Memo from Mrs. Wyles - March 12, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians, 3/12/20
Yesterday the principals in the Diocese met with the Superintendent, Misty
Poe, to discuss the latest updates on the Coronavirus. Based on our
meeting, and follow-up information, I wish to share with you our plans
moving forward. Of course, these are subject to change based on the
coronavirus and its presence in Texas.

1. The school will be putting extra attention into disinfecting door handles, desks and other frequently touched areas, as suggested by local and state health officials and the Texas Education Agency.. Reminder posters will be placed throughout the school and students will be advised how they can help stop the spread of germs.
2. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is characterized by mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. Illness can be more severe for some people and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. Please, if your child is experiencing these symptoms keep him/her home. The school will be vigilant when a child is not feeling well and will call parents regardless if the child has a fever.
3. We have been advised that we may only close the school if a teacher or student is diagnosed with the virus or if TISD were to close. In both cases, the Diocese would make the call based on the above and local health department recommendations.
4. If we were to have to close school for an extended period, a remote learning platform will be utilized to ensure learning is not interrupted. Teachers will be trained to use this platform.
5. Non-essential travel is discouraged. This applies to all events where students would have exposure to a variety of individuals; such as Sea World, USS Lexington, and Fossil Rim. We will monitor the situation and contact these camps for their safety protocols. We will consult the Diocese for a final decision to travel to these locations.
6. From PSIA State Board: “In light of the probably continued spread of the Coronavirus, we regret to inform you that ALL PSIA tournament activities must be canceled for the rest of this 2019-2020 school year.” There will be no State meet this year.
7. Persons should stay home or speak to a physician if: (1) they have returned from a level 1 or 2 countries within the prior 14 days; (2) they are having lower respiratory issues; (3) they have had known exposure to someone with symptoms; or (4) they have fever of 100.4 or greater.
8. There are no reported cases of the coronavirus in our Diocese.

Safety Precautions For All

● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Stay home if you are sick. Persons with fever cannot return to school
until they have been fever-free for 24 hours.
● Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you
cough or sneeze.
As always, the safety, security, and health of our students and
faculty/staff is a priority for us at St. Mary’s. We will continue to inform
you of any developments about the coronavirus as we receive
information from the Diocese. If you have any questions please call
the school.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Wyles