Superintendent Update Regarding Coronavirus

March 3, 2020

Dear Warwick Valley District Staff and Family Members,

This communication is to inform staff, students, parents, and extended family members that the Warwick Valley Central School District continues to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) closely and has plans in place to react swiftly if the virus impacts our school community. 

No reported cases of Coronavirus are connected to the Warwick Valley Central School District at this time. However, in anticipation that our community will at some point have a Coronavirus case, we have been preparing, without panicking, for weeks. 

We have reviewed our response plans and have tailored them to the Coronavirus.  Our faculty and school nurses are promoting and reminding students about best prevention practices (e.g., staying home if you are sick and avoiding the touching of eyes, noses, or mouths to keep from spreading germs).   Teachers will conduct lessons reminding students about prevention strategies as well (e.g., proper handwashing for at least 20 seconds several times per day, covering noses while sneezing, etc.). Additional custodial personnel will assist with sanitizing buildings, classrooms, food service prep areas, and school buses daily.  Special attention to “high touch areas” such as handrails, water fountains, doorknobs, computers, and desks will continue. An isolation area will be used in each school if a student or staff member exhibits Coronavirus-like symptoms.  

As always, we are focused on promoting prevention as we contemplate potential scenarios and make preparations moving forward.  The District will continue to stay in touch with our local and state health departments, which will advise us on any next steps. As more information becomes available, we will update the district website. 

Sincerely,

David Leach

Warwick Valley CSD

Superintendent of Schools