October 23, 2020
Dear Families:
I apologize for yet another communication, but I thought it was important to provide you with another update regarding the COVID-19 case we previously wrote to you about last evening involving students at Ben Franklin Elementary and a local daycare.
We believe that the student who attends the private school has tested negative while the other student who attends Ben Franklin did produce a positive test. As a result, the Department of Health has decided to quarantine several students who may have been exposed to the student who tested positive. As you know, the Department of Health has the authority and final determination to quarantine students. The School Health Services and administration are working with the DOH to inform the impacted families.
As I previously informed you, this is the second confirmed case at Ben Franklin in a two-week period. At this point, we plan to remain open on Monday based on the rationale I provided last evening.
Tonight as well as over the weekend, we will continue with our deep cleaning procedures in our buildings to make sure the impacted classroom(s) are disinfected accordingly. Respectfully, the decision to go with the 6ft social distancing in our elementary classrooms allows us great flexibility to remain open while adhering to our safety plan. If we were fully opened, we would have to possibly close Ben Franklin Elementary for 3-7 days.
I realize that these are difficult times with the increased pressures the pandemic causes, and there are no guaranteed right or wrong answers at times due to the varying beliefs, attitudes, and opinions on the matter. On behalf of the entire District, please know we are doing all we can to remain open to provide educational programming to our students with safety at the forefront of our decision-making.
Our School Health Services staff has done an amazing job being proactive in monitoring for symptoms. We have continued to send students home for exhibiting COVID symptoms out of an abundance of care and caution. I fully support the school nurses’ actions in our daily operations and recognize the angst this can cause our families.
Respectfully,
Mr. Michael J. Vuckovich
IASD Superintendent