COVID-19 Letter to Parents

Posted on 03/13/2020

March 13, 2020

Dear Florence School District Three Families and Staff,

We recognize that recent national news regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) may be confusing and worrying. Please know that Florence School District Three Schools (FSD3) has been closely monitoring this situation and stands ready to implement any specific guidance received by local or national health officials.

We do not have any information regarding a specific risk to FSD3.  However, out of an abundance of caution, FSD3 recommends families and staff begin planning for a potential disruption to school operations.  This preparation will be similar to a weather event that may emerge without the ability for much prior notification and without knowing the timing or duration in advance.  It is also possible that no such disruption occurs.  Just as in a weather-closing, families should consider child care plans in the event both schools and school age child care are impacted.

The decision to close schools due to coronavirus would only be made under direct guidance from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and the South Carolina Department of Education.

As we remain in the height of flu-season, FSD3 continues to encourage students and staff to practice healthy behaviors (for example, staying home when students or staff are sick, covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing, and washing hands often).  FSD3 works with schools to ensure proper supplies are on hand for school cleaning and that school custodians are cleaning frequently touched surfaces.  If you or your students is sick, please contact your health care provider.

FSD3 has a collaborative working team that is updating detailed plans for operational and instructional support should this virus impact FSD3. We will continue to communicate updated on a regular basis as needed.

Please visit the South Carolina Department of Health (SCDH) https://www.scdhec.gov/  and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/  for additional information.

Thanks you for your ongoing support of FSD3.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf