Dear Seacrest Families,
The health of our students, families, and staff is of utmost concern. As you may know, at this point, the Florida Department of Health has identified a small number of people with the virus, hospitalized, in Collier County. Below, we have outlined the measures we are taking at Seacrest as well as guidelines we are asking every community member to follow.
Are We Considering Suspending Face to Face Classes?
We are working closely with the Collier County Public Health Department and following their direction. At this point they are not recommending closure. In order to be prepared, we are finalizing our remote learning possibilities. There are a few scenarios that may play out over the next several weeks: The Governor could suspend in-person classes in which we would comply, if Collier County Public Schools suspends classes we will follow their lead, and if Seacrest should develop a case of Covid-19 in our community, we would suspend classes and notify the Health Department.
Staying Informed
If local agencies recommend or mandate further changes to our school programs, such as suspension of selected school activities or the complete suspension of the school, we will take all necessary actions and inform you directly.
Please take a moment now to ensure that you are receiving all communications from Seacrest. Log into Alma and verify in your profile your email and phone numbers are correct, and your home address is accurate.
How We are Making Decisions
Our Leadership Team is meeting regularly to review and discuss the evolving situation internationally, locally, and at Seacrest. As we noted last week, we are monitoring information from the Collier County Department of Health, the Florida Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for expert guidance to protect the health and safety of our community.
Communal Health and Hygiene
Those who are sick should remain at home to avoid infecting others. We recognize that sick days can be complicated for families, but we rely on you to keep our community healthy. Teachers will work with your child to make up missed work and reschedule tests/assignments.
Take care to maintain good hygiene for your children and yourself: wash your hands frequently; carry, use, and dispose of tissues; practice cough/sneeze etiquette; avoid touching your face; and avoid nonessential contact, such as handshaking and hugs with acquaintances. Practice the elbow bump and the hand-washing technique. Please email Nurse Rae at ryoung@seacrest.org with any questions related to these policies.
Throughout our Seacrest buildings, our cleaning staff has increased their regular cleaning and disinfecting of “high-touch” areas, such as doorknobs, light switches, and handrails. We have also placed additional hand-sanitizer stations in high-traffic areas of the school. Hand sanitizer is becoming hard to procure, please consider sending hand sanitizer in with your child if you have it available. Soap and water washing for 20 seconds is the recommended, best safety procedure for cleaning your hands. Teachers and coaches are reinforcing this practice with students.
Important New Guidelines
With our Spring Break approaching in April, many of our families plan to travel. Please be aware that, as of today, the CDC is advising against travel to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, and Japan. UPDATED 3/12/20 (Most of Europe). Please consult the CDC’s travel advisories, and note that they may expand to new regions between now and Seacrest’s spring break April 10-17th.
In order to keep our community safe, we are asking any community members who travel to Alert Level 2 or 3 countries to refrain from coming to Seacrest for a 14-day period, beginning the day after their return to our area.
If you or someone in your household has direct contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19, please speak to a physician for further guidance, follow public health guidelines, and notify the Seacrest Nurse's Office at 239-793-1986 ext. 2919.
If a member of your household (including caregivers) is being evaluated for a COVID-19 diagnosis, we ask that all members of that household refrain from coming to Seacrest and follow a 14-day self-quarantine as recommended by health authorities. If the diagnosis is confirmed or determined to be negative, please call the Nurse’s Office and email the results to Nurse Rae ryoung@seacrest.org or 239-793-1986 ext. 2919 so we can act accordingly.
If your child has health considerations placing them at higher risk of complications related to COVID-19, please seek guidance from your physician and contact the Nurse's Office if you plan to keep them at home.
Planning for Distance Learning
Should school suspension of face-to-face classes be necessary, we are creating plans for developmentally appropriate distance learning. Please confirm your students have their Google account information (email address and password) for grades 3-12 and your Alma access information. If your household does not have internet access or does not have a laptop or tablet available for your student, please let us know through your teacher, or your Division Coordinator: Tyra Turner, Christin Minder, Howard Schott, MaryZoe Bowden, or Joe Bord.
Sports and Gatherings
We are actively monitoring the Florida High School Athletic Association as well as the Lee and Collier County Public Schools, and Health Departments for community alerts and directions. As of this writing no interschool sports events have been cancelled. Coaches are encouraging social distancing and hand washing during this time. We will alert you by text or email of any cancellations.
Mutual Respect and Responsibility
Let’s remember, during this time, to show respect and care for one another as well as personal responsibility toward one another. Individuals and families have different needs and risk factors, including ones that may be invisible to you. It is important we model for our children the empathy, responsibility, and quality of character as stated in Seacrest’s mission.
While it’s normal to feel anxiety in the face of such uncertainty, this is a moment we can come together and support each other. Please let us know if there are specific ways we can support you and your family.
