Dear families, staff and community:
The novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, continues to impact communities locally and regions across the globe. We are listening to parent and staff questions and concerns and we continue to update actions and decisions based on communications with Skagit County Department of Health.
On March 10, the Skagit County Department of Health made a presentation to the County Commissioners updating information. The Skagit County Public Health Officer, Dr. Liebrand, is not recommending school closures at this time. This morning, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, reminded everyone that this is not the ordinary flu. It is ten times more fatal. Governor Inslee said this demands a response consistent with the risk. Starting today, events that take place in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties with more than 250 people are prohibited by the state. This order applies to gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational activities. These include but are not limited to: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers and similar activities.
“This is an unprecedented public health situation and we can’t wait until we’re in the middle of it to slow it down,” Inslee said. “We’ve got to get ahead of the curve. One main defense is to reduce the interaction of people in our lives.”
Following these recommendations, the Concrete School District will be working to limit the number of outside people coming in and out of District facilities.
Facility Rentals
Effective immediately, the District is canceling facility rentals to outside groups until further notice.
Concerts/Parent Group Events
Band, choir, orchestra concerts as well as parent group events are cancelled until further notice.
Parent Group/Booster Club Meetings
We are requesting that all parent group and booster club meetings be limited to board members only. If meetings can be conducted remotely or canceled, that is encouraged.
Athletics*
Concrete sports practices will be closed to spectators. We will be assessing athletic competitions as we move forward in this fluid situation.
Field Trips
Upcoming field trips and special events are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis. When possible, we will look to reschedule events for later dates. For this upcoming week:
Please contact the individual school buildings for more information about field trips.
Volunteers
We absolutely love our volunteers! However, in an effort to limit the number of people coming in and out of our buildings, we are suspending volunteering in our schools until at least March 20, 2020. This restriction includes any non-staff member volunteering in our schools and/or programs (i.e. parent/guardian, community member). At a minimum, we will be reassessing this restriction each Friday and will provide an update if it is extended or lifted.
How families can help
- If your student is sick (fever over 100 degrees F, vomiting, diarrhea, cough), please keep them home until they have been symptom free for 72 hours. Call your doctor if you are concerned about your student’s symptoms.
- If your child is considered high risk (heart/lung disease, diabetes, medically fragile, pregnant), please consult your physician for instructions.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands
*Public Health recommends those with weakened immune systems from medical conditions or medical treatment, adults older than 60 and pregnant women take extra measures to distance yourself from other people and stay home.
The District will be providing updates as necessary on our website and Facebook page.
The Skagit County Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call the DOH Call Center at 1-800-525-0127 and press #.
You can also check their webpage at www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirus.htm.
Or call Skagit County Public Health: 360-416-1500.
Sincerely yours,
Wayne Barrett
Superintendent
Concrete School District