Dear WWS Community,

During what is possibly a challenging and confusing time for us all, we wanted to provide a WWS status update on new developments related to coronavirus, and share some additional details about the actions we are taking and planning to protect our school community.
As of March 4th, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Public Health jointly declared a local and public health emergency to better prepare and implement prevention and response strategies effectively. An emergency declaration is not in place for the City of Santa Monica.
The County has not requested that students and/or staff stay home due to a potential Coronavirus outbreak
 
While Westside Waldorf is taking every precaution to keep our community safe,  we cannot do it without your partnership . Please make responsible decisions to help protect our School community, particularly our students and employees who are immunosuppressed. It’s incumbent upon all of us to keep sick children home , keep appraised of  travel advisories  and follow the recommended  safety guidelines . Please carefully read the section below on What You Can Do for additional information.
 
The School will continue to follow the guidelines of three major resources: the  Los Angeles Department of Public Health , the  Centers for Disease Control  (CDC) and the  World Health Organization . We urge all parents to likewise consult these reputable sources for information and advice.
 
The health and safety of our community is our top priority.  Below is information on how coronavirus spreads, what we as a school are doing to keep our community safe and how you can partner with us in this effort.
 
HOW THE CORONAVIRUS SPREADS
While there is much still unknown about COVID-19, the CDC states that the virus is thought to spread the following ways:
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets, produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, that are ingested/inhaled by someone nearby.
  • And, less likely, by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your own mouth, nose or eyes.
People are likely most contagious when they are most symptomatic, but asymptomatic individuals may also spread the illness. Learn more about how coronavirus spreads  here . Worldwide,  few children  have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, with most of those cases being mild. Adults—particularly older adults with compromised immune systems—have been hit hardest.
 
WHAT WE ARE DOING
  • We are requiring all students to stay home when they are sick. Students showing signs of respiratory illness, particularly with a fever or flu-like symptoms, will be sent home.
  • In the Grades classrooms, each desk is wiped down every night and wipes have been provided to classrooms to be used continually throughout the day.
  • In the Early Childhood Centers, toys and furniture is wiped down and wipes have been provided to classrooms to be used continually throughout the day.
  • Doorknobs and handrails are wiped down a couple of times throughout the day. 
  • The custodial crews clean both campuses daily focusing on cleaning high-volume touch-point surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, railings and restrooms.
  • Hand-sanitizing stations and disinfectant wipes are available in offices and classrooms throughout both campuses.   
  • We are requiring all employees to stay home when they are sick. All Westside Waldorf employees, both full and part time, have paid sick leave that can and should be utilized.
 
WHAT WE ARE PLANNING
While recognizing that different schools may have different responses to this evolving situation, we are in close contact with other school leadership, and follow local health and emergency updates . Los Angeles Public Health officials stated that the LA area remains at low risk of transmission of coronavirus, and they do not recommend closure of schools, businesses or any events at this time. In the meantime the Leadership Council is working on several contingency plans should this assessment change and is exploring how student learning can continue should our School close temporarily
We will continue to assess all school sponsored activities, such as class trips, assemblies, and gatherings on a case-by-case basis and follow the guidance of local health officials. If we decide to cancel or change a scheduled trip or activity that impacts you and/or your children, we will notify you immediately.
 
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Per the CDC, please follow the below guidelines to prevent the spread of illness, and share them with your children:
  • Stay home when you are sick and do not bring sick children to school. Students or employees showing signs of respiratory illness, particularly with a fever or flu-like symptoms, will be sent home. There will be no disciplinary action taken for absences related to illness for students or employees.
  • Currently, the CDC discourages nonessential travel to countries it has deemed Level 3. Those currently include South Korea, Italy, Iran and China. If anyone living in your home travels to one of these countries, we ask them to follow the CDC recommendation to self-quarantine for 14 days after returning before coming to campus. This includes your children if you take a family trip to one of these countries. As more countries may be added, please check here for the latest updates. Travel increases risk and it's prudent to limit this where possible.
  • Develop a plan for your family in the event that school will need to close temporarily.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Limiting your own physical contact (such as handshakes, kissing hello and hugging) with those outside your family. Please ask your children to do the same when greeting others.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If you, have any questions regarding the Coronavirus, please contact the Los Angeles Department of Public Health via the 2-1-1 information hotline or visit the following websites:

Finally, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the psychological impact of this situation. The organized worldwide response to COVID-19 has been robust and generally encouraging. However, it has also been a challenge for students (and really our entire community) to process. This New York Times  article  provides strategies for talking to children about coronavirus without raising anxiety. 
 
If the situation remains stable, Westside Waldorf will remain open and operating as usual. We will continue to update our community regularly as the
situation evolves.
 
Sincerely,
The Leadership Council