School superintendents across Franklin County are doing like everyone else when it comes to COVID-19: trying not to overreact while doing everything they can to keep their students, teachers and staff safe.
As more reports came in last week that cases of the novel coronavirus had reached 13 states across the United States, superintendents sent letters to parents to keep them informed.
Greenfield Superintendent Jordana Harper, along with Mayor Roxann Wedegartener, lead nurse Pam Owen and Health Director Valerie Bird sent a letter to parents, students, families and staff saying that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Greenfield at this time.
The letter says that town officials are working together to engage in pro-active planning and reduce the risk in schools and the community. Currently, Greenfield is in the low-risk category.
The letter continues, “Much of the guidance for the coronavirus is similar to cold and flu prevention strategies.” In addition, Harper informs people about how her custodial staff is engaged in regular cleaning and disinfecting of hard surfaces, frequently touched surfaces, bathrooms and health rooms with Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectant and soap and water for removal of microorganisms.
The district is reviewing proper hand washing and basic health precautions with all students and staff, as well as holding demonstrations for students.
Along with the letter, Harper included a number of links, including one to a short video. She said she wants everyone to be as informed as possible.
Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said she will be meeting with other town leaders, including the ones who signed the letter, to discuss any further actions that can be taken. She said the city will update its protocol as more information comes from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and the state Department of Public Health (DPH).
The letter continues, “Much of the guidance for the coronavirus is similar to cold and flu prevention strategies.” In addition, Harper informs people about how her custodial staff is engaged in regular cleaning and disinfecting of hard surfaces, frequently touched surfaces, bathrooms and health rooms with Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectant and soap and water for removal of microorganisms.
The district is reviewing proper hand washing and basic health precautions with all students and staff, as well as holding demonstrations for students.
Along with the letter, Harper included a number of links, including one to a short video. She said she wants everyone to be as informed as possible.
Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said she will be meeting with other town leaders, including the ones who signed the letter, to discuss any further actions that can be taken. She said the city will update its protocol as more information comes from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and the state Department of Public Health (DPH).
Pioneer Valley Regional School District Superintendent Jonathan Scagel said the district is “ready to do whatever is recommended at the state and local levels.”
“As of right now, we’re educating students and families on best practices for prevention, and we’re keeping the community informed,” Scagel said.
He said he and his district’s nurses are working on the issue daily and meeting to discuss strategies. The letter he sent starts, “Given the evolving global outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, we wanted to touch base with families in our community letting you know the PVRSD is following state-recommended guidelines closely. The letter tells parents that the school is working closely with the district’s physician, as well as local and state officials.
“PVRSD takes public health concerns very seriously; if there are any changes recommended by the state we will share that information with you as we receive it,” the letter says.
Scagel and his team also attached resources and information about COVID-19 from the DPH and the CDC.
Mohawk Trail Regional School District Interim Superintendent Leann Loomis and district nurse Sue Mitchell sent a letter to all staff and families saying they understand everyone has questions about COVID-19 and how it might eventually impact their community.
The letter provides information about the CDC’s daily updates and where to find them, and lets people know the risk is still low. It suggests people take the same precautions they would for the seasonal flu and strep infections.
Loomis requests that parents keep sick children home from school if they have fevers greater than 100.4, coughing or difficulty breathing or any other serious symptoms.
Loomis said the district will continue to monitor COVID-19 as it evolves and update everyone.
“We are in close communication with the local Board of Health, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health/School Health Unit, and monitoring the CDC updates,” the letter reads. “Additionally, we follow all recommended guidelines to ensure the safety of our students and staff and have a plan in place.”
