Superintendent Announces Coronavirus Preparation Steps

Message to the Naugatuck Public Schools Community from Superintendent Sharon Locke

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and our Department of Public Health (DPH) have provided guidance about steps we can take to help stop or slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as other respiratory infectious diseases. As the concern and potential spread of Coronavirus escalates, we need to work together to ensure our school community is implementing preventative measures as well as preparing for potential cases.

We are taking steps to address the growing concern regarding COVID-19:

1. Focus on Prevention
   1. We are ensuring students and staff are covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands often. You can help by reinforcing proper hand washing strategies at home: CDC Guidelines for Handwashing
   2. We are regularly cleaning frequently touched and commonly used surfaces and are being vigilant about disinfecting common areas in our schools.
   3. We are encouraging both staff and students to stay home when they are sick. We are abandoning perfect attendance awards. You can help us by letting your school know when your child is sick and the communication with your doctor.
2. Procedures for Students and Staff who are Sick at School
   1. 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.
   2. Please remember that school nurses are not screening for specific diseases and will work with your doctor and the DPH should an infectious disease, like COVID-19, arise.
3. Monitoring, Planning, and Communicating
   1. We will monitor daily attendance and alert public health officials if we see large increases in student and staff absenteeism.
   2. We are meeting with local officials to review, update, and implement emergency operations plans.
   3. We will post updates on our website as well as send messages, like this one, through School Messenger.

For more information please visit: Naugatuck Valley Health District and Centers for Disease Control.

Please communicate with your school principal if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Sharon Locke
Superintendent of Schools