Dear Round Rock ISD community,

As we continue to monitor reports of the impact of the Coronavirus in areas of the world, Round Rock ISD, along with our county health departments and state and federal government agencies, remain dedicated to working together to keep our students and staff safe and healthy.

While Texas has not had a confirmed case of Coronavirus, our District administration continues to receive updates from our local county health departments in efforts to keep our community healthy. This includes enforcing the Center for Disease Control’s guideline that anyone returning from China after February 3, 2020, must remain quarantined for a 14-day period. As a school district, we are supporting these efforts by not allowing students or staff members returning from China after February 3, 2020, to enroll or return to campus until after their required quarantine. Any student absence that would result from the mandatory quarantine will be classified as excused.

As we follow the guidance of our local, state, and federal health agencies’ recommendations, this District requirement only applies to those returning from China at this time.

While much is still being learned about this newly emerged virus, based on the current information, health officials are recommending local communities and schools should take the same steps to protect against coronavirus as we take to prevent the spread of everyday illnesses like the common cold or the flu:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

It is Round Rock ISD policy that students and staff with a fever of 100 degrees or greater must stay out of school and not participate in after-school activities until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication.

While this illness can bring concerns for the wellbeing of our community, we can protect our students, teachers, and the broader community by using simple everyday actions that protect people from other types of respiratory viruses. Our teachers, school nurses, and staff are working carefully to encourage these simple and effective habits of frequent handwashing, covering every cough or sneeze, and cleaning classroom tables/surfaces frequently. This is important not just to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but to help prevent the spread of other infections that can lead to student and staff illness and absences.

Thank you for partnering with us to help ensure the safety of each child in Round Rock ISD. Together we can work to create the safest and healthiest environments possible for our students and staff.

Respectfully,

Steve Flores, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools