As we have seen throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to predict what the future may hold, or what health and safety orders may be placed on the District during the 2021-2022 school year. Because of these uncertainties, please know that the District’s health and safety protocols may change at any time based on new orders or requirements set by local or state health officials and/or the Board of Education.
Below is a list of updates regarding the District’s health and safety protocols for the 2021-2022 school year as of August 17, 2021. If anything should change prior to the start of the school year, or during the school year, the District will send an updated communication.
Return to In-Person Learning:
We strongly believe that students belong in the classroom and are most successful surrounded by their peers and our talented staff, as well as having daily access to important school resources. Therefore, all students will be registered for in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. The District is NOT directly providing a Remote Learning program.
Face Masks in School:
School Districts across the country have been placed in the middle of a difficult, and vigorously debated, issue with respect to masking at school. Every day, we receive phone calls and emails from parents and community members offering different, often opposing, views about masking in our schools.
It is important to note, that as of now, local and state health officials have not issued an order requiring face masks in schools, as they did last school year. However, various local, state and federal health agencies and officials have recommended, though not required, masking in schools.
In light of local, state and federal health agencies recommending, but not requiring the use of face masks, the District has decided that it is each parent’s option whether to have their child wear a mask in school or during a school activity. It will also be each staff member’s option whether to wear a mask in school or during a school activity. The District will not at this time require the use of face masks in school. The District can provide a desk shield if one is requested by a student.
Face Masks on the Bus:
Per an existing CDC order, face masks are required on school buses for bus drivers and students, regardless of vaccination status. All school districts are required to follow this order.
Symptom & Health Assessment Checks:
Symptom and health assessment checks should be completed every morning at home by all students and staff prior to coming to school. If exhibiting symptoms of illness, please stay home and contact your healthcare provider.
Reporting COVID-19 Cases:
If you, your child, or anyone in your household test positive for COVID-19, please contact our District Nurse, Heidi Perry, at 440.358.8304 as soon as possible. In addition, if you, your child, or anyone in your household are awaiting test results from a COVID-19 test, please do not have your child come to school until test results are received and/or you hear guidance from either our District Nurse or the Lake County General Health District.
Contact Tracing & Quarantine Protocols:
When school officials are made aware of a positive COVID-19 case, our school nurse will work with the Lake County General Health District to investigate the case and identify any close contacts in accordance with the Lake County General Health District and the Ohio Department of Health’s quarantine protocols.
Cleaning and Maintaining Healthy Facilities:
Buildings, classrooms, bathrooms, buses and other high touch surfaces and areas will continue to be cleaned thoroughly throughout the day.
Hand Sanitizer and Handwashing:
Hand sanitizer will continue to be located throughout all of our school buildings and available in every classroom and on every bus.
Handwashing for students and staff will be encouraged throughout the day and time for handwashing will continue to be built into the instructional day at the elementary level.
Physical Distancing:
Although physical distancing is a challenge in the school setting, students will be reminded to be respectful of their classmate’s personal space.
Vaccinations:
The District hosted a vaccination clinic for staff members in February and March. A student vaccination clinic for 16 & 17-year-olds was conducted as well in May and June.
We encourage all families to visit the Lake County General Health District’s website for updated information on vaccination clinics or vaccination opportunities throughout the area.
School Meals:
The USDA has announced that students will continue receiving free breakfast and lunch meals throughout the 2021-2022 school year.
Future Updates:
Future updates regarding any of these matters will be provided as needed as soon as they are available.