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Health & Safety

Health Checks – Students:

  • In accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, students will have daily temperature screenings upon arrival to school using a device approved by the Department of Health. Staff conducting temperature checks will be using no-contact devices and wearing full PPE coverage.
  • Students who present with a temperature of 100.0 degrees F or higher will be sent to an isolation room. The isolation room will be supervised by a staff member wearing appropriate PPE.  The parent will notified to pick up the student immediately.
  • Any student displaying signs of illness, regardless of temperature, will be sent to the Health Office to be assessed, and if needed, sent to the isolation room to be picked up by a parent.
  • Parents are asked to assess their child’s health each day prior to sending their child(ren) to school.  
  • If the child is exhibiting signs of illness, parents must keep their child at home and call the school nurse. 
  • A student at home can participate in remote instruction (secondary schools only).
  • The student should be assessed by a Health Care Provider to determine if the child may return to school. 
  • If a child is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and is not seen by a physician they must remain home for at least 10 days since he or she first had symptoms. 
  • In addition the individual has been fever free for at least 3 days without fever reducing medicine, and without symptoms. A student may return to school sooner if a doctor’s note is submitted clearing the student to return.  



Weekly Health Questionnaire/Statement of Assurances - Parents

  • Once a week, parents will be required to complete and submit a questionnaire/statement of assurances regarding their child’s health, which can be submitted electronically. 
  • If the Questionnaire indicates signs of illness a student must be kept home and follow the steps outlined above.

 

Health Checks – Staff:

  • Staff members will be required to submit to a daily health questionnaire, either from home or before entering the building, prior to admittance to the buildings.  It is recommended that staff complete the questionnaire before leaving home.
  • If a staff member does not complete the form from home, they are encouraged to use their phones to access the questionnaire using the QR Code.
  • Any staff member with a positive response to the questionnaire should stay home or will be sent home immediately. 
  • Any staff member exhibiting signs of illness must comply with Department of Health guidelines, which may include isolation, quarantine, and/or consulting a medical professional before reporting to work.

 

Social Distancing

  • All persons in the school building will be instructed and reminded to keep a social distance of at least 6 feet whenever possible, with a minimum standard of 3 feet as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, with appropriate masks and other barriers. 
  • The district will promote social distancing by posting signage throughout the buildings. Use of directional floor markings will be put in place to assist students with proper hallway travel, including designated doorway entries and exits, as well as any corridors or stairwells designated for one-way travel.
  • Markings will be placed on the floor to designate lining up (e.g.: bathroom, lunch purchasing) with social distance protocols.
  • All posted signage must be strictly adhered to.

 

Personal Protective Equipment
Staff and Students:

  • It is mandatory that all faculty, staff and students wear face coverings that covers the nose and the mouth at all times unless medically excused with documentation.
  • Staff who are medically excused from wearing a mask must minimally wear a face shield.
  • Students will be provided with mask breaks in accordance with DOH guidelines.
  • Students and staff should bring a face mask to school each day. The District will provide face masks as needed.

Health Professionals and Screeners:

  • Any adult involved in screening temperatures will be provided with PPE:
    • N95 & KN95 Masks
    • Face Shields
    • Gloves
  • All Health Professionals will be provided with PPE
    • N95 & KN95 Masks
    • Face Shields
    • Gowns
    • Gloves

 

Infection Control Strategies

Utilizing personal protective equipment will be a mandatory practice when school returns.  Since the spring, our facilities department began to purchase appropriate levels of inventory in order to stock up on required PPE.  We will continue to monitor our inventory levels and project our future needs to ensure we have an appropriate level of these critical supplies.

Along with PPE, purchasing sanitization supplies before school opens has been critical. Supply stocks for these items is expected and we will build an inventory level that will allow us to avoid a low supply level. We have pre-ordered the following:

  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Hand sanitizer for every room
  • Disposable gloves
  • Masks and face shields
  • Sanitization spray and towels

 

Social Distancing and PPE:

  • Floor plans in classrooms and other instructional areas will reflect adequate spacing between students to maximize social distancing under DOH/AAP guidelines (6 feet or 3 feet with barriers).
  • Classroom objects will be limited to hard surface items, which will allow for more effective cleaning as disinfectants have more dwell time.
  • Classrooms will be cleared of all unnecessary items, including ancillary furniture.
  • All classrooms are equipped with a hand sanitizer to allow and promote frequent hand cleaning.
  • Hand sanitizers will be installed in offices, gyms, auditoriums and cafeterias.
  • The possible use of outdoor learning environments.
  • Creating additional cafeteria spaces to ensure social distancing during lunch periods.
  • Decals will be placed on the hallway floors to direct traffic.
  • In the event that lunch occurs in the classroom desks will be cleaned before and after eating.

 

Playground Use has been prohibited due to the density issues. Unless effective social distancing can be developed and implemented with sanitizing procedures

COVID-19 Resource Persons

  • District officials will provide COVID-19 related resources to families, faculty, staff and students.

 

Cleaning and Disinfecting

The district will ensure adherence to hygiene and cleaning and disinfection requirements as advised by the CDC and DOH, including “Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities for COVID-19,” and the “STOP THE SPREAD” poster, as applicable. Cleaning and disinfection logs will be maintained that include the date, time, and scope of cleaning and disinfection.

Regular cleaning and disinfection of the facilities will occur, including more frequent cleaning and disinfection for high-risk and frequently touched surfaces. This will include desks, cafeteria tables, doorknobs, handles, keyboards, computer tables, water fountains, faucets and sinks.  Cleaning and disinfection will be rigorous and ongoing and will occur at least daily, or more frequently as needed.

The district will ensure regular cleaning and disinfection of restrooms. Restrooms should be cleaned based on frequency of use.

Examples of facility types where cleaning and disinfection frequency will be distinguished include:

  • Athletic training rooms, locker rooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Health offices, isolation rooms
  • Administrative offices (main office, reception area)
  • Frequently touched surfaces in common areas (door handles, elevator buttons, copy machine keypads, etc.)
  • Breakrooms
  • Cafeterias/Kitchens
  • Computer labs
  • Science labs
  • Classrooms
  • Maintenance offices and work areas
  • Libraries
  • Large meeting areas (auditoriums, gymnasiums, music rooms)
  • Playgrounds (cleaning only)
  • Outdoor seating areas (plastic or metal)

 

Management of Ill Persons, Contact Tracing & Monitoring

The Superintendent of Schools will notify local health officials of any confirmed cases of COVID-19.  The district will follow the directives of the Department of Health on how to proceed with notifications of staff and families. Confidentiality will always be maintained while sharing any information as per the American Disabilities Act.


Parents and staff will be instructed to report any COVID-19 diagnosis to the Health Office as soon as possible.  A doctor’s note must be provided clearing the student to return to school.  The district will follow the directives of the Department of Health on how to proceed.


Health Hygiene
Parents/guardians will be instructed to observe for signs of illness in their child that would require that child to stay home from school.  
Parents will be instructed not to send their child to school sick or on medication which has been administered for the purpose of reducing a fever.

Staff and students will be instructed in proper hand and respiratory hygiene. 

Hand hygiene stations will be provided and maintained around the school buildings.  This can include soap, running warm water, disposable paper towels, and alcohol based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol for areas where handwashing facilities may not be available or practical.

Signage will be posted throughout the school buildings to remind staff and students of proper hand and respiratory hygiene.


Hand Hygiene:

  • Students and staff must carry out the following hand hygiene practices.
    • Wash hands routinely with soap (any kind) and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Dry hands completely after washing.
    • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizer should be rubbed on the hands until it is completely absorbed. DO NOT dry hands if sanitizer is used.

  • Hand washing should occur:
    • Before and after eating (e.g. snacks and lunch).
    • After going to the restroom or after assisting a student with toileting.
    • After using a tissue.
    • Before and after using shared materials.
    • Before and after putting on or taking off face masks.
    • After coming in from the outdoors.
    • Anytime hands are visibly soiled.

 

Respiratory Hygiene:

  • The COVID-19 virus spreads from person to person in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. Therefore, the district will emphasize the importance of respiratory hygiene.
  • Students and staff must carry out the following respiratory hygiene practices.
    • Cover a cough or sneeze using a tissue. If a tissue is used, it should be thrown away immediately.
    • If you don’t have a tissue when sneezing or coughing, sneeze into your elbow.
    • If coughing when wearing a mask, continue to cover your cough with your elbow.
    • Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.
    • Face coverings are protective. Wearing a face covering will keep the respiratory droplets and aerosols from being widely dispersed into the air.

 

Vulnerable Populations/Accommodations

We recognize that some students are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness, live with a person who is at an increased risk, or simply do not feel comfortable returning to an in-person educational environment. It is our goal that these individuals are able to safely participate in educational activities.

  • Students who are unable to attend school in-person will have access to instruction through Remote Learning.
  • Communicating concerns to the appropriate faculty member/administrator is essential to ensure the safety, health and well-being of all.

We recognize that some staff members are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness.  It is our goal that these individuals are able to safely return to work.

  • Staff members who have concerns will work with the administration to create accomodations in line with medical recommendations.
  • Staff members who are medically unable to return to school buildings, will have alternate assignments in remote instruction.
  • Communicating concerns to the appropriate administrator is essential to ensure the safety, health and well-being of all.

 

Visitors on Campus

No outside visitors or volunteers will be allowed on school campuses, except those visitors essential to the safety and well-being of students. Parents/guardians will report to the front desk/main lobby and not go beyond unless it is for the safety or well-being of their child. Essential visitors to facilities will be required to wear face coverings, provide necessary assurances and will be restricted in their access to our school buildings.

  • All visitors, guests, contractors, and vendors to the school will have a temperature screening done before entering the building. 
  • Any person with a temperature of 100.0 degrees F or above will not be allowed entry into the school building. 
  • In addition, all visitors, guests, contractors, and vendors to the school will be required to wear a cloth face covering.
  • All visitors will be required to submit to a health questionnaire, prior to admittance to the buildings.  Visitors are encouraged to use their phones to access the questionnaire using the QR Code.

 

School Safety Drills
12 drills conducted annually (4 lockdown/8 evacuation drills) -- 8/12 drills will be completed before December 31. During the Early Dismissal Evacuation Drill, ALL staff must evacuate the building.

When conducting a drill, students will be instructed that in an actual emergency which would require an evacuation or lockdown, the most imminent concern is to get to safety; maintaining social distancing in an actual emergency that requires evacuation or lockdown may not be possible and should not be the first priority.

Evacuation Drill Modifications (include but are not limited to):

  • Conducting drills on a “staggered” schedule, where classrooms evacuate separately rather than all at once, and appropriate distance is kept between students to the evacuation site. Staggering by classroom, minimizes contact of students in hallways, stairwells, and at the evacuation site. If conducting drills using a modified procedure, it is required that the drill be conducted with all students in the school building on that school day, it may be necessary to do so during a class period that is extended for this purpose.
  • If schools reopen with a “hybrid” in-person model, such as one where students attend school alternate school weeks to reduce the occupancy of the school building, schools will be certain that all students are receiving instruction in emergency procedures, and participating in drills while they are in attendance in-person.

 

Lockdown Drill Modifications (include but are not limited to):

  • Conduct lockdown drill in classroom setting while maintaining social distancing/using masks.
  • Conducting lockdown drills may be on a “staggered” schedule with smaller numbers of students present to maintain social distancing, however schools must be certain that all students are receiving instruction in emergency procedures and participating in drills while they are in attendance in-person.
  • Conduct lockdown drill in classroom without “hiding”/ “sheltering” but provide an overview of how to shelter or hide in the classroom.
  • Classroom lights turned off, interior classroom windows (door and side panels) will be covered; students stay in their socially distanced seating while remaining silent.

 

Spatial Distancing and Barriers
Classrooms have been reconfigured to ensure proper social distancing and desks/tables will be furnished with dividers for each student and faculty member.

These barriers, along with the use of face masks, will minimize the potential of transmission of germs.


Building Specific Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
Harley Avenue Primary School Arrival Procedures:
Student Drop-Off:
*Parent/guardian will drive up through the main circle (follow the blue arrows).
*Child’s temperature will be taken as they enter the building, if no fever or symptoms present,  they will go to their class.
*For any student who has a fever or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, parent/guardian will be required to take the child home.

Student Bus Riders:
*Buses will pull up in the small horseshoe.
*Children will proceed to a temperature check station, by bus, as they enter the building through the cafeteria and go to their class.
*For any student who has a fever or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, parent/guardian will be called to pick up child.  Child will be monitored in the isolation room.

Harley Avenue Primary School Dismissal Procedures:
Student Pick-up:
*Times slightly staggered

  • Kindergarten 2:45pm
  • Grade 1 3:05pm
  • Grade 2 3:25pm


*Parents/Students cannot congregate at dismissal door, and must maintain socially distanced space.
*Parents/guardians will pick-up child and leave the school grounds.
*All exterior doors will be used for a safe pick-up.
*Pick up passes must be shown to security while on school grounds.

Student Bus Riders:
*Buses will begin to depart Harley Avenue at 3:40pm.
*Students will line up in the gym, cafeteria and library maintaining social distance, wearing masks and monitored by school staff.


James H. Boyd Intermediate School Arrival Procedures:
Student Drop-Off:
*Parent/guardian will drive up through main entrance(follow the red arrows).
*Child’s temperature will be taken, as they enter their designated doors and if no symptoms or fever, the child will go to class.
*For any student who has a fever or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, parent/guardian will be required to take child home.

Student Bus Riders:
*Buses will pull up to the back of the school.
*Children will proceed to a temperature check station, by grade, as they enter their designated door,  if no fever or symptoms, child will go to their class.
*For any student who has a fever or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, parent/guardian will be called to pick up child.  Child will be monitored in the isolation room.

James H. Boyd Intermediate School Dismissal Procedures:
Student Pick-up:
*Times slightly staggered

  • Grade 3 1:30 pm
  • Grade 4 1:45 pm
  • Grade 5 2:00 pm


*Parents/Students cannot congregate at dismissal door, and must maintain socially distanced space.
*Parents/guardians will pick-up child and leave the school grounds.
*All exterior doors will be used for a safe pick-up.
*Pick up passes must be shown to security while on school grounds.

Student Bus Riders:
*Buses will begin to depart James H. Boyd at 2:15 pm.
*Students will line up in their designated  hallways maintaining social distance, wearing masks and monitored by school staff.

Student Drop Off:
Parents will enter EMS off of Kenneth Ave and enter the parking lot in the first row of parking spots as this will be designated as the drop off lane.
Buses will enter from the Elwood Road Entrance and drop off in the front circle.


Entrances:
6th Grade: Enter on the side of the building (district office)
7th Grade: Enter through the Breezeway doors, next to the Cafeteria
8th Grade: Enter through the Front Entrance

Child’s temperature will be taken, as they enter their designated doors; if there is no fever or symptoms present, they will proceed to their class.

*For any student who has a fever or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, parent/guardian will be required to take child home


Elwood Middle School Dismissal Procedures:
Pick Up Procedures:
Parents will enter EMS from Kenneth Ave and line up their vehicle using the first row of parking spots which will be designated as the pick up lane. Parents must remain in their cars. Dismissal will begin at 2:50 and will be staggered starting with students being picked up by parents as follows:

Time:    A Cohort:    B Cohort:
2:50      A-D              L-P
2:55      E-H              Q-T
3:00      I-K                U-Z

3:05:  Students will remain in their 9th period class; an announcement will be made over the PA to dismiss students as their bus arrives.


Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Arrival Procedures:
Student Drop Off:
Parents will enter the Student parking lot from either Kenneth Ave or Elwood Road, and line up using the designate drop off lane. Parents must remain in their cars. Security will facilitate.

Senior students with parking permits will enter the student parking lot following the same route as parent drop off.

Buses will enter from the Elwood Road Entrance, follow the bus lane entrance, and drop off in their designated drop off lane.

Single point of entry for all students will be through the main lobby. Bus arrival time, along with parent drop-off and student arrival, is already staggered to allow for a staggered screening procedure.

Student will enter the building where temperatures will be taken; if there is no fever or symptoms present, they will follow the one-way foot traffic pattern.

For any student who has a fever or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, students will be sent to the secondary screening location where they will be re-examined and sent to the isolation room if necessary.  The parent/guardian will be required to take child home if the nurse determines they meet the criteria under the guidelines to be sent home.



Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Screening Procedures:

A single point of entry for all students will be utilized at the main entrance.  Students will follow appropriate social distancing protocols while entering the building and awaiting their temperature screening in the main lobby.  Thermal scanners and touchless thermometers will be used.  If no COVID-19 symptoms are observed and student temperature is 99.9 or below, they will follow the one-way foot traffic pattern.  Students who require a second screening due to a temperature reading of 100.0 will be escorted to the second screening location and re-assessed while being sent to the isolation room if necessary.

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Dismissal Procedures

Senior Student drivers: will be dismissed first at 2:00 (A-E; H-L) and 2:05 (M-Q; T-Z)
Parent Pick up or walkers: Parents will enter the Student parking lot from Kenneth Ave and line up using the designate pick up lane. Parents must remain in their cars. Dismissal will be staggered as follows:


Time      A Cohort     B Cohort
2:10       A-D              M-P
2:20       E-H              Q-T
2:30       I-L                U-Z

Bus Dismissal: will begin as busses arrive. Students will remain in their 9th period class and we will announce buses as they arrive over the PA.

Students will exit, following the one-way foot traffic plan, through the exit nearest their pick-up locatio