George Mason High School
Mitigation Strategies/Procedures
January 2021
Face Coverings
- Students and staff must wear acceptable face coverings properly while indoors at all times.
- Exception: Face coverings may be lowered momentarily for eating/drinking while socially distanced.
- Face coverings must cover the mouth and nose.
- We will replace ill-fitting masks with a medical mask. Every classroom will be supplied with a set of PPE.
- Face coverings that have exhalation valves or vents are not acceptable.
- Gaiters with two layers are permitted.
- Refusal to wear a face covering will lead to a student's transition to virtual learning.
- Refusal to wear a face covering -> student will be sent to the main office -> immediate parent contact.
- Ill-fitting mask -> Student to swap out for a surgical mask. Provide from classroom supply or send student to the main office for a properly fitting mask.
- A student will only return to class after she/he/they agrees to wear a face covering properly and immediately.
Bus Riders
Walkers, Bikers, and Car Riders
- Walkers’, bikers’, and car riders’ temperatures will be checked prior to entering the building.
- While waiting to be checked, students will social distance and wear their face coverings.
- No one with a temperature of 100.4°F or above will be allowed to enter the building.
- Any student who does not attend school in person will have the opportunity to access classes virtually, if able. Families always need to report any absence to Attendance at AttendanceGM@fccps.org.
Arrival
- Students will not be allowed into the building prior to 7:45 AM.
- Students will arrive at the designated entrance wearing their face coverings. Appointed staff will monitor the entrance and hallways for social distancing.
- Students will immediately proceed to their classrooms after being checked using the monumental stair case and while maintaining social distancing. Students may quickly pick up an optional Grab ‘n Go bagged breakfast from the Mustang Cafe, then proceed to their classroom.
- No locker usage.
- Backpacks used for carrying supplies.
- Students are not authorized to purchase from the vending machines (high touch area).
- Students will use hand sanitizer when entering the classroom or wash hands if there is an allergy to hand sanitizer.
- Students will remain in their assigned seat and may not switch seats.
- During arrival and dismissal, classroom doors will remain open.
- Students should keep belongings with them at all times (no locker usage.)
Attendance
- Staff will use the hybrid attendance practices.
- Follow FCCPS instructions here.
- Questions? Contact Attendance Secretary, Frank Spinello at AttendanceGM@fccps.org.
Breakfast and Lunch
- Students will be permitted to eat breakfast in the cafeteria.
- Students may pick up an optional bagged breakfast from the Mustang Cafe daily.
- Breakfast should be finished by 8:15 AM (to avoid prolonged unmasking).
- Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria.
- Students may bring their own lunch.
- For students who do not bring their own lunch, a complimentary Grab ‘n Go bagged lunch will be provided.
- When students are not eating/drinking they should have their face coverings on.
- Seating will be in groups/zones.
- Students will remain in their seats for the entirety of lunch periods. Trash cans will be wheeled to tables for trash disposal.
Restrooms
- Restrooms will be monitored by staff.
- Students may not congregate inside the restrooms.
- Students shall keep their face coverings on and social distance while inside the restrooms.
- Restrooms will be wiped down frequently throughout the day by custodial workers.
- Signage will be posted to remind students of proper handwashing procedures after restroom usage.
Learning Space
- Students will use hand sanitizer upon entering classrooms (or wash hands if there is an allergy to hand sanitizer.)
- Students must stay at least 6 feet apart (midline to midline).
- Classroom spacing:
- Less than 15 minutes: Teachers can be within 6 feet of students.
- More than 15 minutes: Must be outside a 6 feet radius.
- Note: (Per CDC) Exposure qualifies as within 6 feet for 15 minutes within a 24 hour period (masked or unmasked) “For COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting from 48 hours (or 2 days) before the person has any symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19”.
- Teachers will maintain updated seating charts.
- Avoid shared materials (unless given specific permission).
- If eating a snack or drinking, the face covering may be removed momentarily.
Gatherings
- Unless when otherwise not possible (stairways, passing in hallways) students will remain 6-feet apart at all times.
- Students are permitted to use open study spaces and conference rooms under the same conditions.
Dismissal
- Staff will monitor the hallways to ensure masking and social distancing.
- Students will use the monumental stair case and maintain social distancing.
Cleaning
- Cleaning is a shared community responsibility between all students and staff. Everyone will need to participate in cleaning activities throughout the day.
- Each classroom is provided with disinfectant spray and microfiber towels.
- A teacher or an identified student will spray and wipe/clean surfaces upon arrival and/dismissal.
- Students may bring their own wipes with them if they would like to wipe down their areas prior to sitting.
- Custodial staff will clean restrooms on a rotation.
- Custodial staff will clean high touch areas on an hourly basis.
Clinic and Isolation Room(s)
- The clinic will continue to be used for medication distribution and for visits by students exhibiting a health concern.
- Students who display COVID-like symptoms should immediately be sent to the clinic in Room 101 for a screening.
- Symptoms (not attributed to a diagnosed condition) may include the following:
- Fever
- New cough
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
- New muscle aches
- Abdominal pain or vomiting
- New loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- A new onset of a severe headache
- Students will be sent to the isolation room based on school Health Aide discretion.
- The isolation room will be monitored by the COVID team and/or admin.
- Designated isolation rooms are in each admin suite (Room 101 and Room 302).
- Students should visit the clinic as normal and Ms. Pasupulati will determine next steps.
- Ms. Pasupulati will follow care and reporting protocols.
Student Services
- Student Services (Room 302) will maintain a sign-in/sign-out sheet.
Contact Tracing
- The GM COVID Response Team will provide all reporting to FCCPS leadership for contact tracing purposes.
- All close contacts will be directly notified by the Covid Response Team.
- GM staff/community will receive notification regarding confirmed cases.
Meetings
- Meetings should be held virtually or socially distanced/masked.
- Faculty meetings will continue to be held virtually until further guidance is given.
Physical Education
- Students will not dress in PE uniforms during class.
- Locker rooms will only be used for the restrooms. (See Restroom Section Above)
- Equipment will not be shared between students.
Transitions
- No-touch sanitizing stations will be available throughout the building.
- Students will not be able to congregate in the hallways and restrooms.
- Available staff should monitor hallways and restrooms and direct students to the next block to break up congregation.
- Elevator use will be limited to students with medical clearance.
- No more than two individuals in the elevator at a time.
Visitors
- Visitors are not allowed access into the building during the school day.
- Parent meetings will be held virtually when possible.
Water Fountains & Snacks
- Students may drink water throughout the day.
- Bubbler water fountains are closed and will not be used.
- Students are encouraged to bring bottled water from home and use the bottle fillers located on each floor.
- Students will be able to step away from class to have a snack when necessary. There will be designated “snacking areas” on each floor.
