March 4, 2020
Dear Peru Central School District Community,
Although there have been no confirmed cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Peru community, we have been closely monitoring the situation in New York State and the United States. School Officials are working closely with CEWW BOCES, Clinton County Health Department and Clinton County Emergency Services in order to be prepared. Please know that nothing is more important to the District than the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.
Given that, I want to encourage you to take care of yourselves and to examine these basic steps to help minimize the risk of illness https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/. Taking good care of yourself is important not just for you, but for the well-being of the Peru community. If you or a loved one are not feeling well or if you develop flu-like symptoms, please seek assistance and advice from medical professionals about how to best care for yourself or a loved one. I also encourage everyone to be as flexible and understanding as possible when a member of our community needs to take time away.
Many of you are making plans for spring and summer travel and may be concerned about how COVID-19 developments will affect your plans. I would urge you to review the latest information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) prior to departing for your destination (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/). COVID-19 is being monitored closely world-wide and developments are occurring daily.
I also want to take this opportunity to remind you of our core values of respect, tolerance and understanding for each other. There have been troubling reports from across the globe of individuals from countries thought to be impacted by COVID-19 being stigmatized. Peru Central School District doesn’t condone such behavior, and I ask you to join me in ensuring that everyone in our community is treated with respect and dignity.
At a potentially challenging time such as this, we must continue to work together and support each other. Thank you for maintaining a school community that is safe, welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
Sincerely,
Thomas Palmer Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools