DCS responds to Ivey’s declaration

Gov. Kay Ivey announced at a press conference on March 13 that schools would be closed starting end of day March 18 until April 6.

“Since Alabama schools will be closed from March 18 through the next two weeks with the target return April 6, Daleville City Schools has developed a contingency plan and will continue to work closely with our state and local partners to ensure we are prepared now that the virus is in Alabama,” Daleville City Schools Superintendent Lisa Stamps said in a press release. “We have been directed by the Alabama State Department of Education to cancel all after school and extracurricular events while schools are closed.”

The students last day was Monday, March 16, and they received practice-only instructional packets to take home over the closing on Tuesday, March 17.

“We want parents to know that students’ health and safety is our utmost priority and we are committed to protecting them,” Stamps said. “We are working on plans to provide lunch and breakfast for our students while we are out next week at pick up points on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday next week.  (We will not serve meals during our spring break.)  We will be providing specific directions about pick up points soon.  Our teachers are also working on some instructional procedures for our students to continue to have practice and review while they are out of school.  We will postpone evening meetings and all sporting events until further notice.  Please know that our entire staff is resolved to go above and beyond to ensure our students’ physical, emotional, and intellectual needs are met while we are closed.”

Stamps said the school will be contacting parents through the school’s website, Facebook and Remind, according to the release.

She ensured everyone that since the coronavirus entered the United States, the safety of those in the system has been the number one priority, according to the release.

“I want our stakeholders to know that the safety and security of our students, staff, and community members is our number one goal as we are out of school for the state of emergency,” Stamps said.

Stamps described the habits that the system has been teaching its students and encouraged all parents to continue to encourage their children to follow these habits.

First, to frequently and thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm, running water and not just rely on hand sanitizer, wash hands regularly. Second, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue away, and then wash your hands. Third, DCS asks that students, faculty, or staff members remain at home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. Fourth, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which is how germs enter the body.  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Finally, avoid close contact with others through the cold and virus season and being around people who are sick, according to the release.

 Stamps provided advice for parents and families who are considering traveling for the upcoming Spring Break.

“The ADPH recommends checking the CDC’s Traveler’s Health website for updates of the latest alerts and bulletins for families when traveling,” Stamps said.  “We encourage our parents to use this resource as they plan trips, especially during Spring Break and for the remainder of the school year.”

Stamps asked parents to continue to teach and remind their children about preventive measures to ensure their health and safety.

“Daleville City Schools will continue to work closely with our state and local partners to ensure we are prepared if cases arise in Alabama,” Stamps said. “Please continue to remind your children to use the preventative measures above to limit the spread of germs. Together we can provide a healthy environment for our children.”