Spring Branch ISD Featured News

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Dear Spring Branch ISD Families,

We are continuing to closely monitor information concerning coronavirus (COVID-19) and follow the guidance and expertise of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), City of Houston Health Department and Texas Department of State Health Services.

As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020, we have learned that there are now two confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Harris County. We will continue to monitor guidance from local agencies and Harris County officials for updates on this new development.

SBISD continues to be proactive in our response.

How SBISD is being proactive

• SBISD nurses are on staff at every campus and also receiving guidance from the SBISD Health Services Supervisor who works closely with nurses to provide the latest information from health agencies and to monitor illnesses, such as the flu.
• Custodial Operations staff has been trained to clean for health by following a routine, thorough cleaning process that consists of disinfecting restrooms and common areas in spaces such as lounges, offices, and classrooms using hospital-grade disinfectant.
• Students at all levels are guided to follow hand-washing protocols throughout the school day.
• SBISD has set up a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 that can be referenced for basic information, resources and district updates.
• We are encouraging parents to keep sick children home from school. View a list of indicators that a child should remain home from school.

District senior staff has been meeting regularly to assess and review incoming information. We will continue to monitor and respond accordingly as guided by local and national health officials. As always, our focus is to ensure the safety of all students and staff, and continue education with minimal disruption.

What you can do

Concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious. A parent resource for talking to children about COVID-19 is available here. Additionally, with Spring Break quickly approaching, SBISD families should continue to monitor travel restrictions set forth by the CDC. A list of FAQs about travel can be found on the CDC website.

Public health officials recommend that everyone help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19 by ensuring the following: 

• Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get a flu shot.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick. Keeping a sick child at home prevents the spread of illness in the school community and allows the child an opportunity to rest and recover.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Where to look for information

As a reminder, it is best to rely on factual information from reliable sources. Therefore, here are links to information about COVID-19 from local, state, national and international health organizations:

• Houston Health Department
• Texas Department of State Health Services
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization

Additional resources and district updates can be found on our website.

As always, the safety and protection of our students and staff is our top priority. District leaders will continue to monitor closely and keep you updated and informed. Thank you for your support of our district, our schools, our students and our teachers and staff. 

Sincerely,

Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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