COVID-19 Update 3/10/20

Based on the most current information from the Florida Department of Health (http://www.floridahealth.gov/) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavi…/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html), we would like to provide an update regarding COVID-19, Spring Break, and travel.

Any Walton County School District student or employee traveling to a Level 3 destination (see CDC website for list of destinations) would need to self-isolate and socially distance themselves for 14 days after returning to the United States. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and for the protection of our students and community, we would like to define our current understanding of self-isolation and social distancing. For students, this would include staying home, contacting school administration for information on missing school assignments and/or testing, and providing documentation to the school in adherence to the Walton County School Board attendance policy. For employees, this would include staying home, contacting school administration regarding your absence, and completing leave forms in adherence to policies set forth by the Walton County School Board.

According to the CDC, travelers are recommended to defer all Level 2 and cruise ship travel worldwide. CDC guidelines report, “If you were on a cruise in the past 14 days, monitor your health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States. If a case of COVID-19 was reported on your ship during the cruise, stay home during these 14 days and practice social distancing.” As always, if you are symptomatic, immediately contact a health care provider or the Florida hotline at 1-866-779-6121.

The Walton County School District will continue with the school calendar as planned which includes school through this Thursday, March 12, 2020 and also students returning to school after Spring Break on Monday, March 23, 2020. We want to maintain the great educational momentum we have, and we are committed to continue this momentum for our students, families, and stakeholders. This remains our priority outside of safety when it comes to student success.

As we continue to focus on prevention, we are talking with students about best health practices, including washing hands; covering coughs and sneezes; keeping hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth; and staying home when sick. Each individual school has increased sanitation practices, and the district has increased our sanitation supplies in an effort to be as prepared as possible. The district is also bringing in additional staff on Friday as students begin their previously scheduled Spring Break to conduct a deep clean of every public school in our district.

We recognize the overabundance of caution; however, we want to follow the recommended guidelines of our health experts and achieve our number one priority which is the health and safety of our students and employees. Superintendent A. Russell Hughes and staff are meeting regularly and combing through information as it is released by local, state, and national agencies which is changing daily based on the development of COVID-19. We will do our best to continue to update you, and we appreciate your support and understanding

March 10, 2020 Update:

The Walton County School District continues to stay abreast of health and safety advisories concerning COVID-19. Superintendent A. Russell Hughes and staff are talking with health experts and authorities and monitoring news throughout the day, including information from the Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Education, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The WCSD remains committed to the health and safety of our students and employees. Schools and buses are continuing extra rounds of sanitation, and all campuses are continuing to promote positive health precautions, such as hand washing and staying home if sick. Please check back as we continue to make preparations to keep our children safe.

March 4, 2020 Update:

The Walton County School Board continues to be proactive in the prevention of COVID-19.

On Tuesday night, Ms. Holt, from the Florida Department of Health in Walton County, presented the latest information regarding the virus and provided guidance on best school health practices. Superintendent A. Russell Hughes shared that the school district will continue to take precautionary measures including sanitizing schools and buses, ordering additional cleaning supplies, and posting updates for parents on social media.
The district also shared that state and community collaboration is taking place on a daily basis. Just this morning, Superintendent Hughes participated in a statewide conference call that included Florida Governor DeSantis, the Florida Surgeon General, and Florida Department of Education officials.
Communication will continue on a regular basis with the Florida Department of Health in Walton County.
For the most up to date information on COVID-19, please call the Florida hotline at 866-779-6121

March 2, 2020 Update: 

The Walton County School District is staying up-to-date on COVID-19 through consistent communication with the Florida Department of Education and the Walton County Health Department. The health and safety of our students is always our number one priority. As always during the flu season, our schools are working hard to keep all school surfaces and furniture clean and sanitary, but we have extended our efforts in order to be as proactive as possible for our students and employees.

All of us can also help prevent the spread of germs. Reminders can include:

* Wash hands often with soap and water

* Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available

* Appropriately cover coughs and sneezes

* Keep hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth

* Stay home if you are sick

The number and websites below provide additional information:

Yesterday, students and faculty crowded around the school drive to send off the Bobcats basketball team as they headed to the state tournament. We cannot wait to watch them bring their best on the court. Good luck, Bobcats!