February 5, 2021

Dear Buckaroo Family and Community,

This letter is to inform you that a student or staff member at Norphlet Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19.  District and school administration have followed response protocols issued by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and contacted the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).

Students and staff who were in “close contact” will be notified by the school nurse or school administration.  The district is thoroughly disinfecting and sanitizing facilities appropriately.

As we continue to work through these situations together, know that the Smackover-Norphlet School District will be transparent if and when these situations occur.  As a reminder, please keep your child home if:

  • He/she is running fever or feels ill
  • Has been around a possible COVID-19 case
  • Has been tested for COVID-19 (Even if your child is tested after school hours, on a holiday break, weekend, etc. and receives a negative test, please call the school nurse for follow up guidance on returning to school.)

As a reminder:   If a staff member or student tests positive for
COVID-19, he or she is  required to have a letter of release from the
Arkansas Department of Health in order to return to school or work. This
letter needs to given to the school nurse who is also the point of
contact.

In accordance with confidentiality laws and HIPPA regulations, the Smackover-Norphlet School District is not allowed to release identifiable information of individuals with COVID-19.

Thank you for your flexibility and partnership as we work through these situations together! Go Bucks!

Sincerely,

Jason Black