March 10, 2020
Dear Parents and GCS Stakeholders –
As you are now likely aware, Kentucky now has six (6) confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the counties of Harrison (3), Fayette (2), and Jefferson (1).*
The Grant Count School District is monitoring the COVID-19 situation daily via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kentucky Department for Public Health, and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). At present there are NO recommendations that schools be closed or that public gatherings be canceled (even in the affected counties). The advisories coming from these expert public health organizations have consistently remained focused on the continuation of seasonal flu prevention measures and the implementation of good personal hygiene practices. This will continue to be the focus of Grant County Schools, as well.
PREVENTION TIPS
*Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
*Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
*Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
*Stay home when you are sick.
*Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available.
What Are We Doing?
The Grant County School District, since the flu season began several months ago, has employed enhanced prevention measures which includes the continual attention of our custodial staff throughout the day, using appropriate disinfectants on touch points (such as door handles, light switches, desks, computer keyboards, hand rails, water fountains, restrooms, etc.). Wipes and gloves, are also continually available for teachers to use (but due to the harshness of the chemical, wipes may not be broadly distributed to children). Hand sanitizer is available in every classroom. Buildings and buses are also regularly disinfected after hours. We are fortunate that data seems to suggest that school-aged children in the general population are at a lower risk for COVID-19, but even so, we are continuing this enhanced protocol.
Our school nurses are also carefully monitoring information from the CDC and Department of Public Health relative to COVID-19. They are aware of symptoms and appropriate responses. (Please note: While our attendance is lower than goal, we have NOT seen an increase in the number of students presenting to nurses with flu-like / COVID-19-like symptoms.) Additionally, our nurses are providing / reinforcing instruction in proper hand-washing.
As stated earlier, there are presently no recommendations to close any schools. However, because stakeholders have asked about what our plan would be: Grant County Schools is one of 83 districts in the state with pre-approved Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) Days. We are approved for ten, though, under normal circumstances, we try not to exceed using five. We have used three so far this year. This NTI provision gave Harrison County a little “wiggle room” in their local decision to close this week, and likewise, gives Grant County a pre-developed, pre-approved plan. As always, all districts are also allowed to make up days by extending their calendar into the summer. If more days should be needed than are allowed by the NTI provision or could feasibly be made up in the summer, there are many, many questions and concerns that will have to be addressed by districts, the Kentucky Board of Education, and the legislature relative to instruction, assessment, funding, and more. Please note that a closure to avoid the congregation of students at school would suggest students also not congregate in each other’s homes, at the park, at the mall, etc.
What Can You Do?
Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Hands!
Also,,
--Please reinforce the precautionary measures shown above with all family members. Provide instruction and establish / enforce practices that increase the likelihood that your child will exercise good hygiene habits on his/her own, wherever he/she may be.
--Equip your child with pens / pencils, etc., so as to discourage the use of community supplies. Personal tissues, wipes, hand sanitizer and/or donations of same to classrooms are, of course, always welcome.
--Monitor sickness in your home and respond appropriately. To assist the general public with questions and/or the proper response to symptoms, the Kentucky Department for Public Health has now established a hotline number: This number is:
1-800-722-5725.
Thank you for your support and continued attention to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are committed to continue to work as a community to protect the health and well-being of all.
*Update as of 5:05 p.m., March 10, 2020: 8 Positive Cases in Kentucky.