What if my child is sick but does NOT have COVID?
Students who are sick with ANY contagious illness must stay home, even if they have tested negative for COVID-19.
Absences for illnesses can be excused, even if they aren’t related to COVID-19. Students should not be coming to school if they have the potential to spread an illness to their peers or school staff.
Contact your healthcare provider for guidance on when your child can return to school.
What happens if there is a positive test at the school?
In the event of a student or staff member tests positive, schools will follow protocols outlined by the health department. Health officials conduct contact tracing and notify appropriate individuals regarding quarantine or other measures. This is done on a case by case basis. Depending on the circumstance, individuals may be directed to be tested. District plans are in line with these health department policies, and we assist them with communication.
What if my child has allergies that may look like symptoms?
Students with allergies or other non-infectious health matters that may have the appearance of COVID-19 symptoms must communicate with their school administrator and teacher(s) to provide that information, along with appropriate documentation from a healthcare provider.
Will substitute teachers be assigned to different schools throughout the district?
Substitute teachers will be assigned appropriately, and contact tracing will be in effect to ensure there isn’t expanded exposure in the event of a positive test. School level, and even district level, teams will assist in circumstances where a substitute is not available.
What about music classes?
Music classes will follow the same protocols as other classrooms. During playing/singing times, these classes will implement mitigation strategies to prevent exposure to highest extent possible.
Will students be able to share supplies?
No. Students will keep items to themselves.
What if my student has special needs or medical concerns?
Each Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or unique circumstance will be reviewed in advance of the school year to meet the needs of students and ensure employees are protected.
How will teachers be protected?
In addition to daily practices (cleaning, controlled movement, social distancing, etc.), the district is providing masks for employees upon request. School buildings have hospital-grade HVAC filters and increased air circulation timelines. Parents also play a very important role in keeping teachers and staff safe by not sending kids to school if they are sick.
What will buses be like?
Face coverings are strongly recommended on school buses. Sanitizer dispensers will be on every bus, and buses will be sanitized between every run of students. Assigned seating will be used to assist in the event contract tracing needs to be conducted.
Will there be sanitizer and temperature checks at school?
Sanitizer will be available and students will follow a regular handwashing schedule (to be fleshed out at the school level) throughout the day. Temperature checks will be implemented for specific scenarios and in conjunction with school needs and the health department.
How will classrooms be cleaned and sanitized?
All schools have been supplied, and will be resupplied as needed, with products that are effective against viruses and bacteria.
Regular classroom cleaning is accomplished with two cleaning products: Engineered water (hypochlorous acid, HOCL) and a disinfecting cleaner (Spic & Span©). Both products are listed on the CDC’s N List, which gives them the distinction of meeting the EPA’s criteria for use against the virus that causes COVID-19.
Along with regular cleaning, school custodians will spray the entire building using ‘electrostatic’ backpack sprayers at least every other day. These backpack sprayers use Purtabs (EPA: 71847-6-91524) and/or PurOne tabs (EPA: 71847-7-91524), both of which on the CDC N List.
Will students practice social distancing at all times at school?
Schools will remain mindful of safe spacing to the highest degree possible.
What will distance learning be like?
Online learning options will be centralized into two platforms: Live (synchronous) instruction, and Self-Paced (grades 9-12 only). While evidence shows face-to-face learning is best for most students, families should meet with school administration to consider options and choose the right fit for their student.