Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 13, 2020
Dear Families,
At this time (Friday, March 13, 2020, 4:25 p.m.) there are NO KNOWN CASES of the coronavirus COVID-19 in the Greater Johnstown School District. There is no reason to close our schools at this time, however, I want you to be aware of the preparation occurring in our schools and the steps we are taking to maintain a healthy school community.
What is the Greater Johnstown School District Doing?
Our Director of Facilities has enacted cleaning procedures specific to our current condition. It includes plans to be enacted should there be a staff member or student in the school who is confirmed as having COVID-19. We have state of the art sanitizing apparatus and supplies. Currently we are cleaning high touch areas more frequently.
In response to Governor Cuomo’s address, individual school districts are determining whether to close or not based upon the information given by their county health department and the conditions in their own school community.
- The district safety and security team has met to review emergency plans and make some updates in preparation for a local epidemic.
- We are holding daily health briefings with administrators and nurses.
- HFM superintendents met with county health department leaders to share information and plans, and have set up a listserv to share information regularly.
- Each county and district has its own unique circumstances, so there will be some differences amongst us in our responses and plans.
- Dr. Geelan is in regular communication with regional superintendents and the Fulton County Public Health Department.
- We have arranged for review materials and some school work to be available in homes to keep connected to school, should there be a closure.
- We are making a “Grab and Go” plan for food service to provide meals, should there be an extended closure.
- We have compiled a list of all district events and facility use requests, and will make a thoughtful decision on each as the event date approaches. Cancellations will be posted on our website and announcements will be made.
Section II has suspended all athletic contests (league and non-league) and scrimmages through April 19, 2020. At this time GJSD practices will be held as scheduled until further notice.
Should I send my Child to School?
If your child is sick, please keep your child at home. Do not send your child to school with a fever.
Students who come to school are encouraged to
- Wash their hands frequently and wash them well
- Keep hands away from the face (especially the eyes, nose and mouth)
- Cover coughs with a tissue or a sleeve, and throw out used tissues right away after using
The crisis is rapidly changing, and the information out there can be confusing. Continue to use trusted sources, such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health (DOH). We have helpful links on our district website (www.johnstownschools.org), which is the place where we are posting notices and information that becomes available to us.
The health and safety of our students is our highest priority. Each day we are communicating with officials, assessing our school community’s health conditions and preparing for possible changes. We are doing all we can to remain healthy and safely continue our school operations. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Karen Geelan
Superintendent of Schools