COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates
We are monitoring all information from the FLDOE and Lake County Schools regarding COVID-19. We will follow all instructions given by the FLDOE and Lake County Schools regarding school closures. As of March 13, 2020, Altoona School will remain closed until March 30, 2020. Please see the important messages below from Lake County Schools. https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/departments/communications/coronavirus-updates
Students won't return to classrooms until at least April 15 (3/17/2020)
Students won't return to classrooms until at least April 15. Public school students in Lake County and throughout the state of Florida will not return to classrooms until at least April 15, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced this afternoon in a public update on the state's response to the COVID-19 coronavirus. He also said there would be no state testing for the remainder of the school year, and no school grades for this year. Altoona School will update parents once details are finalized for at home learning. Please be patient with is as we navigate through this process.
Students won't return to classrooms until at least April 15. Public school students in Lake County and throughout the state of Florida will not return to classrooms until at least April 15, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced this afternoon in a public update on the state's response to the COVID-19 coronavirus. He also said there would be no state testing for the remainder of the school year, and no school grades for this year. Altoona School will update parents once details are finalized for at home learning. Please be patient with is as we navigate through this process.
Lake County Schools to offer free meals to students (3/16/2020)
Lake County Schools will provide FREE breakfast and lunch meals for its students (18 years old and younger) during the extended school closure next week, from March 23 through March 27, 2020.
The following distribution sites have been established:
Staff will distribute the meals directly to those in their vehicle (drive-through service) upon arrival. In addition, staff will hand out meals directly to any walkers and/or bike riders who may lack motor vehicle transportation. Students must be present to receive the meals. Students are not required to have parents with them, but parents will not be permitted to pick up meals without a student accompanying them.
Based on recommendations from our federal and state leaders, we are asking that all meals be taken home to eat.
Lake County Schools will provide FREE breakfast and lunch meals for its students (18 years old and younger) during the extended school closure next week, from March 23 through March 27, 2020.
The following distribution sites have been established:
- Beverly Shores Elementary - 1108 W. Griffin Road, Leesburg 34748
- Eustis Heights Elementary -- 250 W. Atwater Ave., Eustis 32726
- Groveland Elementary -- 930 Parkwood Street, Groveland 34736
- Grassy Lake Elementary -- 13636 Education Avenue, Minneola 34715
- Lost Lake Elementary -- 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont 34711
Staff will distribute the meals directly to those in their vehicle (drive-through service) upon arrival. In addition, staff will hand out meals directly to any walkers and/or bike riders who may lack motor vehicle transportation. Students must be present to receive the meals. Students are not required to have parents with them, but parents will not be permitted to pick up meals without a student accompanying them.
Based on recommendations from our federal and state leaders, we are asking that all meals be taken home to eat.
Schools closed through March 30 (3/13/2020)
With direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) announced this afternoon that all school districts will close for one additional week beyond their Spring Break. In Lake, students will return to school on March 30.
FSA testing is being delayed by at least two weeks, and all sporting events and extra-curricular activities, including Extended Learning Centers (ELC), are canceled during the closure.
The March 23 School Board meeting is canceled as well.
District employees are instructed to stay home through March 30. Employees will be compensated.
Select staff will be notified individually to help give schools and buses a deep cleansing while students and employees are away. Twelve-month employees are expected to work virtually as much as possible during this time.
FLDOE is evaluating the situation and will determine at a later time whether students will be asked to make up lost instructional time.
More details will be released as information becomes available. Keep up with the latest updates on our website at lake.k12.fl.us/covid19 and follow us on on Facebook and Twitter (@lakeschools).
With direction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) announced this afternoon that all school districts will close for one additional week beyond their Spring Break. In Lake, students will return to school on March 30.
FSA testing is being delayed by at least two weeks, and all sporting events and extra-curricular activities, including Extended Learning Centers (ELC), are canceled during the closure.
The March 23 School Board meeting is canceled as well.
District employees are instructed to stay home through March 30. Employees will be compensated.
Select staff will be notified individually to help give schools and buses a deep cleansing while students and employees are away. Twelve-month employees are expected to work virtually as much as possible during this time.
FLDOE is evaluating the situation and will determine at a later time whether students will be asked to make up lost instructional time.
More details will be released as information becomes available. Keep up with the latest updates on our website at lake.k12.fl.us/covid19 and follow us on on Facebook and Twitter (@lakeschools).
Cruising and Foreign Travel (3/13/2020)
Parents, students and staff:
We received additional guidance from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) this morning regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus, travel and school/work attendance for students and employees.
Yesterday, we stated that based on the CDC recommendations, anyone who takes a cruise despite the CDC's recommendation that travelers defer all cruise ship travel worldwide, is asked to self-isolate for 14 days upon return before coming to school or work.
Today, that statement was echoed by FLDOE, after conversations with the Department of Health (DOH). It is being shared with all districts in the state in stronger language. The notice reads, "Anyone who goes on a cruise, anywhere, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return."
Additionally, FLDOE stated, "Anyone who goes on foreign travel, to any country, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return."
Several parents have specifically asked whether this advisory includes travel to Puerto Rico. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it is not considered “foreign travel.” However, the CDC shows it as having a Level 2 Travel Health Notice, which means “travelers should limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.” Because it is difficult to limit interactions in a school setting, those who travel to Puerto Rico are also asked to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from their travel.
Student absences will be excused, and students will be allowed to complete assignments. Arrangements can be made through the school once parents notify administration that their child will need to self-isolate.
We know it is frustrating to have to consider a change in your travel plans or to have to make adjustments upon your return. Please understand that this is a rapidly changing situation. We are in constant contact with the DOH and FLDOE, and all decisions are being made in collaboration with them. We get updates daily and provide new information as it comes to us.
Lake County Schools has dedicated a page on our website at lake.k12.fl.us/covid19, where you can find the latest information and helpful links. We will also post updates on our social media pages, including over Spring Break. If there are any major changes, we will send an automated phone call as well. At this point, there are no plans to close schools in Lake.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we all navigate new territory with this virus.
Parents, students and staff:
We received additional guidance from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) this morning regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus, travel and school/work attendance for students and employees.
Yesterday, we stated that based on the CDC recommendations, anyone who takes a cruise despite the CDC's recommendation that travelers defer all cruise ship travel worldwide, is asked to self-isolate for 14 days upon return before coming to school or work.
Today, that statement was echoed by FLDOE, after conversations with the Department of Health (DOH). It is being shared with all districts in the state in stronger language. The notice reads, "Anyone who goes on a cruise, anywhere, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return."
Additionally, FLDOE stated, "Anyone who goes on foreign travel, to any country, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return."
Several parents have specifically asked whether this advisory includes travel to Puerto Rico. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it is not considered “foreign travel.” However, the CDC shows it as having a Level 2 Travel Health Notice, which means “travelers should limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.” Because it is difficult to limit interactions in a school setting, those who travel to Puerto Rico are also asked to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from their travel.
Student absences will be excused, and students will be allowed to complete assignments. Arrangements can be made through the school once parents notify administration that their child will need to self-isolate.
We know it is frustrating to have to consider a change in your travel plans or to have to make adjustments upon your return. Please understand that this is a rapidly changing situation. We are in constant contact with the DOH and FLDOE, and all decisions are being made in collaboration with them. We get updates daily and provide new information as it comes to us.
Lake County Schools has dedicated a page on our website at lake.k12.fl.us/covid19, where you can find the latest information and helpful links. We will also post updates on our social media pages, including over Spring Break. If there are any major changes, we will send an automated phone call as well. At this point, there are no plans to close schools in Lake.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we all navigate new territory with this virus.
Spring Break reminders (3/12/2020)
Parents, students and staff:
As we head into Spring Break next week (March 16-20), here are a few reminders regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus:
The Florida Department of Education has advised all districts to prepare instructional continuity plans in case temporary school closures become necessary. We are working on such a plan with guidance from the FLDOE. But as of this writing, there are no current plans to close schools in Lake County.
Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@lakeschools) and check the district website for updates.
Have a relaxing, safe and healthy Spring Break!
Diane Kornegay, Superintendent
Lake County Schools
Parents, students and staff:
As we head into Spring Break next week (March 16-20), here are a few reminders regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus:
- Follow the CDC's information for travel. Parents, please notify your child's principal if any member of your household goes to any of the countries where community spread of the virus is occurring. Employees, notify your supervisor of the same. Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that children and employees in these households wait for the 14-day incubation period, beginning the day of return to the U.S., to expire before returning to school.
- The CDC recommends travelers defer all cruise ship travel worldwide. Students and employees who cruise despite the recommendation -- regardless of the destinations -- are asked to self-isolate for 14 days in order to limit interactions with others beginning on the day you disembark.
- Continue your practice of healthy habits including frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; coughing or sneezing into an elbow or using a tissue and placing it immediately in the trash; cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; and staying home when you are sick.
The Florida Department of Education has advised all districts to prepare instructional continuity plans in case temporary school closures become necessary. We are working on such a plan with guidance from the FLDOE. But as of this writing, there are no current plans to close schools in Lake County.
Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@lakeschools) and check the district website for updates.
Have a relaxing, safe and healthy Spring Break!
Diane Kornegay, Superintendent
Lake County Schools