Duncanville ISD family,
As you may know, Dallas County officials recently provided updated recommendations regarding COVID-19. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins made an announcement elevating the risk guidance scale from “orange” to “red.” Details about that decision can be found on the Dallas County COVID-19 webpage.
Each week I participate in meetings with Dallas County officials to stay current on COVID-19 trends and the local impact of the pandemic. I also work closely with other school district leaders to evaluate their experiences, allowing us to monitor county trends while comparing that with our own data.
Providing you with information about active COVID-19 cases in our school district is important. To balance the need for transparency with the privacy rights of staff and students, last month we created a COVID-19 dashboard. The dashboard provides an up-to-date snapshot of active COVID-19 cases in the district. Information on the dashboard is updated each school day. A link to that dashboard can be found on the main page of the district website.
Starting in the spring, Duncanville ISD leaders and the Board of Trustees developed procedures and purchased equipment with a focus on staff and student safety. The custodial team is on the front lines each day, sanitizing facilities and providing extensive cleanings each evening. Each teacher has been provided with a personal-use, handheld disinfecting mister for additional cleaning opportunities throughout the day. Masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and more have been provided and continue to be purchased to replenish supplies.
Ultimately, we each play a role in making all our facilities a safe place. All staff and students should complete a daily COVID-19 screener prior to coming to arriving on campus. The student wellness screener is located in Skyward Family Access. The wellness screener asks two questions regarding symptoms and exposure. The student wellness screener may also be completed using the Skyward Mobile Access phone application.
When students return to school next week, we must all follow the established safety procedures. Staff and students must wear a mask or face covering while at work. Wash your hands frequently and utilize hand sanitizer. Social distance whenever possible.
The best way for us to keep our friends and families safe is to follow the safety procedures in place. We have seen that wearing a mask and frequently cleaning makes a difference. Thank you for doing your part and stepping up in a time of need. We are in this together. We are ONE Dville.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marc Smith
Superintendent of Schools
Duncanville ISD