Dear SAISD Family Member, 
 
We hope you enjoyed a safe, joyful, and restful holiday season. As we return to schools and offices, we want to assure you that we remain steadfast in our commitment to the health and well-being of our students, staff and families. Throughout this pandemic, SAISD has continually taken the lead to implement safety strategies and COVID-19 protocols to ensure our learning environments are as safe as possible for all of our SAISD family members. Please rest assured, we are staying the course.
 
At this time, we would like to share upcoming opportunities for you to receive COVID-19 testing before the return of our students on Jan. 11, the convenient availability of vaccinations and booster shots, and important information regarding updated protocols.
 
The testing and vaccination opportunities are available for all SAISD staff, students, and family members:
 
COVID-19 Testing
• Friday, Jan. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Burnet Learning Center, 406 Barrera Street, 78210
• Monday, Jan. 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Burnet Learning Center, 406 Barrera Street, 78210
 
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters (Pfizer)
Monday, Jan. 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Burnet Learning Center, 406 Barrera Street, 78210
Registration link: https://saisd.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3wIO1D1i1fWiMAK
• Pediatric vaccines (5-11 years old)
• First and second doses (all eligible)
• Boosters (all eligible)
 
Updated CDC / Metro Health Recommendations
Isolation 
• Applies to anyone who is infected regardless of vaccination status
• Timelines – At least 5 days unless individual has fever or symptoms are not resolving
• Day “0” is the day that the symptoms began OR the day that the test was taken, whichever comes first
• Should wear masks for an additional 5 days after isolation period ends
• Individuals with symptoms should isolate for at least 5 days even if they are awaiting testing results
 
Quarantine
• Applies to anyone who was exposed to someone with COVID-19
• If boosted or completed the primary series within 6 months (2 months for J&J)
Wear a mask for 10 days
Test on Day 5
If symptoms develop, test and quarantine
• If the primary series was completed over 6 months ago without being boosted (2 months for J&J) OR if unvaccinated:  
Quarantine for 5 days and wear a mask for 5 additional days
Test on Day 5
If symptoms develop, get a test and continue to quarantine
 
Rationale for Shortened Timelines 
• The majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. 
 
Testing Following Isolation
• Metro Health in accordance with the CDC guidance does not require a test at the end of isolation.  
• Some people may remain positive by PCR test beyond the period of expected infectiousness.
• The importance of a positive antigen test late in the course of illness is unclear and does not necessarily mean a person can easily spread the virus.
 
Common Symptoms Associated with COVID-19
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
 
We currently have in place sound strategies and best practices around mask wearing, weekly COVID-19 testing, vaccination clinics, physical distancing, upgraded air filtration units and air cleaners, handwashing and respiratory etiquette, and contact tracing. We are committed to providing you a safe environment and by working together, we stand ready to address our future challenges with hope, determination, and high expectations. Albert Einstein once stated, “We should not try to live our lives as a person of success. We should strive to become a person of value.” On behalf of our Board of Trustees and our entire school district, thank you for the “value” you bring to our students, staff, families, and community. We truly appreciate you and your excellence. 
 
Have a “Terrific Thursday.” Welcome back!
 
"Dr. J"
 
Robert Jaklich, Ed. D.
 
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
~Mahatma Gandhi