Dear Briarcliff Families,
This weekend, the District was informed that a high school faculty member came into contact with a person confirmed to be infected with the Corona Virus. The teacher has been symptom free and was not in school on Friday. Upon learning that his contact with an infected person took place on March 2nd, the faculty member reached out to inform the District of his intention to stay at home under a voluntary quarantine until March 17th.
Please be reminded that in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines, the District has increased precautionary measures to sanitize classroom surfaces, bathrooms, nurses' offices, common areas, doorknobs, etc. Extra staff will be on hand to wipe down surfaces each day. Our nurses and building administration will continue to monitor student as well as staff attendance and will be on the lookout for any symptomatic indications. And, the District's administrative team and I are closely monitoring the CDC, Department of Health, local and national news media for updates and additional guidance.
As you are aware, the District has been in the process of preparing for the possibility that canceling after school activities or closing schools become necessary. To be clear, we have received no such guidance and do not believe it to be in the community interest to do so at this time.
The District's administrative staff and I have been appreciative of the support and cooperation we have received from parents and families. We ask for your continued support and remind all to please honor the guidance provided by the CDC, Health Department officials and our District Physician. Encourage your children to wash their hands frequently and cover their mouth should they cough. These simple precautions have proven effective in combating a virus. We ask that if your child is ill with a fever and/or cough, that your child stay home from school. A child should remain home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. In fact, we encourage parents to consider exercising additional caution should a child exhibit cough or flu-like symptoms and keep them home.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's health, please contact your child's school nurse or building principal.
Very Sincerely,
Dr. James Kaishian