Marengo County Board of Education
Dear Parent/Guardian:
We are currently following the ongoing developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). During this time, we will observe directives and advisement from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the Alabama Department of Public Health. We will continue to make every effort possible to reduce the
spread of any and all viruses in the school facility, while continuing all educational functions and school operations. You will be informed of any and all changes to our operations via SchoolCast and other normal methods used by the school your child attends.
In the event of a COVID-19 outbreak and the need to close our schools, we are beginning to work on making advance plans for our students to remain active in the academic part of each school. In the meantime, there are several healthy hygiene practices you need to be reminded of to reduce the
spread of germs:
Do not send your child to school if they are ill. Keep your child home with fever of 100 degrees or higher, frequent cough, diarrhea or vomiting, or a generalized body rash of unknown origin. Your child should not return to school until they are 48 hours free of fever and no longer on medication.
Wash hands often using an antibacterial soap, especially after using the restroom and before and after mealtimes. Remember to rub hands together after creating a lather for 10-15 seconds for best results.
Do not share drinking glasses or eating utensils.
Use and properly dispose of soiled tissues.
Cover mouth with coughs and sneezes.
Encourage eating a well-balanced diet and get plenty of rest during time of illness.
Be prepared to pick your child up from school as soon as possible if notified by school personnel that your child is ill.
Wash backpacks, coats, and other articles that potentially carry germs.
Properly disinfect digital devices with disinfectant wipes.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Luke Hallmark
Superintendent
Superintendents,
Guidance Regarding Personnel Who May Have Tested Positive for Novel Coronavirus COVID-19
As the situation continues to progress, and in light of heightened actions released by President Donald J. Trump last evening, I have consulted with Governor Kay Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris regarding how we would handle any confirmed cases of COVID-19 among our employees. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, or if the employee’s child or dependent tests positive and the employee must stay home to provide care, then that employee should stay home for 14 days and should not be charged sick or personal leave. It is very important that anyone with a positive test self isolates and removes himself or herself from the population for the entire incubation period.
The above guidance is only for confirmed cases of COVD-19. We are receiving some questions about employees who have not tested positive for COVID-19 but would like to self-isolate due to fears of the outbreak or personal medical concerns. In this case, the employee should take personal or sick leave.
Student Teachers/Interns
Many institutions of higher education are moving to online-only classes. The question has arisen as to whether those students should complete their internship hours this semester. We are reviewing and will have an answer for you by tomorrow.
Out-of-State Field Trips and Sporting Tournaments
At this time, we have not revised our guidance issued earlier in the week. I know that some superintendents have decided to cancel events on their own and others have not. We respect your decisions and are monitoring the situation constantly.
Thank you for your diligence and professionalism. Look for additional information as it becomes available.
Eric
Eric G. Mackey, Ed.D.
State Superintendent of Education
Alabama State Department of Education
Gordon Persons Building, Room 5114
P. O. Box 302101
Montgomery, AL 36130-2101
Telephone: 334.694.4902 (NEW PHONE NUMBER) Fax: 334.694.4990 (NEW FAX NUMBER)
