Dear Quince Orchard students, staff and families,

I’m writing to share an update of recent Covid-19 cases at Quince Orchard High School. Last evening and today we were notified of 6 more positive COVID-19 cases which makes our total number of cases 16. Over the past few days, I have collaborated with MCPS Central Office,the state and Montgomery County Health Department, Mr. Jeffrey Rabberman, our Athletic Director, QOHS coaches, and parents on this evolving situation.

I understand that this is a difficult time for all and I appreciate our shared commitment to upholding the safety precautions and guidelines. Throughout this process, my number one focus has been on the safety and wellbeing of our entire community. Once we realized that we had multiple cases, we took swift action to pause all football practices and activities to ensure the safety of our staff and students and to make certain that DHHS and MCPS could begin its thorough contact tracing process. I am very thankful to have the support of MCPS Central Office, QOHS students, staff, and families. I will not waver from my continued focus on creating a safe and welcoming school environment. To do this, I will continue to enlist the support of multiple agencies. I also want to acknowledge that my second letter did not accurately reflect the totality of the cases. There was no intent to misrepresent the number of cases. As the present circumstances develop, I will continue to update the community.  While cases continue to rise locally, Quince Orchard High School remains committed to the strict adherence to CDC and DHHS guidelines.

Please remember that masking while indoors is mandatory in MCPS buildings. The CDC also recommends eligible students, parents, teachers, and staff get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination among eligible populations is critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19, especially to children under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible for vaccination.

Per current DHHS guidance and our contact tracing process, we have crafted a plan for all students and staff who have tested positive or who have been in close contact with an individual who tested positive.Your child does not need to be tested or quarantine as they were not in direct contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19. 

 We encourage you to closely monitor your child for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. If your child develops any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice. 

As a reminder, here are the steps that we can all take to keep ourselves, families and school community safe:

-Get vaccinated

-Wear a mask, or appropriate face covering, at all times when in school and other public spaces.

-Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after eating.

-Cover your cough and/or sneeze and immediately wash your hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

-Practice physical distancing and keep 6 feet away from others when possible.

-Stay home if you are sick.

Visit https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus  and montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19 for additional information.

Quince Orchard High School will provide a safe environment for learning and support healthy peer interaction for social and emotional development. We know our students benefit from in-person learning, and we are committed to safely returning to in-person instruction this fall. 

We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of the entire Quince Orchard High School community.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth L. Thomas

Quince Orchard High School Principal