Covid and School Update

September 3, 2021

Dear DB-TC Families:

Covid is present in our community, and school will be starting next week. Please read this notice about our current expectations and plans related to Covid. 

MASKS NOT REQUIRED, BUT ARE RECOMMENDED IN SCHOOL

At this time, we are not requiring students to wear masks in school. We do encourage masking, and at the elementary level, where students are not yet old enough to be vaccinated, we strongly encourage masking. Our local health department consultant reminds us that approved masks (two-ply fabric or surgical/disposable masks) do protect the wearer from viral particles, as particles are usually transmitted through droplets, which are hindered by a mask. So, we will intentionally create a school culture that is accepting of masking. PreK through 5th grade teachers plan to start the year wearing masks to ensure their students are comfortable wearing them, if they or their families prefer masking up. 

MASKS ON BUSES

Based on the current federal order, masks are required to be worn on buses. This is due to the CDC mask requirement for all public transportation, including planes, trains, and buses. Lamers bus drivers will have masks available for students, if needed. We strongly prefer students bring their own masks. The school offers carabiners to clip them onto backpacks to help keep track of K-12 students’ own masks. We also have plenty of cloth masks available, and we’re happy to share.

QUARANTINE

If a student or staff person is found to be Covid-positive, then the students who were in contact with the infected person according to MDHHS criteria will be notified of their need to quarantine. Currently, the quarantine period is ten days. The school and health department share information with one another about positive cases, who was in close contact with whom, etc. Based on the shared information, the WUPHD makes decisions on who must quarantine, and the school helps deliver the message. If a student or staff member is fully vaccinated, or if they had Covid within the previous 90 days, they will not need to quarantine (unless they develop Covid symptoms, which would make them a probable case). 

If a Covid-positive student exposes others, all who are affected will be notified, regardless of their vaccination status. The health department will then work individually with those who are exempt from quarantine due to being fully vaccinated, and they will notify the school.  

Middle/High school students on quarantine will be expected to connect with their teachers and classes using Google Meets. School Chromebooks will be loaned out for this purpose. 

COVID SYMPTOMS--STAY HOME, IF SICK

The WUPHD recommends that people check the CDC site for symptoms--the list does change. Students and staff may not come to school with Covid symptoms. 

TESTING

If parents would like their child tested using one of the school’s antigen test kits, they should contact the superintendent. Testing is not required for anyone (including athletes) this year. 

OTHER SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS RELATED TO COVID

-Students will be spaced out as possible in classrooms and common areas.

-Students will be seated in assigned pods to reduce exposure and quarantine numbers. 

-Hand sanitizer will be provided.

-Masks (disposable and cloth) will be available.

-Health screeners will not be required.

-Visitors are allowed in the building.

As stated previously, if our local school numbers warrant a tightening of Covid restrictions, we will follow the health department’s guidance, for the safety of our students and staff.

-Christina Norland, Superintendent