Coronavirus (CoVid-19) - February 27 Update

February 27, 2020

Dear KLSD Families,

I’m sure you are all very much aware of the daily developments regarding the Coronavirus (CoVid-19).

I wanted to take a moment to assure you that KLSD is staying current with all relevant information. We receive and operate under guidance from local and State Departments of Health, as well as from the New York State Education Department. We monitor information from the C.D.C. and W.H.O. and we’re in communication with our District physician. Additionally, I’m in daily contact with my superintendent colleagues and collectively we think through the most appropriate precautions and responses. At the moment, we are being advised to take typical precautions and share relevant information.

We stepped up the cleaning protocols in our buildings even before the Coronavirus gained attention. With the start of flu season, our custodial staff increased the frequency of disinfecting as part of our regular cleaning protocol. In addition:

  • All of our classrooms, offices, large-group spaces, and bathrooms are cleaned nightly.
  • Since the fall, heightened disinfecting has been in effect in our nurses’ offices, bathrooms, and classrooms with confirmed cases of flu.
  • Special attention is placed on areas of high/frequent contact, such as door handles, handrails and desktops.
  • Each of our schools uses the latest disinfectants that meet all relevant safety metrics.
  • Our O&M team constantly monitors the latest advisories and is prepared to adjust protocols as necessary to ensure safe and healthy schools.

On an individual level, we are all reminded to follow best practices for limiting the spread of any virus – regular handwashing, covering mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing, seeking medical attention early if symptoms develop, and staying home when sick. The following page from the WHO includes some practical health tips:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

I have reminded my school colleagues that health must always come first for our students and for one another. We know that our students are motivated to do well in school and that sometimes that motivation causes them to feel they should not miss school even if sick. Please let your children know that school work can always be made up at a later date. If children are sick and symptomatic, they should stay home, rest, and be confident that they will have every opportunity to make up any missed work in a reasonable, healthy manner.

Earlier this week, an official from the C.D.C. encouraged parents to contact their schools to learn how we’re planning for Coronavirus and for the potential of online learning should schools be forced to close. I hope this letter provides you with reassurance that we are taking the situation very seriously. In addition to all of the above, please know that we are exploring all options regarding distance learning in the event that schools must close for an extended period.

Finally, as I write this, New York State has had no confirmed cases of the virus. That will likely change, and we’ll respond as appropriate. If and when we receive any additional guidance, I will share it with you. In the meantime, I have posted below links to some additional resources.

Sincerely,

Andrew Selesnick, Superintendent of Schools

 

Additional Resources on Coronavirus:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus