Letter From the Superintendent - Coronavirus

Dear Parents, Staff, and Students: 

With the heightened awareness and recent news coverage about the Coronavirus, I want to provide you the following information. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that the risk is "low" for the general American public, but we want to be proactive in case that risk level changes. Below are some "Classroom Cleaning Tips for Teachers" for your information and use. We encourage all staff and students to be diligent about washing their hands with soap and water. However, this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation that may have significant implications for Washington communities, including schools, in the coming days or weeks.

You can help keep our schools safe for everyone by:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is effective.

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue then discard if one is available. When a tissue isn’t available, use your elbow.

• Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces.

• Keeping your child at home if they are sick (excused absence).

• Staying at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.

We will be in communication with the local and state health departments and will continue to receive guidance. We have increased custodial support to help disinfect high touch areas (including buses). Also, we have increased hand sanitizer stations throughout all of our schools.

Ground yourself in the facts, the best source for information right now is the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Novel Coronavirus webpage, https://www.doh.wa.gov/emergencies/coronavirus .

Thank you for helping keep our schools, staff, and community safe.

Dan Winter
Superintendent
Montesano School District
360-249-3942