Dear Parent:
We want to take a moment to talk to you about the COVID-19 Virus (Coronavirus). We understand there has been a lot in the news media and that you probably have concerns and questions.
We are monitoring the situation and are in daily communication with and taking directive from the Allen County Health Department.
We work very hard to keep our buildings clean and free of germs at all times, but are ramping up our efforts even more right now. As you know, school is not in session Monday, March 16. Our custodians will be working that day to do a deep clean of all our buildings.
The best way to limit the spread of COVID-19 is to take preventative actions: Cleaning frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, countertops and light switches, and washing hands often. We urge you to take these precautions at home.
You and your child should be washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water is not available.
Please remind your child of hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes. Our school nurses will be doing the same.
These precautions are always important, regardless of the current COVID-19, because we are in the middle of cold and flu season.
COVID-19 is largely spread by person-to-person contact. The most common transmission is airborne (sneezing and coughing). The second most common transmission is through close contact with an infected person (shaking hands or being within six feet of a person). COVID-19 may possibly be transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces.
The virus presents itself much like the flu, with the main symptoms being fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you or your child are experiencing these symptom, you should see a doctor.
Remember the Spartan Health Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the school week. It is located at Lima Senior High School. You can reach the Health Center at 419-996-3436.
Please know that the health and safety of our students and staff are of the utmost importance to us and we will continue to monitor the situation and appropriately plan for the future. If you have additional questions, we urge you to contact your school nurse.
Thank you,
Jill Ackerman, Superintendent
Kate Morman, Director of Health Services