March 5, 2020

Dear Parents,

Arma Dei Academy takes the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns very seriously, and the Leadership Team is monitoring the recommendations from the CDC and the Department of Public Health frequently to assure that we are doing all we can to protect the health of our students and employees. This is one of our highest priorities. 

In uncertain times, we often default to our fallen nature and tend towards fear and panic. We, however, have something the world does not have - FAITH. We serve a sovereign God (Isaiah 46:10) who is in control of all things. This is an opportunity for us to model to our children and students what it looks and sounds like to live in faith and not fear. We are called as believers to walk by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) and to trust in the Lord, not our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6). As parents, we hope that our children learn resilience in the face of adversity and stress; this is a good time to practice this as a community of believers. 

So, what can we do? First and foremost, pray and place our faith and trust in God. In addition, public health organizations have several recommendations for Arma Dei Academy families.

1.  Educate yourself. The following websites are updated frequently and have the most current, reliable information: 


2. Prevention is the best protection. Adhere to the guidelines for reducing the spread of any respiratory illness by diligently practicing the following:
  • Wash hands (20 seconds) with soap and water often
  • Cover coughs and sneezes, preferably with a tissue and throw that tissue away
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Stay home from school or work (except to get medical care) if you are ill
  • Avoid sharing personal household items with others who are ill
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day

3. Adhere to Sick Day Guidelines. To keep the Arma Dei campus healthy, please keep your sick student at home. This includes anyone who has vomited within the last 24 hours or who is running a temperature of 100 degrees or higher.
  • Students may return to school when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and are well enough to participate in all school activities.
  • Students with the following symptoms should be kept home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours without medication:
  • Active vomiting
  • Active diarrhea - three or more times in 6 hours
  • Extreme fatigue, lethargy, or lack of appetite
  • Fever with headache, body aches, earaches, or sore throat
  • Any of the above symptoms with fever and/or chills
  • If antibiotic treatment is necessary, students must remain home for the first full 24 hours of medication

Additionally, Arma Dei Academy has increased efforts to clean all high touch surfaces well every day with recommended solutions. We are also reminding school personnel to rigorously enforce school illness policies. As additional guidance is provided to schools from the CDC, we will keep you informed.
 
Please be assured that the Leadership Team of Arma Dei is looking at alternatives for learning if Coronavirus spreads in our area. In the unlikely event that it becomes necessary to close school for an extended period of time to avoid the spread of illness, we are prepared to keep your students engaged and learning through a variety of remote educational experiences.

In Christ alone, 
Jen Wenger (Principal) and Tatum Lehman (School Nurse)

“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2