COVID-19 Update

3/4/2020

Dear Fresh Start School Families,

There has been an increasing amount of media coverage regarding the Corona Virus lately. We would like to take a moment to share important reminders regarding our sick policy and also the most recent recommendations from the CDC regarding the virus.  

At this time the CDC continues to emphasize that the immediate risk to the general public is low in the U.S. The CDC recommends the following preventative measures to remain healthy. These measures are also true for the seasonal flu and strep infections and if you are choosing to travel:

  • avoid close contact with people who are sick

  • avoid touching others when you are sick

  • cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash

  • clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

  • wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, couching, or sneezing.

  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Fresh Start School Sick Policy: Please be advised that if your child develops any of the symptoms listed below, a staff will contact the parent/guardian to be picked up as soon as is possible. If the primary contact is not able to be reached, we will contact the emergency contact(s) listed. Do not send your child to school if they develop any of the listed symptoms below:

  • Temperature of 100 degrees or above. Your child must be fever-free for a 24 hour period before returning to school.

  • Diarrhea

  • Rashes, that have not been identified by a doctor

  • Vomiting

  • Difficult, rapid breathing

  • Conjunctivitis or pink-eye. Your child must have 24 hours of medication treatment before returning to school

  • Bronchitis, with cough and/or fever

  • Severe cold with fever, sneezing and nose drainage

  • A contagious disease such as chicken pox, measles, strep throat, mumps, influenza, lice, or scabies. Your child must have a doctor’s note to return to school. Your child must remain out until they are no longer contagious.

Again, if your child is sent home with any of the above listed symptoms and your child must be symptom free for at least 24 hours before they can return to school.

Staff members at Fresh Start School will be reviewing healthy habits with the students i.e. hand washing, covering sneezes/coughs and we encourage families to be reviewing this at home as well to maintain consistency. 

The Fresh Start School will continue to be vigilant in the cleaning of the school and also monitor the situation and recommendations from the CDC. 

Any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call us at 860-693-8809. 

Thank you,

Maeghen Plourde Harris, LCSW

Director of Educational Services

Fresh Start School

FOCUS Center for Autism