Good afternoon Monarch families,
Now that we are four weeks into the school year we at the clinic wanted to reach out and thank everyone for their patience and diligence in following all the new protocols. Your adherence to our safety measures has allowed us to get off to a very successful start to the new school year!
I thought it might also be a good time to offer an update on how we are working together to create a secure and safe environment for our children to learn.
PROACTIVE MEASURES WE ARE TAKING IN THE SMCS CLINIC:
We are checking school attendance on a daily basis and calling parents based on trends or if more follow up is needed. We are doing this in an abundance of caution because we know that COVID-19 symptoms in children are very vague. We want to be able to offer support to parents in determining if their children can return to school or if they need to take other precautions. As a reminder, please email us at attendance@saintmary.org if your child is going to be absent.
In addition, we are also following individuals and the families who may have had close contact or potential exposure to COVID-19. We do not hesitate to call the Virginia Department of Health if we encounter a situation that requires outside counsel.
HOW TO CONTACT THE SMCS CLINIC:
Many of you have been calling or emailing us in the clinic when your children are absent. We appreciate this and encourage all parents to reach out with any questions or concerns. Our email is clinic@saintmary.org and the direct number to the clinic is (804) 741-8790.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
We are in daily contact with the Virginia Department of Health so that we are aware of any new findings and are following the most up to date guidelines for each individual scenario. Again, if you have any questions or concerns, we are happy to help. You may also call the Virginia Department of Health COVID Hotline (804) 205-3501.
WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD AT HOME:
Please continue to keep your child home from school if they are not feeling well. Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to a common cold or seasonal allergies.
Please screen your child at home before sending them to school. If they have any of the following symptoms they should stay home:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- New uncontrolled cough
- Diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Headache
To help the at-home decision making process we have created a visual algorithm based on CDC guidance. This might be refrigerator worthy.
HYGIENE & SANITATION:
In addition to regular cleaning throughout the day with EPA-approved hospital-grade cleaning solutions, classrooms and common areas are thoroughly cleaned each evening after the children leave so that they start the next school day in a sanitized environment. Students and Staff are reminded to sanitize their hands at regular intervals during the day. At home, please remember to wash face masks daily and consider sending a fresh one with your child(ren) in case they need it during the course of the school day.
Starting Monday, September 21 we will NO LONGER ALLOW GAITER MASKS or MASKS WITH A VALVE OR VENT per updated CDC recommendations for schools.
Thank you again for your understanding and support. Together we can continue to provide a safe, loving and supportive environment for our families!
Thank you,
Kelley Osborne, MSN, CRNP, RN
Kelly Jones, RN, BSN, CCRN