Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

We encourage our families to follow the California and Los Angeles County Public Health Dept.'s guidance, practice social distancing, wear face masks, avoid public areas keeping a distance of 6 feet from other people, not participate in group activities, travel only if essential, and practice good hygiene. Let's all go forward meeting this challenge as a community and nation supporting one another. In partnership, we will find our strength and conquer this challenge.

Please check this page regularly for updated information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as resources and tools to help adults, children, and families deal with the impact of this unprecedented challenge.

Reminders:

• Remain remotely connected with your family, friends, and our Willows Community.  Even though we cannot be together in-person, we can call, text, FaceTime, and support each other.
• Practice social distancing, good hygiene, and follow the stay-at-home rules as directed by our public health and government officials.
• Limit your child’s/children’s and family’s interactions with others. Have virtual playdates. We do not advise engaging in interactions with those outside your family.
• Travel only if essential. Consult the CDC and State Department websites before traveling or returning to be aware of the restrictions may be placed upon you and your family members.
• Keep an age-appropriate dialogue going with your children and answer any questions with only the information necessary to alleviate their worries. Reassure your children that they are safe and discuss that you are remaining at home as a protection.
• Limit exposure to the news on TV, radio, and phones, especially for younger children, since this may increase anxiety.
• Try to maintain a structure or a routine in place at home.
• Take time for yourself to reduce your own anxiety – this helps you and your children. Practice mindfulness, listen to music, take a walk.
• Focus on the goodness in the world, be hopeful, and go forward with optimism. 

How working parents can prepare for coronavirus closures

Other Articles & Resources

Resources for Mindfulness Activities for Children

Mindfulness Resources for Adults and Families

We continue to follow these directives issued by the Los Angeles County and California Public Health Depts. to slow the transmission of novel coronavirus and to protect our communities from respiratory illnesses:

• Stay home when you are sick. Do not come to school if you have a fever and/or COVID-19 symptoms; do not come to school for at least 72 hours after you are fever free without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
• If you have had direct contact with a COVID-19 patient or have traveled to a CDC Level 3 country, you may not return to campus, come to work, attend school, or visit The Willows until you have been symptom-free for two weeks since the last date of exposure.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Limit close contact like sharing cups or utensils, with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
• Face masks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and those directly caring for people who are sick and by people who are sick.
• Get a flu immunization if you have not done so this season.

Here are our latest efforts to keep our community healthy and safe:

• Disinfection of high-touch areas such as doorknobs, countertops, and communal areas of the school throughout the day.
• Sanitizing stations have been set up across our campus.
• Deep cleaning and disinfection of all our buildings take place throughout the day and each evening.
• Use of Clorox Total 360 Electrostatic technology
• Health screening through our Titan HST COVID-19 app and in-person temperature taking prior to entry at school.
• Physical Distancing of 6+ feet everywhere on campus
• Touchless modifications to existing restrooms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces
• Increased airflow with additional operable windows and doors in classrooms
• HVAC analysis and improvements to ventilation
• Air purifiers and circulating devices added to classrooms and offices