In order to try to increase safety and to limit the amount of illness exposure in the classroom, TCS Director of Schools, Dr. Catherine Stephens, wants to remind students and parents about what can be done to help make this a successful school year.
As it turns to the fall and with the changing weather, it’s normal that schools across the country start to see virus numbers increase. While COVID-19 remains at the forefront of the conversation, parents should keep their children home when they feel sick or show signs of any and all illnesses.
“Parents are amazing partners to us, and we truly appreciate them,” Stephens said. “If your child is tested for COVID-19 for any reason, whether that be for a trip, an event or they are showing symptoms, please keep your child home until there is a negative result.”
While there are several ways that students can help limit exposure, this communication highlights three specific strategies to use. The first recommendation is for students to frequently wash their hands with soap and water. When that’s not available, hand sanitizer is an acceptable option.
Additionally, students are encouraged to maintain 3 feet of physical distance between themselves and others as recommended by the CDC. Maintaining this distance will help slow the spread and the exchange of viruses. Lastly, wearing a mask properly while indoors is also highly encouraged.
“It is important to cover both your nose and mouth completely when wearing a mask,” Dr. Stephens said. “Remember, you may not have to quarantine if you are identified as a close contact if your mask is being worn properly. The goal with these recommendations is to help slow the spread of any and all illnesses, so participation from our students is essential.”
TCS recommends that all healthcare questions be directed to the student’s medical professional first. When parents have questions about school-related illness or if medical guidance is needed at one of the campuses, then parents and guardians should reach out to their child’s respective school nurse.
“We are so thankful to have a school nurse in every building,” Dr. Stephens said. “They are a tremendous and knowledgeable resource. If you have questions about anything medical in the school, start with your nurse first.”
The CDC continues to encourage individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals who are 12 years and older are currently eligible for the vaccine.
“It’s important to note that those who are fully vaccinated do not have to quarantine if identified as a close contact unless they are symptomatic,” Dr. Stephens said.
Tullahoma City Schools will continue to follow its health and safety protocols set in place before the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of high-traffic use areas, overall facilities and buses will still be taking place. Additionally, the district monitors COVID-19 numbers at each campus with its data dashboard that is updated daily, Monday through Friday, at www.tcsedu.net.
”As we are all in this together, I ask that all TCS parents, guardians, students, teachers, and staff members do your part to help keep everyone safely in school,” Dr. Stephens said. “Following these protocols will help in our effort to reduce the spread of this virus. Together, we can make this a very successful school year.”