‘To ensure the health and safety of everyone, no one should report to school when actively ill’

Jan. 14, 2022 — On the evening of Jan. 13, Siuslaw School District Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak sent a memo to students, staff and the community stating that an unspecified number of Siuslaw High School students have contracted COVID-19.

“As members of the school community, we understand that this might raise concerns, alongside a caring response,” said Grzeskowiak. “We are working closely with Lane County Public Health to respond to this news and protect the health of our community and maintain education opportunities for the affected individuals.”

Grzeskowiak mentioned that anyone who had been exposed to those who tested positive had already been contacted by the school and told to begin monitoring symptoms, isolating and waiting for follow-up from the district.

The memo from Grzeskowiak stated the district would take two steps:

1. Informing staff and families through the letter and messaging at siuslaw.k12.or.us, as well as a phone call to homes to those who were in contact with the individual.

2. In the event of additional cases that would cause further delays, staff and families will be notified through an update on the website, with an automated phone call.

As has been the case since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the district will continue cleaning and sanitizing through solution contact cleaning. Any other occupied areas are being disinfected with an electrostatic disinfection sprayer, in addition to the solution contact cleaning.

“To ensure the health and safety of everyone, no one should report to school when actively ill,” Grzeskowiak continued. “The general illness guidelines state that people should not come to school unless they are symptom free for 24 hours (no fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.)”.

The Sky-Em Conference, Siuslaw’s interscholastic sports league, also sent out a memo restating the already existing masking policy and steps for mitigation of the transfer of the virus for conference schools.

Those with questions are asked to contact the district office at 541-997-2651.

Additional information can be accessed through www.siuslaw.k12.or.us/page/school-reopening-plans-materials.

“The omicron surge is impacting our community, schools and county,” the school district posted to its website. “The choices we all make as individuals will determine the duration of this current wave of illnesses.”