Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 3.16.2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 3.16.2020
Shenandoah CSD Closed 4 Weeks
In the last several weeks, the threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has rapidly increased across the United States. This news has elevated everyone’s concern. We have been working carefully to follow the guidance of several agencies, including the Iowa Department of Public Health, Page County Public Health, the Iowa Department of Education, and further consulting with other medical providers and schools.
Shenandoah CSD will be closed for the next four weeks based on the Governor’s recommendation that schools close. School will resume on April 13th based on what information is available today. Please keep in mind this is a very uncertain time, and information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly changing. We will make decisions and announcements as more information is presented.
Meals
The District is working on a plan that will allow the food service department to continue to provide meals for students. Please watch for further announcements.
Prevention
This is a serious matter, and yet, some things can be done that will help us be better prepared to prevent further spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These recommended actions seem simple, but these are practices that will help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other illnesses.
- Washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds
- Using hand sanitizer when it is available
- Covering and containing sneezes and coughs in a tissue
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick and staying home when sick.
- Keeping a social distance (avoiding larger groups of people)
Limited Building Access
- Only district personnel who are specifically assigned to work and key service providers will be allowed in our school buildings. The District will not be allowing staff who are not assigned to work, volunteers, mentors, and visitors to enter school facilities.
- School facilities will no longer be available for community use until further notice. Any non-District event scheduled to be hosted on school grounds will be canceled.
School Activities/Events
- All school activities, athletics, practices, and event are canceled until further notice.
Restrictions on Student and Staff Travel
To avoid the potential of travel-related exposure to the virus, beginning this weekend:
- There will be no school-related travel outside the school district by students and staff members until further notice. Staff will be asked to use Zoom or other online formats to participate in meetings that require attendance.
- School field trips will be suspended until further notice.
Making Up Instructional Time
It is unknown whether or not the Iowa Department of Education will waive the minimum amount of time schools are required to be in session.
It is fortunate spring break is scheduled March 16-20, which is one of the four weeks the District is closed. There are additional instructional hours on the school calendar that can be used for emergency purposes; however, there are not sufficient hours to cover all four weeks. It is estimated we would need to make up some time.