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Coates Families,
I hope that you are reading all of the information that FCPS has provided this week related to the school system’s response to covid-19 (corona virus) and other virus concerns. There’s a lot to digest, and I’m glad that FCPS’s leadership is working so closely with the Fairfax County Health Department to navigate this issue. Obviously, Coates is in compliance with everything that FCPS requires or recommends. As principal, I want to add a few supporting details and insights to the current situation.
Our custodian team is reliable and is working hard every day and night to clean our school properly. The standard cleaner that they use on surfaces does kill covid-19, and they have been sure to clean high-touch items like doorknobs, light switches, tables/desks, etc. FCPS provided clear guidance to custodian teams on proper cleaning technique in recent weeks, and our monitor from the Facilities Office came to Coates this week to connect with our team and check on our practices.
Our teachers have been cognizant of classroom items that are frequently handled and are cleaning these items more often. While it’s not possible to observe and frequently clean every item that children may touch, we are making efforts to clean obvious items and equipment like laptops, instruments, etc.
I spoke to students on the Coates morning news show last week and this week to dispel blatant rumors, to encourage effective hand-washing, and to promote a normal, productive day of learning. The news show aired short videos on proper hand-washing technique multiple times this week and last.
In line with FCPS guidance, Coates is moving forward with scheduled field trips unless orders change. If any family is concerned about these trips and would like to opt out their child, they may contact their child’s teacher and our finance assistant, Mrs. Peckham (fpeckham@fcps.edu ), to inform us of their decision. Parents who request reimbursement for field trip fees will get their money back.
In line with FCPS guidance, we established a space for any students showing symptoms of a virus that is separate from the health room. This is a space where children can wait for parent pickup if needed.
As you read yesterday, FCPS will be using this Monday, March 16 as a teacher workday (student holiday) so that staff can create distance learning plans if needed. My hope is that such plans will not be needed. Prior to FCPS’s decision yesterday, our administration had already met with each grade level team to consider what home assignments could look like. I’m confident that students in K-6th grades would have meaningful academic work to complete at home in the event that school were to close for a time. If that happens, we are mindful that many families may not have reliable internet service, and paper & pencil assignments must be available.
Please continue to watch for any news from FCPS on this issue. We are doing the same. You may ask me any questions (jkraft@fcps.edu ). But know that at school, our staff is working to take advantage of every day, focusing on learning and hard work. In other words, we’re promoting a sense of normalcy to the best of our ability, and we appreciate your support in these efforts.
Jesse Kraft
Proud Principal, Coates ES
(703) 713-3000
https://coateses.fcps.edu/
https://www.facebook.com/coateselementary/
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