Supe's On: Together, we can reduce the spread
By:
Dr. Jarod Larson, BVSD superintendent
Life is not defined by the adversity we face, but rather how we respond to adversity.
Students, staff, and families will undoubtedly face adversity as we plow forward through the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be positive COVID-19 cases, close contact quarantines, and low-level closures. In addition to the items associated with a positive case, our school nurses constantly work through the challenging situation of an individual that exhibits symptoms of illness while in school facilities. Given our county’s definition of “substantial community spread”, the exclusion of these individuals is necessary until cleared by a medical professional or meeting the exclusion timeframe. Each and every one of these circumstances is very difficult and extremely frustrating.
Our process for navigating an individual exhibiting symptoms and a positive COVID-19 test result is applied consistently, works to reduce potential additional exposures in as timely a manner as possible, and communicate in a clear, concise, and transparent manner.
Family, staff, or Department of Health report a positive COVID-19 test result;
Investigate and communicate with close contacts, in collaboration with South Dakota Department of Health;
Inform the building-level families of the situation.
Our two goals as we navigate the COVID-19 0andemic are very straightforward and the processes and protocols utilized support our efforts:
• Reduce the spread of COVID-19; and
• Maintain educational functions.
Without question, there are individual sacrifices that will be made due to societal responsibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, with a cooperative partnership, we can reduce the spread and maintain educational functions.
Go Lynx!
