CORONAVIRUS: Updates from Highline Public Schools
Like most districts in the region, classes continue at Highline Public Schools. But some changes are taking effect next week. From the district’s newest update:
The health and safety of our students and staff is paramount, and we are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19.
We have no known cases of COVID-19 among students or staff in Highline.
As Coronavirus continues to affect our region, we want to reassure you that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Public Health Seattle & King County is not currently recommending that schools proactively close unless they have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a staff member or student.
Public Health has shared this rationale:
-Children are not known to get seriously ill from COVID-19
-Closing schools may not be effective because some children may congregate anyway at other locations
-Many parents, such as healthcare workers, need to be at work. If these critical workers stay home with children it causes significant impacts on the healthcare system and other institutions that are essential for our community to function
-If schools close, some children might have to stay home with alternative caregivers, such as elders, who are more vulnerable
-We don’t know how effective children are in spreading this disease
-Learn more about how Public Health makes this decision.
MARCH 6, 2020
All school cleaning: This weekend, all schools will get extra cleaning and disinfection. Surfaces not covered with papers, books and other materials will be wiped down with Clorox hydrogen peroxide wipes.
Field trips: We are suspending all school day and overnight field trips, including Camp Waskowitz, starting Monday, March 9 through Friday, March 20.
School events & athletics: All school events and athletics after 5:00 p.m. are canceled, with the exception of school conferences, to allow custodial staff time to thoroughly clean schools. This is based on Public Health recommendations to postpone events that bring together large groups of people. After-school activities sponsored by schools or partner organizations must conclude by 5:00 p.m. These restrictions on events and activities will be in effect Monday, March 9 through March 20.
Make-up school work: If your child is absent from school due to illness or safety concerns, your child’s teacher will provide assignments and opportunities for learning.
Remote learning: If Public Health advises us to close schools, we will not offer remote learning options. This decision is rooted in our commitment to equity and ensuring all students have an equal chance at success.
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