Dear Holly Parents, Staff, and Community Members:

We received notification that two elementary staff members and a student of Holly School have been exposed to someone that tested positive to COVID-19 and two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.

We will continue to follow all COVID-related safety procedures and guidance from the state and county health department. The elementary staff will be quarantined until November 16 and elementary students and staff may return to school on November 17. As of right now, elementary classes are canceled for today but will resume online tomorrow, November 5. The elementary will continue doing remote learning during quarantine. The Junior High and High School will return to school for in-person learning on Monday, November 9, 2020.

In accordance with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), we must quarantine all staff and students this person has been in “close contact” with. The definition of “close contact” is determined by CDPHE and CDE.

While we must protect the privacy of the persons involved, we believe it is best to communicate transparently with you so you can make well-informed decisions for your family. There is nothing more important to our school district than the safety and health of our students, our staff, and their families. 

We are working directly with county health officials to address this situation. We know that moments like this can be stressful, and we will do all we can to support you.

COVID-19 is transmitted through person-to-person contact and through the exchange of respiratory droplets. As cases are rising in our community, we must be vigilant.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, diarrhea, chills, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. If you or any member of your family exhibit these symptoms, please contact your medical provider for advice immediately. Symptoms usually appear 2-14 days after exposure.

The CDC recommends the following best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. 
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick. 
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose. 
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. 
• Stay at home when you are sick.
• Practice social distancing, leaving at least six feet between you and other people. 
• Wear a face covering indoors at all times and outdoors when you cannot social distance.

Our greatest priority is the safety of our students, staff and community members. It is important to remember that children are greatly influenced by the reactions of adults when facing difficult circumstances. I encourage everyone to remain calm and to be empathic and respectful to those affected.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your family, especially as we face this challenging situation together. Thank you for your support of our school!

Sincerely,

Ms. Jackie Crabtree
Superintendent