I’m sharing a couple of updates from the Northborough and Southborough Public Schools.
Covid-19 data
On Sunday, the administration updated its weekly Dashboard for Covid-19. New cases and quarantines are still high compared to pre-Thanksgiving numbers. But the figures across the combined districts have declined since January 9th.
The data shows 14 cases were confirmed in the district, 197 over the course of the pandemic. The number of students/staff kept home for isolation/quarantine was 145 last week. The schools’ data is below, along with my charts capturing data since the start of school from past announcements.
So far, there has been no news of cases transmitted inside Southborough schools or Algonquin.
Algonquin Athletics – Fall II announcement
Algonquin Regional High School is still planning to offer a “Fall II” athletics season, starting later this month. (As with all things these days, there is a caveat that those plans could be changed if conditions require it.)
At the start of the school year, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association that governs high school sports determined that some regular fall sports couldn’t be offered during the regular season. Rather than cancelling them outright, MIAA determined that a special season would be held between the revamped winter and spring season. (It looks like one winter sport was also shifted to Fall II.)
On Friday afternoon, ARHS Principal Sean Bevan announced that the plan was moving forward. It confirms that the season will allow the following sports with some modifications: Football, Indoor (winter) Track, Unified Basketball, Girls’ Volleyball, and Cheerleading.
Here are some excerpts from his message to families:
I am excited to share the following information regarding the Fall II season, which is scheduled to start on February 22nd 2021. This would be the earliest date schools would begin meetings/tryouts/practices. Fall II season cannot start any sooner than February 22nd. On January 29th, the MIAA Board of Directors approved sports modifications for Football, Indoor (winter) Track, Unified Basketball, Girls’ Volleyball, and Cheerleading. The Midland Wachusett and Central Massachusetts Athletic Directors’ recommendations will soon be released.
The health and safety of our students are at the forefront of any decision we make. The role that Interscholastic Athletics can play in fostering deep and positive social and emotional health outcomes in our collective communities cannot be overstated. Athletics is a vital part of a students’ high school experience and we are prepared to offer programming that is in line with state and local rules and regulations.
Please continue to be patient and positive. ARHS Athletics will need to take all new information as it evolves and process it in conjunction with our academic planning. All plans are subject to change based on current health data. It is important for everyone to know that sports will not look the same as what we are all used to. There are going to be many changes to our programs during the fall II season, but we are confident that we can provide a fulfilling, creative, and fun experience for our athletes. Athletic Directors, Athletic Trainers, and School Administrators are working tirelessly to create a comprehensive plan that accomplishes the combined goals of offering a robust interscholastic athletic program in addition to maintaining a safe and compliant environment amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Athletic Directors of the Midland Wachusett/CMASS Leagues have continued to meet and are moving forward with plans the best we can at this time. Subjects such as guidelines/protocols, scheduling, spectator’s guidelines, and most importantly safety implementation procedures are all topics of discussion. At this time, registration is open for Indoor Track, Football, Cheerleading, Unified Basketball, and Girls’ Volleyball, and will close on February 17th at 12 noon. Please know, roster limitations could be implemented. You must register before the deadline to be eligible to participate in athletics. Please understand that ALL deadlines are final – no exceptions!
I know these times are difficult and I understand the anticipation and anxiety we are all experiencing. I promise you that ARHS will continue to work with all the necessary stakeholders to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and full athletic season no matter what and how that may look.
Fall II Season will start on Monday, February 22nd 2021. . .
DISCLAIMER: AS WITH ALL THINGS IN THIS PANDEMIC ENVIRONMENT, THIS PROCESS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED UPON FUTURE PANDEMIC RELATED INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.
Students need to be registered and have a current physical on file in order to participate on February 22nd. Registration is open and will close on Wednesday, February 17th at 12 noon. You must register before the deadline to be eligible to participate in athletics. Please understand that ALL deadlines are final – no exceptions! . .
Registration: Please note final rosters spots may be limited due to the safety guidelines and protocol put in place. Registration information for each season is located on our athletic website. ARHS Athletics
Fall II Sports Night for Players and Parents/Guardians– Mr. Mocerino and fall II coaches will hold a virtual meeting with each team once rosters are finalized.
Fall Season II: February 22, 2021 – April 25, 2021. If you have already registered this school year (20-21) for Football, Girls Volleyball, Unified Basketball, G/B Indoor Track or Fall Cheering -Please DO NOT register again. Please check that your physical is still current.
