Dear CTECLC Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
The coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be an evolving situation across the world and our country and concern continue to grow locally as an increased number of confirmed cases are being reported in Pennsylvania every day. The health and safety of our students and staff is our priority.
The CTECLC Board s actively monitoring the PA Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control for situational updates. The guidance provided here is based upon current knowledge of COVID-19. We will be working in close collaboration and coordination with local health officials to make school cancellation decisions.
The Board is actively preparing to make procedural adjustments as recommended by those agencies. It is important to note that the Board has a response plan for Pandemic outbreaks, which contains guidelines on monitoring attendance and illness for staff and students, as well as a plan of care for anyone who becomes ill.
Classrooms continue to be cleaned daily with disinfectant where students are experiencing high levels of the common flu. Tracking attendance has allowed us to focus extra attention on classrooms of high absenteeism so that these areas can be disinfected at night. Each evening, our cleaning staff is extra vigilant about disinfecting desks, doorknobs, phones, and all public areas.
Even with these precautionary measures in place, we realize that school closure might become necessary. Our staff could become affected by the virus force us to close because we would not be able to deliver services without a critical number of staff. Additionally, the Department of Health could ask us to close due to concerns of a spread in nearby regions, leaving us without a choice.
We realize that closure brings various challenges, so we have compiled a list of questions and answers that are designed to help you prepare you and your child(ren).
IS THERE A CENTRAL LOCATION WHERE I CAN VIEW RESOURCES ABOUT CORONAVIRUS?
www.cdc.gov/COVID19
As it states, the best advice for prevention of any respiratory virus continues to be Simple, common-sense preventative actions that apply to everyone:
* Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing 70% or more alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
* Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or tissue that is immediately placed in the trash.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
* Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items.
* If your child is sick and running a fever, defined as a temperature greater than or equal to 100-degree Fahrenheit, please keep them out of school until they are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.
We will continue to update you as new information becomes available. Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
CTECLC Board
