Dear BUHSD Community,
We know families are concerned about the spread of the COVID-19 virus and how to protect your children. We are closely monitoring guidance from the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the Governor‘s Office, and the Arizona Department of Education in regards to the COVID-19 virus to make decisions about the best steps to take concerning schools. At this time, school closures are not being recommended by any of these government agencies, so we will resume school after spring break on Monday, March 16. On Monday, March 16, we will utilize the late start schedule.
The basic symptoms of COVID-19 include fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, cough, and shortness of breath. We ask that you keep your student home if he/she is experiencing these symptoms until your student has been symptom free for at least 24 hours or cleared by a healthcare professional. If your student or family traveled during spring break, we ask that you follow any government recommendations regarding isolation. If your student is absent due to illness, isolation, or your discretion to not have them attend, those absences will be excused. However, the student is still responsible for their work, so please communicate with teachers to access make-up work.
According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the following basic habits go a long way to protecting yourself from viruses, including COVID-19:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or use the inside of your elbow. If you use a tissue,
throw the tissue in the trash immediately.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
We will be emphasizing the above points to both staff and students. We encourage you to emphasize these same things with your students at home. We will also remain vigilant in ensuring that routine cleaning and disinfecting take place in all our schools and offices.
Again, we are closely monitoring guidance from the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Governor Ducey’s Office, and the Arizona Department of Education. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available. You can also access information at the following website: www.Maricopa.gov/1598/Diseases-We-Track.
Sincerely,
Eric Godfrey
Superintendent
Buckeye Union High School District