Continued information in regards to COVID-19... Coronavirus.

PORTA Students, Staff and Families,
Over the next few weeks all of our community will be affected in some way by the coronavirus that has entered the State of Illinois and the United States.  Currently, we have no active cases in Menard County and to our knowledge no staff, student or member of our school community has been in the presence of a known carrier of the Covid-19 virus.  As a school district, our goals for the next few weeks are:

1. To make sure our students and families are informed.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact your child’s school office, school principal, or superintendent.  
2. To spend extra time daily using disinfectant on student desks, door knob, bathrooms and other flat surfaces.
3. To implement an emergency plan involving E-Learning to handle any situations should the virus impact the State of Illinois and create a State-wide shutdown or specifically our district.  
4. To educate and remind students the proper way to wash hands, sanitize, and protect themselves   

The health and safety of our students is our top priority, so we want to share with you information that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has published for schools throughout the state. 
The good news at this time is that the health risk to the general public from coronavirus remains low. Currently, the IDPH recommends schools hold classes and events as usual, and follow routine cleaning and disinfecting procedures; no special measures are necessary.
The IDPH also recommends the best way to protect against coronavirus is by taking the same everyday precautions against getting sick in general. These include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

We will continue to closely monitor recommendations regarding coronavirus and will update you as soon as there are any significant changes in recommendations for schools. If you would like more information in regards to the COVID-19 virus the following link is a great resource https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.  Thank you for your support in helping to keep our school community healthy.
Sincerely,
Matthew W. Brue
Superintendent