UPDATED! 2020 Meal Program Suspended

by Apr 7, 2020Announcement

UPDATE 04/09/2020

The meal program has been reinstated after the COVID-19 test for the employee in question returned a negative result. It will resume Monday the 13th of April.

Dear Parents:

I must share news with you today that I wish was different. In order to protect the safety and health of our students and staff, it is necessary for us to interrupt the availability of free meals and instructional packets for at least one week. We hope to resume distributions by April 14th, if possible.

This is not a change we want to make, and I want to fully explain why it is necessary. Today, we learned that an essential school employee is exhibiting possible symptoms of COVID-19; however, the results of the individual’s test are not yet known. It is possible that other employees associated with our operation have been exposed as well. We have limited manpower, and it would be unsafe and unwise for us to continue to distribute any items from the district until we receive proper guidance from medical professionals. We made this decision as a precaution to protect our community. We will communicate with you directly as soon as we know it is safe for us to continue the dispersal of meals and instructional packets.

There is nothing more important to Wanette Public Schools than the safety and health of our students, our staff and their families. Throughout our distribution process, we have adhered to recommended safety guidelines, including the use of gloves and social distancing. It is still important, however, based on this possible incident and the general threat of the pandemic, that families monitor potential symptoms among family members in their homes. If you have any questions, please contact the Pottawatomie County Health Department at 405-273-2157.

COVID-19 is transmitted through person-to-person contact and through the exchange of respiratory droplets. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you or any member of your family exhibit these symptoms, please contact your medical provider for advice immediately. Symptoms usually appear 2-14 days after exposure.

The CDC recommends the following best practices to help prevent the spread of the disease:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
  • Stay at home, if at all possible.
  • If you must go out, practice social distancing, leaving at least six feet between you and other people.
  • Avoid gatherings that include more than 10 people.

Our greatest priority is the safety of our students, staff and community members. We apologize for the inconvenience this disruption will cause Wanette families. As soon as we know it is safe to do so, we can’t wait to serve you again.

Sincerely,
Dr. Silvia McNeely
Superintendent

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