Families,
May the graces of this Lent enable us to see the situation as the Lord would have us, with just enough concern and with plenty of peace amidst the challenges. As the news media continues to provide updates on the Coronavirus, we wanted to assure parents that we continue to take preparation and prevention efforts. The purpose of this communication is to update parents on the steps we are taking and ask for your support in helping us to keep our school and community healthy and safe.
What is our school and Diocese doing?
Working closely with Diocesan Office and the Lancaster County Health Department and other local health agencies
Increased cleaning - disinfecting high touch areas (e.g., door handles) and desktops during the day
Some volunteers are cleaning the pews daily. See the signup if you’d like to help.
Encouraging the avoidance of shaking hands and emphasizing good hygiene practices (e.g., handwashing, not touching face, etc.)
Encouraging students and staff to stay home if they are sick with cold or flu-like symptoms and have a fever. Students and staff who have a fever and other symptoms (cough, sore throat, rash, vomiting or diarrhea) should stay home. A fever above 100 degrees axillary or 101 degrees orally is associated with the corona virus. Students and staff must be fever-free for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medication, before returning to school. If a student becomes ill at school, they will be isolated in a location away from other students until a parent/guardian can take them home.
Developing contingency plans if we need to limit the gathering of large groups and/or dismiss school
Insuring that we have updated email lists, and doing remote preparation for the possibility of sending work home if school were to be suspended
Teachers are also taking care to have tablets and necessary materials at home each night, along with sending more critical school materials home with children nightly
If school is suspended, you will be notified at the earliest possible time via School Messenger, the same system used for school closings
Preparing, but trusting in the Lord and working to calm the anxiety the virus and some in the media would incite--no sin is involved here, and where we are concerned, sin is rightly of more concern in many ways
Remember in prayer all those impacted, especially those who are very ill or have died.
What can families do?
The best way to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus is to prevent the spread of germs. We encourage parents to partner with us in the effort and talk with your children.
Good handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds. Particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Keep hands away from nose, mouth and eyes
Avoid direct contact with high touch areas whenever possible
Stay home and keep your children home when sick. This is particularly important if you or your child has a fever of greater than 100 degrees. Please note that your child should be fever free without the aid of medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Remind children of the importance of using healthy behavior at home and school
Assure your children you will do what you can to keep them safe and extra worry will not help
Pray for those who have the virus and are isolated and alone
Resources for Parents:
How to talk with your children about Coronavirus - A resource from the National Association of School Psychologists: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
If you have questions about COVID-19, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has established the following hotline at 402-441-8006. You may also find the latest information at health.lincoln.ne.gov.
Please know that we are committed to taking the necessary steps to prevent and minimize the spread of the Coronavirus and all other germs and illnesses. We are working very closely with the Diocesan Office and local health departments, and we will continue to adapt our protocols based on the latest and most up to date information and guidance we receive.
