March 12, 2020

Dear Bay Park Families,

San Diego Unified School District has been monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation in San Diego County. We have been advised by public health officials that closing our schools is unwarranted at this time and could create unintended consequences that would hurt their efforts to protect our community. Because schools are considered an essential service providing meals, security and resources to children and families, schools in the District are currently remaining open. With this quickly changing public health situation, this too may be reassessed as necessary, and if so, you will be notified immediately.

We will remain vigilant and ask that you do the same. If you child is sick, please keep them home from school. If your child has respiratory symptoms and/or a fever of >100 F / >37.8 C, they should remain home from school and other activities until they have no fever for 24 hours, without fever medication. In addition, if your child has a severe productive cough (i.e., spewing respiratory droplets) that is not typical for them, they should stay home. If you feel your child may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your doctor immediately.

Effective tomorrow, March 13 and until April 24, school gatherings of more than 250 people involving students should be cancelled due to concerns over possibly spreading coronavirus. In addition to other activities and events here at school due to these guidelines the following events/activities are postponed until the guideline are relaxed:

• Variety Show
• Daily Morning Opening (students will continue to line up as normal and then go to their classrooms at the first bell)
• Fourth and Fifth grade Marston Tours
• Field trips
• CYT performances
• Open House and Science Fair

Beginning tomorrow students will line up as normal on the playground then walk to their classes when the first bell rings.

In the following days we will develop a plan to stagger recess and lunch to reduce the number of students on the playground and in the lunch arbor.

We encourage you to stay informed of the situation by regularly checking updates from San Diego County Public Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

In the meantime, our focus continues to be on prevention and preparation. We have an inventory of needed supplies, our staff is trained on cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, and our nurses are experts in watching for symptoms and providing guidance to families.

You can support us by following these standard precautionary measures:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60+) when soap is not available
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and moth and avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when sick and call your school to report fever and respiratory symptoms
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
• Continue to receive an annual flu shot

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. If you have questions about these topics, feel free to contact me via email or the phone number below. We thank you for your cooperation and support.

Sincerely,

Leslie Barnes
Principal

Bay Park Elementary School
2433 Denver Street
San Diego, CA 92110

619.276.1471
Fax 619.276.3243