Updated afternoon March 12, 2020:
Greetings Lennox School District Families,
I will begin this letter by stating the information and proposed responses to the COVID-19 pandemic are continually evolving. I do not want to add to the panic surrounding this issue. The decision to cancel non-essential activities is done with an abundance of caution to do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and to preserve our most essential function, educating students in our classrooms.
As of this morning (March 12), the Department of Health indicated the state of South Dakota's response to mitigate this virus should at this time remain in a preparedness phase (meaning that we plan and follow through with the preventative actions found at the end of this letter). I'll reiterate that our actions to implement social distancing measures are done with an abundance of caution to protect our staff, students, and community while preserving our learning environments for as long as possible.
With the above-mentioned in mind, we will until further notice suspend all non-essential activities. This includes: concerts, competitions, award banquets, pep assemblies, in-town and out-of-town activities, youth practices and/or competitions in our facilities, and other similar events. Parents who normally come to common areas within the school to drop off or pick up students, are being asked to please wait outside. Before and after school childcare through Totally Kids will continue to operate as normal for parents.
No decisions in regard to the state basketball tournament have been made yet. For the
time being, we will follow the direction of the South Dakota High School Activities Association. I was made aware this afternoon that they are limiting spectators at the current class B tournament to just family members. I will update you with any new information in regard to the upcoming class A tournament.
We will continue to communicate with the Department of Health and Education as we monitor this situation and make future decisions. Please look for ongoing communication
through our school messenger system. Current resources from the CDC and communications from the district will be posted on our website as well.
Just a reminder to continue with the preventative actions below:
• Frequent and thorough hand washing for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.
• A void touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• A void close contact with sick people.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow.
• Stay home when you are sick.
Thank you for doing your part in keeping everyone healthy!
Chad Conaway,
Superintendent
Lennox School District
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