PORTA Families and Community,
As a School District who has no indication of a Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in our community, it would be simple to only focus on our immediate issues and wait for what looks to be an inevitable case of coronavirus in the future. Unfortunately, we are forced to have a much broader perspective in these unprecedented times. During a meeting today Menard/Sangamon County School leaders met and discussed options available to help curtail the inevitable spread of the Coronavirus. It became evident that a rapid increase of cases would very quickly overwhelm our medical facilities, as it has in Italy, if we are not willing to take action that limits the spread of the virus. As such the rapidly developing circumstances of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) may require changes to our usual practices, even if there are no known cases in our area. Being prepared is of utmost importance for all of our families at this juncture. If schools close for an extended period of time families need to have a plan for their children’s daycare. Please plan and prepare for such an eventuality.
But if COVID-19 isn’t here, why should we change our usual practices?
Our greatest concern is not just about the threat/risk to individual students, but also about doing all that we can as a community to minimize the impact as a whole. This is best accomplished through something known as “social distancing.” Public health authorities advise that practicing social distancing is the best way to slow the spread of infection and prevent the challenges of providing care for many people being infected at once and overwhelming our healthcare system. More on this here:
https://www.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation
We need to be prepared:
With the rapid spread of the virus and its proximity to Springfield, we know from public health authorities, epidemiologists, and our own advisors that it is best to assume that the virus will eventually reach Petersburg and surrounding areas. Based on recommendations from health authorities, our district may enact temporary procedural changes, which could include restrictions on visitors to school buildings, possible cancellation or rescheduling of large gatherings or events, and even closing school buildings. Social distancing is an important component of pandemic planning, reducing the potential for exposure of the virus if found in our community. The decision to close schools is made with guidance from IDPH, ISBE, and our local health department. Even though, at this time, IDPH is not recommending closing schools, we need to be prepared.
If schools were to close due to circumstances related to COVID-19, we would first use the remaining two (of five) emergency days allocated to us. If closures were to continue beyond these days, they would be considered Act of God Days, and would not be made up at the end of the year if approved by the regional superintendent and the State Superintendent of Education.
If schools are closed for extended periods of time, the district would encourage continued learning activities as promoted by district and/or building leadership, including but not limited to e-Learning.
One last thing as spring break approaches
Any student or staff member traveling to a country rated under awww.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation level 2 or 3 travel advisory by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html) will be subject to a 14 day quarantine before returning to school. Please find more information on travel and a PORTA travel survey at https://www.portasuptsblog.org/superintendents-blog/traveling-for-spring-break-please-read-and-complete-the-enclosed-survey
We will continue to provide you with any new information we receive regarding this situation, or any changes made to our normal operations. We will contact staff and parents via phone and email, social media and website postings, and local media notification to report any important information regarding closures or cancellations.
We have heard from families who are seeking guidance on precautions, and we have heard from those who are expressing concerns. We all have a social responsibility to each other in situations like this insure the safety of others by being prudent in our decision making processes.
Wishing you good health,
Matt Brue
Superintendent.
As a School District who has no indication of a Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in our community, it would be simple to only focus on our immediate issues and wait for what looks to be an inevitable case of coronavirus in the future. Unfortunately, we are forced to have a much broader perspective in these unprecedented times. During a meeting today Menard/Sangamon County School leaders met and discussed options available to help curtail the inevitable spread of the Coronavirus. It became evident that a rapid increase of cases would very quickly overwhelm our medical facilities, as it has in Italy, if we are not willing to take action that limits the spread of the virus. As such the rapidly developing circumstances of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) may require changes to our usual practices, even if there are no known cases in our area. Being prepared is of utmost importance for all of our families at this juncture. If schools close for an extended period of time families need to have a plan for their children’s daycare. Please plan and prepare for such an eventuality.
But if COVID-19 isn’t here, why should we change our usual practices?
Our greatest concern is not just about the threat/risk to individual students, but also about doing all that we can as a community to minimize the impact as a whole. This is best accomplished through something known as “social distancing.” Public health authorities advise that practicing social distancing is the best way to slow the spread of infection and prevent the challenges of providing care for many people being infected at once and overwhelming our healthcare system. More on this here:
https://www.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation
We need to be prepared:
With the rapid spread of the virus and its proximity to Springfield, we know from public health authorities, epidemiologists, and our own advisors that it is best to assume that the virus will eventually reach Petersburg and surrounding areas. Based on recommendations from health authorities, our district may enact temporary procedural changes, which could include restrictions on visitors to school buildings, possible cancellation or rescheduling of large gatherings or events, and even closing school buildings. Social distancing is an important component of pandemic planning, reducing the potential for exposure of the virus if found in our community. The decision to close schools is made with guidance from IDPH, ISBE, and our local health department. Even though, at this time, IDPH is not recommending closing schools, we need to be prepared.
If schools were to close due to circumstances related to COVID-19, we would first use the remaining two (of five) emergency days allocated to us. If closures were to continue beyond these days, they would be considered Act of God Days, and would not be made up at the end of the year if approved by the regional superintendent and the State Superintendent of Education.
If schools are closed for extended periods of time, the district would encourage continued learning activities as promoted by district and/or building leadership, including but not limited to e-Learning.
One last thing as spring break approaches
Any student or staff member traveling to a country rated under awww.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation level 2 or 3 travel advisory by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html) will be subject to a 14 day quarantine before returning to school. Please find more information on travel and a PORTA travel survey at https://www.portasuptsblog.org/superintendents-blog/traveling-for-spring-break-please-read-and-complete-the-enclosed-survey
We will continue to provide you with any new information we receive regarding this situation, or any changes made to our normal operations. We will contact staff and parents via phone and email, social media and website postings, and local media notification to report any important information regarding closures or cancellations.
We have heard from families who are seeking guidance on precautions, and we have heard from those who are expressing concerns. We all have a social responsibility to each other in situations like this insure the safety of others by being prudent in our decision making processes.
Wishing you good health,
Matt Brue
Superintendent.