South Ripley Schools Move To E-Learning Days

No in-person classes will take place at South Ripley Schools for the next couple of weeks.

Dear Parents, 

South Ripley Schools will use eLearning days next Monday through Friday, March 16-20, following the advice of state and local officials in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. Students have their devices and will receive online assignments each day next week. 

The following week, March 23-27, is our Spring Break. During the next two weeks (March 16-27), to further contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), all extracurricular activities, sports and practices are cancelled. 

Families are asked to follow the guidelines give by Dr. Welsh in an attached document to be aware of personal travel during this time. If you come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, personal quarantine will be necessary. 

South Ripley Community School Corporation has been closely following recent media reports and information from the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) about Coronavirus Disease 209. Global efforts are currently underway to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact. The Federal Government and several Indiana governmental agencies are working closely with both national and regional public health partners to respond to this threat. Because so many people are impacted throughout the world, health officials are not calling it a "pandemic". 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb yesterday announced additional steps the state will take to reduce the spread of novel Coronavirus in Indiana. "This is a time when we must do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect our most vulnerable populations and reduce their potential to acquire or spread this virus," said Gov. Holcomb. "While some actions are drastic, now, not later, is the time to act." 

Again, all South Ripley Schools will use eLearning Days next Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20. We are well prepared for eLearning and we will follow the eLearning guidelines for assignments that students and families have used on our previous eLearning days. 

During the week of spring break (March 23-27) we will continue to monitor and evaluate the pandemic. We will continue to follow the guidance from the State Department of Health and the Ripley County Health Department. We will communicate during spring break week to update families if our plans for returning to school on Monday, March 30 would change. 

Remember these tips to keep any virus from spreading to more people. Public health officials want you to protect yourself and your family against Coronavirus. Here are some ways to stop the spread of germs and sickness: 

- Keep children who are sick at home. Don't send them to school

- Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself

- Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow

- Teach yourself to stay at least 3-6 feet away from people who are sick

- Stay home from work or school if you are sick and avoid other people until you are better

- Stay away from shopping malls, movie theaters or other places where there are large groups of people

As a reminder closing school to lessen the spread of the virus is only effective if people refrain from participation in non-essential activities. 

Please visit the CDC's website for important information on what to do if you or your family member becomes sick with the virus. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when=sick.html.

These recommendations may change during this outbreak. 

If you have any questions please contact our school nurse or your healthcare provider. 

Thank you for your understanding as we join together to keep our students, staff and families safe and healthy during these uncertain circumstances. 

Sincerely, 

Robert D. Moorhead, Superintendent