Temporary Closure Due to COVID-19 Notification
August 27, 2020
Dear Families and Staff:
This letter is to inform you that an individual at West Central Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19. We are coordinating our efforts with the Henderson County Health Department to promptly identify and contact individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual to prevent further spread within our school and community. As a result, all West Central Schools will be temporarily closed on Friday, August 28 in order to identify and notify close contacts (i.e., persons who were within six feet of a COVID-positive individual for 15 minutes or longer). If your child(ren) is/are determined to have had close contact with this individual, you will be notified by the Henderson County Health Department.
All students will remote learn on Friday, August 28. Meals will not be provided on this day. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this will cause our families, and we appreciate your patience and understanding.
The health and safety of West Central students and staff is our highest priority, and we recognize the uncertainty and concern regarding the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local health departments for best practices and procedures to protect everyone’s health. To prevent further spread of the disease, we are taking the following steps:
- Temporary closure of all West Central Schools on Friday, August 28 in order to identify and notify close contacts (i.e., persons who were within six feet of a COVID-positive individual for 15 minutes or longer). All students will remote learn on Friday, August 28. Meals will not be provided on this day.
- Placing staff members and students who are identified as having prolonged close contact to the COVID-19 case(s) in quarantine for 14 days. Close contacts will also receive a separate notification from the Henderson County Health Department.
- Ongoing monitoring of students and staff for signs and symptoms of illness and evaluation of illness reports to promptly identify possible outbreaks.
- Conducting a deep clean and disinfection of the areas impacted by potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
We will continue to enforce safe practices to prevent, promptly identify, and respond to potential COVID cases, as follows:
- Students and staff who are ill with COVID-like symptoms will promptly be placed in a separate supervised area away from others until they can be sent home.
- Students are required to wear face coverings at all times.
- Staff are required to wear face coverings at all times while in contact with children and other staff in the facility.
- We are continuously sanitizing high-touch surfaces including door handles, stair rails, sink faucets, etc.
- We have removed plush toys and other toys that cannot be properly or frequently disinfected.
- We are teaching students the importance of face coverings, social distancing, and proper handwashing:
- Students are discouraged from sharing personal items, e.g., water bottles.
- Students are learning new ways to greet each other without touching.
- Students are reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover coughs and sneezes.
- Students will be taught to wash their hands frequently and properly, following CDC guidelines on handwashing.
- As we receive more information from the Department of Public Health, the Henderson County Health Department, and other entities, we will implement additional recommendations and guidelines.
As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay home if they develop symptoms. Children and siblings of anyone who is experiencing symptoms should also stay home. Individuals who are sick should contact their health care provider to determine if testing is needed. If your child has had close contact with a known case of COVID-19, please keep the child home and notify your primary healthcare provider, West Central School District and the Henderson County Health Department.
We are committed to providing your child and our staff with a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing cooperation with our COVID prevention policies and procedures as we work to help protect your children, your families, and our staff and their families. For any questions or concerns, please contact us at (309) 627-2371.
Be safe,
Paula Markey
Superintendent
