FAQ's about Coronavirus
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What should I do if I or someone I know comes in contact with someone with COVID-19?
Please contact your school office or call the St. Louis County Department of Health if you or your student comes into contact with someone with COVID 19. The hotline number to the health department is 314.615.2660.
If you are a student or staff member and have tested positive for COVID 19 or a close contact of someone with COVID 19, please complete the KSD Online Form or call your school office.
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How does COVID-19 spread?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 spreads through contact with individuals who have a confirmed COVID-19 case. Prolonged contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 15-30 minutes or more. If you or a family member do come in direct contact with an individual who is symptomatic, please call your primary care physician.
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What should I do if I do not have a doctor?
If you do not have a family doctor, call the St. Louis County Clinics who can provide medical care to all County residents, regardless of ability to pay. Call 314-615-0500 if you do not have a doctor.
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What is the Coronavirus?
The COVID-19 Coronavirus is an emerging and rapidly evolving outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and which has now been detected in many locations internationally, including cases in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2,” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
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What is the likelihood that Kirkwood will cancel school due to the coronavirus?
At this point, the spread of COVID-19 in our area has not reached the point where health officials are recommending we close schools.
Please be assured that should our situation change, we will inform you immediately. If you have additional questions or concerns, please let your building principal know. If they cannot answer your question, they will make sure that someone who can is in touch at the earliest possible opportunity.
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What is the St. Louis County website and phone number hotline for the Coronavirus?
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If I feel like I want to keep my student at home, what should I do?
The decision about whether or not to send your child to school is always your decision. Should you decide it is in the best interest of your family to keep your student home, please notify your student's school. Please visit our Illness Guidelines section on our website for more information.
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What is the website for the Center for Disease Control and and Prevention (CDC)
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How many remaining flex days, traditionally used for inclement weather, do we have left?
Two as of 3/9/2020
Family and Staff Communication
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Updated information as of March 12, 2020 at 4 p.m.
Moving into Spring Break, we will continue to monitor the situation.
Kirkwood School District continues to monitor the situation and meet with surrounding school districts and health officials to remain up to date on the situation in our region and how it might impact our students, staff, and families.
As we move into spring break we want to be prepared for any scenario that may occur during this time, yet remain confident and calm to ensure we make the best decisions for our students.
If traveling during spring break, please check the CDC website and report high-risk travel to your school.
If your spring break plans are taking you out of town, please reference the CDC Travelers' Health website. Although not required, in order to best serve all students, and those identified by the CDC as potentially high-risk categories including compromised immune systems, we also recommend that families and employees share their personal travel plans outside of the U.S. with their school office staff.
In an abundance of caution, we are preparing for the remote possibility for school closure.
We believe it is prudent to send our students and teachers home on Friday with whatever materials and resources may be necessary to support learning, in the event of a short-term or extended closure occurs after spring break. This includes the one-to-one devices that our students use daily in support of their learning.
We, along with the majority of school districts in St. Louis County, submitted a plan to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to accommodate “e-learning days” toward overall state requirements for attendance.
We believe it is best to be overly prepared. At this time, we plan to return to school on Tuesday, March 24.
K-5 Elementary Students
While some students in upper elementary grades take devices home on a nightly basis, we recognize that some of our students do not. On Friday, all students in kindergarten through fifth grades will be taking an iPad home. Given the circumstances, we are waiving the short-term need for families to purchase insurance.
When/if we are back at school on Tuesday, March 24, please have your student bring their iPad, charging cube, and cord back to school.
WiFi Access at Home and eLearning
If you do not have WiFi Access at home, please complete this Google form so KSD can work on a solution for your student.
There is no way to fully replicate an at-school day with an online learning environment, nor should we try to do so. We will use Schoology to take attendance, in the event of a closure, but we will not expect students to follow their normal schedule or be online for a full day of learning. A vast majority of this work will involve students learning at their own pace and tackle their learning and assignments at a time that works best for your family.
Cleaning During Spring Break
In order for our custodial staff to complete deep cleaning, we are asking all staff to stay home during spring break on the designated cleaning day in your building. This deep cleaning is precautionary. We realize there are some instances that staff may need to visit the school. We just want to discourage extended time in the building, to best support our cleaning staff.
Students with Medicine on Campus
If there are any medications housed in the school nurse's office that your student would need in the unlikely event of a school closure please call or email your school’s nurse.
Remaining Connected During Spring Break
Information about COVID-19, Coronavirus, is rapidly changing. During spring break, the district will continue to prepare our schools for students to return on Tuesday, March 24 or for online learning. We will provide updates to staff and families as necessary.
Students Need Calm, Consistency and Support
At present, there is no indication we need to close Kirkwood schools due to illness, but we will continue to monitor the situation in St. Louis County and will work with the county health department on any future possible decisions.
Thanks again for all you do to help keep our students and our schools healthy and safe.
Coronavirus Communication Archive
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Update 3/9 Sent 5 p.m. KSD eFeature: COVID-19 Update
Update 3/9 Sent 5 p.m.
KSD eFeature: COVID-19 Update
Dear KSD Families,
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work with the St. Louis County Department of Health regarding the first case of COVID 19 in Missouri. We are following all guidelines and best practices established by health professionals.
Per the health department and CDC, the risk for anyone who was at the Villa dance is very, very low because the family members who attended the dance did not have any symptoms (asymptomatic). The St. Louis County Department of Health is not recommending the quarantine of anyone who attended the dance, except the immediate family members of the person with the COVID 19 virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 spreads primarily through contact with individuals who have the virus or are symptomatic. If you or a family member do come in direct contact with an individual who is symptomatic, please call your primary care physician and call the St. Louis County Department of Health hotline number 314.615.2660. If you do not have a family doctor, call the St. Louis County Clinic who can provide medical care to all County residents, regardless of ability to pay - 314.615.0500.
If you are considering international travel this spring, we highly encourage you to check both U.S. Department of State travel advisories and the CDC travel website to find updated guidance for your destination as well as for those countries you may visit in transit. Depending on your destination, you may have to make difficult decisions to change or even cancel plans to ensure your own well-being and timely return to St. Louis. On a case-by-case basis, the District may ask students or employees to avoid coming to school for a period up to two weeks to self-monitor upon return from travel to high-risk areas including CDC Level 2 and 3 countries.
Although not required, in order to best serve all students, and those identified by the CDC as potentially high-risk categories including compromised immune systems, we also recommend that families and employees share their personal travel plans outside of the U.S. with their school office staff.
Given the nature of the virus and the way it has been spreading, it is highly likely that we will see more cases in the St. Louis area. This is expected and not cause for panic, but rather an important reminder that we all need to remain vigilant and take reasonable precautions to protect our individual health and the health of our community.
For more information on our plans to keep our students and staff healthy, please see our FAQ page and additional resources below. If you have any questions or concerns, you can also call the St. Louis County Department of Public Health 24 hotline at 314-615-2660 (available 24/7).
Additional resources:
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US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019
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St. Louis County Department of Public Health: Coronavirus Information & Updates
Please note, the information and links above are up-to-date as of Monday, March 9 at 5 p.m. Information about Coronavirus is quickly changing; therefore information within the connected links may evolve as well. At this time, there are no known students or staff members with COVID 19.
Finally, we are very aware that anxiety can be heightened during situations like the current one, and we want to be sure to separate fact from rumor by relying on our healthcare experts and the local, state, and federal agencies that are responsible for guiding us. As we work with members of our community to meet the challenges ahead, we are committed to keeping the channels of communication open and doing all we reasonably can to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all.
For tips on talking to your children on difficult news, please visit the American Psychological Association website.
Sincerely,
Michele Condon
Superintendent of Schools -
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Email sent to all families and staff on Sunday, March 8 at 8:15 p.m.
Email sent to all families and staff on Sunday, March 8 at 8:15 p.m.
Update on COVID-19 in the St. Louis Area
Previous communication Below
Dear KSD Families,
As you may be aware, a St. Louis County woman was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease spread by the coronavirus. We learned late this afternoon that the woman with COVID-19 is the older sister of a Villa Duchesne freshman.
While the family of the COVID-19 patient is working with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health and is under quarantine, we recently learned that the family members of the woman with the virus attended a Villa Duchesne Father Daughter Dance on Saturday evening. Individuals connected with Kirkwood School District were in attendance at the dance.
At this point, the spread of COVID-19 in our area has not reached the point where health officials are recommending we close schools. However, should that become necessary, I am prepared to do so, and we are making plans for how we would continue the educational process to the greatest extent possible.
I am confident we can get through this without any lasting harm to our educational system, and this is certainly not the time to worry about falling behind in school or taking too many sick days. We must make the health of our students, staff, and their families our very top priority.
We must all work together and take personal responsibility for the decisions we make as individuals and for our families. The CDC is providing up to date information for schools and families. As was previously mentioned in Saturday's KSD eSpotlight, we continue to be diligent in the cleaning of our schools and diligent handwashing. Please continue to visit KSD's Health Services website.
As a final reminder to our families:
The decision about whether or not to send your child to school is always your decision. Should you decide it is in the best interest of your family to keep your student home, please notify your student's school.
Please be assured that should our situation change, we will inform you immediately. If you have additional questions or concerns, please let your building principal know. If they cannot answer your question, they will make sure that someone who can is in touch at the earliest possible opportunity.
We look forward to seeing our staff and students tomorrow and appreciate all you are doing to help keep our Kirkwood School community healthy.
Michele Condon
Superintendent of Schools -
All families and staff communication March 8 at 8:15 p.m. Update on COVID-19 in the St. Louis Area
Dear KSD Families,
As you may be aware, a St. Louis County woman was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease spread by the coronavirus. We learned late this afternoon that the woman with COVID-19 is the older sister of a Villa Duchesne freshman.
While the family of the COVID-19 patient is working with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health and is under quarantine, we recently learned that the family members of the woman with the virus attended a Villa Duchesne Father Daughter Dance on Saturday evening. Individuals connected with Kirkwood School District were in attendance at the dance.
At this point, the spread of COVID-19 in our area has not reached the point where health officials are recommending we close schools. However, should that become necessary, I am prepared to do so, and we are making plans for how we would continue the educational process to the greatest extent possible.
I am confident we can get through this without any lasting harm to our educational system, and this is certainly not the time to worry about falling behind in school or taking too many sick days. We must make the health of our students, staff, and their families our very top priority.
We must all work together and take personal responsibility for the decisions we make as individuals and for our families. The CDC is providing up to date information for schools and families. As was previously mentioned in Saturday's KSD eSpotlight, we continue to be diligent in the cleaning of our schools and diligent handwashing. Please continue to visit KSD's Health Services website.
As a final reminder to our families:
The decision about whether or not to send your child to school is always your decision. Should you decide it is in the best interest of your family to keep your student home, please notify your student's school.
Please be assured that should our situation change, we will inform you immediately. If you have additional questions or concerns, please let your building principal know. If they cannot answer your question, they will make sure that someone who can is in touch at the earliest possible opportunity.
We look forward to seeing our staff and students tomorrow and appreciate all you are doing to help keep our Kirkwood School community healthy.
Michele Condon
Superintendent of Schools -
March 7, 2020 10 a.m. all families and staff communication
Information and guidelines about the novel coronavirus (COVID 19) continue to change on a daily basis. The District is working with our partners at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the St. Louis County Department of Health as they monitor and manage the current situation with both the flu and COVID 19. The Missouri DHSS has developed a website dedicated to information about this new illness.
The Center for Disease Control website also provides resources and information specifically for schools.
On Wednesday, district representatives attended a regional health meeting with other surrounding school districts. This meeting reinforced current procedures and established an open line of communication to ensure we receive up-to-date information to keep students and staff safe.
Cleaning and Disinfecting our Schools
Due to the flu season, schools have been diligent about cleaning. For example, each night our custodians are cleaning desktops, tables, and doorknobs with Buckeye Sanicare Mint Quat. This is one of the approved cleaning products recommended by the Center for Biocide Chemistries and the EPA for killing COVID 19. In addition, custodians are wearing gloves to prevent the spreading of germs.
Teachers, nurses, and principals continue to support student education around prevention, including effective handwashing.
Illness Guidelines and Symptoms of COVID 19
As a reminder, please do not send your child to school if they are sick. If your student is sick, please keep them home until they are fever-free (below 100℉) and symptom-free for 24 hours without medication, adhering to the District Illness Guidelines. Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19, call your health care professional.
If you have been notified by public health authorities that you might have been exposed, follow instructions provided by your local health department.
Absences
Our schools are prepared to support students and families who may be absent from school for an extended time due to illness. It’s also a good idea, as a family, to discuss child care plans in the event your children become unexpectedly ill and need someone to stay home with them.
Additional Information
We are reviewing our policies and guidelines related to communicable diseases and will provide updates as the situation unfolds. We are also coordinating efforts to continue K-12 teaching and learning, at some levels, in the unlikely event of an extended school closing.
All Kirkwood staff, students, and families planning personal travel over the spring break to any international location are urged to pay close attention to the CDC travel health notice information being released about destination countries, and updates from air carriers prior to departure and while abroad.
We will keep all families and staff members informed as we receive information from medical and health professionals. For information regarding staying healthy and other tips, please visit the KSD Health Services website.
Thank you for your continued support of our students,
Dr. Michele Condon
Superintendent of Schools
