Conestoga Families,

The safety of our families and students are priority to what we do at Conestoga, therefore, we will be closing our schools for the next 2 weeks. Next week begins our Spring Break, which we will take advantage of the time to do the start of a thorough-deep-cleaning of facilities.

Currently, the Cass/Sarpy County Health Department, who are advised by the CDC and other state health-organizations, have informed the district that we do not have any known students or staff that have tested positive for the COVID19 virus. This is great news for our students and families, as our plan is to proactively respond to preventing and/or slowing down the spread of the disease in our area of the state.

Teachers and students have worked to have homework ready to be done at home for the next few weeks.  Students have e-learning plans developed at the 7-12 grades, as well as, the PreK-6 grades have e-learning plans or work-packets too.  The educational staff have informed the students that it’s important that everyone continues their educational skills and knowledge. Please encourage your kids to maintain a great routine at home as they are expected to keep up on their studies during the next 2 weeks.  We do encourage students to get their homework done before their Spring Break starts on March 19-23^rd.  Parents and students should expect assignments to be sent to them by their classroom/subject teachers on Monday through Wednesday of next week, if not already covered in today’s classes.  The following week of March 24- 27^th, teachers will be sending and collecting school work with students; as if they were in the buildings attending classes.  The homework may not be as extensive, but still very important for the continuation of learning specific skills. 

We will resume classes on March 31^st, unless more information changes this restarting date.

The Elementary & Jr. Sr. High Schools and campuses will be closed to everyone.  All activities, events, practices, open gyms, off-site practices, or anything connected to a school activity are not permitted.  No one will be allowed in the buildings next week, as this is protocol prior to the deep cleaning phase.

We encourage parents to monitor and limit students travel to gathering places; like shopping malls, recreational centers, and so on.  Until we have more information on the spread of the COVID19, local health officials have asked the schools to promote families and students to stay home.  If you or your family members show flu-like symptoms, please call your health care provider for directives. 

 We will work to send out more ParentSquare messages, as we learn more about what is going on in our communities. 

Thank you in advance for your support and care for our communities,

 Beth Johnsen

COVID-19 What You Should Know

• How It Spreads
  • Person-to-person spread
    • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
      • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
    • Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
      • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
      • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
    • Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
      • It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
    • How easily the virus spreads
      • How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
      • The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.
• Symptoms
  • Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
  • The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

• 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.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workersand people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • 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.
    • 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.
    • For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashingwebsite
    • For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
    • These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

• What to do if you are sick
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf

• Exposure Assessment Survey
  • https://cip-dhhs.ne.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=JKHEPR4DPR

What is Conestoga Doing?

Please be certain that Conestoga Public Schools is closely following The Cass/Sarpy Health Department recommendations based on the most recent information regarding COVID-19.

*All information directly conveyed from The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and The Cass/Sarpy Health Department