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Wednesday, March 11, 2020
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| Dear RPS Family,
I’m reaching out with additional updates regarding our response to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. As I shared previously, we are coordinating closely with the Richmond City Health Department to guide our efforts, and I am personally in touch with Director Dr. Danny Avula on a daily basis. I’m grateful for Dr. Avula’s steady leadership during this uncertain time and for the Health Department staff who met last week with all of our nurses to provide updates and answer questions.
As I also shared last week, we have directed principals and custodians to ensure that “high-touch” surfaces – such as door knobs, light switches, and desks – are cleaned on a frequent basis with CDC-approved products. Additionally, we have reiterated how important it is that our bathrooms are fully stocked with soap and paper towel at all times. I encourage students, families, and staff to email me directly at jkamras@rvaschools.net if you identify any issues with the availability of supplies at your school.
Updates
Now that there are a number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Virginia, we are taking additional steps to protect the health and safety of our students and staff.
- First, effective tomorrow, March 12, we are cancelling all school-sponsored and division-sponsored travel outside of the Richmond area for both students and staff (field trips, athletic events, conferences, etc.). We will lift this ban once we feel confident that the potential threat to students and staff has abated.
- Third, we are asking families to prepare now for the possibility of cancelling school if we have confirmed COVID-19 cases from students and/or staff. Out of an abundance of caution, we are already developing virtual learning guidance and examining different ways of supporting families who rely on the school meals program due to food insecurity. For now, all RPS schools are open and operating on a normal schedule.
- Fourth, at Monday’s School Board meeting, I will be requesting the authority to reallocate $500,000 from our budget towards supplies and services dedicated to preparing for and responding to COVID-19.
- Fifth, I am in daily contact with my counterparts in Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover in an effort to coordinate our response as much as possible for the region’s students and families.
Resources
Please see below for several resources that can help answer any questions you have about COVID-19 and its impact at the national, state, and local levels. The last item on the list is an excellent resource to help children understand the coronavirus and the disease it causes.
Reminders
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Wash your hands especially after coughing and sneezing, before and after caring for an ill person, and before preparing foods and before eating.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact (such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils) with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
- Stay home when you are sick, except when you need to get medical care.
Thank you for your partnership as we continue to prepare for and respond to this evolving situation. As Superintendent and as a parent, nothing is more important to me than the health and safety of our students and staff. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to email me at jkamras@rvaschools.net.
With appreciation,
Jason
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