Update of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Planning
Dear Parents/Guardians --
As
we hear more news about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we
want to share as much information as possible about how we can avoid the
spread of the virus in schools and ways we can plan for potential
disruption of education.
One immediate concern we have is the
effect the virus spreading could have on planned travel for field trips.
We are looking into ways that we can protect our parents' financial
deposits should trips need to be cancelled. Schools will communicate directly with families about this issue.
At
this point, no state-level information has been made available to us
regarding the potential disruption of education, but we will not be
alone if those situations arise. We expect that the state would offer
guidance should schools need to close. Regardless, we have had initial
conversations to prepare for any scenario.
We will turn to The
National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and, by extension, our Ohio
and Cuyahoga County health departments, when making decisions about all
school-related guidelines. For example, we will continue to prioritize
hand washing, and we are in the process of adding resources for hand
sanitation and for sanitizing buildings and buses.
As we
carefully plan and take preventative precautions that are within our
control, please review the following resources from the Ohio Department
of Health and the CDC:
What You Need to Know
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What to Do If You Are Sick
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Stop the Spread of Germs
Poster
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Poster -Symptoms of
Coronavirus Disease 2019
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Here is the most recent letter from the Ohio Department of Health regarding COVID-19:
A resource for talking with your children (click below):
Basic precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and flu, continue to include:
- Stay
home when you are sick. Please be fever free for at least 24 hours
(without fever-reducing medication) before returning to school, and stay home when other symptoms are apparent.
- Wash
your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap
and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Individuals
with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe
symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
We
know that the virus can be contagious before symptoms appear. This is
why hand washing and personal hygiene is so important. As noted above,
we are stressing hand washing with students at school, and ask that
parents reinforce this practice at home.
More information from the CDC:
We
will continue to inform you as we learn new information about this
evolving situation. Please know that the health and safety of our
students and staff is our top priority.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Jodie Hausmann
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