Coronavirus

On February 27, you received information on steps STSD is taking to plan and prepare for the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The purpose of this communication is to provide an update to families and the community on our efforts to prepare for any spread of the disease into our learning community. Our efforts have focused, and will continue to focus, on what is best for the health of our children, staff, community, and for the continued operation of our schools.

General Information

We cannot control the virus, its spread, nor its impact throughout the state or the country, but we can control how we continue to meet our responsibility to keep the staff, children, and families healthy and safe. We are presently working internally and with other districts in Lehigh County to further develop our pandemic contingency plans. We will share these plans with our parents and community as they are finalized

Information on the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus throughout the country, world and state is rapidly evolving. As of this communication, there have been thirteen confirmed/expected positive cases in Pennsylvania, none in Lehigh County.  We are asking that you and/or any family member experiencing mild-to-moderate illness and flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, refrain from entering our schools.

If you or a family member have been out of the state or country (particularly those Level 3 countries identified by CDC) within the period of the past 2 months, and are experiencing any of these symptoms, we urge you to seek medical evaluation immediately.

School visitors or vendors experiencing flu-like symptoms will not be permitted in our schools.

The PA Department of Health has plans in place to quickly notify the public when any cases are confirmed within Pennsylvania. If a case were to occur within STSD schools, we would notify staff and families and follow guidance/directives from the PA Department of Health and the CDC. 

Extended Learning

The leadership team has reviewed various scenarios for extended learning should schools close for a period of time. At the beginning of an extended closure period, recommendations for extended learning will be shared with families through individual teachers.

While we believe the continuation of learning is very important, at this time, no assignments will be graded nor will they be mandatory. The extended learning recommendations will not replace instructional time and will not, based on current Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) guidance, count as school days. The sole purpose of the recommendations will be to keep students in learning mode while at home.

This situation, however, is fluid, and should circumstances change, we will communicate additional information to parents/guardians.

A survey is being sent home Wednesday afternoon to elementary parents/guardians gauging interest in sending electronic devices (iPads, MacBooks) home should schools end up closing. If you have elementary students, your quick response is appreciated!

How to protect your family

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 Coronavirus. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

Focus on the suggestions below to keep your family healthy and help prevent the spread of the virus:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

  • Keep children away from others who are sick, and keep them home when they are ill.

  • Teach children to cough and sneeze into a tissue (make sure to throw it away after each use) or to cough and sneeze into the arm or elbow, not the hands.

  • Clean and disinfect household objects and surfaces in your home.

  • Avoid touching your face; teach your children to do the same.

  • Avoid travel to highly infected areas.

  • If your child has been exposed to the virus, or you are concerned about your child's symptoms, call your pediatrician immediately.

Recently, families have inquired about donating Clorox and Lysol wipes to be used in the classroom. Please let your principal know if your child has any sensitivities to these cleaning products.

Talking to children about COVID-19

There is a lot of news about the current outbreak of COVID-19 Coronavirus, and it can be overwhelming for parents and unsettling for children. Keep your children informed by stressing the importance of hand washing. It's one of the easiest and most effective ways we have to prevent the spread of illness, including the virus.

Resources for further information

Coronavirus information has been posted on the District web site and will be updated as necessary. Curious why closing schools can help  in the short and long-term? Here is a helpful article: Coronavirus has shut down schools and events. Here’s why that helps, short- and long-term

Sincerely, 

Randy Ziegenfuss, Ed.D.
Superintendent