Naugatuck Public School Coronavirus Update

March 10, 2020

Naugatuck Public Schools Community,

The safety of our students and staff continue as our highest priority as the concern regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) directly impacts Connecticut. We will continue to work together to ensure we are taking preventative measures as well as preparing for and responding to potential cases. Please visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health for up-to-date information about COVID-19. (To sign up for Naugatuck breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

If and/or when we receive a report of COVID-19, we will consult with local and state health officials and the State Department of Education as we make case-by-case decisions regarding school response. School closure may be a temporary necessity as we learn of cases connected with our school community. In the event schools are closed, days will be made up at the end of the year. Individuals who are isolated due to exposure or increased risk will communicate with their school and plans for the continuation of school work will be arranged. If there is a long-term closure (longer than 2 weeks), we will work with the CSDE to determine appropriate actions.

Until further notice, we will be canceling or postponing out-of-state field trips as well as field trips to locations where there are large crowds and limiting attendance at after school and evening activities. Details regarding events will come from school administration.

I want to reiterate that prevention continues to be our primary strategy. In the course of a regular school day:
Before heading off to school or the bus stop: Please have your children wash their hands thoroughly before heading off to school or the bus stop in the morning. If they are sick please keep them home.
Our buses are wiped down with disinfectant before the morning runs for each school and again before the bus ride home in the afternoon.
Upon arrival, we will have students wash their hands again. We are regularly cleaning frequently touched and commonly used surfaces and are being vigilant about disinfecting common areas in our schools.
Before Lunch students will wash their hands again before they enter the lunchroom as well as after recess.

If students or staff are sick at school, they will be kept at a safe distance from others and sent home as soon as possible. Please make sure your emergency contacts are able to pick up sick children if you are not able to come in a timely fashion. Please communicate with your school principal if you have any questions or concerns. I will continue to communicate as conditions and plans change and evolve.
For school-related questions about Coronavirus, please email healthinfo@naugautck. k12.ct.us.
For non-school related questions about Coronavirus, call 211.

Thank you,
Sharon Locke,
Superintendent