FREE COVID-19 TESTING SITES:

https://www.wheelerclinic.org/news/covid-19-testing

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Colleagues,

In the effort to maintain our commitment to setting the standard in providing excellence in education for our students, our administrative team updated the contingency plan. Please see below.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me directly at 860-769-3891 or any of our leadership team members. Please stay safe and healthy and thank you for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,
Ana Wittig,
Chief Administrator of Oak Hill Schools

Estimados Padres, Guardianes y Colegas,
Para mantener el esfuerzo de nuestro compromiso de el governador Y Para mantener excelencia de educacion para nuestro estudiantes, el grupo de nuestro administradores actualizadon un plan de contingencia. Por favor de chequiar hasi abajo.

Como siempre, si tienen algunas preguntas o precupaciones, por favor de llamarme directamente 860-769-3891. Tambien pueden llamar cual quier grupo de miembros. Por favor mantengansen seguros y bien de salud. Muchas gracias por su continuacion de suporte.

Sinceramente,

Ana Wittig,
Jefa De Administradora De La Escuela De Oak Hill

Oak Hill School is prepared to monitor and respond to the COVID -19 public health emergency interruptions in educational process. As such, we have developed an Emergency Management Team (EMT) and a strong communication system.

Oak Hill School Emergency
Management Team

EMT Position	Name	Contact Information (email / phone)
Agency Head	Barry Simon -President	860-242-2274 [email protected]
Successor #1	Ana Wittig – Chief Administrator of OHS	860-242-2274 [email protected]
Successor #2	Mark Hedrick – Senior Director of Education	860-769-3851 [email protected]

Financial Officer	Christine Leiby- Chief Financial Officer	860-242-2274 [email protected]
Educational Leader (OHS at Hartford, Hebron, HK, Portland)	Breanna Guida- Director of Education	959-282-4735 [email protected]
Educational Leader (OHS at Ann Antolini, FVM, MSP, Bristol)	Rob Parenti – Director of Education	860-906-2318 [email protected]
Communications Leader	Brittany Horowitz, Director Development and Communications	860-242-2274 [email protected]

Medical Leader	Joann Diaz BSN, RN, CDDN – Health Services Coordinator	860-280-7145 [email protected]
Successor #1	Amanda Plasse -RN Nurse Supervisor	860-371-0618 [email protected]

Communication with Parents, Guardians, Districts, CSDE, and Other Community Stakeholders

With Parents/Guardians:
1. Health Services Coordinator will be updating our website with new information as it becomes available.
2. Educational Leaders will continue to notify parents of any changes.
With CSDE and Districts:
1. Chief Administrator with an administrative team will make every effort in gathering the information and notifying districts in the event Oak Hill School is unable to meet Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) per the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).
2. Chief Administrator will notify districts regarding plans for distance learning as appropriate.
3. Educational leaders will be in regular communication with district and local school leadership to ensure that information is shared.
Oak Hill School Employees
1. Health services coordinator will be sending regular updates as new information becomes available.
2. Educational leaders will be in regular communication with teaching teams for each location.
3. Oak Hill School employees who are experiencing any symptoms relevant to COVID-19, or have tested positive for COVID-19 will report such symptoms/results and these will be tracked on an agency wide document.
With Other Community Stakeholders:
1. Health Services Coordinator will be in regular communication with local health departments and the Connecticut Department of Public Health
2. All other correspondence will be given on an as needed basis to community stakeholders by the Emergency Management Team (EMT).

Attendance of Oak Hill Students and Employees

All students under federal law have the right to FAPE. Oak Hill School does not discriminate based on disability when providing educational services.

Oak Hill School classrooms will remain closed until at least May 20, 2020 per Governor’s executive order. This closure may extend through the end of this school year and Oak Hill School staff are preparing accordingly to align programming with the potential for a prolonged school closure.
If a school district is providing distance learning, Oak Hill School will collaborate with that district to ensure same access that all students have and FAPE.
During this shut-down, Oak Hill School will be providing resources for all enrolled students by sending student individual work via different modalities including technology. The resources would provide the opportunities for instruction that will address the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives.

Response Plan

As a precautionary measure, all classrooms will be deep cleaned in preparation for re-opening.
We will continue outlined communications with all stakeholders throughout the closure and anticipated re-opening.
If a partner district is providing distance-learning, Oak Hill School will collaborate with the district to provide the same opportunity to the greatest extent practicable.
The Oak Hill School educational team developed an Individualized Distance Learning Plan for all students. This is based on each student’s IEP, with input from the teacher, related service professionals, and ongoing parent communication. The plan will be adjusted and modified as needed. This will ensure our students’ appropriate access to the educational process to the greatest extent practicable. Distance learning is delivered through the Google classroom platform and includes live virtual lessons and links. Additionally, materials are sent home to provide hands-on learning activities with instructions.
The Oak Hill School clinical team is in regular contact with families and addresses needs and organizes delivery of food and supplies as appropriate.
Related services including music therapy, art therapy, and clinical/psychiatric appointments are delivered virtually.
We will continue to follow all State of Connecticut and CDC guidelines throughout this public health emergency.
If parents have concerns, questions, or need support during the closure, they can call our main number at 860-769-3843. Someone will return the call within one business day.
Updates to this plan will be posted on our website https://oakhillschool.oakhillct.org/

Plan De Contingencia Del Coronavirus De La Escuela Oak Hill (COVID-19)

La escuela de Oak Hill está preparada para monitorear y responder a las interrupciones de emergencia de salud pública de COVID -19 en el proceso educativo. Como tal, hemos desarrollado un Equipo de Manejo de Emergencias (EMT) y un sólido sistema de comunicación.

EMT Position	Name	Contact Information (email / phone)
Jefe De Agencia	Barry Simon -President	860-242-2274 [email protected]
Sucesor #1	Ana Wittig – Chief Administrator of OHS	860-242-2274 [email protected]
Sucesor #2	Mark Hedrick – Senior Director of Education	860-769-3851 [email protected]
Financiera Oficial	Christine Leiby, Finance and Administration	860-242-2274 [email protected]

Lidel Educasional Leader (OHS at Hartford, Hebron, HK, Portland)	Breanna Guida- Director of Education	959-282-4735 [email protected]
Lidel Educasional (OHS at Ann Antolini, FVM, MSP, Bristol)	Rob Parenti – Director of Education	860-906-2318 [email protected]
Lidel de Communicasion	Eloise Mongillo-VP, Development and Communications	860-242-2274 [email protected]
Sucesor #1	Brittany Horowitz – Director of Development and Communications	860-242-2274 [email protected]
Lidel Medical	Joann Diaz BSN, RN, CDDN – Health Services Coordinator	860-280-7145 [email protected]
Sucesor #1	Amanda Plasse -RN Nurse Supervisor	860-371-0618 [email protected]

Comunicación con padres, tutores, distritos, CSDE y otras partes interesadas de la comunidad

Con los padres / tutores:
El coordinador de servicios de salud actualizará nuestro sitio web con nueva información a medida que esté disponible. si. Los líderes educativos continuarán notificando a los padres sobre cualquier cambio.
Con CSDE y distritos: a. El Administrador en Jefe con un equipo administrativo hará todo lo posible para recopilar la información y notificar a los distritos en caso de que la Escuela Oak Hill no pueda cumplir con la Educación Pública Gratuita y Apropiada (FAPE) según el Plan Educativo Individualizado (IEP). si. El Administrador Principal notificará a los distritos sobre los planes de aprendizaje a distancia según corresponda. C. Los líderes educativos se comunicarán regularmente con los líderes escolares locales y del distrito para garantizar que se comparta la información.
Empleados de la escuela Oak Hill a. El coordinador de servicios de salud enviará actualizaciones periódicas a medida que haya nueva información disponible. si. Los líderes educativos estarán en comunicación regular con los equipos docentes para cada ubicación. C. Según el Centro para el Control de Enfermedades (CDC), los empleados de la Escuela Oak Hill que estén experimentando algún síntoma relacionado con COVID-19, informarán dichos síntomas al Coordinador de Servicios de Salud.
Con otras partes interesadas de la comunidad: a. El coordinador de servicios de salud se comunicará regularmente con los departamentos de salud locales y el Departamento de Salud Pública de Connecticut. Si El Equipo de Manejo de Emergencias (EMT, por sus siglas en inglés) proporcionará toda la correspondencia necesaria a los interesados de la comunidad. Asistencia de estudiantes y empleados de Oak Hill Todos los estudiantes bajo la ley federal tienen derecho a FAPE. La escuela de Oak Hill no discrimina por discapacidad al proporcionar servicios educativos.
Según la orden ejecutiva del Gobernador de cerrar todas las escuelas, la Escuela Oak Hill está cerrada hasta al menos el 1 de abril de 2020.
Si un distrito escolar proporciona educación a distancia, la Escuela Oak Hill colaborará con ese distrito para garantizar el mismo acceso que todos los estudiantes tienen y FAPE.
Durante este cierre, la escuela Oak Hill proporcionará recursos para todos los estudiantes matriculados enviando trabajo individual de los estudiantes por correo. Los recursos proporcionarían las oportunidades de instrucción que abordarán las metas y objetivos del Plan de Educación Individualizada (IEP). Plan de respuesta
Como medida de precaución, todas las aulas serán limpiadas a fondo en preparación para la reapertura. 2. Continuaremos las comunicaciones resumidas con todos los interesados durante el cierre y
Continuaremos las comunicaciones resumidas con todos los interesados durante el cierre y la reapertura anticipada.
Si un distrito asociado brinda educación a distancia, la Escuela Oak Hill colaborará con el distrito para brindar la misma oportunidad en la mayor medida posible.
El equipo educativo de la Escuela Oak Hill desarrolló un Plan de aprendizaje a distancia individualizado para todos los estudiantes basado en el IEP de cada estudiante con maestros regulares, profesionales de servicios relacionados y comunicación con los padres para evaluar la adecuación del plan y ajustar y modificar según sea necesario. Esto garantizará el acceso apropiado de nuestros estudiantes al proceso educativo en la mayor medida posible. Esto incluye “tiempo cara a cara” con profesores y profesionales relacionados y lecciones virtuales.
El equipo clínico de la Escuela Oak Hill está en contacto regular con las familias y atiende las necesidades según corresponda.
Continuaremos siguiendo todas las pautas del Estado de Connecticut y los CDC a lo largo de esta emergencia de salud pública.
Si los padres tienen inquietudes, preguntas o necesitan apoyo durante el cierre, pueden llamar a nuestro número principal al 860-769-3843. Alguien devolverá la llamada dentro de un día hábil.

What is Coronavirus disease 2019?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China

Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation?

It follows people with flu-like symptoms being asked to self-isolate at home, to avoid infecting others.
So, what do you need to know about social distancing and self-isolation?

What is social distancing?

Social distancing means trying to avoid contact with other people.
It means spending less time in public places, where a lot of people are People to start working from home wherever possible

The Government Wants:

All unnecessary travel stopped
Pubs, clubs, theaters, and other such social venues to be avoided
Anyone living with someone who has a cough or a temperature to stay at home for 14 days
People in at-risk groups to stay at home for 12 weeks. This affects pregnant women, people aged over 70 and those with underlying health conditions.

What is self-isolating?

Self-isolating means cutting yourself off from the rest of the world.

From now on, if one person in a household starts to display flu-like symptoms – defined as a fever of above 100 F or a persistent cough – everyone living there must stay at home for 14 days.

He said that meant avoiding leaving the house “even to buy food or essentials”, adding people could go out to do exercise, but only at a safe distance from others.

The person with the symptoms should stay in a well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened, and keep away from other people in the home.

They should ask for help for groceries, other shopping or medication, which can be dropped off on the doorstep by friends, family or delivery drivers.

The Covid-19 disease can cause a fever, cough and breathing problems. It takes five days on average for people to start showing the symptoms. People have tested positive without symptoms.

DRIVE-THROUGH AND WALK-UP TESTING FOR EVERYONE

Wheeler offers drive-through and walk-up COVID-19 virus testing for Wheeler patients and the general public at:

Family Health & Wellness Center
43 Woodland Street, Hartford
Monday through Friday
10 AM to 2 PM

No doctor’s note or previous visit is needed, and the public is welcome. Please bring an insurance card (if you have insurance) and identification.

Services are provided in English and Spanish.

All participants will receive a follow-up phone call from Wheeler in 3-4 days to review test results.

What if someone self-isolating shares a home?

If someone is self-isolating and shares a kitchen, they should try to avoid using it when other people are there and take meals back to their room to eat. Clean all the surfaces at home with household cleaning products daily.

Although they might not be able to entirely separate themselves from family members, the advice is to limit contact as much as possible.

If possible, stay at least 6 feet from other people they live with and sleep alone. Keep away from vulnerable people.

People living with someone in isolation should wash their hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds – especially after coming into contact with them.

Other people shouldn’t share towels, toiletries or other household items with someone in isolation, who should have a separate bathroom. If that is not possible, the isolated person should use the bathroom last, cleaning it thoroughly afterwards if they are able.

Any garbage that the isolated person has been in contact with should be double-bagged and kept separate.

Resource: https://www.bbc.com/news

Updates will be provided on this site as they are released

Last updated: March 17, 2020

Children and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out

Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more about who is most at risk for health problems if they have COVID-19 infection on are you at higher risk for severe illness.

Steps to protect children from getting sick

Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoid people who are sick(coughing and sneezing)
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks)
Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

You can find additional information on preventing COVID-19 at Prevention for 2019 Novel Coronavirus and at Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities. Additional information on how COVID-19 is spread is available at How COVID-19 Spreads.

Children may present with mild symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. It’s not known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare needs. There is more to learn about how the disease impacts children.

**Children don’t need to wear face masks

No. If your child is healthy, there is no need for them to wear a face mask. Only people who have symptoms of illness or who are providing care to those who are ill should wear masks.

Limit Social Interactions:

The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to limit contact as much as possible. If you have play dates, keep the groups small. Encourage older children to hang out in a small group and to meet outside rather than inside. It’s easier to keep and maintain space between others in outdoor settings, like parks.

Practice Social Distancing:

If you have small meetups, consider hanging out with another family or friend who is also taking extra measures to put distance between themselves and others (social distancing).

Clean Hands Often:

Make sure children practice everyday preventive behaviors, such as washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important if you have been in a public place.

Revise Spring Break & Travel Plans:

Revise spring break and travel plans if they included non-essential travel.

Remember, if children meet outside of school in bigger groups, it can put everyone at risk.

Information about COVID-19 in children is somewhat limited, but current data suggest children with COVID-19 may only have mild symptoms. However, they can still pass this virus onto others who may be at higher risk, including older adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions.

Help children continue learning

Stay in touch with your child’s school.

Many schools are offering lessons online (virtual learning). Review assignments from the school, and help your child establish a reasonable pace for completing the work. You may need to assist your child with turning on devices, reading instructions, and typing answers.
Communicate challenges to your school. If you face technology or connectivity issues, or if your child is having a hard time completing assignments, let the school know.

Create a schedule and routine for learning at home but remain flexible.

Have consistent bedtimes and get up at the same time, Monday through Friday.
Structure the day for learning, free time, healthy meals and snacks, and physical activity.
Allow flexibility in the schedule—it’s okay to adapt based on your day.

Consider the needs and adjustment required for your child’s age group.

The transition to being at home will be different for preschoolers, K-5, middle school students, and high school students. Talk to your child about expectations and how they are adjusting to being at home versus at school.
Consider ways your child can stay connected with their friends without spending time in person.

Look for ways to make learning fun.

Have hands-on activities, like puzzles, painting, drawing, and making things.
Independent play can also be used in place of structured learning. Encourage children to build a fort from sheets or practice counting by stacking blocks.
Practice handwriting and grammar by writing letters to family members. This is a great way to connect and limit face-to-face contact.
Start a journal with your child to document this time and discuss the shared experience.
Use audiobooks or see if your local library is hosting virtual or live-streamed

Watch your child for any signs of illness.

If you see any sign of illness consistent with symptoms of COVID-19, particularly fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider and keep your child at home and away from others as much as possible. Follow CDC’s guidance on “What to do if you are sick.”

Watch for signs of stress in your child.

Some common changes to watch for include excessive worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits, and difficulty with attention and concentration. For more information, see the “For Parents” section on CDC’s website, Manage Anxiety and Stress.
Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share factsabout COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
Go to CDC’s Helping Children Cope with Emergenciesor Talking with Children About COVID-19 for more information.

Teach and reinforce everyday preventive actions.

Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Explain that hand washing can keep them healthy and stop the virus from spreading to others.
Be a good role model—if you wash your hands often, they’re more likely to do the same.
Make handwashing a family activity.

Help your child stay active.

Encourage your child to play outdoors—it’s great for physical and mental health. Take a walk with your child or go on a bike ride.
Use indoor activity breaks (e.g., stretch breaks, dance breaks) throughout the day to help your child stay healthy and focused.

Help your child stay socially connected.

Reach out to friends and family via phone or video chats.
Write cards or letters to family members they may not be able to visit.
Some schools and non-profits, such as the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learningexternal iconand The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligenceexternal icon, have resources for social and emotional learning. Check to see if your school has tips and guidelines to help support social and emotional needs of your child.

Limit time with older adults, relatives, and people with serious underlying medical conditions

Older adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions are at highest risk of getting sick from COVID-19.

If others in your home are at particularly high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, consider extra precautions to separate your child from those people.
If you are unable to stay home with your child during school dismissals, carefully consider who might be best positioned to provide childcare. If someone at higher risk for COVID-19 will be providing care (older adult, such as a grandparent or someone with a chronic medical condition), limit your children’s contact with other people.
Consider postponing visits or trip to see older family members and grandparents. Connect virtually or by writing letters and sending via mail.

Mental health problems and social issues are on the rise due to the COVID-19 crisis and we want to support the families of our students in helping them cope through this extremely stressful time. Managing one’s stress and mental health is critical in maintaining our overall health and wellbeing. For mental health concerns, resources and support for you and your family please contact:

Erin Chiaputti, LCSW , Clinician at Oak Hill School, at 860-416-8701.
Below are a list of resources and links for Mental Health Services and Coping with Stress:

Crisis Lines and Services

211, Option 1 for Crisis

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ to chat

For Veteran’s Crisis Line press Option 1

For Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services for Youth dial 211, press Option 1 and then Option 1 again.

To find your local agency that provides mobile crisis services for adults visit https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/Programs-and-Services/Finding-Services/Crisis-Services or call 211, press Option 1 and then Option 3.

For substance abuse treatment 24/7:

Call the Access Line: 1-800-563-4086

Looking for a therapist or psychiatrist?

Many mental health professionals are offering Telehealth options for therapy and psychiatric services:

For Medicaid recipients contact Beacon Healthcare Options (Formerly CT Behavioral Health Partnership) At 877-552-8247 or visit http://www.ctbhp.com/

For private health insurance holders you can contact your insurance for a list of in network providers or visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

If you do not have insurance you may be eligible for sliding fee services at a community behavioral clinic. Call 211 or visit 211ct.org for your local clinic or use the Treatment Finder Locator Link below.

Treatment Facility Locator: https://www.ctclearinghouse.org/find-help/treatment-facility-locator/

You could also ask your primary care physician for a referral.
Managing Stress and Anxiety:

A Comprehensive Guide to Reducing Anxiety and Fear from COVID-19:

https://connect.uclahealth.org/2020/04/10/a-comprehensive-guide-to-reducing-anxiety-and-fear-from-covid-19/

Covid Coach is an app that offers access to anxiety management tools such as audio-guided mindfulness and deep breathing, as well as exercises designed to address anxiety, trauma reactions, and relationship conflict. It also has quick links to resources for finding crisis care and mental health support, and service agencies for families and those seeking basic fundamentals. Developed by the National Center for PTSD at the VA, it joins other free, widely-used mental health apps like PTSD Coach and Mindfulness Coach.

Download here for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1504705038?pt=545860&ct=Providerlists&mt=8

Download here for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.va.mobilehealth.ncptsd.covid

Free Mindfulness Meditation Videos: https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/Video-Gallery/Videos/Meditation-Videos

Articles on the Benefits of Breathing and How to Practice Breathing:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/proper-breathing-brings-better-health/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response

Financial Hardships and Mental Health: https://www.thesimpledollar.com/financial-wellness/debt-and-mental-health-guide/

For Domestic Violence Services:

Statewide confidential crisis line: Call 884-774-2900 or visit CTSafeConnect.org to connect with a certified domestic violence advocate

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233