By Mary Parker Draper, Extension Agent – Smith County
School is back in session! Smith County schools are currently in a hybrid learning model of both distant and in-person schooling. While fewer children than adults have had COVID-19 in the United States, the number of school-aged children with COVID-19 has been increasing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are some steps parents and caregivers can take to help slow the spread of the virus and keep their loved ones safe.
Have conversations with your child about safety practices they should be doing at school. The following practices can help children stay safe and cut down the risk of being exposed to COVID-19:
- Use face masks where appropriate.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and then throw it away.
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. Rub your hands together for 20 seconds before rinsing. Use a paper towel to turn off the water and open the door before throwing it away.
- Try not to touch your face.
- Try not to touch other children’s desks or supplies and keep your own area uncluttered.
- Practice safe ways to play with other children.
- Practice polite ways to communicate any safety needs.
- Be open and honest with your teacher about COVID-19 concerns and anxieties.
It is also important to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection after your child returns home from school. The following tips will help your child re-enter the home safely after being in school:
- Check your child’s temperature and ask about any symptoms.
- Remove your child’s clothes and shoes immediately upon entering.
- Have your child wash their hands as mentioned earlier.
- Wash clothes and face masks immediately or place them in a designated area where they do not contaminate other clothes.
- Keep backpacks and school supplies in one place for homework to reduce the spread of germs throughout the house.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and then throw it away.
To limit the spread of COVID-19 as well as other viruses, children should stay home from school and other activities if they have any signs of illness or a fever. Contact your doctor if you have concerns. For more information on going back to school safely visit https://utia.tennessee.edu/extensioncovid19/.
Spicy Taco Salad
1 lb. ground beef (optional)
2 cups chili beans, drained
1 onion
4 tomatoes
1 head of lettuce, chopped
4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese
1 bag Doritos, crushed
8 oz. Catalina dressing
If you wish to use ground beef in this recipe, brown in skillet about 1 lb. and drain well. Chop 1 onion, 4 tomatoes, 1 head of lettuce (add lettuce at end). Mix beef, onion, tomato, 2 cups chili beans, 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, and 8 oz. Catalina dressing. Add 1 bag of crushed Doritos (I like the Nacho Cheese flavored), then mix in the lettuce. Serves 6-8. Submitted by Janice Lynch, Grant FCE Club.
