HADLEY — Students participating in extracurricular activities in Hadley public schools, including those who play on athletic teams, are being required to take part in a weekly COVID-19 pool testing program.
Superintendent Anne McKenzie told the School Committee this week that the mandate is aimed at promoting safety and reducing the spread of illness.
“It is quick, it is quiet, it is not intrusive. That’s my experience,” McKenzie said of the pool testing, during which each participant gets two nasal swabs.
McKenzie acknowledged hearing from some parents who object to the requirement, but she maintains pool testing is an important way to keep infections under control.
Even with the precautions in place, there has been a recent increase in COVID-19 positive cases. From the beginning of the school year in late August through Dec. 17, McKenzie said Hopkins Academy and Hadley Elementary School combined had around 18 cases. In the weeks since, the schools have added nearly 100 more cases.
School Committee members said they endorse McKenzie’s actions.
Chairwoman Humera Fasihuddin said McKenzie made the only call possible under the circumstances, and that such precautions are necessary during the pandemic.
Protocols and measures to contain the spread of COVID that are available need to be used, said member Heather Klesch.
Committee member Tara Brugger thanked McKenzie for swift action, observing that it is appropriate to catch positive cases and mitigate their impacts.
McKenzie said that on Monday, 351 people participated in the pool testing and that anyone identified as positive would be isolating. Fortunately, she said, most of the people who test positive are not presenting any symptoms, which she attributes to high vaccination rates. At Hopkins, there is an 87% vaccination rate among students with 203 of the 233 students fully vaccinated. At Hadley Elementary, 117 of 275 students, or 43%, are fully vaccinated. More than 98% of those who work in the school buildings are also fully vaccinated.
No additional steps are being considered at this time. “I’m in no way suggesting a vaccine requirement,” McKenzie said. There is also no requirement for other students to be part of pool testing since it can’t be a mandate for structured learning time, she said.
Unlike some schools, Hadley is not prohibiting spectators from games and other competitions.
