Dear Friendship CSD Parents/Guardians:
The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. With that in mind, the purpose of this letter is to inform you that we were notified this evening that an individual at Friendship Central School, last physically present on November 5th, has tested positive for COVID-19. This letter does not mean that you or your child(ren) were necessarily in close contact with the individual. Rather, I am simply informing you of the positive case.
Due to the late evening notice, we will be going remote for all grades effective Tuesday, November 10th to allow the Allegany County Department of Health time to conduct contact tracing. All grades will be remote learning on Tuesday, November 10th. Since Wednesday is a holiday, we will provide an update on Wednesday afternoon as to our plan for Thursday November 12th and beyond.
Please follow instructions from your teacher. Your teacher should have already sent home their remote learning plan. Your teacher will be contacting you in the morning.
We will transport special education students to out-of-district placements on Tuesday. Our students will not be attending Belmont CTE BOCES programs.
We are working closely with the Allegany County Health Department to identify anyone who had direct contact with the individual to determine if they might have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. If you or your child(ren) are identified as having been potentially exposed, the Allegany County Health Department will contact you to ask that you please stay home and monitor for symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, or a temperature higher than 100°F, and practice social distancing. If you are not contacted by the Health Department, you do not need to stay home or exclude yourself from activities at this time.
Parents should continue to monitor their child’s health and the health of their families for COVID-19 symptoms. Children with COVID-19 generally have mild, cold- like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported in some children.
Children with certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, or weak immune systems, might be at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Contact your child’s healthcare provider regarding any concerns.
People without symptoms do not need to seek care or be tested. Those who become ill should contact their healthcare provider. Their doctor, in consultation with public health officials, will determine appropriate care and whether testing is necessary. If your child(ren) has been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19, please report this to your school. This information will be kept confidential.
Schools continue to utilize Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations on Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, to reduce viral transmission and keep our children and school personnel healthy and safe.
Parents and family members can assist this effort by promoting healthy behaviors and following these practices:
• Stay home from school or work if sick, even if symptoms are mild.
• Wear a face covering in areas where physical distancing is difficult to maintain.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue (or sleeve), and then throw the tissue
in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20
seconds.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water
are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at
least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Take care of your health overall. Stay current on your vaccinations, including
the flu vaccine, eat well, and exercise to help your body stay resilient.
The New York State Department of Health provides information about COVID-19 and frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) for parents and concerned family members. The CDC offers tips to keep children healthy during this time. If you have any further questions or concerns, please reach out to your primary physician, your school nurse, our main office at 585—973-3311 or the Allegany County Department of Health at 585- 268-9250.
We appreciate your assistance in trying to keep everyone healthy during these times.
Respectfully,
Judy L. May
Superintendent Friendship CSD
