March 13, 2020
Good afternoon,
As all of you are aware, our country is undergoing a medical crisis. The emergence of the novel corona virus or COVID-19 is causing a serious disruption in our country. This is a rapidly evolving situation. We are closely monitoring and following federal, state, and local guidelines. Currently public health authorities are not recommending school or work closures in our region. However, please know that the decisions to cancel events our students, staff, and community look forward to are difficult, but we will take every precaution to keep our students safe and healthy. At this time, we are reviewing all scheduled events in the upcoming weeks on a case-by-case basis to assess risk and necessary precautions—which could include postponements and cancelations.
Our custodial staff is providing extra diligence in sanitizing efforts in addition to their routine practice of cleaning schools daily to help prevent the spread of disease and common ailments such as the flu. Custodians are supplied with cleaning products that are proven to kill viral and bacterial strains of various diseases. Frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops, desks, railings) are disinfected regularly. We have put additional plans in place to increase the disinfection of schools, including surfaces and buses. We are also taking this opportunity to remind students and staff about good hand hygiene and to cover coughs and sneezes.
There are simple preventative measures known to minimize the spread of communicable diseases. Health authorities indicate that the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are the same recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu virus. The following steps are successful in preventing the spread of flu and the common cold and can also help prevent COVID-19, including:
- Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing
- Avoiding contact with people who are sick
- Staying home if you are sick and contact your healthcare provider
Thank you for entrusting the care of your children with us. We take our responsibility very seriously and assure you that we will continue to monitor COVID-19 with health officials, implement planned safety protocols, and provide updates to our families as new information is provided to us.
As always, if you have particular questions and/or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Thank you,
Michael L. Stephenson
Superintendent