SNYDER ISD RESPONDS TO 13 NEW POSITIVE CASES
September 22, 2020
Four new cases of COVID-19 at Snyder Primary School led to the decision to move three classrooms to virtual learning temporarily. “After monitoring illness trends in these three classes, we believe this is the best option to keep our healthy kids well and allow sick kids time to recover,” stated Canita Rhodes, SPS Principal. All other classes are meeting as planned.
Governor Abbott’s order indicated that masks aren’t required for individuals under 10. Therefore, Snyder Primary School is the only campus where masks aren’t mandatory but highly are encouraged. Although the district has made many changes to prevent COVID from entering the classroom, the lack of masks leaves the primary campus more vulnerable if a case does occur. Mrs. Rhodes stated, “We are asking parents to please have your child wear a mask to school. Most kids are adapting quite well. Teachers will remind students who wear masks to wear them properly and throughout the day.”
Snyder ISD nurses have been encouraging parents to keep sick kids at home. If a child becomes sick during the day, the parent is called to pick up the student. “We know this is hard for parents. Current guidelines require us to send a student home if they exhibit one of the COVID-19 symptoms. The list of symptoms is similar to symptoms one might experience with cold, flu, strep throat, or seasonal allergies. Our school nurses have been working tirelessly to care for our students and abide by CDC, TEA, and local guidelines,” states Dr. Eddie Bland, Superintendent of Schools for Snyder ISD. “With the uptick in cases in Scurry County and within the schools, we believe it's best to err on the side of caution to protect the health and safety of our students and staff.” According to Bland, many parents communicate with the school throughout the day if their child has been kept home due to symptoms, had close contact with someone with COVID-19, or tested positive for COVID-19. “That information is essential. We can switch the student to a virtual learning environment so they can continue their education. It also allows us to monitor illness trends, and in the event of a positive case, conduct contact tracing as quickly as possible.”
As of 2pm today, a total of twenty-one staff and students have tested positive for COVID-19:
Snyder Primary: 4 students and 3 staff members
Snyder Intermediate: 3 students and 1 staff member
Snyder Junior High School: 0 students and 4 staff members
Snyder High School: 2 students and 2 staff members
Other Staff members: 2
The district is pleased to announce that one staff member has recovered.
Persons identified as close contacts have been notified, instructed to quarantine during the 14 day incubation period, and follow up with their primary care provider. The district also notifies any possible classroom contacts to closely monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19.
Due to the number of students and staff that have tested positive for COVID-19, Snyder ISD states all 4 campuses are in phase 2 of their response protocol and three classrooms at Snyder Primary School are in phase 3. The COVID-19 response protocol is located on the Snyder ISD website under the families and students tab. Just under 1% of its student and staff population is confirmed to have an active case of COVID-19.
“We knew having COVID-19 cases in the school was inevitable. We have prepared for this scenario and are actively evaluating our plans and protocols and are making adjustments as needed,” states Bland.