March 10, 2020
Dear Shaker Heights Schools Families,
Last week, two Shaker Heights High School students attended the same conference in Washington, D.C., as one of the three individuals in Cuyahoga County who have since tested positive for COVID-19, the coronavirus. The students are in self-quarantine per the directions of medical authorities.
Additionally, we are aware that several other students throughout the District may have had contact with people who have had exposure to the affected individual. District administrators have consulted with public health officials and spoken with the families of the students involved. At this time, there is no reason for schools to close or for these other individuals to be quarantined.
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We are coordinating emergency preparedness with the City of Shaker Heights and, later today, we will be participating in a region-wide call with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. In addition, our District administrators are developing a potential extended school closure plan, should events necessitate such action. Finally, we are currently assessing the need to cancel events and district-sponsored staff and student travel.
In addition to the heightened daily cleaning regimens in classroom and common areas District-wide that began last week, our staff are doubling efforts to sanitize and disinfect our classrooms and common areas with exceptional attention and care.
Again, we continue to encourage families and staff to continue to observe guidelines provided on the
CDC website.
Recommendations include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; using the restroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
- Stay at home if you are sick. Students should not return to school until they have been fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
As you know, this is a fluid situation. We appreciate your support in this time of uncertainty and will keep you updated on any additional information we receive.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Glasner, Superintendent
Shaker Heights City School District