Return Health Key Communication

Key Communication Points & Strategy
Return to Health

Overview

Messaging Before School Starts 

  • Student and staff safety is our top priority. 
  • School will reopen in fall 2020 with modifications to programs and services to protect children and staff from COVID-19 infection. The district will follow the guidance of state and county health departments for implementation of precautions and modifications to school programs. 
  • The physical and mental health and safety of our community is the responsibility of each of us. Our behaviors affect each other. 
  • The current CDC guidelines outline five key components: isolation of ill individuals, personal hygiene, physical distancing, use of cloth face coverings, and disinfection of surfaces. In the absence of a vaccine or herd immunity, these actions together significantly reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. 
  • Print Keep Each Other Safe Guidelines (Appendix A) in annual parent notification. 
  • Ask parents/guardians to consider making cloth face coverings for reuse when in public and sending children to school with a cloth face covering. Face coverings will be provided if a child does not have one. 
  • Prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and the ability of our school to remain open depends on all of us following the Personal Hygiene Guideline (Appendix D) and the Stay at Home Requirements (Appendix B). 
  • We are in this together. 

Messaging During Opening 

  • Student and staff safety is our top priority. 
  • The situation is not stable and ongoing evaluation and modifications will be necessary. 
  • The district will follow state and county orders. District and school staff are working closely with Sacramento County Public Health, Sacramento County Office of Education, and surrounding districts to monitor the current situation, address concerns, inform and educate students. 
  • Routine cleaning protocols are being followed. High-touch areas and areas where sick students or staff were present will be disinfected, following established district guidelines. 
  • Prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and the ability of our school to remain open depends on all of us following the Personal Hygiene Guideline (Appendix D) and the Stay at Home Requirements (Appendix B). 

Ongoing Communications 

  • We prepare for the cold and flu season every year, by providing immunization clinics for eligible families, and conducting awareness campaigns to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases. 
  • Keep students home from school when sick and seek the advice of a healthcare provider for COVID-19 symptoms. 
  • Should we receive a concern regarding the exposure or confirmation of case of COVID-19, SCUSD will respond immediately regarding the exposure or confirmation of a COVID-19 case, using our established protocols and guidance provided by SCPH officials and the California Department of Public Health – School Guidance on COVID-19. 
  • Prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and the ability of our school to remain open depends on all of us following the Personal Hygiene Guideline (Appendix D) and the Stay at Home Requirements (Appendix B). 
  • We are in this together. 

Messaging on Resources/Support 

  • We know this is an anxious time for our community and our hearts go out to those who are ill, have lost family members, who have lost jobs and are experiencing hardships brought on by the pandemic and mitigation measures. 
  • Our thoughts are with all of our families and children who are affected. 
  • Please note that there have been reports of students and others being stigmatized or bullied. We urge our community members to help prevent any discrimination and to respect the privacy of our community members. We encourage everyone in our community to treat each other with compassion, respect, and kindness as we work together to keep our community healthy and physically and emotionally safe. 
  • See COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions on the SCUSD website. 

Communication Strategies for School Site Staff and Administration 

  • Establish and advertise widely a single source/webpage for up to date information on the planning, pandemic response and expectations for staff, students, and families. 
  • Utilize Communications to distribute accurate information. 
  • Training of community liaisons currently at school sites. 
  • Meetings with PTA. 
  • Announcements during school hours – before school, between classes, before recess and at lunch to reinforce personal hygiene guidelines. 
  • Designate a staff/community liaison or liaisons to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Employees should know who they are and how to contact them. 
  • Use all-calls, all emails, superintendent letters, school site websites, remind texts. 
    • Use electronic billboards/marquis. 
    • Use banners, signage through the school to reinforce messaging. 
    • Translation of communications should be provided based on the threshold languages of the community.