Questions About Health & Safety
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How will we know that students and staff will be kept safe and healthy when they return to school buildings in the fall?
Our students and families will see health and safety measures that have been put in place since last school year continue in the 2021-22 school year to combat the effects of COVID-19. In order to ensure a healthy and safe return to school, we are aligning our protocols with guidance from the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Chautauqua County Department of Health.
Will face masks be required while in school buildings?
Face coverings are required by all students and staff on all JPS district buses and in all buildings. Masks must be worn by students, staff, visitors and vendors while indoors, at the bus stop and on the bus, in hallways and common areas such as restrooms and while waiting in line for COVID-19 screening before entering the school building.
Face coverings may be removed in the following situations, with appropriate social distancing measures in place:
- while eating or drinking during assigned breakfast/lunch/snack periods
- during “mask breaks” as directed by a teacher or school administrator
Exemptions to the district masking protocol will only be granted to students or staff who have documented medical issues for which a face covering would cause a medically documented impairment.
Will temperatures be checked before coming into school buildings?
We ask that students and staff do daily temperature checks at home before coming to school and that you complete a screening questionnaire daily before entering the school building. In addition, each student will have a non-contact temperature check before boarding the bus or upon arrival at school. If a student or staff member exhibits any COVID-19 symptoms or has a temperature of 100F or greater, they must stay home and will not be permitted to attend school.
Will there be additional opportunities for staff and students to wash hands and sanitize?
All schools are outfitted with additional hand sanitizing stations to encourage proper hand hygiene practices. Frequent hand washing breaks will also be given throughout the day and at specific times, such as before and after meals, to ensure that everyone is contributing to a healthy environment.
How will schools be cleaned and disinfected?
Beginning last school year, we increased daily cleaning and disinfecting intervals to ensure that we maintain a safe environment for our staff, students and visitors. Our custodial staff will follow the updated guidance of the Centers for Disease Control to implement effective disinfection procedures that will help limit the spread of COVID-19. Occupied areas of the school buildings will be cleaned and disinfected as required, including classrooms. Cafeteria tables and chairs will be cleaned in between each lunch period. Sharing of supplies and materials may be restricted, and staff are assigned to clean any shared items before and after use. Buses used to transport students must be cleaned daily.
What happens if a student/staff member is suspected of having COVID-19?
School nurses will have systems in place to screen students and staff who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms. Those individuals will be kept in a room separate from the nurse’s office that is designated for isolation. If their symptoms require further evaluation, they will need to leave the building. If the school district is notified that a staff member/student has tested positive for COVID-19, the Director of Student Support Services will work with the Chautauqua County Health Department to ensure all protocols relative to contact tracing and quarantine are followed.