March 6, 2020 Update

March 6, 2020

Dear CVSD Families:

With the increased intensity of news reports and social media posts regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19), comes speculation about the impact this virus may eventually have on school communities. It is important for you to know the most accurate and timely information about this health concern.

We continue to work at the district level to ensure that we are planning appropriate precautionary steps while we work through this possible health and safety challenge. We are working closely with the Vermont Department of Health. Over the past several days, we have spent hours researching and in conversation with health authorities and the Agency of Education learning how they can help school districts in Vermont prepare for any possible health emergencies.

The safety of our students and staff is our priority. Please be assured that we are working with individual families who seek guidance and those who express concerns. What we are able to provide is the latest information that comes from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the State Department, the World Health Organization and the Vermont Department of Health. This is a very fluid situation and the sites are updated regularly. We recommend you bookmark those sites so you can check them as you feel the need.

We have open and effective lines of communication with our public health officials and the Vermont Agency of Education and will alert students, staff, and parents if we receive direction related to COVID-19. Any potential school closing (and reopening) due to illness will be guided by public health officials. While education is important, the health and wellbeing of our students and staff are far more significant.

As a reminder, please use these preventative hygiene practices:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, please stay home and avoid contact with others.

According to public health officials, the way COVID-19 is spread is very similar to the flu and common colds. For this reason, we are encouraging our students and staff to actively wash their hands and take all of the same precautions they would normally take to avoid these illnesses. Please encourage your children to do the same at home as they build healthy habits.

We will continue to monitor the situation and update you as we have more information. You can find additional links and information on the District page of our website www.cvsdvt.org. If you have any questions, please email cvsdinformation@cvsdvt.org and we will try to answer as quickly as possible.

Thank you, 

The Champlain Valley School District Administration