Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child is presenting with symptoms associated with a cold (i.e.: sneezing, coughing, runny nose, etc.) or my child presents with a fever in excess of 100.4 degrees Fahenheit?

Fever Related Sickness (Non-Covid19)

“In children, fever has been the most frequently reported symptom. However, fever is common in many other illnesses, and temperatures can be taken improperly and falsely interpreted as fever. Additionally, there is no symptom or set of symptoms that only occurs in children diagnosed with COVID-19. Students who are sick with contagious illnesses should not attend school, but most illnesses do not require the same level or length of isolation that COVID-19 does. Excluding students from school for longer than what is called for in existing school policies (e.g., fever free without medication for 24-hours) based on COVID-19 symptoms alone risks repeated, long-term unnecessary student absence”.

Parents who report that their child has a fever, defined as anything in excess of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, must keep their child home for a minimum of 24 hours. If the fever returns to normal, below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, then the child can return to school without a doctor's note in compliance with the school’s existing health policies stated in the Parent/Student Handbook.

If, however, the fever has not changed or increased, the child cannot return to school and the parent will be required to schedule an appointment with their child’s primary care physician. The child can only return to school once they have received clearance from the primary care physician and have a temperature below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, without aid of fever reducing medication, for a minimum of 24 hours.

What if my child has to stay home for an extended period of time?

The school is blessed with robust learning platforms that can accommodate remote learning. Teachers are trained to utilize these online resources as part of their Blended Learning approach to their respective curriculum.

What if the school must close for an extended period of time?

Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School will adhere to the policies and directives set forth by the Regional Office of the Sisters of the Company of Mary. Determinations will involve but are not limited to, evaluating student involvement with learning platforms during the school closure, benchmark assessments, length of the closure, high school recommendations, etc., will be evaluated.

What should I do if my child, or I, have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus?

Please do not assume your healthcare provider will notify the school immediately. We have protocols that need to be enacted immediately upon notification by you, your healthcare provider, the Orange County Department of Health, and/or the Center for Disease Control. The more timely the notification the greater response can be established minimizing potential risks for exposure.

What is the school doing now to help ensure that our community, all of our children, staff, faculty, parents and Sisters to continue the minimal risk of exposure?

• Cleaning crews are wiping down desks and work areas more extensively.
• Teachers are cleaning door knobs, work areas, etc. on a more regular basis.
• Teachers are instructing students to wash their hands prior to recess, after recess, prior to lunch, after lunch and prior to dismissal.
• Students are directed on a continual basis to cover their faces when sneezing, coughing, etc., and to immediately wash their hands with soap and water or an antibacterial gel.
• Teachers are monitoring students who may be sneezing or coughing on a regular basis.
• A dedicated “Urgent News Update Center” will be posted to the school’s website and accessible through the SJDL App.
• The Administration Team is always available to address any question or concern you may have.

What can I do now to help prepare for a school closure?

Proactively planning is key to success. We encourage all of our parents to have contingency plans regarding child care, meeting with employers to discuss procedures, etc., can help alleviate some of the anxiety should a closure occur, for both you and your child. 

We also urge you to take the time to ensure that you are able to access all of the online learning platforms listed below. Knowing how to access information and online content posted by teachers will help your child remain on task regarding assignments and assessments.

We are in consistent communication with the Diocese of Orange as well as monitoring the Orange County Department of Health and the Orange County Department of Education as well as state and federal agencies for current alerts and news. The school will continue to inform our community regarding any relevant information parents may need to make informed decisions.

Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School will always place the health and safety of our children at the highest priority. Together, in partnership with our school community, we pray that God will continue to bless us and guide us.