CHENEY—Cheney School District officials are sticking with recommendations from the Washington Department of Health (WDOH) regarding changes to masking requirements that went into effect on March 12.
“We understand that these changes in how our schools are operating in regards to COVID-19 will be met with differing opinions and responses,” Assistant Superintendent Tom Arlt wrote in a March 14 email to the Free Press. “It is important that as parents, students and staff members we work together to ensure a positive transition. This return to greater normalcy should have positive impacts on our school communities and on the social and emotional health of our students.”
Those changes in the WDOH guidelines Arlt is referring to include but are not limited to the following list he sent out to parents, students and district staff:
• Students and staff members will have the choice to wear a mask at school, with the expectation that others’ choices will be respected.
• A student or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to isolate for five (5) days, regardless of vaccination status, and test upon return to school on day six or wear a well-fitted mask or face shield with a drape for days 6-10. If choosing not to test or wear a well-fitting mask, students and staff members are required to complete the full 10-day isolation period.
• Any student or staff member who reports or exhibits COVID-19-like symptoms is required to be immediately isolated from others, sent home, and referred to diagnostic testing as soon as feasible, regardless of vaccination status.
• Masks are required in the nurse/health room and isolation room inside our school buildings.
• Masks may also be required universally during clusters and/or outbreaks in classrooms or with groups of students (e.g., a choir class or a sports team) to limit disease transmission and ensure in-person instruction.
Arlt said schools will provide masks and other appropriate PPE to students and staff members as needed or desired. The COVID-19 Dashboard will also continue to be updated daily.
He added families will be notified when there is an outbreak in a student’s class/cohort/team, and that access to diagnostic testing will be available at all school buildings for students and staff members with symptoms or who were potentially exposed and want to test.
“To help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 in the school setting, we would appreciate your assistance in monitoring your child for illness and keeping them home when they are sick,” Arlt said.
Cheney Public Schools will also continue the following recommended strategies to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19:
• Conducting rapid diagnostic testing to individuals who wish to test
• Exercising good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene
• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces
Testing for Cheney Public School students and staff members will take place on site at the individual’s school.
“Thank you for your continued support as we transition to an endemic situation while continuing to follow guidance from DOH and our local health district,” Arlt said. “We will continue to communicate any updates as they become available.
Reader Comments(0)