Dear Parents and Guardians:

We are experiencing an increase in students and staff that are in quarantine or are in the process of being tested for the Coronavirus. As a result, we are going to close for Winter Break earlier than planned. Friday, December 18 will be our final day of instruction before Winter Break. We will not have school on Monday, December 21 or Tuesday, December 22.

Over the break. we will continue to monitor information provided by the Lafayette County Health Department regarding contact tracing and positive cases within our district and the county. That information will help guide the decision for our return on January 4, 2021. We are planning to return to in-person instruction on January 4 provided we do not experience an increase in positive numbers with staff or students. Please continue to observe your child/children for any of the common symptoms of the Coronavirus during the Holiday Break. If there are changes in the health of your children or your family, we ask that you please communicate with us. Office Staff will check voice mail during the break, so please leave a message if there is a change in health status with your family. This information will also assist with our decision to return after break.

Symptoms of the Coronavirus include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Loss of Taste or smell
• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Nausea, lethargy
• Diarrhea

If we experience a rising number of positive cases with our students, staff, or if the county numbers begin to increase significantly we will move to virtual instruction when we return. You will receive communication on January 2 detailing our plan with returning after the break. This communication will be provided through School Messenger and text message.

Any students or staff members experiencing illnesses with symptoms resembling those of coronavirus should contact their healthcare provider. The coronavirus is thought to be spread via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. Please review the following prevention measures:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming food. Using soap and hot water, wash for about 20 seconds. Be sure to also wash your fingertips.

• Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your arm.

• As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.

Thank you for all of your support with our staff and students as we try and keep everyone safe. Families have been willing to pick up students that are experiencing symptoms and that has been an important factor in maintaining in-person instruction. I would also like to thank you for keeping us informed of health changes with your family. Your help and support during this year has been vital with helping us stay in school.

It is my hope that you have a safe and happy holidays with your family! Please take care of yourselves over the Holiday Break. We look forward to seeing everyone after the New Year!

If you have questions, please contact me.