​ 
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
 
To Band Members and Parents,
 
As you know, last night, we became aware that a band member had tested positive for COVID-19. After conferring with district and school administration, precautions were taken, including informing our members and parents. Today, however, it has come to our attention that the student was in contact with more students outside of band and off-campus than was previously thought. 
 
Again, and in an abundance of caution, with administrative support, we are pausing camp and all other in-person band activities until Monday, August 3. We will resume camp at that time and will post an updated schedule as soon as we can. 
 
In order to ensure everyone’s safety, the following precautions and measures will be enacted:

• ECBOE will supply the band with touchless thermometers; all students will be screened before entering the building
• Students will be asked to complete a screening questionnaire prior to rehearsal
• ECBOE is having all band facilities professionally cleaned and sterilized this week
• All previous social distancing and hygiene protocols will remain in effect

 
Additionally, we ask for everyone’s help to ensure that our students are safe both on and off-campus. If anyone shows symptoms, please contact the directors and do not come to rehearsal. Students receiving a positive test or who show symptoms will not be allowed on campus until they can produce a negative test result or have quarantined for ten days from the first experience of symptoms. *If students or anyone in their household is tested, they may not return to campus until test results are in and are negative. 
 
Also, please fill out the attached Google Form to help us ensure that we correct and updated contact information for every student.
 
 
As always, all of our students' safety remains our foremost concern as we prepare to return not only to band activities but to school as well.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Matt Weaver
Director of Bands

​The Southside High School Band will adhere to guidelines set forth by the Alabama State Department of Education, the Etowah County Board of Education, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Alabama High School Athletic Association.  Additionally, the Southside Band directors are involved in research and dialogue for the performing arts within the Alabama Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Education.  Please be sure to read the entire document.
 
The current pandemic is a dynamic event with ever changing guidelines and protocols.  This disclaimer will likely continue to evolve over time.  Know that the directors are working to stay abreast of current events and will keep our members and families informed as new developments unfold.  The safety of our students, staff, and volunteers is our primary concern. 
 
Thank you for your patience as we strive to provide a safe learning environment for our students.