Dear Parents,

Prairie Grove School District has been closely monitoring information from our nurses concerning the student body/faculty and information concerning the coronavirus.  As with any communicable disease or potential outbreak, we work with the Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and the Washington County Office of Emergency Services to follow recommendations and procedures to ensure we are protecting our students and staff.  

As of today, we have no confirmed cases in Arkansas.  However, we are treating this such as a flu outbreak in our schools, sending students home when ill, extra cleaning/sanitizing our buildings and encouraging extra handwashing throughout the day.  If we do experience a time period that we must close our schools, you will be contacted such as we do with inclement weather. Teaching and learning will continue during this time with AMI lessons and assignments.

Student wellness is a top priority in the Prairie Grove School District and we appreciate your help in keeping our school district healthy.

Reba Holmes

  

What is the role of schools in responding to COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus, and we are learning more about it every day. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday practices is the best way to keep people healthy. More information on COVID-19 is available here.

Schools, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of diseases to help ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments. Schools serve students, staff, and visitors from throughout the community. All of these people may have close contact in the school setting, often sharing spaces, equipment, and supplies.

Prevention and Treatment:

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

 

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing,after touching garbage or animals..

    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html