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| Dear LM Families,
As you are likely aware, within the past week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) gave a press conference updating the current status of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and what steps should be taken moving forward. The CDC emphasized that there is not currently a coronavirus pandemic in the United States, and at this time the number of cases across the U.S. is relatively small. However, given how quickly the global situation is evolving, we want to assure you that we are diligently monitoring developments and will continue to reevaluate our steps and actions daily. First and foremost, please know that there are NO reported cases of Coronavirus within our school communities. We want to assure you that we are prepared. Our planning and response will continue to be grounded in directives from the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and local governmental organizations. We are prepared for a range of possible contingencies, such as school closures, after-school activity changes, or trip cancellations, that may occur as this situation develops. In the event that school must be dismissed for an extended period, we want to assure you that we will communicate in as clear and timely a fashion as possible. Of course, our highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of every member of our community. We discourage international travel and may ask that you self quarantine when you return. The Pennsylvania Department of Health recently shared guidelines for all K-12 schools, and has shared the following tips on their website on the most effective ways to stay healthy and help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and respiratory viruses, such as the coronavirus:
Student Illness Policy Reminder Children should not come to school if they are exhibiting one of the following: a temperature of 100 degrees or greater, a generalized body rash, an inflamed eye with drainage, strong cold symptoms, or vomiting or diarrhea since the evening before school. Students should be fever-free for 24 hours before coming to school. For attendance purposes, please let the office know by phone call or email if your child will be missing a day due to illness, appointments, etc. PIAA Athletic Event Advisory Please see the enclosed press release posted to the PIAA website regarding the upcoming championship events and coronavirus concerns. In addition, we are thinking ahead regarding the potential impact on upcoming school trips and other non-typical school activities, should the situation escalate. An increasing number of countries are being placed under travel advisories due to the coronavirus. We ask that you stay informed of the CDC’s travel advisories. Given the level of media attention to the coronavirus, some children may become anxious and have concerns about the virus and its transmission. These tips for talking with children about the coronavirus may be helpful to you and your family. In addition, it’s important for families to make contingency plans and preparations at home. This NPR article may provide a helpful starting point to guide preparations both at home and work. In times like this, we are particularly grateful for the strength and togetherness of our community. We are committed to being a community that values all people and interrupts racist discourse surrounding coronavirus. Please be assured that further communications from us will continue in the event new information directly impacts our school community. We are continuing to pray for those affected, and that the outbreak is soon under control. Thank you for your support of our school community, staff and students. |
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