COVID-19

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and the number of confirmed cases in Colorado and in the US visit:

• Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, COVID-19 page
  • You can sign up for updates via email
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, COVID-19 page (slow due to high traffic) 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Building on best practices and recommendations from public health authorities, AXIS has developed an infectious illness prevention, preparedness, and response plan shared below (posted 3/11/20). Because we are receiving information on a ongoing basis, this posted information, plans, and procedures are subject to change to meet updated public health agency recommendations.   

AXIS will follow the State and Larimer County Department of Health and Environment's lead on any quarantines, school closures, event cancellations, or other health measures needed or recommended. AXIS's focus is always to ensure the safety of students and staff, and plan for the continuance of education. UPDATED: see CO Dept. of Public Health and Environment Guidelines for Emergency School or Child Care Closure below.

The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment provided this information about coronavirus:

At this time of year, there are many causes of respiratory illnesses, including the common cold and influenza. Symptoms of coronavirus infection include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. 

Take everyday actions to protect yourself and those you love

• There are effective ways to reduce the risk to yourself and the people you care about.
• Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
• Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.
• Be calm and prepared.
• FEMA: Guidance for COVID-19 preparedness
• CDC: Getting your household ready for COVID-19
• CDPHE Environmental Cleaning Guidance for COVID-19 - English | Spanish | Simplified Chinese 
• ​People should wear a mask to protect family members or in any scenario where needed to prevent the spread of germs.
• More information is available on the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment website. 

During this outbreak, exercising and enjoying time outdoors are keys to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Consider walks in your neighborhood, or go to one of  Larimer County’s parks, open spaces or trails . Read this helpful information about  recreating safely during the COVID-19 outbreak on its website .  Parks and trails will be busy. The county is urging visitors to stop the spread of COVID-19 by abiding by health guidelines : maintain 6 feet of social distancing; keep group sizes to under 10; do not congregate at overlooks/trailheads; wash hands; and stay home if you’re feeling sick.  

• SummitStone Crisis Services, at 1217 Riverside Ave. in Fort Collins, remains open for Behavioral Health Urgent Care, Mobile Response and Crisis Stabilization Unit services.   
• If community members in crisis are experiencing symptoms or are sick, we encourage use of our local Crisis Line 970-494-4200 ext. 4 or text TALK to 38255 to receive mental health crisis support.   
• SummitStone is still open for walk-ins but prefer people call first. Families can still come in without a call ahead if necessary. Please be prepared to be screened at the door prior to being let into the clinic.    
• Click Here for Larimer County Mental Health Resources
• Click Here for Supports Available during Remote Learning from the Student Services Team

• ASSET Stress Reduction At-Home Toolkit in English & Spanish  
• Reducing Stress and Taking Care of Yourself - multiple languages (CDPHE) 
• Helping Children Cope with Stress During COVID-19 Outbreak (World Health Organization) 
• Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource (National Assc. of School Psychologists) 
• Managing Stress and Anxiety during COVID-19 (CDC) 
• Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response (US Dept. of Health and Human Services) 
• Child Mind Institute’s Talking to Kids about Coronavirus and the Guide to Help Families Cope with Coronavirus. Español - Cómo hablar con los niños sobre el coronavirus  
• Talking to Kids and Teens About COVID-19 and other Global Trauma 
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network - Parent/Caregiver Guide   
• Resources from Mindful Schools 
• Psychology Today - Parenting Tips During COVID-19 

Dear AXIS International Academy and Preschool Families,
 
As our local and global community faces the challenges posed by the coronavirus, COVID-19, we look to our public health officials to guide our decisions to protect our entire community. Many of you have already received word that Poudre School District (PSD) has made the difficult decision to extend spring break another week, meaning schools will be closed March 16-27. As a school located in this district, AXIS has decided to do the same for both our K-5 and Preschool. BASE Camp is also cancelled during these two weeks. AXIS Enrich will not begin until March 30. We will continue to review information and recommendations from public health agencies during this closure time, and we will share pertinent information for families and plans for re-opening. Student, staff, and family health and safety remain our number one priority. 

Although campus will be closed, we will have remote learning beginning March 24 for full-time K-5 students. This schedule is as followed:

• March 16-23 Spring Break - Families and staff should continue with plans to have a break from schooling the first week.
• March 23 AXIS Teacher Work Day for K-5 Staff – Monday will be an AXIS teacher work day, no student learning this day.
• March 24-27 Remote Learning Days for K-5 – Tuesday through Friday will be student and staff remote learning and teaching days.

COVID-19 Coronavirus FAQ

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a statement advising communities to prepare for a domestic outbreak of COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus

How does AXIS disinfect the school and classrooms?

AXIS contracts services with a janitorial company who clean and sanitize the school nightly. The scope of work includes, not only cleaning, but also disinfecting high-touch surfaces (desks, tables, etc.). During the day, teachers have cleaning solutions in each classroom and are sanitizing desks and chairs each day and math manipulatives and shared materials after they are used. 

How would school closures look at AXIS?

During an outbreak AXIS would follow the Larimer County Health Department’s lead on quarantines, closures, or other health measures needed. Our focus is on ensuring the safety of students and staff, and how education can continue if any of those situations arise. Please see the above documents for guidelines from the state, that we are following.

As a parent/guardian, may I keep my child home if there isn't a school closure? If I elect to do so, what accommodations will be made so my child doesn't fall behind in their education?

It is always a parent/guardian’s right to keep their child home from school. If you do so, please call the school to report the absence. AXIS is evaluating whether there are accommodations that might be made, should a parent/guardian choose to keep their child home because of concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. 

Where is the best place to find information about COVID-19 or coronavirus?

Reputable sources include:

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

• Larimer County Department of Health and Environment 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Coronavirus Facts and Misconceptions

What can families do to protect themselves from becoming ill?

Parents and guardians can help by continuing to implement the same critical practices - themselves and with their children – as you would during flu season. 
•    Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
•    Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
•    Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
•    Getting a flu shot if you haven’t gotten one this year.
•    Keep your student(s) home if they are sick. Please notify your school if your child needs to stay home sick and, if possible, share their symptoms. If they have a positive influenza or COVID-19 diagnosis, please also share that information.

Will AXIS be handing out masks to students?

No. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

AXIS will, throughout its response to COVID-19, follow CDC’s guidance, which is also supported by the state and local health departments. A parent/guardian has the right to decide if they want their student to wear a mask; in that case, they would need to provide the mask. 

What happens with the heavy travel associated with Spring Break? Should we cancel travel plans?

At this time, CDC has activated several travel warnings for international destinations experiencing community spread of COVID-19. We also encourage families to stay up to date regarding domestic travel within the US, since COVID-19 is present in the majority of states. Please visit the CDC website for travel advisories. and State travel information is located here.

AXIS International Academy

Guidance for prevention of infection and illness at school

1. Hands should be washed frequently using soap and water and drying with disposable towels. Ensure that hand sinks are stocked with soap and towels at all times. Hand sanitizers should not replace hand washing.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Avoid close contact with sick people – no kissing, hugging
5. Do not share drinks, utensils, water bottles, especially drinks at sport activities
6. Staff and students that are ill with disruptive cough, vomiting or diarrhea should not attend school and should remain home until at least 24-48 hours after symptoms have resolved.
7. If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home from school for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) 

Sites for state and local health information, updates, and alerts:

www. larimer.org/health

www.colorado.gov/cdphe

AXIS’ Infectious Illness Prevention, Preparedness and Response Plan

OVERVIEW

AXIS’ Infectious Illness Prevention, Preparedness and Response Plan will serve as a resource guide for planning for, responding to, and recovering from a pandemic that may impact our school and community.

The primary goals of this plan are to:

• Prevent or minimize the spread of illness while preserving, to the extent possible, the continuity of essential school functions.
• Continue the essential operations of AXIS, as much as possible, in the event of increased student or staff absences due to an outbreak of a highly infectious illness.
• Ensure effective, timely, and situation-sensitive decision-making related to any outbreak that is impacting or has the potential to impact the AXIS community.
• Establish a clear communications plan that ensures that students, families, and staff receive timely and accurate information regarding illness prevention and infection control strategies as well as information about impacts to the school district and available services.

INFORMATION: COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 reportedly include mild to severe respiratory illness accompanied by fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The virus is spread person-to-person via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, within a distance of about six feet, where the droplets are then inhaled into the lungs. Transmission may also be possible through contact with contaminated surfaces, though this is not considered the primary method of transmission.

Symptoms typically appear within two to 14 days of exposure to the virus.

Those most at risk people for contracting the virus, as of early March 2020 per the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, are those who have recently traveled to China or those who have been in close contact with people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

AXIS’ response to any outbreak of COVID-19 will be guided by the recommendations of the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the event of reports of an infectious illness, such as COVID-19, AXIS will:

• Remain in session until advised by health local authorities of the need to close the school.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive communications for students, families, staff, and community members regarding the infectious illness and the school’s planned response.
• Continue to educate students, staff and families about strategies for the prevention of illness including vaccinations, proper hand washing techniques, community mitigation, and social mitigation as well as any other strategies deemed necessary or appropriate for preventing illness transmission.
• The School nurse, health tech, and school administration will continue to utilize and update plans to be enacted in the event that a child must be sent home from school due to illness.
• Continue to collaborate with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment to monitor health data and update staff, and families regarding potential changes that may occur or new and pertinent information related to the extent or spread of the illness.

PREVENTION:

What AXIS is doing:

• AXIS follows guidelines provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, “How Sick is Too Sick”, for use in evaluating whether a child or staff member is too sick to attend school for any illness. Parents/guardians and staff are encouraged to consult these guidelines.
• AXIS will ensure students and staff who become sick at school or arrive at school sick are sent home as soon as possible and ensuring that sick students and staff are separated from well students and staff until they can leave.
• AXIS staff and teachers will clean and sanitize student desks, chairs, shared objects (markers, manipulatives, etc.) between classes and at the end of each day.
• AXIS staff and teachers will ensure that all students are practicing proper hygiene habits, including: hand washing multiple times per day (including before snack and lunch), covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying hydrated, avoiding touching the face, etc.
• AXIS contracts custodial services to perform routine environmental cleaning of the school, classrooms, and offices including cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (i.e. doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, door frames, handicap push buttons, tabletops, backs of chairs, pencil sharpeners, keyboards, mice, monitors, portions of walls, etc.) with cleaning products according to the directions on the label.

What you can do:

AXIS will continue to encourage all students, families, and staff to follow the good health habits and implement measures that prevent the spread of illness.

Sharing resources with families to help them understand when to keep children home. AXIS will continue to share the resources published by the CDC and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

According to the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, there are several strategies that can prevent the spread of germs and prevent the spread of this or other respiratory illnesses, including:

• Washing hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. The CDC offers free hand washing resources to encourage proper hand washing technique and that include tips for families to help children develop good hand washing habits.
• Covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
• Avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• Getting a flu shot if you have not gotten one this year
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects, and
• Keeping children home if they are sick or remaining home if you are sick.
• Practice other good health strategies, including cleaning and disinfecting surfaces especially when someone is ill; get plenty of sleep, manage stress, and be physically active.

If a child is sick, parents/guardians are encouraged to notify the school and share information about symptoms and whether the child has had a positive influenza or COVID-19 diagnosis. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights Protection Act, or FERPA, AXIS will not identify the name, grade, or age the student(s) or staff member(s) confirmed to have tested positive for COVID- 19 in any communication.

In addition to these good health habits, other non-pharmaceutical interventions that can help to mitigate the spread of illness in the community include:

• Social distancing or creating ways to provide distance between people in close contact areas including at work and at school.
• Closures or cancellations of non-urgent events and avoidance of scheduling community events during an outbreak or pandemic in Larimer County or neighboring regions.
• Being prepared and informed about the pandemic and appropriate steps to prevent the spread of illness.
• Ongoing monitoring of the outbreak or pandemic.
• Maintaining clean and disinfected environments.

PREPAREDNESS

As AXIS continues its preparation efforts, the school is also implementing the following preparedness measures in accordance with guidance from the CDC and the Larimer County Department of Public Health and Environment:

Planning:

• Reviewing, updating, and implementing emergency operations plans in collaboration with Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins West (CECFC West) and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.
• Monitoring and planning for absenteeism
  • AXIS has adopted guidelines that dictate that daily absence rates exceeding 10% of staff or students due to illness of any form must be reported to Head of School and the AXIS School Nurse.
• Review of attendance and sick leave policies. Encouraging students and staff to stay home when sick.
• Identifying critical job functions and positions and planning for alternative coverage of these positions as needed.
• Developing plans for remote learning for students and for remote work for staff in the event of extended closures.
• Encouraging staff to prepare for potential absence or closure by preparing lesson plans ahead of time, bringing materials home as needed to allow for remote work, etc.
• Determining what level of absenteeism will disrupt continuity of teaching and learning.
• Creating communications plans to ensure that students, families, staff, and the community receive information necessary to prepare for and respond to an outbreak.

In the event of exposure within the AXIS or CEC community, the following steps will be taken:

• AXIS will confer with local health officials, primarily the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, to obtain a recommendation regarding school closure, timing, scope, and duration.
• AXIS will communicate the possible exposure to the community, which includes students, families, staff, and community members. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights Protection Act, or FERPA, PSD will not identify the name, grade, or age the student(s) or staff member(s) confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19.
• AXIS will communicate plans for school and office closures and event/group activity cancellations as appropriate and in as timely a fashion as possible.

If local health officials recommend closure of school the following protocols will be followed:

Building Closure and Cleaning

• The school will be closed beginning on the date/time collaboratively determined in collaboration with local health officials.
• The extent of closure – will be determined in partnership with local health officials.
• Only identified essential personnel and building administrators will have access to school buildings during closure.
• AXIS will clearly communicate that staff, with the exception of those designated as essential personnel by their supervisor, and students are not to enter the facility during a closure.
• AXIS, in conjunction with CEC, will evaluate options to provide meal programs, if feasible, or to connect to community resources where available. Per World Health Organization (WHO) guidance, the cafeteria will not be open during building closures.
• All regularly scheduled events and extracurricular activities will be cancelled or postponed until further notice.
• All facility rentals will be cancelled or postponed until further notice.
• Base Camp will be cancelled.
• Signs will be posted at all schools indicating playground closures for the duration of the school closure or unless otherwise determined.
• Students will be asked to take all necessary learning technology and curricular materials home with them for use in e-learning for the duration of the closure as directed by their teachers.
• Staff will be required to take all work-related technology and tools home with them for use in support of e-learning or telecommuting for the duration of the closure as directed by their supervisor.
• Cleaning will be completed in accordance with recommendations from the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment. All cleaning will be completed prior to implementation of any student or staff building re-entry.
• Cleaning protocols in response to a closure would include removing trash and recycling from the building, vacuuming all floor surfaces, sweeping, mopping, scrubbing all desks, counters, sinks, and tabletops. Restrooms and health offices would be cleaned and disinfected. All high- touch surfaces would be disinfected, including wiping all surfaces with towels that have been soaked in disinfectant. Surfaces with cracks or corners will be wiped and sprayed with disinfectant. All Preschool and kindergarten toys will be disinfected. All carpet will be sprayed with disinfectant and all kitchens, including floors, prep areas, serving tables, and equipment, and restrooms would be disinfected.

Communication: Information about the closure will be shared as soon as possible after closure determinations are made via:

• School website and Facebook page;
• Infinite Campus emails, phone calls, and text messages to families and staff;
• Signage on the doors of the building
• School outgoing voicemail recordings
• Information about closures will be updated daily to ensure that the community has the most current information available.

Continuity of Education:

To prepare to support continuity of education, AXIS is currently exploring and developing comprehensive plans for the following:

• E-learning for students that includes digital and distance learning options, such as access to digital textbook resources, online classroom collaboration tools, etc.
• Google Classroom could be used, for example, to assign lessons, grade student work, and provide feedback on student work.
• Clear expectations for e-learning will be defined as part of this planning effort. Plans for supporting students without regular access to internet to support e-learning will also be developed.
• Collaborating with the Colorado Department of Education regarding any necessary waivers to state requirements for in-person instructional hours, school days, or seat time. As of March 2, 2020, decisions regarding waivers will be made on an as-needed basis by the Colorado Department of Education.

RECOVERY

In the event of school or office closures related to COVID-19, AXIS will communicate when staff and Larimer County Department of Health and Environment officials have conferred and determined that it is safe to return to school as well as what steps and precautions will need to be followed at that time.

The school facility and buses will be cleaned and sterilized, as appropriate, prior to reopening. As school is reopened, a process for cleaning and disinfecting equipment (i.e. laptops, phones, etc.) and materials brought home during closure will also be implemented. Cleaning and sterilization practices will be guided by recommendations from the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

Communications platforms that will be utilized to share information about the reopening of buildings and the reentry process will include but are not limited to the AXIS website and Facebook page, emails, phone calls, and text messages to staff and families.

AXIS will also develop and implement a plan for return to the classroom for students who may have missed an extended period of instruction during a school closure.

AXIS will make every effort to return to “business as usual” following any necessary closures.

AXIS will also continue to partner with local health officials to monitor the illness on an ongoing basis and will continue to communicate with our community.

AXIS Contracted Nightly Custodial Services

Overview of supplies used:

• Micro-fiber towels that at a microscopic level pick up viruses and bacterium.
• General purpose disinfectant that is effective against viruses.
• HEPA filtration vacuums that filter to .02 microns.
• Two chamber mop bucket system with a microfiber mop head. This keeps the dirty water on one side and clean water with our floor chemical on the other. The microfiber mop head works the same as the towels.
• Common touch points are cleaned with the general purpose disinfectant – desks, conference tables, all restroom surfaces, all breakroom surfaces, door handles, door glass, etc

Scope of Work

ENTRANCE AND RECEPTION AREAS

• ENTRANCE GLASS: Glass in entrance doors will be cleaned each service on both sides to remove smudges and fingerprints.
• MATS & RUNNERS: Mats and runners will be vacuumed each service.
• COBWEBS: Cobwebs will be removed from window frames and corners as needed.
• FLOORS: Floors will be swept; damp mopped each service.
• FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES: Upholstered furniture will be vacuumed weekly. Accessories and picture frames will be dusted weekly.

OFFICES, CONFERENCE ROOMS & ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS

• FLOORS: Floors will be vacuumed or swept, and damp mopped each service.
• DUSTING: File cabinets, copy machines, bookshelves, tables and other furniture will be dusted weekly. Low dusting of chair rails and legs, desks and table legs, baseboards, ledges, vents, etc. will be done weekly. High dusting of ledges, picture frames, door frames, vents, etc. will be done weekly, vertical dusting of sides of desks, cabinets, files, bookshelves, etc. will be done weekly.
• DESKS/TABLES: Cleared desktops and tables will be dusted each service and polished or damp wiped as needed. Papers left on desks will not be disturbed.
• WINDOWSILLS: Windowsills will be dusted weekly. WINDOWS: Interior glass will be spot cleaned as needed. BLINDS: Blinds will be dusted monthly.
• CARPETS: Carpets will be vacuumed each service with a commercial power vacuum. FLOORS: Cement or Tile floors will be thoroughly swept and mopped or auto scrubbed each service.
• PLASTIC CHAIR MATS: Plastic chair mats will be spot cleaned weekly.
• WALLS: Marks and smudges will be removed from walls if their removal does not spoil the general appearance of the walls. Finger marks and smudges will be removed from doors, light switches and woodwork weekly.
• TRASH DISPOSAL: Trash containers will be emptied each service and trash taken to the designated area. Trash containers will be cleaned when needed. Recycling containers will be taken to their designated area.
• CABINETS & METAL WORK: Cabinet exteriors will be spot cleaned each service and thoroughly cleaned weekly. Bright metal will be cleaned and polished each service.

CLASSROOMS and HALLS

• DESKS & TABLES: Teachers to maintain tabletops and desks. Night cleaning to support when needed.
• CABINETS & METAL WORK: Cabinet exteriors will be spot cleaned each service. Bright metal will be cleaned and polished each service. Sink will be cleaned each service.
• TRASH CONTAINERS: Trash containers will be emptied each service and trash taken to a designated area. Exterior of containers will be spot cleaned each service. Recycling materials in designated containers will be emptied each service and taken to the designated container.
• WINDOWSILLS: Windowsills will be dusted weekly.
• WINDOWS: Interior glass will be cleaned as needed with the expectation of removing smudges daily.
• FLOORS: Floors will be vacuumed or swept, and damp mopped each service.
• WATER FOUNTAINS: Water fountains will be cleaned, sanitized and polished each service
• SUPPLIES: Spray bottles will be refilled when half or more empty

CAFETERIA

• TABLES: Tables and chairs will be damp wiped each service.
• TRASH CONTAINERS: Trash containers will be emptied each service and trash taken to a designated area. Exterior of containers will be spot cleaned each service. Recycling materials in designated containers will be emptied each service and taken to the designated container.
• WINDOWSILLS: Windowsills will be dusted weekly.
• WINDOWS: Interior glass will be cleaned as needed with the expectation of removing smudges daily.
• FLOORS: Floors will be thoroughly swept and mopped or auto scrubbed each service. (Kitchen food preparation area excluded)

RESTROOMS

• FIXTURES: Toilet bowls, toilet seats, urinals and sinks will be cleaned and sanitized each service. Bright metal will be cleaned and polished each service.
• TRASH CONTAINERS: Trash containers will be emptied each service and trash taken to a designated area. Exterior of containers will be spot cleaned each service.
• GLASS: Glass and mirrors will be cleaned and polished each service.
• WALLS: Splash marks will be removed from walls around sinks and dispensers each service. Ceramic walls will be spot cleaned each service. Partition walls and doors will be spot cleaned each service, wiped down and sanitized weekly.
• DISPENSERS: Dispensers will be filled, cleaned and polished each service.
• FLOORS: Floors will be swept; damp mopped and sanitized each service.

GYMNASIUM

FLOORS: Floors will be thoroughly swept and mopped or auto scrubbed each full service.

Dear AXIS Families, 
  

Today I had an opportunity to review student achievement and growth data with a data analyst from CSI. It is amazing to see our students' results in math and reading on the STAR Assessments. It is even more impressive when you couple that with the fact that they are also learning literacy and math in another language! I will be sharing this data at our upcoming SAC (School Accountability Committee) meeting on March 25.  
 

Academics are a priority at AXIS, but our number one priority is the health and safety of our students and staff. There is no doubt we are currently facing a public health challenge with the Coronavirus. Just like all public schools, AXIS has received ongoing information from Colorado Department of Education and State and County Health Departments. We also review information disseminated by the CDC, CSU, CSI, and PSD. We have and will continue to do our best to share this information with families promptly via our COVID-19 webpage here, please click on the most recent post. Our intent is always to inform and not increase alarm. We are remaining calm and using incoming information to adjust any plan or procedures as needed. 

We encourage you to review the updates on our webpage. Additionally, I will highlight a few key items below:  

•  
• We will follow CDE, the State Health Department, and the Larimer County Health Department’s lead on any quarantines, closures, or other health measures needed.  
• IF PSD closes schools, we will close AXIS. 
• It is important to always have a backup plan for childcare, should school and preschool be canceled. 
• We encourage families who plan to travel during spring break to visit the CDC travel webpage for up to date Coronavirus information regarding travel alerts in and out of the US, plus protocols to follow after travel to certain areas.
• Keep up healthy hygiene habits: hand washing, avoid touching your face, stay home when you are sick, social distancing, and others here.  
   

We are working on plans for continued K-5 education in the event of a closure. This Friday, AXIS teachers will send home educational materials that will be used the week after spring break. These materials will be in your child's take home folder. After spring break, if school is in session as planned, students can return the materials to school. In the case that school is not in session, you will receive instructions via text and email on remote learning. We are also finalizing a plan for e-learning, should we need it in this situation or in future situations. We ask ALL K-5 families to please take this 1-minute Home Technology Access survey here before Friday, March 13, 2020. 
 

Again, at this time there are NO plans for school closure following spring break. We are working diligently and proactively to prepare and respond to this changing situation. As a small school, we know each other, and we trust each other to do whatever it takes to keep each other safe and healthy. I know this is not a comfortable situation, but rest assured we always do our best to act in the best interest of our children.  

Stay healthy and keep up that hand washing, 

 
Kari 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a statement advising communities to prepare for a domestic outbreak of COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Larimer County Health Department website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

AXIS response plan 

Building on best practices and official health recommendations, AXIS is in the process of developing a coronavirus response plan. This work is being done collaboratively with Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins (CECFC) West Middle School. Additionally, AXIS will continue the practices of disinfecting high-touch surfaces and other areas within our facility.

During an outbreak, AXIS would follow the Larimer County Health Department’s lead on any quarantines, closures, or other health measures needed. AXIS' focus is ensuring the safety of students and staff, and how education can continue if any of those situations arise.

Health department coronavirus information

The Larimer County Health Department provided this information about coronavirus:

The risk to most people in Larimer County and Colorado is low at this time, according to the health department. People who are at greatest risk for getting the virus are:

• People who have traveled to China recently
• Close contacts of people who have been diagnosed with coronavirus

At this time of year, there are many causes of respiratory illnesses, including the common cold and influenza. Symptoms of coronavirus infection include fever, cough and/or shortness of breath. Symptoms usually appear within two to 14 days after being exposed to the virus.

Prevention measures you can do 

Parents and guardians can help prevent illness by continuing with the same critical practices – for themselves and with their children – as one would during flu season.

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects
• Keep kids home if they are sick. Please notify your school if your child is sick and needs to stay home. If possible, please share their symptoms and if they have a positive influenza diagnosis.

More information is available on the Larimer County Health Department website. 

Questions about COVID-19?

Larimer County Health Department

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• If you have symptoms of acute respiratory illness, it is recommended that you stay home and not come to work until you are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Please notify your supervisor, or your AXIS contact, as soon as possible, and arrange for subs if needed.  

• CDC recommends that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available).

• Remember to clean your hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol, or wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
• Visit the coughing and sneezing etiquette and clean hands webpage for more information.