Update: Oct. 8, 2014
Dallas ISD extends sympathy to Duncan family
We are saddened to learn of Mr. Thomas Duncan’s passing and extend our sympathy to his family and loved ones. Today our thoughts are with our students who knew Mr. Duncan. The district will make available counseling services to students and staff most affected. We understand Mr. Duncan’s passing may raise additional questions surrounding the Ebola virus. The district has posted a number of online resources on its Health Updates page that families may find helpful regarding the virus. To date, the five students who possibly had contact with Mr. Duncan still do not show any signs or symptoms of the virus and therefore are not contagious. They continue to be served through the district’s Homebound program during the 21-day observation period.
Read the most recent Health Updates information here.
Original post – Support efforts continue for five watch schools
Dallas ISD continues to closely monitor developments related to the confirmed case of Ebola in the city of Dallas.
The five Dallas ISD students originally identified as having contact with the lone U.S. Ebola patient continue to show no symptoms of infection. All five students will continue to receive educational materials and instruction through the district’s Hospital/Homebound program until the 21-day observation period has passed.
The district is already preparing to facilitate the students’ return to school. A curriculum team is developing guidance lessons that will teach students about showing sensitivity toward others and how students can actively help returning students by creating support groups. They will also continue to educate students on the Ebola virus and how it is not contagious when a person is not symptomatic.
The district intends to do all it can to help students, staff and parents when the five students return to class.
“Part of the lessons will focus on helping all students understand the fear that the returning students are currently facing while they stay home during the 21-day observation period,” said Sherry Christian, executive director of Dallas ISD student services.
Out of an abundance of caution, Dallas ISD implemented an enhanced cleaning procedure at each of the five impacted schools beginning on Oct. 1, which will continue through the end of the week.. Custodians have thoroughly disinfected each building using professional-grade cleaning equipment and chemicals. The district is confident that at no time were students or staff at risk. The additional custodians were precautionary.
Additional nursing support continues to be provided to the five schools. Other staff (i.e. Student Support Services, Translation, etc.) are returning to their normal roles, although they will be available to respond quickly to any situations that arise.
Wello, a Dallas-based medical-equipment provider, has donated the use of five body-temperature scanners to assist nurses when treating students who are ill. Click here to learn more about the scanners and how they will help students.
