An area school district administrator has issued a statement regarding the school district and the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Santa Fe R-10 Superintendent Derek Lark says the district is currently using the guidance of the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for its decision-making in regards to COVID-19. In the State of Missouri, currently all decisions regarding school closures are being made locally. At this time, Santa Fe will return to classes on Monday, March 23.
The Santa Fe R-X School District is committed to the health and safety of students. On Friday, March 13, I-70 Conference Superintendents met with the Lafayette County Health Department (LCHD). From those discussions, along with guidance from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Santa Fe School District and all I-70 schools have made the following determinations for the safety of their students, staff members and patrons:
All noncritical activities are postponed until Friday, March 27. These include: Student Field Trips out of the District; All extracurricular student contests and competitions (Academic, Fine Arts and Athletic); and all out-of-district professional development for staff.
Lark says all decisions are subject to administrative review of the individual district.
The intent is to limit instances where the district’s students enter other communities as well as opening its doors to visitors from outside communities. Activities that only involve Santa Fe students- such as practices and clubs- will continue as scheduled, as Santa Fe’s students are already in contact with each other on a daily basis.
Lark says prior to March 27, I-70 administrators will gather again to discuss scheduling of activities beyond March 27. When additional information becomes available, or changes are made to these decisions, families will again be notified.
Self-Quarantine
Lark says if you have traveled domestically to any of the containment zones in Washington State, New York or Massachusetts, you need to follow self-quarantine guidelines and contact the superintendent’s office. Santa Fe students or staff who travel to areas identified by the Center for Disease Control as Level 3 advisories (these areas) or have members of their household who are returning from these areas, should also self-quarantine. Self-quarantine includes staying home for 14 days after exposure and receiving doctor’s clearance prior to returning to school. Santa Fe schools will work with any students who will need to self-quarantine after Spring Break to support their ongoing learning.
Prevention and Hygiene
Lark says we urge all families to continue the practice of maintaining habits necessary to stay healthy during any cold/flu season.
Steps you can take to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the flu and the common cold are:
Wash hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds; If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer; Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; Avoid contact with people who are sick; Stay home while you are sick; Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing; Students should be kept home until they are fever free (100.4 or less) for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen; Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill; and not sharing drinks, water bottles, eating utensils or cell phones with others
Lark says the district will continue to share updated information with the Santa Fe family moving forward.