The health and safety of our students and staff are top priorities of Barton School District. Due to the national attention focused on the Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we want to update you on Barton School District’s efforts to protect students and staff.
\r\nThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe COVID-19 as a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. It was first identified during an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has spread to other countries. The CDC reports there are currently several cases of the virus in the United States, the risk to our community is considered low at this point.\r\n
\r\nArkansas Department of Education is closely monitoring the progress of the illness and following the advice of the CDC and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). ADH has been designated as the lead agency in coordinating information and response to COVID-19 for the state of Arkansas. Information can be accessed
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus.
Updates will be shared with staff as needed. In addition, all Barton cleaning crews have been asked to enhance cleaning efforts in all schools, central office buildings, and school bus interiors. Barton School District is prepared to deep clean classrooms or entire schools, as necessary. Meanwhile, staff and students are encouraged to do these things to help prevent the spread of illness at home and at work:
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\r\n- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.\r\n
- Wash your hands thoroughly (at least 20 seconds with soap and water) and frequently.\r\n
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.\r\n
- Stay home when you are sick.\r\n
- Cover your cough or sneeze in a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.\r\n
- If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).\r\n
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In the event of a school closing, the Barton School District will issue to every student an AMI packet containing work to be completed at home. This packet will serve as instruction time if completed. During this time, teachers will be available to help your student via school email or phone. If students do not complete the work, it will serve as a zero. The Barton School District is closely monitoring this situation and is ready to respond in the event of a school closing. At this time, all schools are open and we encourage parents to wash backpacks and other items that may carry germs. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in this matter.