EDUCATION
At times like these, it’s important to rely upon trusted sources and the guidance of experts who have been trained to respond to these specific types of situations. To that end, the Hart District has been monitoring the communications of institutions such as the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control and the Public Health Department. If you have not done so already, we encourage you to explore these websites which include a wealth of resources and up-to-date information about the coronavirus.
https://www.who.int/
https://www.cdc.gov/
http://publichealth.lacounty.
PREVENTION
Our community does have an opportunity - and a responsibility - to do our part in responding to this public health issue. The experts agree that our best course of action is to encourage healthy practices similar to those used to prevent the spread of illnesses such as the flu. Best practices to help prevent the spread of disease include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects. (The Hart District is working to ensure routine cleaning procedures are carried out, including cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.)
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. (If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.)
The CDC has provided a simple graphic to reinforce these best practices which can be found at the following link:
https://www.cdc.gov/
Please take a moment to review these important precautions with your child.
COMMUNICATION
The District will work to communicate expeditiously and thoroughly with parents about any significant turn of events related to the coronavirus. You should expect that information to be shared through our Blackboard Connect communication system. It is important to note that there have been no documented infections within the Santa Clarita Valley to date. It’s also important to emphasize that no officials have had any reason to contact the Hart District to discuss the closure of school sites. However, given that we have been informed that spread of the virus is a possibility, we have been in communication with public health experts to clarify our course of action if that scenario becomes a reality. Should the coronavirus spread, the decision to close a school would be made by the Department of Public Health and CDC in consultation with the school and district superintendent. The District would work directly with the health department to provide specific guidance to families directly or indirectly affected by the spread of the virus. The District would also work with the County Office of Education to devise options for students to complete their educational requirements.
NEXT STEPS
The US Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency to encourage local, state, and federal officials to fully coordinate responses in partnership with public health departments and emergency management teams. The Hart District stands ready to cooperate with these entities should there be a need for us to take any additional action. In the meantime, the Hart District will be updating our District Website with resources relevant to the situation as it evolves.
Thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Mike Kuhlman
Superintendent
William S. Hart Union High School District