Estill County Schools: Superintendent Statement concerning School Closure

Estill County Schools: Superintendent Statement concerning School Closure

March 13, 2020

Dear Estill County Families:

I am sending you this letter – in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Department for Public Health – to let you know some important information during the time your children will not be attending in-person classes.

Yesterday, Gov. Andy Beshear recommended all public and private schools close for at least the next several weeks to help control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) across Kentucky. Gov. Beshear said while children seem to be relatively safe from the virus, they are able to spread it and we are taking the steps necessary to protect all Kentuckians.

We are following the governor’s recommendation and starting Monday, March 16^th we are closing in-person classes until April 6^th. Our students will continue their classwork through the state’s Non-Traditional Instruction Program. Your student’s teachers have told them what kind of work they will be doing over the next two weeks and how to get in touch with them if they need help. We are encouraging our families to make sure their child is completing their work to help make sure education doesn’t stop.

Another important point to remember during this unprecedented time is the Kentucky Department for Public Health is asking all Kentuckians to stay away from large crowds, something known as social distancing.  Due to these recommendations, all student activities are suspended for students in K – 12.  Also, the KHSAA has issued a directive to all schools suspending the spring sports season.  This Dead Period starts today and continues through April 13.

We ask that you keep children from gathering with their friends at public places, such as the mall or the movies. This is most important for children with chronic diseases, such as asthma or diabetes, who are the most at-risk of catching COVID-19.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to it in the first place. Remember these tips from the Department for Public Health:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick (fever, cough, sneeze, and difficulty breathing). To avoid close contact, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. To avoid coughing into your hands, you can cough into your elbow.
• 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 going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that wearing a facemask will not protect the public from COVID-19.

Here are some sources for more information that may be helpful to you and your family:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage, which includes guidance on the virus and resources for K-12 schools.
• The Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ COVID-19 webpage, which includes information from the CDC and will be updated as information becomes available.
• A KDE webpage on COVID-19 that includes information on the virus and links to the sample flu plan and talking points for school nurses from the National Association of School Nurses.
• The COVID-19 state hotline: (800) 722-5725.

Thank you for your patience during this time.  I will be in the office each day, so feel free to call me if there are questions.

Sincerely,

Jeff Saylor

Superintendent, Estill County Schools