Aaron, USN Health Team
The Health Team is excited to share that our current coronavirus vaccination rate for eligible students, those 12 and older, now stands at 97% and rising. We appreciate your cooperation in getting your student’s vaccine documentation to us in such a timely and efficient manner. We are nearly singular as a school community in having reached this level of vaccination and documentation, so thank you for your pivotal role in this accomplishment. Our faculty and staff numbers are within a similar range, and we look forward to sharing that exact statistic soon.
As expressed in the numerous communications sent to families in grades 7-12 requesting vaccination status documentation, this information was critical. It gives us greater confidence in our operational decision making going forward, and day-to-day life at 2000 Edgehill is shaped, for the better, by such a high rate of vaccination.
Most notably, being vaccinated completely redefines the contact tracing process and subsequent potential need to quarantine. Below we've detailed the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for that process for fully vaccinated individuals. If your fully vaccinated student is exposed to someone infected with COVID-19:
They do not have to quarantine and may continue to attend school as long as they are symptom free.
They should wear masks while indoors in public places.
They should monitor for any symptoms, however mild.
They should obtain a COVID-19 test three to five days after the exposure regardless of symptoms or the lack thereof.
The should obtain a PCR test immediately upon developing symptoms.
This is significantly different from our practice last year and is subject to change as data continues to emerge regarding the virus. We will monitor CDC recommendations, adapt our protocol as indicated, and communicate any changes to you. While we remain vigilant and cautious in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, we see these numbers as incredibly encouraging. Let's continue to lead by example in the name of public health and a successful school year.
Based on the high rate of vaccination, HS students met confidently outside and masked on the first day of school for community meeting, marking the Division's first in-person community meeting since early 2020.
In an inspiring new initiative, USN's health care career spotlight, organized by Ruchika Ramachandran ’27 and Yvonne Wang ’27, brought a wealth of alumni back to the school for an evening of shared expertise and personal stories. This first-of-its-kind event was a great example of the power of connection, mentorship, and community evident throughout the USN community.
Ahead of the All Bands Winter Concert, students got to play for Larry Clark, the composer who arranged the holiday medley that the band will perform at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9 in Durnan Auditorium.
Madeline Shinohara ’28, Eesha Nachnani ’28, Oren Schwartz ’29, and Allen Chen ’29 visited Chengdu, China to participate in the International Sister Cities Debate Tournament. During their visit, they explored the city, tried incredible local foods, attended the Opera, spent time at the Panda Sanctuary, and visited local schools.
USN Mission: University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.