COVID-19 Update 3-12-20

Dear Decatur Township Families,

As of today, Thursday, 3-12-20, we are still conducting school in a typical manner within our buildings.  I have been in frequent and consistent contact with the Director of the Marion County Board of Health along with the Director of the State Board of Health.  As they have been assessing our local and state situation, working with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), we have been advised to continue school on a regular routine until factual information indicates otherwise, in which case, they will be in contact with me immediately.  I, in turn, will contact the entire Decatur Township School Community as soon as I would receive any information indicating the need to restrict or close our schools.  Again, as of March 12th, 2020, we have no confirmed cases that would impact Decatur Township Schools. 

We are prepared to implement eLearning if the need arises at any time in the future, as this situation will continue to remain fluid.  The following information will clarify by grade level how this will be implemented. We are constantly monitoring our situation and will respond accordingly.  Please refer to the following information for clarification regarding some of our issues. All information below is relevant as of today, March 12th, 2020, and is subject to change at any time in the future.  You will receive updates via email and on our websites if these changes occur. 

Together, We are Decatur Proud!

        Dr. Prusiecki

        Superintendent

What happens if Decatur Township has to close school?

• We have already started making plans to ensure a smooth transition to eLearning should we be directed to close school due to COVID-19. If your child does not have access to technology, please reach out to us, so that we may assist.  We recognize there may be additional questions. Please reach out to your child’s teacher or building administrator. 
• Parents of Kindergarten - 2nd grade students:  Your child’s teacher will be accessible throughout the school day via Canvas, district email, and apps.  Students will receive a mix of eLearning and packets to support learning. Students will have sufficient time to complete assignments and will not be penalized in any way.  We recognize our youngest learners will need more time and support in completing their work. 
• Parents of grades 3-6 students: Your child’s teacher will be accessible throughout the school day via Canvas, district email, and apps. Students will have access to their assignments in all subjects/special areas via Canvas, and turn in assignments upon completion electronically.  
• Parents of grades 7-8 students: Your child’s teacher will be accessible throughout the school day via Canvas, district email, and apps. Students will have access to their assignments in all subjects via Canvas, and turn in assignments upon completion electronically.   
• Parents of grades 9-12 students:  Your child’s teacher will be accessible throughout the school day via Canvas, email, and apps. Students will have access to their assignments in all subjects via Canvas and turn in assignments upon completion electronically.  
• Parents of students with special needs:  Your child’s teacher will be accessible throughout the school day via Canvas, email, and apps, etc.  Special education services will be provided through eLearning. If there are special circumstances already established, the student’s Teacher of Record will work with the parent individually.  If there are case conferences scheduled, we will work together to reschedule them or conduct them remotely. 

What if I simply want to keep my children home from school?  Will the days be excused?

• As a public school in the State of Indiana, it is our responsibility to track and monitor all of our students’ attendance at school.  Per Indiana Code, excused absences are identified and listed in each of our Board Approved Handbooks. During this difficult time, we want to reiterate that it is the parents’ decision to allow their child to stay home or attend school.  We will identify any absence without a doctor’s note as unexcused.  However, this is to maintain our records for students who attend school or not.  We are not marking unexcused as a punitive measure, but simply tracking attendance in light of the current situation.  
• Please work with your child’s teacher(s) to acquire work that may be missed while absent from school.

Will field trips and other travel continue?

• Decatur Township Schools has asked principals to work with teachers to cancel or reschedule any field trips planned for the next few weeks.  However, there may be a situation where a field trip may continue, if deemed appropriate by the building and district administration and will be communicated to families accordingly.
• We are asking all staff members to cancel any “non-essential” travel that is work-related until further notice is provided.

What is the plan for extra-curricular activities?

• As of today, March 12th, 2020, we plan to continue with extra-curricular activities as scheduled.  We recognize some parents may prefer their child not attend due to concerns about the virus. In those cases, parents should communicate directly with the coach or sponsor and students will be excused from the activity without penalty.

What can I do to stop the spread of illness?  As we take our guidance from the CDC, here are their recommendations:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• 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, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.