Dear Brick Family,
Yesterday, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the public on the current situation regarding COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). The CDC specifically asked schools to prepare for the possibility that the virus will affect the United States directly. We take this situation very seriously and are currently making plans for the unlikely contingency that this virus will affect our community at Brick. As this situation unfolds, we will all need to be measured and flexible in our continued response to developments.
We are aware that an increasing number of countries are being placed under travel alerts and advisories. These alerts and advisories will necessitate increased vigilance if the traveler returns to the U.S. and develops a flu-like illness. If this were to occur, the traveler would potentially be separated or isolated from school. Although there is no way to know what the status of the COVID-19 outbreak will be at the end of our Spring Break, we ask that travelers remain informed about travel restrictions and quarantine themselves and family members should that be recommended. Based on information we receive over the next two weeks, we will send updates regarding this policy.
Please note that we have decided to cancel a professional development trip to Italy, that was to occur over Spring Break, for two of our faculty members out of an abundance of caution for their health and the health of the entire Brick community.
As this is a developing situation, please make note of the following sources of information which will be updated as new information is available:
We are working hard to help contain viral illnesses here at school by regularly deep cleaning classrooms and by practicing frequent and thorough hand washing. We have instructed our faculty to refrain from shaking hands good bye or hello and to touch elbows, wave, etc. instead. Although we are taking some precautions please be assured that we will remain a warm and loving environment for your children.
The flu is still a greater risk to community health at this time, so we ask for your continued dedication to good hygiene/virus prevention practices. We will continue to adhere to our guidelines for when a child should be kept home from school (below) and thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Children should be kept home for the following reasons, as well as for any more serious illness:
1. Temperature of 100° F and above (children should be without fever for 24 hours, and no longer taking fever-reducing medication, before returning to school)
2. Upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea
3. Undiagnosed rash
4. Cold, particularly of recent onset and with nasal discharge (even clear). It is at the beginning of a cold that your child is most contagious. Young children have not yet mastered blowing their noses with a tissue and then washing their hands. If they touch their runny noses, germs spread from their hands to the materials and to other children and teachers.
5. Cough, particularly of recent onset
6. Sore throat or earache
7. Conjunctivitis – commonly known as “pink eye”
8. Excessive tiredness or general malaise
Given the level of media attention to the coronavirus, some children may become anxious and have concerns about the virus and its transmission.
This article
, while written a few weeks ago, is still quite helpful with regard to talking with your child about this issue. Please let us know if you have any additional concerns.
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As always, the safety and security of our students is our top priority, and we will continue to update you with any new developments.
Sincerely,
Amy
