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Safety Protocols

Safety Protocols

The district has put in place a number of new safety protocols to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.  While these new protocols require students and staff to make adjustments, the changes are needed if we are to promote the health and well-being of our students and staff and comply with state guidelines and requirements.

Schools are required to comply with all local and state executive orders regarding the wearing of masks.  The Texas Education Agency has also provided school districts with guidance on the use of masks or face shields for adults and for students for whom it is developmentally appropriate.
 

Student Health Protocols

Protecting our children is everyone’s responsibility.  Parents are required to ensure that students complete a daily self-screening for symptoms prior to coming to school or boarding school transportation.  Students who have any of the following symptoms should not come to school:

  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Exaggerated shivering
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste of smell.
  • Shaking
  • Significant muscle pain or ache
  • Sore throat
  • Temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit

Students in grades 4 through 12 are required to wear a facial covering while in classrooms, common spaces, and when social distancing cannot occur. It is recommended that students in grades Pre-K through 3 wear a facial covering while in classrooms, common spaces, and when social distancing cannot occur.  Facial coverings must cover the mouth and nose.   

In addition, all students must be up-to-date with state-required immunizations.

Students are encouraged to use hand sanitizer before classroom instruction begins and ends, and will be seated with as much separation as feasible during the instructional day. Students will be instructed on methods to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 infection.

 

Campus protocols

The following protocols will be in effect on all campuses:

  • Students arriving late must report to the office for a temperature check.  Students with a temperature over 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit will not be allowed to enter the classroom.
  • Outside food or gift deliveries will be not accepted.
  • Non-essential visitors will not be given access to the campus.  This includes the first day of school and during scheduled meal times.
  • Parents are required to contact the campus and schedule appointments.
  • No student field trips during the instructional day will be permitted.
  • No large group gatherings or events will be held during the instructional day.

Transportation

Bus transportation will be provided to eligible students, and the district will make every effort to ensure social distancing and safe hygiene practices are followed.  However, even with the best practices, bus transportation poses a risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, and to the extent possible, parents are encouraged to drop students off, carpool, or walk students to school.

The following protocols will be in place for all route buses:

  • All transportation staff are required to wear facial coverings.
  • All students are required to wear facial coverings upon boarding the bus.
  • All students and staff are required to use provided hand sanitizer upon boarding the bus.
  • Students must sit in assigned seating.  Only one (1) student will be assigned to each seat, except in the case of siblings, who may be assigned two (2) students per seat.
  • Bus windows will remain open to allow for additional ventilation and airflow.
  • Buses will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each bus trip, focusing on high-touch surfaces such as bus seats, steering wheels, knobs, and door handles.

 

Cafeteria

To minimize outside exposure and to allow for adequate physical distancing for students during meal times, food and gift deliveries will not be accepted.  Students are permitted to bring bag lunches.  Visitors that are not essential to school operations will not be allowed on campuses or in the cafeteria.

  • Foodservice staff are required to use face shields, facial coverings, and gloves when performing job responsibilities.
  • Foodservice staff will be trained to practice health and hygiene regulations.
  • The cafeterias will be cleaned and disinfected daily.
  • All serving and eating areas will be cleaned between uses.
  • Students will be seated with appropriate spacing to maintain social distancing.
  • Signage will be located in cafeterias to reinforce social distancing.

Helpful Links

The district will comply with guidance from local, state, and federal agencies regarding the health protocols used when school reopens.  If these guidelines or mandates change, we will adjust our plans accordingly.

The following links may be of interest to our parents and staff: