Dear Granite District Patrons and Employees,
We have been awaiting the conclusion of a statewide press event announcing new measures as a result of the dynamic COVID-19 situation in our state. We continue to collaborate with our Health Department partners on multiple levels and the information in this message entails all of the latest guidance. We are very aware of the concerns parents and employees have regarding the health of students and staff in our schools. There have been many employee questions and many parent questions. We believe it is beneficial to address this message to our entire Granite community to share our broader approach as follows:
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
-All out of state student travel scheduled through the next 30-days (April 11) will been canceled. Further guidance and additional restrictions will be evaluated at that time.
-Mass gatherings including school events, field trips or sports activities that involve more than 100 people in close proximity are canceled until further notice.
-NO SCHOOL CLOSURES are recommended at this time and we have been given guidelines and trigger points from health officials that we will adhere to in order to enact a closure. Additional steps will be taken at the school level to minimize congregation of students in close proximity per state guidance.
-No dances, assemblies or school wide activities that involve mass congregation of students (over 100) in a concentrated group, will take place in the duration.
The most current information we have to relay from the Health Department (media reports notwithstanding) is that COVID-19 is unlikely to be transmitted by someone who does not have symptoms, so any interactions with an individual before they were ill, are considered low-risk for transmission. Consequently, 2nd hand contact is also considered low-risk. In other words, YOU HAVE TO HAVE SYMPTOMS (fever, cough, shortness of breath) IN ORDER TO TRANSMIT THIS DISEASE.
For our students and families, we respect the rights of parents to make decisions as they feel appropriate and our attendance policy will reflect that respect. We expect that our schools will work with our families to provide appropriate accommodations in light of the current circumstances. As always, students who are absent from school will be provided opportunities to make up their learning. We also have plans and the capacity for digital/distance/online learning where instruction can proceed. We are prepared to implement these plans should the need arise.
The direction we have received from the state, is that schools should REMAIN OPEN if at all possible, because of the unique impact on our total community when a school is closed. Only in cases of “imminent threat,” and in concert with the Salt Lake County Health Department, would a closure decision be made.
Some of our communities may have been impacted by the announcement regarding the Utah Jazz and player illness. Here is link to specific guidance related to those circumstances – www.coronavirus.utah.gov
Based on current Health Department guidance, employees will not be excused from work for first hand contact with someone who later developed symptoms or second hand contact in a similar situation. Employees or students who HAVE had contact with someone displaying symptoms or have concerns of any kind regarding their personal situation, should contact their health care provider or the state COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-456-7707 and adhere to their guidance.
Specifically for our employees, sick leave use is governed by employment contracts and is administered through our District benefits office. Other types of leave for various employee groups (including hourly employees) are governed by District policy. Questions regarding leave should be directed to supervisors. Any directive to quarantine from a health care provider should be submitted to the District benefits office. The Health Department will notify the District when they recommend that individual employees be quarantined.
Additional updates or school specific guidance will be forthcoming as appropriate. As mentioned previously, this is a dynamic situation and circumstances will continue to evolve. We are committed to ensuring our students and staff have a safe learning and working environment and appreciate your patience and support.
Granite School District
Ben Horsley
Communications Director
Granite Schools
