(Letter is located on www.howeschools.org at https://5il.co/dqf0)
Dear Parents,
The safety of students and employees is our top priority. This letter will help your family prepare for a pandemic illness that could make many people sick.
The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic outbreak of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. As of March 15, Oklahoma has seven confirmed cases.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Public health and education officials want people to protect themselves against COVID-19. Here are some ways to protect your family:
Keep children who are sick at home. Don’t send them to school.
Teach your children to wash hands a lot with soap and water for 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
Teach your children to keep a distance from people who are sick. Six feet is recommended.
People who are sick should stay home from work or school and avoid other people until they are
better.
Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces.
If you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider. You can get more information from SDE.OK.GOV:
The federal government website with information on planning for individuals and families:
Howe Public Schools administration is monitoring this situation on a daily basis and has representatives attending local and State Health meetings to stay updated on best practices. We will make every effort to keep you informed of plans that will take place in the coming days/weeks as it relates to any school response to this COVID-19 health issue. Based on the best available information today, we are planning on returning to school on March 23rd. This could change as the rate of spread of this virus is somewhat unknown at this time. Once again, I would like to emphasise that it is the priority of Howe Public Schools to keep our students, their families, our staff and community safe!
Please stay alert for additional communications in the coming days.
Sincerely,
Scott L. Parks Superintendent Howe Public Schools