As a nation, we continue to face uncertainties as we navigate COVID-19 and its variants. This affects our 2021-22 school year in a variety of ways. We will have cleaning protocols in place and will maintain three feet of separation when possible. Students are encouraged to regularly wash and sanitize their hands. Sanitization stations are available in all buildings. We will continue to communicate COVID cases and exposure on our website in our UPDATE CENTER. Our goal is to have students in our buildings as face-to-face learners five days a week. The measures below will help us achieve this goal.
Policies & Recommendations as of August 2021
Masks & Quarantine
Face masks are required on busing and any other school-provided transportation. Students will have to wear masks on buses whether they are vaccinated or not. Should a student decline to wear a mask, it is the responsibility of a parent or guardian to drive him/her to school. *Note: There are medical and religious exemptions for those that require them. Please contact our Director of Pupil Services, Nikki Campbell at Nikki.Campbell@keystoneschools.org for an exemption.
If students are vaccinated, they do not need to wear a mask during the school day.
If students are NOT vaccinated, it is strongly encouraged that they wear a mask; however, it is not mandated. If a student is NOT masked, he or she has a greater risk of having to quarantine for up to 10 days.
Should a student be exposed to the virus, the CDC mandates that contact tracing and quarantining continue as COVID is still classified as a level one disease.
For guidance on isolation and quarantine, use the following links:
Guidelines for Quarantine After Exposure in Classroom Settings
We will work with the Lorain County Public Health Department, to the extent allowable by privacy laws and other applicable laws, to confidentially provide information about people diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19. We will update our confirmed case count on a daily basis. Monday’s count will include Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s case numbers.
Students and staff who test positive for COVID will be directed by health authorities to isolate for 10 days. As soon as we are informed of a positive case of COVID in the school, we will notify the families of students who had close contact with the positive case as well as the health department.
The wearing of masks for students, staff and any visitors is strongly recommended but not required. The wearing of masks reduces the risk of having to quarantine.
When wearing a mask it should:
- Fully cover the mouth, nose, and chin
- Fit securely so there are no gaps
- Not cause difficulties breathing
Physical distancing
Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, three feet social distancing will be utilized where feasible.
Recess, physical education classes, *choir, and *band will be held as they were pre-COVID. *Students can request personal protection equipment if desired.
Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
Following the guidance of the Lorain County Public Health Department, staff, students, and visitors are encouraged to frequently wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system’s (HVAC) environmental controls will be set to maximize outdoor air circulation.
Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities
EPA approved cleaning/sanitizing supplies will be provided for each classroom. Students will continue to sanitize their desks. Lunch tables will be cleaned between classes. Bus seats will be cleaned daily.
Custodians will continue the increased frequency of restroom checks to ensure soap and paper towels are available.
Symptoms
If your child is experiencing any symptoms of illness, do not send them to school until their symptoms have resolved for at least 48 hours. Contact your child’s physician if symptoms of illness persist or if you suspect they may have been exposed to COVID. Contact the school nurse if your child has an underlying condition, such as asthma or allergies, that may present as symptoms of illness.
COVID symptoms listed by the CDC include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
We will keep you informed as we receive more information from our health authorities.
We look forward to the return of our 1st - 12th grade students on Monday, August 30 and our kindergarten students on Tuesday, September 7.
If you have any questions or need clarification please contact Superintendent Dan White at Daniel.White@keystoneschools.org.