Heritage dealing with illness at schools

The Heritage School District has enabled enhanced cleaning procedures to fight an illness that is spreading throughout the district.

“We are taking this situation very seriously,” said Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Norton.
Norton said the custodial team is sanitizing high-touch surfaces multiple times throughout the day in both the elementary school and high school.

In the evenings, the head of maintenance is using electrostatic sprayers to disinfect classrooms, hallways, and common areas as an added layer of protection.

“We are closely monitoring attendance patterns and staying in communication with local public health officials and the ROE as we work to limit the spread and keep our schools safe for students and staff,” Norton said.

The district has asked parents to keep their children home if they are showing symptoms of the illness.
Symptoms include a fever, headache, stomachache and fatigue.

“Parents play a critical role in stopping the spread of this illness,” Norton said. “We are asking families to keep students home for at least 24 hours after a fever without medication. Rest and full recovery are essential before returning to school.”

Norton said teachers are doing their best to adapt with the high rate of absences.

Last week more than 100 students were absent at the elementary school.

“With a large number of students absent, our teachers are doing an outstanding job adjusting instruction,” Norton said. “They are providing re-teaching for students as they return and offering enrichment opportunities for those who are present. Staff are working hard to maintain continuity of learning while also being flexible and responsive to student needs during this time.”