Dear Staff and Families of Jewell School,
Recently, we were notified that a person in Jewell school has been diagnosed with COVID-19. As members of the school community, we understand that this might raise concerns. We are working closely with Clatsop County Health Department to respond to this news and protect the health of our community by temporarily closing 7th and 8th Grade B day cohorts and Purple bus B Day cohort for the next two weeks. This only affects the previously mentioned cohorts which meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All cohorts on Mondays/Wednesdays and all other cohorts on Tuesday/Thursday are cleared to attend school at this time.
Each situation calls for different protocols. In this case, we will follow the following steps:
Addressing contact tracing and notifying any students/families or staff directly involved
Providing distance learning opportunities for students directly impacted
Sharing information on staying home or testing availability to those directly impacted
Conducting a deep cleaning and disinfection of classrooms and common areas in the school
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is through staying home when ill, wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and practicing good health hygiene habits. Be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid contact with people who have signs of illness. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat a healthy diet. Protect the community by following the Governor’s safety requirements. Wearing cloth face coverings reduces the spread of viruses.
We will keep you updated with any new information as it comes out, while meeting the requirements to honor everyone's right to privacy.
More information can be found on the Oregon Department of Education’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners page, the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 page and https://www.jewell.k12.or.us/page/ode-required-information.
If you have any questions, please contact either Principal Jon Wood or Superintendent Stephen Phillips.
Sincerely,
Stephen W. Phillips, PhD
Jewell School
Superintendent