Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter
Following guidelines approved Friday by the Nevada Association of School Superintendents, in an attempt to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, the Lyon County School District is suspending all extracurricular activities, effective Monday, March 16.
In addition, the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association is announcing the suspension of NIAA sanctioned sports for all of its member schools effective Monday, March 16 until further notice. Member schools and/or districts, as a local decision, may suspend sports at their school prior to March 16
LCSD announced the measures in a statement released Friday afternoon.
The statement says that LCSD has been and continues to work closely with a coalition of partners, including state officials, local officials and other agencies on a cohesive community response to protect the health and well-being of students, staff and the community.
“It is important to keep in mind that the nature of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak is fluid, changing daily and it is important that we all take steps to protect the health and safety of ourselves, our students, our schools and our community,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, NASS, LCSD and individual Nevada school districts are united in taking the following actions out of an abundance of caution and in an attempt to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases:
• All school, district, and non-district sponsored athletics, extra-curricular activities, assemblies, practices, and events are suspended effective Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice.
o NASS and district superintendents will work with NIAA officials for future guidance and support.
o At this moment, parent-teacher conferences scheduled for April 1-2, will proceed as scheduled.
o Activities and events scheduled later in the school year, including graduation ceremonies, will be evaluated as the situation progresses.
• The travel restrictions instituted on district-sponsored student and staff travel remain in effect.
• At this time, essential programs that provide for after-school care (i.e. Boys & Girls Club, tutoring, etc.) will continue operating to support students and families.
• LCSD has increased the cleaning of high touch surfaces, as a proactive approach to preventing the possible spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. LCSD has also secured additional cleaning materials should they be necessary.
• LCSD continues to refine its coronavirus response plan with all departments and outside officials.
At this time, there continues to be no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within LCSD. However, LCSD is taking additional precautions to ensure schools are clean and disinfected regularly in order for buildings to remain conducive to learning and teaching.
In regards to school closures, the CDC recommends that “Closing schools early in the spread of disease for a short time […] will be unlikely to stem the spread of disease or prevent impact on the health care system, while causing significant disruption for families, schools, and those who may be responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in health care settings. It may also increase impact on older adults who care for grandchildren. Waiting to enact school closures until at the correct time in the pandemic (i.e., later in the spread of disease) combined with other social distancing interventions allows for optimal impact despite disruption”.
For the moment, there are no planned school closures. However, LCSD and NASS will continue to engage with the Nevada Department of Education and seek guidance on closure if necessary.
LCSD asks that you help us in preventing the spread of germs by reminding your children of everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover cough and sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• A few things you can do at home to prevent the spread of germs include disinfecting surfaces that are touched often like doorknobs and light switches.
“As always, we ask that parents and caregivers keep their child at home if they may be sick,” the statement reads. “If you keep your child home, please reach out to your child’s teacher(s) and administrator to minimize the disruption to education. Please continue to reassure your children and keep them positive as they may be worried about current events. Keep them energized about learning and excited about attending school.”
Should a positive COVID-19 case impact one of its schools directly, LCSD says it will promptly update parents, staff, and the community regarding next steps in accordance with local health officials and CDC guidance.
“Please know that LCSD continues to collaborate with officials on a regular basis,” the statement reads. “As a school district, we are committed to keeping families and staff informed. We will continue to provide updates to our families via Infinite Campus (IC). Additionally, information related to COVID-19 will continue to be posted online at www.lyoncsd.org. We are all learning how to best respond to the spread of this virus. Thank you for your patience and continued support in our efforts of creating the safest learning environment for our students and staff.”
Resources available on the Lyon County School District website:
- NASS Official Statement About Non-essential School Events
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- (CDC) Considerations for School Closure
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