March 12, 2020

Canton Families and Staff:

As you may be aware, the situation regarding COVID-19 across the country and in Massachusetts is evolving quickly. It is my intention to keep you informed as situations arise. This message outlines a decision regarding a school employee. But, first, I need to emphasize - 

At this time, there are no confirmed or presumptive cases of the virus in Canton.

Similar to the previous issue with a teacher at the JFK, I was recently informed of a Canton High School teacher whose spouse is under self-quarantine after attending an event last week where someone else became sick. Out of an abundance of caution, that teacher will not be in attendance at CHS until a 14-day period has elapsed. Neither the teacher nor her spouse are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, the illness associated with the novel coronavirus.

I tell you often of our ongoing communication with our local Board of Health and the state Department of Public Health and how we seek their advice and appreciate their expertise. This recent decision is an example of going beyond their guidelines, and making a school-based decision to continue to create the safest environment possible for students and staff. 

After discussing the situation with local health officials, the district has been advised that there
should be no concern about possible exposure to other students or staff. Based on the teacher's level of exposure -- being married to a person who is self-quarantining -- this does not raise any additional concerns for the school community in Canton.

When it comes to COVID-19, we are proceeding with the utmost caution. The health, wellbeing and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority, and we are reviewing all guidelines and information available from the Department of Public Health. 

All schools are open and will remain open and operating on a normal schedule. The Canton Public Schools leadership is following the guidelines and recommendations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At this time, public health officials are NOT advising the closure of public schools or public buildings.

There is a statewide call scheduled for tomorrow morning with the Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). We will be sure to notify the school community of any further guidelines or recommendations made on that call as it relates to Canton Public Schools.

We are also working closely with the Canton Board of Health on planning and response plans. Public health emergencies and viral outbreaks are among the many crises that municipalities and school districts plan for on a regular basis, and we feel we are well-suited to respond to coronavirus, should things escalate on a wider scale.

The DPH recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:

• Practice good hand hygiene! Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
• Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

For more information, visit the Canton Public Schools coronavirus resource page or visit DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.

The District will continue to provide accurate and timely updates as information is made available. I sincerely appreciate that Canton is a community that works well together on behalf of all our residents and staff in the face of a potential crisis.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Fischer-Mueller, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools