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Health and Safety

Coronavirus Action Plan

Sierra Canyon School's top priority is our commitment to the health and safety of your children. As information about the virus continues to evolve, Sierra Canyon administration is planning accordingly. Based on what is currently known, very clear guidelines and best practices exist that each of us should implement to help keep our families and community safe and healthy.

Best Practices

List of 3 items.

  • Prevention

    There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) always recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

    • Parents and children, please stay home when you are sick.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
    • Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
      • CDC does not recommend that people who are well to wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including the Coronavirus.
      • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of the Coronavirus to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
      • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
      • If hands are visibly dirty, always wash them with soap and water.

  • Home Preparedness

    The Los Angeles Department of Public Health recommends the following for your home should you not be able to leave for several days:

  • Travel

    As you contemplate travel around or out of the country, click here to find advice and precautions issued by the CDC.
     
    We will continue to keep you updated as we gain more information. As you are aware, the situation is continually changing. The Sierra Canyon leadership is creating protocols for the entire community to follow in the case of an outbreak in our area. We will keep you informed.

FAQs

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • How does Coronavirus spread?

    Person-to-Person

    The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
    • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
    Contact with Infected Surfaces or Objects

    It may be possible that a person can get the Coronavirus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. 

  • What preventative measures are taken at Sierra Canyon School?

    To keep our students healthy while on our campuses, Sierra Canyon has increased our hygiene measures. 

    • Our contracted cleaning company has reassessed their cleaning protocols and has hired additional personnel. All surface cleaning products are now EPA-registered disinfectants, which are effective against robust viruses.
    • Additional hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout both campuses.
    • Custodial staff and faculty will observe a rotation of wiping down highly touched surfaces with high-grade anti-bacterial solution throughout the day.
    • Faculty and staff will keep windows and doors open when possible to allow for the flow of fresh air, rather than just recycled air through our ventilation systems.
    • Our Tumbleweed buses will also be disinfected daily, and disinfecting wipes will be available on the buses.

  • How can I be prepared?

    The Los Angeles Department of Public Health recommends the following for your home when you may not be able to leave for a few days:

    • Maintain a supply of food and water in the house as you would for any other emergency. The LADPH does not expect wide-spread closure, but areas may be impacted.
    • Have a communication plan with loved ones.

  • What symptoms should I watch for?

    Common signs of infection may include:

    • Respiratory symptoms
    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Breathing difficulties

Family Preparedness Documents

Parent Resources

Recommended Reading - The following articles are optional resources advising parents on how to talk to their children about the Coronavirus:


Recent Communications

Questions?

List of 5 members.

  • Photo of Jim Skrumbis

    Jim Skrumbis 

    Head of School
    Ext. 301
  • Photo of Kristine Theodoratos

    Kristine Theodoratos 

    Lower School Director
    Ext. 111
  • Photo of Adam Horwitz

    Adam Horwitz 

    Dean of Students, Pre-K–6
    Ext. 108
  • Photo of Lindsay Koss

    Lindsay Koss 

    Director of Grades 7-9; MS Faculty
    Ext. 313
  • Photo of Tom Perry

    Tom Perry 

    Upper School Director; US Faculty
    Ext. 307

Kid Resources

Five Steps

Helpful Links

Updated 7/9/20
Lower School: 11052 Independence Avenue
Middle and Upper School: 20801 Rinaldi Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311  | 818.882.8121
Sierra Canyon School is a private, independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory school for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12 located in Chatsworth, California. The highly cosmopolitan campus community is reflective of the Greater Los Angeles area and the world at large. Students are empowered to realize their greatest creative, ethical, intellectual and physical promise through small class sizes, a diverse student-teacher culture and a family-like environment.