Current Info March 27th, 2020

TODD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT CURRENT INFORMATION:



EDUCATION/EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES…

Todd County Schools are working with the State to ensure all our students have materials to continue with their 2019-20 School Year Education. They are asking if students have access to the internet or if paper packets work best for continuing academics. Kindergarten needs have been met.

At the present time, we have postponed the High School Prom to a later date, because of the requirements of Health Officials, which limits individuals to 10 in a room.

Student Recognition: Awards will still be given in some manner, again, depending on safety requirements at that time.

Staff Recognition: We have no choice but to cancel the Staff Recognition Banquet. However, the 2020 Staff Recognition Book, featuring all those being honored will still be published. The usual length of service and retirement awards will be given.

Graduation: There are a lot of questions about Graduation of the Class of 2020. All we can say is that we are working diligently to devise a process that will concur with the requirements. Our primary focus will be on our graduates celebrating this milestone in their lives, with their safety and security utmost in our minds. We will keep you informed of any updates or changes.

In response to Governor Noem’s direction of school closure through May 1, all SDHSAA (South Dakota High School Activities Association) spring sports and competitions are cancelled through Sunday, May 3.

The SDHSAA Board of Directors will meet in coming days to decide on the 2020 Spring Sports season, as well as the suspended/postponed events of State Basketball, Visual Arts, Region Music, and All-State Band. That agenda will be posted to the SDHSAA website when it is finalized and advanced notice of the meeting will be given per South Dakota Codified Law. The meeting will be held via teleconference and will be live streamed for the public.

The U. S. Department of Education has informally approved the South Dakota Department of Education’s waiver of statewide assessment requirements, accountability, and school identification requirements for the 2019-20 school year.

Todd County Schools will continue to have facilities closed until further notice.

HEALTH…

The threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has closed South Dakota Schools until at the least May 1, 2020.

Although we have a very fragile Health Care System in our rural area, there are ways we can help protect ourselves against the pandemic with everyday preventive actions:

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap is not available, use body wash, shampoo, or even dish soap. Just rubbing your hands together under running water can help.

There are three possible symptoms of Coronavirus – Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath.

If you are sick, please try to stay home to keep from spreading any disease.

- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or sneeze into your arm.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

- Wash your hands! Wash your hands!

If you have traveled out of the area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to two week. If you develop symptons during that time, seek medical advice. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. If you have not had a flu shot, you are advised to get one.

More complete information on this virus can be found: - CDC (Center for Disease Control) – www.cdc.gov/COVID19 - South Dakota State Health Department – www.doh.sd.gov

FOOD DISTRIBUTION…

The Todd County School District is currently providing 2,100 breakfasts and 2,100 lunches most days to children, ages 0-18 in our area. We are coordinating with St. Francis Indian Schools and the White River School District to reach as many students as possible.

We appreciate the cooperation we have received from Rosebud Sioux Tribal Communities for delivering the food to the children. We could never accomplish this without the great cooperation of these people. To all the other individuals and businesses who have stepped forward in so many ways to help, we say, “ Thank You, Thank You.”

Todd County Business Manager Chad Blotsky, who has so efficiently spearheaded this brown bag project, said the District will continue to provide this service as long as humanly possible. It all depends on the progression or regression

of the Coronavirus. Chad said the dedication of the Todd County employees who have helped with this effort is second to none.

It is just a matter of people working together for the kids, and it is so rewarding to see this happen for those who really need it.

We received a note from one of our students, which really made it all worthwhile. It said, “I want to take this time to stop and appreciate the people that are still working through this pandemic. I mostly want to thank the schools, the local community buildings for providing kids with breakfast and lunch.”

And thank YOU, young man!

It is important to note that, as of March 27, the food will no longer be delivered door-to-door. It must be picked up at a location in your community. Please contact your community representative for more information.

There will be no food deliveries on April 10 and 13.

To access this and further information regarding any changes in our situation, please download the TCSD App on your cell phone.