6410 South Dante Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: 773-324-1020 Fax: 773-359-0506
Mount Carmel Message from the Principal - Covid-19
3.10.20 Covid-19 Update
10 March 2020
Dear Mount Carmel Parents & Guardians,
We have been in contact with the Archdiocese as well as other schools in our area regarding the latest school closures as a result of COVID-19. We have a contingency plan in place should we need to enact one, but it is important to note that at this time, we do not have any risk of exposure to COVID-19. Our normal schedule of events will continue, including athletics, clubs, registration nights, etc. unless advice and warnings from the CDC, the Archdiocese, or the IHSA warrant us to do so.
Events like these give us the chance to remind each other of the following steps as outlined by the CDC:
- If you learn that you or an immediate family member has come into contact with an individual who has since been diagnosed with COVID-19, please contact the school immediately and relay the necessary information to me, i can be reached at 773-359-0424 or stabernacki@mchs.org
- If you learn that you or an immediate family member has been diagnosed with COVID-19, please contact the school and the Illinois Department of Public Health immediately and relay the necessary information to administration.
General Guidelines/Information
- For general illness, students should stay home if they are sick until at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication, such as Tylenol.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after use and immediately wash your hands. If a tissue is not available, cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as this is often how germs enter your body.
- Do not share eating utensils or drinking containers.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
If your son is absent from school due to illness, please leave a detailed reason for Mrs. Mazurkewicz at 773-324-1020 ext 200. . Also, if you are travelling, abroad or otherwise, during the coming weeks, especially our Spring Break (April 9-19), we ask you to consider the following:
- Know that situations and conditions surrounding COVID-19 can change at any moment, which can complicate your return. Review the latest travel updates from the CDC here.
- While travelling, take steps to prevent the spread of viruses by practicing good hygiene, such as regularly washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- If during your trip, or after your return home, the area you have visited becomes designated as an “outbreak area,” please contact Mrs. Mazurkewicz at 773-324-1020 ext 200 immediately and strongly consider a voluntary quarantine (approx. 14+ days.)
- Any absences as a result of COVID-19 exposure or preventative measure will be excused and/or accommodations will be made for your son.
We have also done significant prevention on campus already. In the past week, thanks to Mr. Byrne, our Maintenance Staff, and our cleaning company M&M, we were able to:
- Install more hand sanitizing stations near all water fountains.
- Provide all classrooms additional cleaning supplies and sanitizing material.
- Have additional cleaning staff on site each day to undertake a larger and more in-depth cleaning process, especially of all common areas.
- Extensive deep clean of every area of our facilities
As more information is made available, we will be sure to contact all of our parents and MC community. Rest assured, at this time we do not have a need to cancel classes or any Mount Carmel activity. I encourage you to visit the links for more information and to follow the CDC health tips to ensure optimal health. I appreciate your cooperation!
Scott Tabernacki, '02Principal
