March 10, 2020
Dear Kenston Families,
COVID-19 is an evolving situation, and we continue to monitor and prepare. We are vigilant and proactive regarding the health and wellness of our students, staff and community. At this time, the most important thing we can do is plan. This email is to provide you with an overview of ongoing work, resources, and give direction on things you can be doing to help us prepare.
Here are things that are happening within Kenston currently:
- We have a team monitoring information being released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Education and the Geauga Public Health (GPH) daily to ensure we are implementing recommendations to prevent the spread of this virus.
- We have reviewed our emergency operations plan and are adapting operational protocols that apply specifically to COVID-19.
- Today, we are meeting with the Geauga Public Health Department and will be a part of a webinar with the Cuyahoga County Health Department.
- We are monitoring student and staff attendance rates.
- Our custodial staff is routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces with appropriate cleaning products to control the spread of germs. Similar procedures are also in place for our transportation fleet.
- We will be distributing the following resource poster to buildings throughout the district: how to avoid spreading germs.
- We have conducted a planning meeting with our building principals discussing potential scenarios and our response.
- Our technology department and a curriculum team are working on the details to continue the education of students in the event of a closure. This will be completed in collaboration with staff members and will look different based on the age of the student.
- We are reviewing upcoming trips and school events and will communicate any changes or cancellations. Parents are ultimately the decision-makers of whether or not their children will participate in activities.
What you can do to help:
- Ensure handwashing techniques include soap and water for at least 20 seconds and share this information with your children. Here are resources: health promotion materials, information on the proper handwashing technique, and tips for families to help children develop good habits. Video link
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Please report your child’s general symptoms when calling him/her in sick so that we can monitor the illness trends in our buildings, grades and classrooms.
Resources for our community:
Resources to help you talk to your children:
We appreciate your assistance and support in ensuring that we are prepared. We have been asked about guidance specific to the closure of school and the potential length of time. Many factors could play into a closure decision, including proximity and extent of the coronavirus outbreak, student and staff attendance and ability to obtain substitute coverage. We will take the guidance provided by the CDC and our health department.
Once again, COVID-19 is an evolving situation. We will continue to update our staff, parents and community as additional information becomes available.
