December 8, 2020
Dear parents, staff, and community members:
We received notification this morning that an elementary student has tested positive for COVID-19. While we must protect the privacy of the person involved, we believe it is best to communicate transparently with you so you can make well-informed decisions for your family.
There is nothing more important to district than the safety and health of our students, our staff, and their families. We are working directly with county health officials to address this situation. They have recommended we share the following with you: We received notification that one of our elementary students has tested positive for COVID-19. The Director of North Central Health Department and I discussed potential options to address this positive test. It was determined that there is minimal risk to the student’s classmates at this time. No students or staff will be quarantined besides the student in question and their sibling. Rather we will continue to closely monitor the health of our students and staff and take appropriate actions as needed. You can help us by keeping your child home if they are ill. We will continue to follow all COVID-related safety procedures.
COVID-19 is transmitted through person-to-person contact and through the exchange of respiratory droplets. As more cases are being confirmed across the state, including in our community, we must be vigilant. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you or any member of your family exhibit these symptoms, please contact your medical provider for advice immediately. Symptoms usually appear 2-14 days after exposure.
The CDC recommends the following best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- Stay at home when you are sick.
- Practice social distancing, leaving at least six feet between
you and other people. - Wear a cloth mask in public when you cannot social distance.
Our greatest priority is the safety of our students, staff, and community members. It is important to remember that children are greatly influenced by the reactions of adults when facing difficult circumstances. I encourage everyone to remain calm and to be empathic and respectful to those affected.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your family, especially as we face this challenging situation together. Thank you for your support of district.
Sincerely,
Jim Doramus