Message from Rockdale Schools Superintendent on coronavirus

Dr. Terry O. Oatts, Ed.D. Superintendent

To our Parents, Personnel, and Community Stakeholders:

I know there are many questions and concerns regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19). I want to let you know what we are doing to prepare our schools and to protect our students and staff. We are committed to providing our staff and students with a safe and healthy work and learning environment throughout the school year.

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is working closely with state and local health officials to monitor and prepare for the potential of a COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this school year, I impaneled an epidemiology committee of key staff members who have been working on prevention and response to illness in schools.

Thanks to the RCPS Board of Education for supporting our recommendation that added a district Lead Nurse to help with monitoring illness among students and staff, training our clinic staff, leading prevention measures, and keeping informed of the latest clinical information. Our epidemiology committee recently met with health officials from the Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale (GNR) Health Departments to learn the latest facts with regard to COVID-19 and how we can prepare for a potential pandemic. Protocols are already in place at RCPS, following state and local health official guidance, addressing an outbreak of respiratory and viral illnesses.

We discussed prevention measures that include some of the same measures we already have in place for preventing the spread of all germs including teaching our students good handwashing techniques, reminding them of proper respiratory etiquette, advising parents to keep sick children at home and asking staff to remain at home when sick.

We will continue to monitor and follow the information and guidelines for schools put forth by the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health. RCPS will focus on prevention, response, and preparedness in the event of a pandemic situation. In addition to our district planning team, we participate in weekly conference calls with health officials and attend the Healthcare Emergency Local Planning collaborative meetings to ensure we continue to implement the recommended protocols and that we are part of a coordinated response in our community.

For the latest information, please visit cdc.gov/COVID19 and look for updates at www.rockdaleschools.org/COVID19. If you have any questions, please let us know at rcpsinfo@rockdale.k12.ga.us.

Sincerely,

Dr. Terry O. Oatts, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Rockdale County Public Schools