Accountability

Social Distancing

Aims to reduce the number and closeness of interactions between people while allowing them to carry out their necessary day-to-day activities.

Why? to reduce face-to-face contact and the spread of germs

• If you have to go out in public, stay six feet away from others

• Minimize close contact between you and other people

Quarantine:

Used for people who may have been exposed but are not sick. For COVID-19, the quarantine should last for 14 days from the first exposure.

Why? The person may have the virus even if they are not showing any symptoms. They need to stay away from others until they find out for sure.

• Stay home except for medical care or emergencies.

• Monitor daily for symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water.

• Stay in separate living quarters from others in the home, if possible.

• Wash surfaces regularly.

• Keep six feet away from other people.

• Have food and necessities delivered.

• If symptoms develop, call your health care provider to see if you should be tested for COVID-19.

Isolation

Used for people suspected or confirmed to have coronavirus (COVID-19)

Why? To keep the person from infecting others

• Stay home except for medical care or emergencies.

• Live in a separate area from others in the home, if possible, and use a different bathroom

• Keep at least six feet away from other people

• Wear a face mask around others

• Have food and necessities delivered

• Wash hands with soap and water often

• Wash surfaces regularly, including doorknobs, cell phones, bedding, towels and clothing

• Use separate utensils and dishes from others in the home

Stay at home (shelter in place)

People stay in their home unless they need to leave for essential activities and work. This is an order that can be legally enforced.

Why? This has been done by some cities and states in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus by minimizing contacts between people.

• It bans all socializing and activities outside of the home

• Essential businesses remain open, such as grocery stores and pharmacies

Residents can leave their home for activities such as walking their dog or seeking medical care, but must maintain social distancing.

1) Finish Whatever School Work You Can

You may have some outstanding school work with you in your book bag. So if you have work that’s not done, finish it to the best of your ability. You certainly have enough time.

2) Read a Book

Take a look around the house. Maybe you’ve got a book or two hanging out in some corner. Or try an ebook. Read something – anything you want.

It will while away the hours, relax you and maybe get your mind to thinking about things above and beyond how much mac and cheese you’ve got stored in the cupboard.

3) Keep a Journal

Do you realize you’re living through a moment of history? People will look back on this and wonder how people got through it. You could fill in the blanks for some future researcher. Just a description of your everyday activities, what you’re thinking and feeling, your hopes and dreams – all of it has historical value. Plus, you’ll get some practice expressing yourself in writing. And just think – a simple story about how you survived the great toilet paper shortage of 2020 could end up being taught in the classrooms of the future!

4) Take a Break from Video Games

I know some of you have built a fort out of sofa cushions, covered it in blankets and are nestled in this hideaway doing nothing but playing Fortnite or Roblox or Minecraft with friends on-line. And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with that. You go ahead and do that.

Just remember to take breaks for more than just food and the bathroom. Getting lost in a fantasy world is great so long as you leave yourself a trail of breadcrumbs to get back out again. Don’t forget there’s a world out there that needs you. Set definite limits for how long you spend in there and try really hard to adhere to them.

5) Watch Something Educational on TV or the Internet

Education isn’t limited to something a teacher told you to do. Find a video (check out the rest of this website) or TV show that explains something you never knew before. Youtube is great for this if you know what to look for.

I don’t mean to find some rant by your favorite Youtuber. I mean find something about science, history, art, literature, math, etc. Make it something you care about but might not watch just for fun. You’ll be surprised at what you can find out there.

6) Watch/Read the News

There are extraordinary things happening every day. Knowing about them can help you prepare for what’s next and think about what we can and should be doing to make things better.

7) Listen to Music/ Draw/ Do Something Creative

I know you. You’re a bundle of creative energy bound together waiting to explode. Go do that. Whatever you enjoy doing, create something. Write a song, make a comic book, paste together a collage. Express yourself, and if you’re not in the mood for that – enjoy the expressions of others. Listen to music, read a poem, watch a movie or take a virtual tour of a museum (links in this site under engaged).

8) Help Out Your Folks

We, adults, can seem like we’ve got it all under control. We don’t. We’re just as anxious, fearful and uncertain as you about this whole self-quarantine thing. None of us were around the last time something like this happened (the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic). Anything you can do – helping take out the trash, cleaning up messes, even just trying extra hard not to argue with your siblings – can be a big help.

9) Talk to Friends and Family about How You’re Feeling

No one expects you to be a robot. These are trying times. It’s okay to feel a certain way about that. Share those feelings with someone you trust. And be a sympathetic ear for them to do the same. The best way we can get through all this is with each other’s help.

10) Know That You Are Loved

My dear precious students! There are people out there who love you so much. There are people who would move Heaven and Earth to keep you safe. I know you’re scared and bored and anxious. But remember we’re in this together. And no matter where you are or what you’re doing there’s at least your crazy person who loves you very much and can’t wait to see you all again.

Stay safe!