Dear HEART Families,

As this situation with the COVID-19 virus continues to change, we want to take a moment to assure you of what we are currently doing and to ask for your help. We are continuing to monitor the recommendations and mandates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCCPHD). It is our highest concern that we maintain the best possible environment for the health and well being of your children.

We ask that you inform Crissi Allen if you, your family, or anyone connected to you is or will be traveling to or from areas deemed as high risk for travel. The following link contains current information concerning this update: CDC Travel Website. As we all work 

What is HEART Academy doing?

• We are seeking our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ each and every day in prayer for His blessing and intervention for your family and our students and teachers. It is through His leading that we can truly be at peace. I call on us all to seek Him, especially in this, for He promises we will find Him.

• Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  (NKJV)
• Philippians 4:6,7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
• Each classroom mentor is reminding students and leading them to implement the following best practices:

• If a  student is sick or exhibiting contagious symptoms (such as fever, coughing, or sneezing), we will call a parent. If they are sent home, they need to stay home from HEART fever-free for twenty-four hourswithout the help of medication before returning to any HEART activities.
• Students will be reminded to wash their hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or with hand sanitizer if available. We will remind to do this before lunch.  Moms, you may want to have your child bring pocket-sized hand sanitizer containers. From what I’ve read, hand washing is better overall, but hand sanitizer is also effective if soap and water are not available. Hand sanitizer should have at least 60% alcohol.
• Also remind them, when coughing or sneezing, fully cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue.  Dispose of tissues immediately (please do not set tissues on tables or other surfaces) and wash hands thoroughly and promptly.
• Avoid contact with anyone exhibiting cold- or flu-like symptoms.

• We are asking each classroom mentor to help clean the tables and door handles before and after classes with antiseptic cleaner. 
• Lavatory handles are being cleaned with antiseptic cleaner each and every day.
• We are developing contingency plans to maintain a smooth and healthy experience for you and your children for any mandated procedures that we could be notified of by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCCPHD).

What can you do?

• Please read and keep bookmarked the following two links:

• For more information about CDC recommendations regarding these illnesses, please see their page: “What to Do If You Are Sick.” 
• For how to stay updated on what we at HEART Academy are following and how you can proactively help in the prevention of COVID-19, please note the following link: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
  
• Please review with your children and practice at home what we are telling them in their classrooms about best practices for avoiding the spread of disease.

We will continue monitoring the situation closely in case of any changes. In the meantime, if you have any additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time. 

Sincerely,

Jere & Crissi Allen