HPISD to Deep-Clean Campuses This Weekend
Highland Park ISD just released a memo on behalf of superintendent Dawson Orr saying that the school district will commence a deep-cleaning of each campus this weekend and into next week. Custodial staff will also “step up” daily cleaning measures.
“We have checked the CDC guidelines for recommended cleaning products and the commercial grade anti-viral disinfectants currently in use on every campus exceed those recommendations,” Orr said in the memo.
In the spirit of rumor control, the district wished to emphasize that no member of the Bradfield Elementary community was on the Frontier Airlines flight with Ebola patient Amber Vinson — a parent and student did fly from Cleveland to Dallas on Oct. 13, but on a different plane.
The nursing staff within the district has also been trained to identify symptoms of Ebola and reviewed protocol for Ebola-like symptoms. That means:
- A nurse would immediately isolate whoever shows symptoms and stay with the affected person, while donning protective equipment such as gloves, masks, bonnets, face and eye shields, non-permeable gowns, and shoe covers.
- A pre-designated, “alternate clinic” location would operate for other students needing more general assistance.
- Backup nurses, parents, district leaders, and county health officials would immediately be notified.
- The clinic and any other affected areas would be sanitized and risk exposure would be assessed.
The district also wished to remind everyone that the incubation period for those exposed to Thomas Eric Duncan expires this Sunday, Oct. 19. Officials encourage everyone to wash hands frequently and discourage sharing bottles, glasses, or utensils. If your child is sick, wait until he or she is fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. The same goes for adults returning to work.
Members of the community are also encouraged to get a flu shot. HPISD will make them available for $25 from 4-7 p.m. on Oct. 29 in the Highland Park Middle School assembly room.
Though the campus cleanings will begin this weekend, open-house tours will continue on as part of the centennial celebrations, beginning at 3 p.m. today.
