October 2, 2020

Dear Shelby Families:

You may be aware that Richland County was placed on level RED yesterday.  Richland County has met 6 of the 7 indicators established by the Ohio Public Health Advisory System.  Counties meeting six or more indicators in a given week, but fewer than six in the previous week, are placed on the Watch List.  If a county on the Watch List hits six or more indicators the following week, it will move up to the level PURPLE.

What does this mean?

At this point, Shelby City Schools will remain open, just as we have been since August 24, 2020.  If we are moved to PURPLE, we will move to our Remote Learning Plan, where all students will be online until further notice.

In accordance with our COVID-19 Protocol and Guidelines, beginning today, any student sent to the nurse’s office will be assessed on a Level 2 scale because of the risk of high community spread.  If our school personnel determines to send a student home due to assessed symptoms such as sore throat, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, and/or abdominal pain, the student must stay home for ten (10) calendar days.

If a child is kept home from school by a parent with COVID-19 symptoms listed above, they will also be expected to remain at home for ten (10) calendar days.  Day one begins on the day a child is sent home or kept home with symptoms.  Students may return on day 11 as long as they have been symptom-free for the previous 24 hours.

If a child exhibits these symptoms, we recommend that you take your child to their healthcare provider to be evaluated and determine if any further testing is needed.  Students may return to school sooner than ten days if a negative COVID test or alternate diagnosis is presented in writing from their healthcare provider.

Teachers will continue to provide learning opportunities for students during this time.  Student attendance will be recorded, but students will not be penalized for absences due to the ten days at home.

Please understand, we want to keep our schools open.  By enforcing these necessary safety measures, we hope that we are able to remain open.

We appreciate your continued support and understanding.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly at (419) 342-3520.

Sincerely,

Tim Tarvin

Superintendent, Shelby City Schools