July 9, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Many of you are anxious to know more about our plans for school when the new year starts in August.

As a district, we have heard from parents who are concerned about the future impact of COVID-19 because it continues to be unpredictable. We are navigating uncharted territory alongside you and remain dedicated to the safety and well-being of your children and our staff. Each decision we make is in the best interest of their safety.

Timeline for our Plans
We are working on a plan that requires us to consider multiple scenarios. We are calling the plan Coming Back Together: Learning Guidelines.

Monday, July 13 – We will discuss the current draft of Coming Back Together with the Board of Education at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 13. The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed via the district’s YouTube channel. > https://bit.ly/usd232youtube

Wednesday, July 15 – The Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas State School Board is expected to release its guidelines for school districts. We will review the state guidelines and make any necessary changes to our plan.

Thursday, July 16 – Once our plan is updated, we will share information with all families and staff. We will send email communication, post information on our website, and send notification via social media.

Options for Parents
We will provide as much information as possible on what school will look like so our parents will be able to make a decision about whether they would like their child to attend in-person or consider our optional remote learning. On Monday, July 20, we will send a brief survey to gauge the interest of families who may want to consider optional remote learning for their children.

The optional remote learning will be more robust than the Continuous Learning Plan of last spring and will offer a more in-depth educational opportunity that will include direct instruction, grading, attendance, and accountability. This type of remote learning will also be in place should we experience any periods of school closure due to COVID-19. We are planning for all scenarios.

Planning
We have worked on our plans since the start of June and included many groups in this ongoing process.

• A cross-section of parents from across the district representing elementary, middle school and high school
• The Student Advisory Team
• Nearly 40 teachers across multiple grade levels and disciplines
• Administrators and Leadership Team
• Collaboration with superintendents from Johnson County school districts
• Collaboration with Kansas State Department of Education
• Collaboration with Kansas Department of Health and Environment
• Collaboration with Johnson County Department of Health and Environment
• Considered guidance from American Academy of Pediatrics
• Considered guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Although we will have a plan for the start of school in August, we need to be prepared to adapt and change as circumstances unfold. This year will be the most unique school year in recent history. However, we will remain positive and determined to help bring a sense of calm to our students. We can do this, working together. Please be looking for more communication next week.

Sincerely,
Superintendent Frank Harwood

-

June 24, 2020

Dear USD 232 Families:

While we have much work to do, we are planning for schools to resume in-person operations in August. Much of our preparation is focused on what adjustments need to be made to appropriately accommodate students and staff in such a way that provides for a safe environment. In addition to planning for all students to attend on-site, we are also developing ways to improve on the remote learning model that was developed last spring as well as hybrid models that would allow for some students to attend on-site.  At this point, these models are being developed as contingencies, as our goal is to have students safely return to school. 

We also realize that some families may not want to have students return on-site until there is a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19.  To that end, we are working on plans that could allow for families to choose remote learning as an option.  We are awaiting guidance from the Kansas Department of Education learn more about what requirements there will be for a remote learning option.

Once guidance from KSDE is finalized, we will share district plans for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.  Based on the timelines we have been given, we expect to share more information with families in mid-July.

June 16, 2020

USD 232 Families:

Many of our families and students are anxiously awaiting news and information about our return to school in August. We are writing to provide a quick update that planning is currently underway, which includes meetings with the Kansas State Department of Education, Johnson County health officials, as well as the other school districts in the county.

While we have much work to do, we are planning for schools to resume in-person operations in August. Much of our preparation is focused on what adjustments need to be made to appropriately accommodate students and staff in such a way that provides for a safe environment. We will share more information with families in mid-July.

Summer Curbside Meals Update
We want to update families on our July plans regarding the free Curbside Grab and Go Meals Program. Our last day of serving meals in June will be June 29. In July, the district will provide FREE meals to students, to be picked up at specific locations on Mondays and Wednesdays, from July 8 through July 29.

On Mondays, children will receive four (4) meals: 

• two (2) breakfasts and 
• two (2) lunches 

On Wednesdays, children will receive six (6) meals: 

• three (3) breakfasts and 
• three (3) lunches

Here are the Monday and Wednesday times and locations (please note these are the same as our June schedule):

• De Soto High School –11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (main drive-thru location)
• Clearview City, De Soto – 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
• Prospector’s Point, De Soto –11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.  
• Woodland Townhomes, Shawnee– 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 m. (walk up only; no drive-thru service)

New July Location! Beginning July 8, free lunches will be provided at the De Soto Aquatics Center from 12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.  Lunches will be provided every day Monday – Thursday. Please note that only a lunch will be included at this pick-up location. Our last day of service at the aquatic center will be July 30.

De Soto High School will serve as the main meal distribution location with drive-through service. A limited number of meals will be available at each of the three mobile sites. The meals will be available for free to children ages 1 to 18, regardless of what school they attend. No paperwork is required. 

Menus can be viewed online by clicking here or on our Nutrislice mobile app.  

Children must be present for meals to be provided, a requirement of the federal program, unless families have a waiver on file (waivers completed this spring are still valid).  To complete the waiver, please contact nutrition@usd232.org. Adult meals will not be available for purchase. 

This "grab & go" meal program will be solely for the pickup of meals; meals will not be consumed on site. We encourage families to continue to be proactive in reducing the risk of COVID-19 by not congregating at the school or other delivery sites and utilizing continued social distancing once meals have been distributed. Please know that our staff size will be limited and we are following all CDC guidelines for preparation and delivery of meals. 

If you have any questions, please contact us via email at nutrition@usd232.org as this account will be monitored daily. Additional details will also be posted on the Student Nutrition webpage and Twitter.  > https://bitly.com/3e74teV

--

May 19, 2020

USD 232 Families:

Now that the 2019-20 school year is coming to an end, we want to provide a quick update on our Curbside Grab and Go Meals Program. This Wednesday, May 20, will be the final day of serving meals for the spring semester. Free grab and go meals will be available at all the usual locations for this last day of service:

• De Soto High School –11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
• Clearview City, De Soto – 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Prospector’s Point, De Soto –11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  
• Monticello Trails Middle School, Shawnee – 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
• Woodland Townhomes, Shawnee– 11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 

 

Summer Curbside Meals begins June 1

This summer, the USD 232 Student Nutrition Department will continue to offer the free Curbside Meal Program through the month of June.  Note the change in locations below.

Children must be present for meals to be provided, a requirement of the federal program, unless families have a waiver on file (waivers completed this spring are still valid).  To complete the waiver, please contact nutrition@usd232.org. Adult meals will not be available for purchase. 

The district will provide FREE meals to students, to be picked up at specific locations on Mondays and Wednesdays, from June 1 through June 29.  Plans regarding the  Summer Curbside Meal Program for July will be announced at some point in June.

On Mondays, children will receive four (4) meals: 

• two (2) breakfasts and 
• two (2) lunches 

On Wednesdays, children will receive six (6) meals: 

• three (3) breakfasts and 
• three (3) lunches

June Locations

Here are the new times and locations for the Summer Curbside Meal Program (please note that these are slightly different from our spring schedule):

• De Soto High School –11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (main drive-thru location)
• Clearview City, De Soto – 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
• Prospector’s Point, De Soto –11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.  
• Woodland Townhomes, Shawnee– 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 m. (walk up only; no drive-thru service)

De Soto High School will serve as the main meal distribution location with drive-through service. A limited number of meals will be available at each of the three mobile sites. The meals will be available for free to children ages  1 to 18, regardless of what school they attend. No paperwork is required. 

Menus can be viewed online by clicking here or on our Nutrislice mobile app.  

This "grab & go" meal program will be solely for the pickup of meals; meals will not be consumed on site. We encourage families to continue to be proactive in reducing the risk of COVID-19 by not congregating at the school or other delivery sites and utilizing continued social distancing once meals have been distributed. Please know that our staff size will be limited and we are following all CDC guidelines for preparation and delivery of meals. 

If you have any questions, please contact us via email at nutrition@usd232.org as this account will be monitored daily. Additional details will also be posted on the Student Nutrition webpage and Twitter.  > https://bitly.com/3e74teV

-USD 232 Administration

May 13, 2020

USD 232 Families:
We are writing to provide you some additional updates regarding Summer Programming in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As we shared with families earlier in May, Johnson County is following the Governor’s plan to reopen the state (Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas). Each phase has a tentative timeline, which is subject to extension due to health circumstances surrounding the pandemic. 

JUNE 2020

At this point in time, all in-person student activities such as events, camps and summer programming scheduled for June will not take place including:

• In-person summer activities such as high school credit recovery, weights and conditioning, and drivers’ education classes;
• Athletic, activity or music camps that would have taken place at a school building; and
• All facility rentals for the month of June.

IMPORTANT: We are closely monitoring the evolving health situation in our community. It is possible, under the plan to reopen Kansas, that some outdoor, in-person activities *may* be allowed on school property in late June. Any changes will be communicated accordingly.

Johnson County Parks & Recreation District (JCPRD) Childcare 
Due to the needs of working parents, licensed childcare providers are subject to different rules under the reopening plan. JCPRD operates a licensed childcare program. As such, JCPRD will resume childcare services beginning Monday, June 1, at selected school sites. It will follow specific state/county guidelines governing licensed childcare providers.  JCPRD will communicate specific information to families.

JULY 2020 
Decisions made about in-person activities during the month of July will be shared at a later date.

Thank you for making our community strong and safe.
USD 232 Administration

-end message-

May 7, 2020

USD 232 continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on current and future programming and events, including summer programs. We are writing to provide an update on the status of summer programming for 2020. 

In light of updated guidance from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Johnson County health officials, and in collaboration with all Johnson County School Districts, here is what we know today, May, 7, 2020, regarding summer programming.

The State of Kansas announced four phases to reopen the state (Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas).  Each phase has a tentative timeline, which is subject to extension due to health circumstances surrounding the pandemic.

Important: The new plan to reopen Kansas does not change the Governor’s original order (EO 20-07) closing all school facilities until May 29, 2020.​

May 2020

• USD 232 will continue current operations as they are today.
• Schools will communicate with parents the plans for students to retrieve personally owned items, return library books/textbooks, etc.
• The last day of school for seniors is May 13. Graduation ceremonies moved to July 25.
• The last day of school for all other students is May 21.
• The last contract day for teachers is May 22.

June 2020

• High School Summer School (Credit Recovery): ONLINE PROGRAMMING ONLY – high school counselors will send communication this month to those students/families who may need the credit recovery program.
• Facility Use and Rental (includes camps and clinics): ON HOLD – will make determination based on Governor’s Ad Astra Phases to Reopen Kansas​.
• Summer Drivers’ Education: ON HOLD

July 2020

• High School Graduation Ceremonies: JULY 25 – will plan appropriate ceremony based on Governor’s Ad Astra Phase​s to Reopen Kansas.
• Facility Use and Rental (includes camps and clinics): ON HOLD – will make determination based on Governor’s Ad Astra Phases to Reopen Kansas​.

We recognize that public health information surrounding the pandemic is subject to change day to day and week to week. Thank you for your patience, understanding and flexibility during this extraordinary time in our community.  

USD 232 Administration

-

April 9, 2020
Re: Grading Protocol 

USD 232 Families:
Thank you for your grace and patience as we launched our new continuous learning plan for students and teachers. Although we experienced some glitches in the first few days, the overall plan is going very well. Because this is new for everyone, we will continue to adjust as we move forward. 

As we shared previously, we are following up with families about fourth quarter grading procedures. Below you will find the protocol which was developed in consultation with principals, along with input from teachers.

If you have specific questions about the protocol, please contact your child’s teacher(s) and school principal.

We hope this information provides more guidance as we continue to implement our learning plan. Above all, we hope you and your family are doing well. Stay safe and remember to take care of yourself during this time.

Continuous Learning Plan 
Fourth Quarter Grading Protocol 

As part of the USD 232 commitment to the new Continuous Learning Plan, all students are expected to engage in learning opportunities to the extent possible for their situation.  Students who reasonably engage in work assigned to them will receive semester grades no lower than their third quarter grade.

Students who would like to raise their semester grade as compared to their third quarter grade should work with their teacher to receive guidance about what they will need to accomplish during fourth quarter.  Students who want opportunities to raise their semester grade should contact their teacher no later than Friday, April 24.

Grades for work assigned during fourth quarter will be recorded in Skyward (for middle school and high school).  However, due to the variable nature of the work being done, the fourth quarter grade will not change the semester grade automatically.  Changes to the semester grade will be made manually in Skyward at the end of the semester.

Exceptions to this protocol are: middle school classes that are fourth quarter only, AP Classes, College Now Classes, Quickstep Classes and Credit Recovery Courses. 

In regard to middle school fourth quarter only classes, teachers will consider grading based on reasonable efforts on work during the fourth quarter. We are asking teachers and students to be flexible during this time.

AP, College Now and Quickstep classes are governed by agreements with outside agencies.  Teachers for these courses will let students know the specific expectations.  All students enrolled in these courses will have the same expectations regardless if they are planning to receive college credit or take the AP Exam.

Credit Recovery Courses through Edgneuity are based on content completion.  These courses have always been computer based and the original expectations still apply.

-end message-

 

USD 232 Administration

April 1, 2020

The school district created a website for families with general information dedicated to the new continuous learning plan.

> Link to the website

March 30, 2020

Watch the video message to USD 232 families from Frank Harwood, Superintendent of Schools, about the continuous learning plan.

> Watch the video

March 24, 2020 

Just some quick updates for our USD 232 families. 

Curbside Grab & Go Meals – Starting March 25 
Wednesday, March 25, begins our free Curbside Grab and Go Meals for children, ages 1 to 18. We will offer meal kits (breakfast and lunch for multiple days) on Wednesdays and Mondays. For details about locations, menus and nutrition information, please visit our webpage. 

Student Band Instruments  
Some parents have inquired about retrieving student band instruments from school. We will be working on a process and schedule to make that happen in the coming days and in consideration of county health expectations. Stay tuned for more information.  

Learning Plan  
We understand that many of you are anxious to know more about the continuous learning plan for students. While our school buildings may be closed, we want learning to continue as much as possible and reasonable. We will communicate information to families the week of March 30, with learning activities set to begin that same week. 

High School Graduation  
As we shared with you last week, the regularly scheduled high school commencement ceremonies are postponed. This is an important milestone and we understand parents and students have questions. We will be working with our high schools to explore options that may be available to us. Thank you for your grace and patience during this difficult time. We will keep you advised. 

Stay tuned for information as we learn more. 

USD 232 Administration 

March 20, 2020

We are writing to keep you updated on what turned out to be an eventful week in the State of Kansas and our community.

While we are making progress on a number of items, please keep in mind that everything is subject to change under these extraordinary circumstances.

Curbside Meals Program – Starting March 25
We are launching our free Curbside Meals Program for children on Wednesday, March 25. We will have grab and go meals available at four locations. Details are on our website.
> Learn more

Reunification with Medicine and Medical Supplies
Plans are being developed to connect parents with their child’s medicine and medical supplies. We will direct schools to work out details and connect with families at scheduled times Tuesday, March 24 through Friday, March 27. Communication will come directly from your student’s school.

Learning Plan
We understand that many of you are anxious to know more about the continuous learning plan for teachers and students. While our school buildings may be closed, we want learning to continue as much as possible and reasonable. School districts received guidance on Thursday, March 19, from the Kansas State Department of Education regarding what learning opportunities may look like. Staff are already working on the USD 232 plan and implementation framework. We will communicate information to families. Expect learning activities to begin the week of March 30.

Health Department Assistance
USD 232 has been asked to help support the county health department in fielding phone calls from citizens with health-related questions about COVID-19. Some of our school nurses are helping staff the Johnson County Community COVID-19 Hotline (health-related questions).

Phone: 913-715-CV19 (2819)
Begins: March 18, 2020
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Thank You
There remain many questions that have yet to be answered. We are working diligently during this challenging time to adjust to this new situation. Thank you for your grace and patience.

Other Resources

> Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease Outbreak 
> Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus

> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information

Stay tuned for information as we learn more.

USD 232 Administration

# # # #

March 18, 2020 

RE: Governor’s Order Closing Schools 

We are writing to keep our families updated on the extraordinary action taken by the State of Kansas to close schools for regular operations through the end of the current school year (2019-20) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Although this means our traditional model of in-person instruction is changing, it does not mean all school-based learning is finished for the academic year. 

While we do not have all the answers yet, I want to give you a preview of what we are planning. 

Student Meals  
Our Student Nutrition Department is finalizing plans on how we can make curbside meals available for children who need it most, ages 1-18. Free meals will be provided Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning Wed., March 25.  

On Mondays children will receive lunches for Monday/Tuesday and breakfast for Tuesday/Wednesday. On Wednesdays, children will receive lunches for Wednesday/Thursday/Friday and breakfast for Thursday/Friday/Monday. Details for our curbside serving locations and times are now on our website.  >> http://bitly.com/3b5sa5E 

Reunification with Medicine and Medical Supplies  
Plans are being developed to connect families with their child’s medicine and medical supplies. We will communicate with more information very soon. Collecting personal items for staff and students will also be addressed at a later date.  

Learning Plan  
We are entering a profound moment in our state and country. All of us, working together, will do our best in trying to continue education under these new circumstances. More importantly, we will strive to help our students have some normalcy.   

We are in communication with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) regarding continuous learning and what that may look like during this extraordinary time. The state is expected to release new guidance on Wednesday evening, March 18, or later this week. Once we receive the new guidance from KSDE, we will begin the work of developing and adapting plans.  

Our staff are also working on other critical issues, such as what this means for our high school seniors and how this will affect next school year for all students. We will share information with families and students in the coming days.  

Special Services  
An important part of our learning plan will be to ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to access the learning plan and make progress on IEP goals. At present, the district is working diligently to review all federal and state guidance and will provide further updates in the near future.  

Kindergarten Roundup  
Some of our elementary schools had already scheduled traditional Kindergarten Roundups for the 2020-21 school year. These events are cancelled. Our teams will be working on new ways to provide important information for families with incoming Kindergarten students. This information will be communicated once it becomes available. 

Childcare (Johnson County) 
We are participating in a county-wide task force to examine the needs of childcare and how multiple organizations can come together to support our families as much as possible given the evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19. This is a tremendous undertaking and the taskforce will seek possible solutions for the entire county. 

Health Department Assistance  
USD 232 has been asked to help support the county health department in fielding phone calls from citizens with health-related questions about COVID-19. Some of our school nurses are helping staff the Johnson County Community COVID-19 Hotline (health-related questions).  

Phone: 913-715-CV19 (2819) 
Begins: March 18, 2020 
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday 

Mental Health Support  
We realize the disruption caused by not going to school will be difficult for many of our students.  We will be working with our school social workers and counselors to investigate ways we can come along side students and families to support the area of mental health and social-emotional wellbeing during this time. 

Additional County Support  
Given the disruptive effects of school closures, the districts in Johnson County stand ready to support additional efforts as needed. Our facilities department will be ready to provide assistance if requested by our county government. 

Volunteer Efforts  
Many individuals and organizations contacted us to offer help and support. Once we identify areas of need, we will certainly reach out to our community, as this effort will take all of us working together. The good news is that we have employees who will be assigned other duties to assist the district given the change in our circumstances. 

Paying Employees 
We are committed to paying salary and benefits for all employees during this time. Staff will be paid for days that they are requested not to report to work.  However, as we implement plans, there will be plenty of work that needs to be done.  We will be asking staff to adapt to the changes and to work in support of our students and community as requested.  

Staff Returning from Spring Break  
Limited USD 232 staff will be reporting to work the week following spring break.  We will be using this first week to make plans for implementing the items listed above.  Staff members will be contacted about when and how they should report for work. 

Travel over spring break  
We plan to contact all employees in the coming days to inquire about any travel that may have taken place over spring break. Working with public health officials, we need to know if, when, and where they traveled. Depending on the location, health officials may request that certain employees self-quarantine.  

Additional Questions  
Many parents and students have asked about certain milestone events, such as prom and graduation. At this point in time, all events are postponed. There remain many questions that have yet to be answered. We are working diligently during this challenging time to adjust to this new situation. All districts will be coordinating with the state and will communicate information to staff and families in the coming days.  

Working together  
Now is the time to join together in responding to this challenge as a unified Johnson County community. By working together, we can provide support to each other during this difficult and evolving situation.  

Other Resources 

> Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease Outbreak 
> Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus 
> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information  
 

Stay tuned for information as we learn more. 

Frank Harwood 
Superintendent of Schools

March 17, 2020

RE: Governor’s Order Closing Schools through End of School Year

Dear Parents & Guardians:

Tuesday afternoon, March 17, Governor Laura Kelly ordered all public schools in Kansas to remain closed for regular operations through the end of the school year. This unprecedented action is to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our state and community. 

“The steps we're announcing today will create the space we need at the state level, to develop a more strategic resilient infrastructure so that we can get ahead of this threat and limit its long-term impact,” Governor Kelly noted. You can view the Governor’s press conference online or read recent press releases on the Governor's website.

“We are entering a profound moment in our state and country,” said Dr. Frank Harwood, USD 232 Superintendent of Schools. “Now is the time to join together in responding to this challenge as a unified Johnson County community. By working together, we can provide support to each other during this difficult and evolving situation. We will do our best to support our families and our employees.”

This is unchartered territory for all of us--health officials, government officials and education officials. Please grant each other a measure of grace as we work to better understand our new normal. We are working to provide clear communication to staff and families. We appreciate your patience as we thoughtfully respond, as quickly as we are able.

Please check your email regularly for updates and additional information.

USD 232 Administration

# # # #

March 16, 2020

Johnson County Schools Closed through April 5

Joint news conference is planned for tomorrow

Tonight, Johnson County Government is announcing that Johnson County public health officer Dr. Joseph LeMaster has signed an order to close all schools in Johnson County through April 5 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. 

A joint news conference is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, at 111 S. Cherry St., Olathe. 

--

Dear USD 232 Staff and Families:

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment ordered Johnson County school districts to keep schools closed through Sunday, April 5. This action is designed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.  In addition to schools being closed through April 5, all school activities, practices and events will continue to be suspended during this time. There will be no facility rentals.

Additional information will be shared this week and the coming days, including information about learning resources for students and details related to providing food for children who need it most.

The district and health officials strongly encourages social distancing during this time to mitigate the spread of this virus.

Again, Johnson County school districts are closed through April 5. We will continue to inform staff and families as the situation continues to evolve.

Thank you for being our partner in protecting the health of our community.

USD 232 Administration

# # # #

In the event of an outbreak in our community, the district would follow direction from public health officials on any quarantines, closures or other health measures as necessary. Our goal is to help keep all students and staff safe and to minimize any impact on learning in our schools. We are working directly with Johnson County Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Department of Health and Environment. USD 232 is prepared with action plans should the virus impact our area.

The district is cooperating with public health officials around this issue to ensure that current practices are appropriate.

We are following the recommendations from the CDC regarding prevention actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick (for the full recommended recovery time)
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Keep sick children at home until they are fever free for a full 24 hours without the aid of ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• We continuously promote frequent hand-washing, cough and sneeze etiquette, etc.
• We perform daily cleaning at all schools. We target specific areas of the school for deeper cleaning and disinfecting based on reported illnesses and absenteeism.
• We pay special attention to desks, countertops, doorknobs, water fountains, etc., on a regular basis.
• We utilize professional antimicrobial cleaning products that are registered for use against COVID-19.

Information about Influenza

• If a student tests positive for influenza, they must stay home for five days from the onset of symptoms as well as be fever free for a full 24 hours without the use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen.  If a student has been prescribed a therapeutic dose of Tamiflu, they need to stay home for five days from the onset of symptoms as well as be fever free for a full 24 hours without the use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen.  The best way to stop the spread of the flu is stay home when sick.

The support and assistance of our school community when working to contain communicable diseases is vital.  Teaching the foundations of healthy habits in the home, self-reporting illness, and keeping sick individuals home are important elements in the success of containing communicable diseases within a community.   The diligence of our family partners in this effort is greatly appreciated. 

We are working closely with Johnson County Department of Health and Environment to adapt plans and responses as necessary.

For Parents
> Parent Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19
from National Child Traumatic Stress Network

For Children
> Talking to Kids About Coronavirus
From Child Mind Institute

> Hand washing resources for children 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

More info:
We want to empower students that they can help stay healthy by practicing good hygiene.

What you (student) can do:

• Practice good hand washing
• Cough/sneeze away from others and into your elbow
• Tell a parent and/or teacher if you don’t feel well

What others are doing:

• Doctors are working hard to find ways to help (like the flu shot)
• Custodians are cleaning our schools
• Teachers and parents are helping us learn good hygiene habits

Adults should remain calm; model good hygiene and assure students that this is temporary.  Tell students that good hygiene should always be practiced, especially during the cold/flu season.