COVID-19 Update for Whittier Tech

March 11, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians, Students and Staff,

We understand that many students, parents, and staff have concerns regarding the Coronavirus and how it may affect Whittier Tech.  It is important to know that we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the City of Haverhill and/or at Whittier Tech.  I recognize that there is a level of anxiety regarding the outbreak but we are doing everything possible at Whittier Tech to ensure the safety of our students and staff. 

Governor Baker has declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts to support the Commonwealth’s response to the Coronavirus.   The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is requiring all schools to complete their 185th scheduled day of their required 180 days.  At Whittier Tech, we are currently on our 184th scheduled school day.

I’d like to share what we are doing at Whittier to keep our school community healthy, safe, and ready for learning.

Whittier is collaborating closely with the City of Haverhill Public Health Department, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, all of whom are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control to plan and advise us in our response to the Coronavirus. 

As always, children and adults should be reminded to take every day precautionary steps to stay healthy.  The best preventative precautions that can be implemented today include good hygiene:

  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

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

  • Use Alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

  • Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with a tissue or into your sleeve.  Never use your hands and throw used tissues into the trash and immediately wash your hands.

  •  Avoid sharing glasses, cups, eating utensils, dishes, towels or other items.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and railings.

  • Use EPA approved disinfectants that contain the appropriate concentrations of disinfectant for disease prevention.  Do not use high concentrations of bleach as that can cause respiratory issues and reactions.

  • Avoid contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

  • Notify maintenance and school nurses when a student exhibiting symptoms is removed from class. 

It is important to keep children home from school when they are ill.  If your child has any of the following symptoms please keep them home from school:  temperature greater than 100.4, coughing, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and abdominal pain. 

Beginning today, our Restaurant, Salon, and Auto Programs will no longer be taking outside customers.  The students in our Allied Health Programs and our Childcare students will not be leaving on externships during the school day until further notice.  Our Advisory Board Dinner on March 26th is canceled.  The Administration will review any and all activities on a case by case basis.

The School Building Maintenance staff has increased focus on the common area cleaning routines (hand-rails, bathroom surfaces, door knobs and other hard surfaces) using EPA approved HBV chemicals.  They have also implemented a routine cleaning schedule for our school buses.  Additionally, our cafeteria staff has increased their cleaning routines after each breakfast and lunch.

This is an evolving issue and we will closely monitor any changes in protocols deemed necessary by the Department of Public Health.  We remain deeply committed to our student and staff wellness and will continue to share new information with you.

Sincerely,

Maureen Lynch
Superintendent

Whittier Tech