USD 489 Families,
We continue to monitor the latest information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). With three confirmed cases in Johnson County Kansas, we want all families to be prepared should the virus be detected in our own community. We are staying in close contact with local health officials. I have complete confidence in these health and medical experts to make recommendations regarding the health of the children and adults in our community. Their guidance and advice will play a significant role in any decision we make in the event of a confirmed case locally. Please understand our school district leadership will consider all possible scenarios to protect the well-being of our students and families as we monitor COVID-19.
Please consider the following information to help you and your family be prepared:
- At this point, there has not been a confirmed case in our region. However, in monitoring the spread of this virus throughout the United States and the rest of the world, it is very clear things can change suddenly.
- If your child is experiencing any flu-like symptom, please keep your children home from school until they are 24 hours symptom (fever/vomiting/diarrhea/etc) free without medication.
- If you or your child have a fever over 100.4, cough, or shortness of breath contact your medical provider or the county health department.
- If traveling over spring break make sure to use standard hygiene precautions. Upon return from traveling you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath contact or call your medical provider or county health department.
- In the event that USD 489 Hays Public schools would be required to close at the recommendation of our local officials, I encourage all parents to develop plans now for your children. Unlike winter weather-related closures, school districts in other states that have closed for COVID-19 have shut down for one or two weeks. We understand this would create a hardship for many of our families, especially if we are required to close with very little advanced notice.
- We will continue to share updated information with you through emails, texts and our communication system.
We will continue to stay in close contact with our local health agency and KSDE (Kansas Department of Education) as they are issuing guidance to Kansas’ school districts. We want our families to be prepared for all possible scenarios, including an extended closure of schools, should COVID-19 become an issue locally. All decisions will be made in the best interest of the health of our students, staff and community.
The best ways to reduce the risk of getting this or any viral respiratory infection include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home away from others if you are sick
- Cover you mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw tissue in the trash and wash your hands
- Do not bring your student to school or come go to work if you have flu-like symptoms
Ron Wilson
Hays USD 489 Superintendent of Schools
#EveryStudentEveryDay489