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

# # # #

March 15, 2020

Joint Statement from Johnson County School Districts regarding COVID-19

The Kansas State Department of Education issued the following statement on Sunday, March 15:

As of Sun., March 15, Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson strongly recommends that those schools currently coming off of spring break, suspend operations for the week March 16-20. All schools scheduled for spring break the week of March 16-20 will continue as planned.

Closing all schools during this same period of time provides Kansas officials the time needed to finalize a comprehensive plan for how to address COVID-19.

It is critical that we all follow a coordinated response to this situation. 

This announcement does not directly impact districts in Johnson County, as all districts are on Spring Break from March 16-20, 2020; however, we commend Commissioner Watson on making this important recommendation.

As we are all well aware, proactive measures to combat COVID-19 are important to community health and safety. All Johnson County school districts will continue to work closely with Johnson County government, including the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, to take proactive steps to address student, staff and community safety. Families should continue to proactively make plans for the very real possibility of a school closure beyond Spring Break. 

As this remains a fluid and evolving situation, we will keep families updated as more information becomes available from Johnson County officials and the Kansas State Department of Education.

# # # #

March 13, 2020

Johnson County school districts release joint statement on COVID-19

As partners in community health, the six school districts of Johnson County, Johnson County Government and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment are in the process of collaborating and accumulating data regarding the continuation of school following spring break.

The districts are currently deep cleaning and disinfecting buildings and school buses while students and staff members are on spring break.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Education advised against school closures at this time. Although they have advised against a closure, we would like parents to be aware that a closure may become necessary in the future.

Before we return from spring break, we will continue to evaluate the implementation of the interim guidance from the Kansas Department of Health and the Environment Kansas Department of Education.

As we collaborate with local health officials, we will provide additional information as soon as it becomes available.

-30-

RE: SPRING BREAK CLOSURE & COVID-19

Dear Parents & Guardians:

As partners in community health, the six school districts of Johnson County, Johnson County Government and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment are in the process of collaborating and accumulating data regarding the continuation of school following spring break.

The districts will be deep cleaning and disinfecting buildings and school buses while students and staff members are on spring break.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) advised against district closures at this time. Although they have advised against a closure, we would like parents to be aware that a closure may become necessary in the future.

Before we return from spring break, we will continue to evaluate the implementation of the interim guidance from KDHE and KSDE regarding COVID-19.

As we collaborate with local health officials, we will provide additional information as soon as it becomes available.

Spring Break Closure

All schools in USD 232 will be closed to staff and the public from the end of the day, March 13, through Sunday, March 22. Additionally, all activities, practices, events, and facility rentals are suspended during this time. Playgrounds and all district property (fields, tracks, courts, grounds, etc.) are also closed. Off-campus practices for athletic and activity groups are also suspended during spring break. (Staff are currently scheduled to return on March 23; students are currently scheduled to return on March 24.)

The community response to COVID-19 is unprecedented and continues to evolve.  The school district will continue exploring ways in which we can support the continuity of learning for students should it become necessary if there is an extended closure.

This situation remains fluid and there may be additional changes in guidance in the coming days.

Students in grades 6-12 were instructed to take home their MacBooks and chargers just in case the devices are needed for continued learning.

Cleaning and Prevention

As part of our closure during spring break, USD 232 will take the time necessary to conduct a deep cleaning of school facilities. Only essential personnel will have access to our facilities.

The best defense, as you know, is for all of us to practice healthy hygiene habits.

• 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.
• Keep sick children at home until they are fever free for a full 24 hours without the aid of medication.

Travel

Families and individuals who travel outside the United States over break should check in with JCDHE about their travel history and follow the direction and guidance from public health experts regarding isolation or quarantine measures. KDHE recommends that anyone returning from travel to known “hot spots” for the virus – even within the U.S. – and who have had no known direct exposure to someone with the virus should check in with their local public health department, monitor their health and maintain social distancing. > http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm

Working Together

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.

# # # #

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.