We are writing to update you on our school district’s ongoing response to the coronavirus, or COVID-19.
As Friday morning, we have not had any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our state; however, we recognize that neighboring states have had confirmed cases, and we continue to monitor the situation very closely. Our current approach is intended to be both proactive and responsive. Thus far, we have implemented a number of procedures out of an abundance of caution. Over the past several weeks, we have engaged in the following practices:
- Regular contact with the Wilton Health Department, Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, and our district’s medical advisor
- Continuous updates from the Connecticut State Department of Education and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont
- Mobilization of our district-wide emergency operations committee
- More frequent, deeper cleaning protocols in all of our facilities as well as school buses
- Training of custodial and bus staff on the use of stronger cleaning agents and cleaning techniques appropriate for this situation
- Development of learning continuity plans in the event of school closure; information on the plans will be distributed next week
- Increased handwashing for all students (beginning Monday, March 9, all students in grades Pre-K-5 will wash their hands after school arrival, before lunch, and after lunch; students in grades 6-12 will be encouraged to wash their hands as needed during the day)
In addition to the aforementioned practices, we have been assessing all afterschool activities and school-sponsored special events in our buildings. In an effort to engage in only the most essential group activities (i.e. the regular school day), we have decided to postpone all fieldtrips, after-school, and athletic activities (with the exception of state tournaments that cannot be rescheduled) through next Friday, March 13.
We made this decision after consulting with our health professionals, who recommended that we do so as a precautionary measure. We will continue to assess the situation and communicate the plan beyond March 13 by the end of next week. We recognize that the postponement of the afterschool events in the week ahead will likely inconvenience and disappoint students and families, and we appreciate your support as we work through the uncertainty of this situation.
You may be wondering what you can do to support the well-being of your student(s) at this time. While we do not want to heighten anxiety, we recognize the need to be responsive to the various needs of our students in times of uncertainty. To that end, we have included some recommendations below.
- Continue to take universal precautions:
- Wash hands often and vigorously with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before and after eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Cover coughs and sneeze into a tissue, your elbow, or shoulder - not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
- After being home sick, students should be fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications before returning to school.
- Refrain from shaking hands, hugging, or making unnecessary physical contact with others. Do not share food, drinks, or eating utensils with others.
- Be informed. We are including some resources you may choose to share with your child. While we have viewed the content, we ask that you preview each item in order to decide whether it is appropriate for your child’s age.
“Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource”
“Talking to Teens and Tweens About Coronavirus” - NYT Article
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
CT Dept. of Public Health 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (2019-NCOV)
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. We will keep you apprised of updates to our processes in the days and weeks to come. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Assistant Superintendent Charles Smith (curriculum and instruction) at smithc@wiltonps.org, Assistant Superintendent Andrea Leonardi (special services) at leonardia@wiltonps.org, Director of Human Resources and General Administration Maria Coleman (emergency operations) at colemanm@wiltonps.org, or your building principal.