The Greendell Gosling Flyer-20th Ed
January 14, 2021
Dear Greendell Families,
I hope this finds you all well. I have received communications from families with concerns about the letter that went out to the Greendell school community about a student or staff member who tested positive for COVID-19. I first want to reassure you that no one was exposed to the virus from this case, as the exposure occurred when the individual was not at school. We are required by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department to send home notices to inform families of positive cases, even when there has been no exposure at the school.
I understand that receiving the letter can cause families to worry and I wanted to provide you with more information and resources on the protocols being followed by PAUSD for our health and safety. Below are some of the questions I have received and the answers to those questions.
How often are staff tested for COVID-19?
Teachers and certificated staff are tested at least every two weeks. Testing is also made available to all other staff members and they are strongly encouraged to get tested regularly.
What additional cleaning are we doing?
Classrooms, playgrounds, bathrooms, offices, classroom materials and outdoor equipment are cleaned and sanitized daily with a focus on high-touch surfaces. Cohorts generally do not share spaces, and if they do, the space is cleaned and sanitized in between cohorts. All students have individual classroom supplies that are not shared (i.e. crayons, scissors, markers, etc.).
Spaces used by an individual with positive test results will be closed for 24 hours. Afterwards, a deep cleaning and sanitizing of the area is done. If waiting 24 hours isn’t possible, the space is deep cleaned and sanitized following safety protocols. All custodians have been trained in COVID-19 safety protocols and know what protective equipment to use when responding.
What safety procedures are being followed at school?
All students and staff are required to: wear a mask at school, follow social distancing protocols, and wash and sanitize hands frequently.
PAUSD provides additional PPE for staff who cannot maintain a social distance of 6 feet because they need to assist their students. For example, a child who needs a diaper change. Staff are provided KN 95 masks, gowns, face shields, gloves, alcohol wipes and safety goggles to provide care to our youngest students.
What actions does the school take when positive cases are found?
PAUSD works in partnership with the Santa Clara County EOC to conduct a robust contact tracing process. The positive case receives a letter, close contacts receive a letter, and the overall community receives a letter with the necessary protocols to help keep themselves and others safe.
What if I need to get a COVID-19 test?
Should you or a family member need to get a COVID test, information on accessing COVID-19 testing may be at the following websites:
Where can I find more detailed information about the safety precautions PAUSD is taking in response to COVID-19?
You can access more health and safety information on the PAUSD website at: https://www.pausd.org/return-to-campus/roadmap-details/health-safety.
I hope this information helps to provide families and staff a measure of comfort. This is a stressful time and knowing that we are all doing our part to stay safe and healthy is reassuring. Please reach out to me if you have specific questions or concerns - I am always here to help!
Principal Shannon
Positive Parenting: Young Children Adapting to COVID
PiE and CASSY are pleased to present an evening about strength and resilience in young children. Learn how adaptable your children are and how they have been coping through the pandemic. Find out how resourceful and resilient YOU are! Gain new skills to encourage them to be more flexible in this ever-changing environment. For parents of children from preschool to 1st grade.
Presenters are Lisa Miller, Program Manager, and Eva Martinez, Clinical and Site Supervisor, from CASSY.
Thursday, January 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://pausd.zoom.us/j/98433958329?pwd=NHdtRVZ5aUc5MVFmaHlkM3AybXpQQT09
Meeting ID: 984 3395 8329 / Passcode: CASSY
Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten - Information for New Families
Thursday, January 21, 2021, 7:00 - 8:00 pm (Zoom: https://pausd.zoom.us/j/93431538750)
Choice School/Program Information Meetings for Interested Families
Young Fives Information Meetings
Thursday, January 14, 2021, 7:00pm-8:00pm - Zoom Link
Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 7:00pm-8:00pm - Zoom Link
Hoover Information Meetings
January 14 or January 20, 2021, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Ohlone and Mandarin Immersion Information Meetings
January 25 or February 11, 2021, 6:30pm-7:30pm
Spanish Immersion Information Meeting
January 26, 2021, 6:30pm-7:30pm
Mark Your Calendars!
Our PreSchool Family Program
Greendell School
Email: scoleman@pausd.org
Website: https://greendell.pausd.org/
Location: 4120 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Phone: (650) 856-0833