Metro Area school districts have closed schools to try and mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). On Thursday, March 12, Elkhorn Public Schools released the following statement to faculty and staff regarding the closure.

“EPS Faculty and Staff,

In a proactive effort to limit possible exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Elkhorn Public Schools will be closed for students beginning tomorrow Friday, March 13 through Monday, March 23, 2020, noting that spring break was scheduled for March 19, 20, and 23.  The closure affects all programming throughout the District, including all athletic and extracurricular practices and competitions, weekend events, and EKC before- and after-school programs.

We remain committed to advancing learning objectives for students during this time.  To this end, certified staff will not report tomorrow Friday, March 13th so we can work with principals to set plans going forward.  Certified staff will report next week so we can collaborate and prepare for the possibility of extended closure.  Certified staff are asked to check emails over the weekend; a detailed agenda will be sent with plans for Monday, March 16th. Teacher assistants have the option to report next week with the prior permission of your principal.  All administrators and other support staff will report as planned.  Spring break will continue as planned next Thursday and Friday.

This situation is fluid; thus, we plan to communicate weekly on our closure status and will provide an update on Friday, March 20th.  If this closure is extended, remote learning plans will be communicated to families by Monday, March 23rd.  We affirm our commitment to continue learning objectives during this time of closure.”

The following statement was issued to students and their parents:

In a proactive effort to limit possible exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Elkhorn Public Schools will be closed beginning tonight at 6:00 PM through Monday, March 23, 2020, noting that spring break is scheduled for March 19, 20, and 23. The closure affects all programming throughout the District, including all athletic and extracurricular practices and competitions, weekend events, and EKC before- and after-school programs.

This situation is fluid; thus, we plan to communicate weekly on our closure status and will provide an update on Friday, March 20th. If this closure is extended, remote learning plans will be communicated to families by Monday, March 23rd. We affirm our commitment to continue learning objectives during the closure if extended beyond next week.

We are in a serious community health crisis and global pandemic that requires extraordinary measures. It is important to communicate that the effectiveness of this public health strategy to prevent the spread is predicated on limiting contact with others and following social distancing guidelines when travel is essential.

It is important to note that at this time, there are no active COVID-19 cases within EPS. However, the well-being of students and staff remains a top priority; thus, the decision to close. Please know this was not an easy decision and we do not take it lightly. We realize that we are making decisions that sometimes create new questions but please continue to be patient and supportive as we work through the issues together. This is a rapidly changing situation and we will monitor and adapt our plans as new information and guidance are provided.

Elkhorn and other metro schools will be focusing on preparing in the event of a long term closure, however, the situation is largely unclear at this point in time. In the statement released by Elkhorn Public schools, Thursday, the district said “This is a rapidly changing situation and we will monitor and adapt our plans as new information and guidance are provided.”

Millard, and Papillion La Vista Public Schools will be closed Friday to deep clean their buildings prior to Spring Break and use the week to decide the next step. Bellevue Public Schools has also closed through Sunday, March 22. Omaha Public Schools also announced its closure and they will reassess the situation on March 20. District 66 closed saying they will also take the situation “week by week.”

Update per district officials as of March 17:

In continuing our commitment to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and community, Elkhorn Public Schools will extend our current closure effective immediately per the Nebraska Department of Education.  At this time, we do not have a tentative return date, but we will continue to work with state and local officials to evaluate the community’s situation every two weeks to determine next steps. We will continue to monitor and communicate with public health officials to determine when it is safe for our students and staff to return.

As was mentioned in a previous communication to our families, EPS is committed to continuing learning experiences for our students during this closure.  An email is forthcoming later today from your principal with next steps.

As a reminder, the effectiveness of an extended school closure as a public health strategy to prevent the spread is predicated on limiting contact with others and following social distancing guidelines when travel is essential.  We ask that staff, families and community members follow the guidance of the CDC and Douglas County Health Department to limit exposure to others to best assist in stopping the spread in our community.

For more information sent out by Principal Kalvoda please click here

ESHS Principal Parent Email – 3-17-2020 (1).