March 12, 2020 Update on COVID-19

Dear Paramount Unified School District Families,

The PUSD remains in daily communication with partnering organizations and we continue to offer up-to-date information on the school district web page located at: bit.ly/PUSDschoolhealth.

 In the event the Paramount Unified School District is directed to close by the Department of Public Health, the Superintendent will notify families by phone and provide further directions. Information will continue to be posted on the District website.

Precautionary steps we are taking:

  • Custodial staff is disinfecting classrooms and offices daily in all “high touch” areas in schools that could contribute to the spread of illness.  These areas include door handles, door plates, counter tops, flat surfaces and student desks. Cafeterias are being disinfected with foam-based sanitizers before and after lunches.
  • The school district also is working to secure additional supplies of alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  While the use of hand sanitizer also is recommended, frequent hand washing with soap and water is more effective than the use of hand sanitizers in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
  • Temperatures will be checked for any student who visits the nurse’s office.  If students are sent home with a fever, they must be fever-free 24 hours before they return to school. 
  • A doctor's note is required for a student to return to school if a student has a confirmed case or a suspected case of COVID19.
  • All schools will show students the Center for Disease Control hand washing video. https://youtu.be/eZw4Ga3jg3E
  • Signs will be posted reminding students and staff to wash their hands
  • All field trips, large meetings of staff and/or parents and out of state work travel are cancelled.

Recommendations for students and families to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and other infectious diseases:

  • Stay home when ill. This includes symptoms such as fever, cough/difficulty breathing and/or intestinal problems.  Stay home at least 24 hours after you are fever free. 
  • Frequently wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.  If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. 
  • Cough/sneeze into your sleeve (elbow) or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.  
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as door handles. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Adults can help by modeling calmness when explaining to children what the coronavirus is about.  Families also can help by making certain that students stay home when ill.  If you’re unsure about sending students back to school, please keep them at home, or call your doctor for advice. 

Thank you for your support and cooperation. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Ruth Pérez

Superintendent