References To Aid Your COVID-19 Response Plan

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Written By Meredith Douglas

Thank you for tuning in to our most recent THRIVE Masterclass discussing how best to prepare for and respond to the recent spread of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. As promised, we will be providing resources as they are made available to us. Below you can find a recipe for homemade hand sanitizer, an example of a parent letter and links to additional resources.

If you missed our Essential Elements to Keeping Your School Healthy webinar or were only able to watch some of it, you can view the entire recording on our YouTube page here: https://youtu.be/IRy4GBJwJeo

Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe

1/3 cup of aloe vera gel

2/3 cup 99% rubbing alcohol

8-10 drops of essential oil, optional (such as vanilla, lavender, grapefruit, peppermint, etc.)

Important reminders:

  • Follow CDC and WHO recommendations.

  • Don't use vodka! It's all over the internet as an option but not recommended. 

  • No substitute for good handwashing techniques. 

  • When in doubt, check with a health care professional—especially before using essential oils on children or if you have a medical condition.

  • Using fresh aloe vera gel isn’t as stable for counter storage; a commercial brand is recommended.

Parent Letter Template

Below is a letter template for you to use when addressing the issue of COVID-19 with your parents.

Dear Families,

As you know, there is increasing focus on the coronavirus (COVID-10) threat across the country, with more states and counties taking bold action to keep schools safe. While preparation is very important, the CDC is still characterizing the overall risk of exposure for the general public as “relatively low,” even in communities where presence of the virus is elevated.

We are fortunate that we have not yet had any reported cases of coronavirus in our immediate school environment. That said, the health, safety and wellbeing of our students and extended community are our top priorities. 

We will continue to closely monitor any local coronavirus developments and have developed an internal task force to make decisions daily and prepare ourselves for a variety of scenarios. We are committed to making fact-based decisions—informed by official sources—and will notify you of our decisions as quickly as possible. We are also in regular contact with other providers across the country through a variety of resources and are committed to sharing our best ideas and practices. 

We continue to act with vigilance in promoting overall preventative health hygiene to minimize the spread of infectious diseases within our schools, including:

•       thorough handwashing and covering up coughs/sneezes.

•       daily “wellness” checks of students—promptly sending students home if they show signs of illness.

•       ensuring all faculty, staff and students feeling ill stay home until they recover.

•       repeated cleaning of “high-touch” surfaces throughout the school day.

•       reassuring children as questions and concerns regarding the virus come up.

Other optional statements to include:

  1. Out of an abundance of caution, effective immediately, we are now asking that any students or staff (or those with household members) who have traveled to an area under the CDC’s Travel Health Notice Level 2 or above NOT come to school for a 14-day period from the date of their return. This is not local or national health authority guidance but rather our school policy. We understand that this may pose a significant inconvenience, but please know that we make this request with the well-being of our community as our priority.

  2. In the event that we receive reports of a confirmed coronavirus case within our school community (student or staff) OR state or local officials require area schools to close due to a coronavirus outbreak in the community at large, we are prepared to initiate “deep cleaning/disinfecting” protocols and temporary closure. If our school must be dismissed for an extended period, we will provide suggestions for activities and lessons to facilitate continued learning at home. 

  3. All visitors including tours are being cancelled.  

  4. All field trips are being cancelled. Children will still go outside and get exercise in the safest environment possible.

  5. We are now requesting that parents remain outside for drop-off and pick-up. Please do not enter the building wherever possible. (Alternatively, do not pass the lobby and sanitize when entering and exiting the front door). If there is something urgent to discuss, please call ahead of time and follow the hand sanitizer, slippers only and mask protocol. Please prepare your child that you will not be taking them into the building if they are used to you coming inside.   

  6. Please take your child’s temperature every morning before school. We will ask you at drop-off for the reading and monitor temperatures very carefully. We also ask that if you are called due to your child having a fever that you come as quickly as possible to pick them up.  

As always please come to us with any questions or suggestions. We are committed to working together to ensure the health and safety of the children and families we serve.

Download Word Template

Additional Resources

Meredith Douglas
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