West Contra Costa Unified School District’s plan for 100% return to in-person instruction focuses on the health and safety of all staff and students. This handbook was developed to support a healthier school environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have implemented health and safety measures that include indoor universal masking for students and staff regardless of vaccination status, getting the Covid-19 vaccine if eligible, reminding students and staff to frequently wash their hands, staying home if students or staff are sick, regular cleaning and disinfecting, upgrading our HVAC filters, preparing classrooms and common areas with visual markers and posting signs across campus. All measures taken are in accordance with the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) Contra Costa County Health Services (CCCHS), California Department of Education (CDE), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This Handbook will remain fluid and responsive to new information from local, regional, state, and federal agencies. This Handbook is intended to offer each community member a central location to access information during this continually evolving experience. As new decisions are made and as content is developed, it will be added to this Handbook.

The successful implementation depends on the cooperation and support of our whole school community. By adhering to the safety precautions outlined in our plan, we are confident that together we can safely and successfully return to 100% in-person learning.

Attending School

We are asking all families to partner with the school in support of these guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is our goal to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff.

Parents will be asked to observe each child daily for symptoms related to COVID-19 prior to bringing/sending them to school
Do NOT send a child to school if they exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 (or any other illness) which may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, the new loss of taste or smell, nausea, diarrhea, or sore throat. Per CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Students who are presenting COVID-19 symptoms should report the absence/illness to the school, list the related symptoms, and call their healthcare provider as soon as possible for further guidance and possible COVID-19 testing. All health information provided to the school will remain confidential.

Please follow these guidelines to help maintain a safe and healthy learning environment:

Instruct your child/children in proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

WCCUSD strongly recommends that staff/students wear approved well-fitted face coverings/masks while indoors around others. Face coverings should adhere to current California Department Public Health Guidelines. (See Face Coverings/Masks below for more).

Instruct your child to notify the school office if they feel sick during the school day.

Do NOT send your child/children to school if they feel unwell or exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19. They must stay home if they have one or more of the listed symptoms below. They will be separated from other students/staff and sent home if they are present at school with symptoms.

Symptomatic with No Known Exposure:

Symptoms of COVID-19:

*Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) or chills
Sore throat
Cough
Shortness of breath/Difficulty breathing
Headache
Muscle/Body aches
Nausea/Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Congestion/Runny nose
Loss of taste or smell

TEST OR 10: Testing is required if a student/staff is present with symptoms of COVID-19 unless a healthcare provider provides an alternate diagnosis that rules out COVID-19. If students/staff are not tested or evaluated by a healthcare provider, they must stay at home and isolate for at least 10 days.

They may return to school once the criteria below are met:

After they test negative for COVID-19 with a proof of a negative test OR consultation with note from medical provider ruling out COVID-19,
And, their symptoms are improving;
And, they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

*Students/staff who present with these symptoms but have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days are recommended to be evaluated by a healthcare provider rather than test.

*If present, a school nurse at the school site may recommend a healthcare provider consultation or test if they suspect COVID-19 when a student/staff presents with one or more of the listed symptoms.

Positive Test Result:

If your child tests positive via an antigen home test or PCR test, it is MANDATORY they isolate at home, regardless of vaccination status (even if fully vaccinated) per public health guidelines.

They may return to school when the criteria below are met:

If your child had symptoms: May return after 5 days have passed since symptom start date IF symptoms are improving AND there is no fever for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication) AND a negative test is completed (antigen/home test recommended), on or after day 5.

For children under 2: May return to school after day 5 without testing, IF symptoms are improving AND no fever for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication)

If your child had no symptoms: May return after 5 days have passed since the date of positive COVID-19 test AND negative test is completed on or after day 5 (antigen/home test recommended).

If unable to test on day 5 or after, or if a repeat test on day 5 remains positive, the case must stay isolated until a negative test is obtained or 10 days of isolation have passed. No additional isolation or testing required after day 10.

You may expect a WCCUSD Contact Tracer to follow-up with you to go through these return instructions with you. Confidentiality will be maintained and is limited to the contact tracer and respective school site supervisors and personnel.

More info can be found here: County Quarantine & Isolation Guidance.

Exposure:

All person(s) who have spent a cumulative total of at least 15 minutes (within a 24-hour time period) in a shared INDOOR airspace (e.g. classroom, home) with someone with COVID-19 during their period of infectiousness.

Exposure is no longer defined as “close contact” within 6 feet of a positive case for 15 minutes or more.

Exposure that Occurs Outside of School/at Home:

Students/Staff that were exposed outside of school in the community, ex. Household exposure, may continue to participate in in-person learning and school activities as long as they have no symptoms. A test is strongly recommended 3-5 days after the last date of exposure, unless they were recently infected within the last 90 days, and a mask is strongly recommended for 10 days from the date of exposure.

If your child has symptoms after exposure, they must stay home.

*If exposure involves multiple positive household members, the recommended test date is 3-5 days from the date of the first household member to test positive.

Notify your school site immediately ONLY IF your child becomes symptomatic and/or tests positive in this situation.

Exposure that Occurs at School:

Under California Department of Public Health and Contra Costa County Public Health guidelines, WCCUSD follows the group tracing model when there is an exposure that occurs on-site.

Group Tracing Protocols:

Under the group tracing model, students/staff will be able to remain in school regardless of vaccination status after exposure as long as the criteria below are met.

Exposed students/staff may remain in school if symptom free.
Testing required 3-5 days from exposure date. (District will coordinate group testing at site for affected groups, at-home test kits may also be used with proof of negative test provided to the respective school site)
Masking strongly recommended 10 days from the exposure date.

Schools/Supervisors will notify all exposed students & staff identified in the group tracing model.

Notification will occur to "groups" of exposed students/staff (e.g., classmates, teammates, cohorts, etc.) rather than individual "close contacts" (e.g. those within 6 feet). Individuals are considered exposed regardless of vaccination status and/or recent infection..

*For individuals with recent infection within 3 months, they may not need to test after exposure. Individuals with recent infection are recommended to consult their healthcare provider.

COVID-19 Testing for Students/Staff:

WCCUSD, as part of the COVID-19 testing plan, will provide multiple testing opportunities in addition to testing resources made available through Contra Costa County Public Health.

To remain in school after confirmed on-site exposure, testing is required 3-5 days after the date of on-site exposure for students/staff. Group Tracing response testing is provided after on-site exposure for all staff and students engaged in in-person learning. The District will keep the test results confidential. When the District notifies employees that they have been exposed to an employee who has COVID-19, the District will not identify the employee who has tested positive. At-home test kits are sufficient in this scenario as well, but proof must be provided to respective sites.

General Screening Testing for students, staff and immediate family members will be at three designated locations (District, Alvarado and Ohlone school parking lots) Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm.

At-home testing kits will be distributed as needed and as available by school sites.

On-Site Daily Health Screening:

These are NOT required for any staff, student, or visitor at any grade level. However, this practice is subject to change based on updates from county health and CDPH guidance.

Travel Guidelines:

WCCUSD follows Federal, State, and Local travel guidance. Please refer to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers for all updated travel guidance and recommendations before traveling domestically or internationally.

Absences

To report an illness or absence, please contact the school office via phone or email.

Parents/guardians should inform the school if their child or family member tests positive for COVID-19. Contact the site administrators, the nurse, or the admin assistants in the main office. This information will be kept confidential
Students who have been absent due to illness and/or COVID-19 infection shall be excluded from campus until the school receives written clearance from a healthcare provider that the student is no longer contagious, and/or all isolation and quarantine requirements have been met, and the student no longer has symptoms of illness. (Education Code 49451; Health and Safety Code 120230; 5 CCR 202). (See “Healthcare Provider Clearance”, below)
Student absences related to illness or quarantine are considered excused absences (Ed Code 48205).

Arrival and Dismissal from School

Families should refer to instructions from school sites regarding school arrival and dismissal procedures
Make arrangements to arrive and depart no more than 15 minutes prior to instruction and after dismissal

Transportation agencies have adopted a policy that allows for full capacity for all occupants
Families should not depend on public transportation (AC Transit/WestCat) alone and should plan alternative transportation arrangements to get their students to and from school. At the same time, bus passes will be available at each site for middle and high school students.

Volunteers

Schools and WCCUSD facilities should limit nonessential volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations with people who are not fully vaccinated, particularly in areas where there is moderate-to-high COVID-19 community transmission. Volunteers shall adhere to the following procedures:

Volunteers (including parents) will not be allowed on campus without an appointment from the front office and compliance with the following Covid prevention protocols:

Vaccination verification
Or proof of recent negative Covid test results (Covid test taken within 72 hours of event or appointment)

Volunteers will also submit to the normal WCCUSD Community Engagement Office application/clearance process(Volunteer Services)
Any volunteers permitted on the campus must first check-in at the school office and adhere to all posted health and safety protocols

School Gatherings

Student assemblies, special performances, dances, awards ceremonies, academic competitions, extracurricular events or student clubs should have gatherings outside if weather permits and comply with WCCUSD Covid-19 safety protocols. Spectators are allowed at school-related events. Indoor spaces should have good airflow and follow CDPH Guidance for Ventilation, Filtration, and Air Quality in Indoor Environments
If student based or Professional Learning Community gatherings are conducted indoors the following Covid prevention protocols shall be met with strict adherence:

Follow the strategy for Staying Home when Sick and Getting Tested from the CDC
Strongly recommended masking
Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
Ventilation- keep doors and windows open, if feasible

Outside Organizations (CBOs) will not be allowed on campus or district facilities if not complying with the following Covid prevention protocols:

Vaccination verification
Or proof of recent negative Covid test results (weekly test results, if needed and COVID test taken within 72 hours of event)

Athletics

Indoor mask use remains an effective layer in protecting against COVID-19 infection and transmission, including during sports, music, and related activities, especially activities with increased exertion and/or voice projection, or prolonged close face-face contact. Accordingly:

Masks are strongly recommended indoors at all times for teachers, referees, officials, coaches, and other support staff.
Masks are strongly recommended indoors for all spectators and observers.
Masks are strongly recommended indoors at all times when participants are not actively practicing, conditioning, competing, or performing. Masks are also strongly recommended indoors while on the sidelines, in team meetings, and within locker rooms and weight rooms.
When actively practicing, conditioning, performing, or competing indoors, masks are strongly recommended by participants even during heavy exertion, as practicable. If masks are not worn due to heavy exertion, it is strongly recommended that individuals undergo screening testing at least once weekly, unless they had COVID-19 in the past 90 days. An FDA-authorized antigen test, PCR test, or pooled PCR test is acceptable for evaluation of an individual's COVID-19 status.

Field Trips

The current field trip protocols/procedures will continue to be followed due to the current COVID-19 conditions in addition to the following procedures,:

All teachers, chaperones, and students are strongly recommended to wear a mask during the field trip; they must also make every effort to maintain appropriate physical distancing between others, and wash hands frequently
Field trip forms must be submitted four weeks before the desired trip
Transportation must be confirmed prior to the teacher moving forward with trip information to parents
Teachers must consider that each bus is at full-capacity and must count parent chaperones in the number of attendees

A seating chart must be available, in case contact tracing is necessary
No money will be collected from students/caregivers until field trip is approved
Students are encouraged to bring extra masks on all field trips; hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes will be available

Parent/Caregiver must pick child up immediately if student becomes ill and/or must be quarantined
If a chaperone becomes ill or is asked to quarantine he/she must have an adult available to pick him/her up immediately
Requesting teachers must ensure that enough chaperones are in attendance.

Someone must be available to chaperone a student and/or adult chaperone who becomes ill and must be isolated from others until someone arrives.

If parents do not want their child to attend a field trip or large off-campus group events the parent can use the normal opt-out procedure, such as not signing the permission slip or contacting the school site and informing staff of their desire to opt-out.

On-campus supervision and instruction will be utilized for students who opt-out.

We will monitor field trips and destinations very closely and use these guidelines. However, when necessary we will cancel field trips in an effort to protect our students, staff, parents, and community.

Cleaning Procedures

In general, routine cleaning is enough to sufficiently remove the virus that causes COVID-19 from surfaces. If disinfectants are used, use asthma-safer products.

Recommended action:

a. Drinking fountains may be open and used by students and staff. Routine cleaning is recommended.

Heating and Ventilation

As part of the district’s School Site Specific Protection Plan (CPP) for a return to in-person instruction, the district conducted an assessment for all heating and ventilation (HVAC) equipment at all campuses throughout the West Contra Costa School District.

Our existing HVAC systems were evaluated to:

Ensure our current systems comply with recommended state and local codes and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Ensure the appropriate amount of outside air is delivered to each instructional or office space

As a result, we are confident that all measures we are taking will ensure the health and safety of our students.

Building and classroom exterior windows and doors will be opened as practicable to allow for outside air ventilation. Fresh air will be brought into the building through the HVAC system. Minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV)-13 air filters have been installed on all of our HVAC units
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifiers have been purchased for classrooms that require supplemental ventilation.

Face Coverings/Masks (Updated June 30, 2022)

As part of a statewide effort to help stop the spread of Coronavirus, and as mandated by the CDPH, face coverings are strongly recommended to be worn by all staff and students indoors and outdoors. Face coverings must adhere to current California Department of Public Health Guidelines.

Face coverings worn by students must be appropriate and meet district dress code requirements (e.g. no inappropriate fabric patterns, no Halloween masks, no hate symbols, etc.)
Disposable masks will be available for students
Face coverings shall not be required for students or staff if there is a medical or behavioral reason for not wearing a face covering. This should be verified in writing from a medical professional, member of the school IEP team, or the school counselor

Regarding Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFR)

There remains a limited supply of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), like N95 masks, in the United States
Public Health guidelines do not recommend FFRs in classrooms (outside times when aerosolizing procedures occur)
Users can wear FFRs up to 20 times or until it is damaged, soiled, or causing noticeably increased breathing resistance
FFRs should only be reused by the same wearer and stored in a way that protects them from danger (i.e., hang used respirators in a designated storage area or keep them in a clean, breathable, separate container such as a paper bag between uses)

Wearing face coverings correctly:

Wash your hands before putting on your face covering.
Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face.
Make sure you can breathe easily.
Avoid touching the face-covering while it is on. If you do need to touch or adjust the face covering, wash your hands right away.

Removing face coverings correctly:

Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing. Wash hands immediately after removing.
Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops.
Handle only by the ear loops or ties.
Fold outside corners together.
Wash the face covering

Hand Hygiene

Frequent hand hygiene is one of the most important preventative practices to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and will be encouraged at school. Hand hygiene stations will be accessible on campus. We strongly recommend that students and staff wash or sanitize their hands upon arrival to school each day before entering the classroom.

Five steps to proper handwashing:

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

How to use hand sanitizer:

Apply the hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
Rub your hands together.
Rub the sanitizer over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

Cough/Sneeze Etiquette

Please help us teach your child(ren) these important preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the crook of the elbow, throw the tissue into the trash right away, and wash hands
Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
If your mask becomes soiled due to sneezing or heavy coughing, replace it with a clean mask.

Physical Distancing

Based on current guidelines from the California Department of Public Health and Contra Costa County Public Health, distancing in classrooms is no longer required.

Water

Drinking fountains may be open and used by students and staff. Routine cleaning is recommended.

Medical Needs and Front Office Health Room

Parents/guardians, teachers, and staff should instruct students to visit the school health office only if they are sick or injured. The school health office is a high-risk area that should only be used if medical assistance is necessary. If the health concern is not urgent, teachers and staff will attempt to resolve the matter with first aid interventions before sending a student to the school health office. Illness and injuries that would be handled in the health office may include:

If your child requires medication(s) at school
Severe head injuries, severe cuts, or suspected broken bones
Other urgent medical care
In case of a medical emergency, 911 and parents will be called

If you know your child has mental health concerns that present as physical symptoms (e.g., headache, stomachache, nausea), please inform their teacher and work with your child to recognize their symptoms and practice self-soothing techniques, as possible. If you or your children are feeling worried or anxious, they can sometimes present with physical symptoms (e.g., headache, abdominal pain). Help your child learn how to deal with that anxiety in a healthy way. Our school counselors are also available for consultation in this area.

Students with known underlying health conditions may be at increased risk of severe illness related to COVID-19 infection. These health conditions may include Diabetes (Type I and II), immune system deficiencies, and chronic respiratory conditions. If your child has a chronic health condition, please consult with your child’s healthcare provider to determine if/when it is safe to attend school in person and notify the District Nurse involved normally in your student’s care plan, IEP, or 504. In addition to this, please make sure to note any medical conditions on your student’s emergency card.

Underlying Health Conditions:

Students with known underlying health conditions may be at increased risk of severe illness. These health conditions may include Diabetes (Type I and II), immune system deficiencies, or chronic respiratory conditions. If your child has a chronic health condition, please consult with your child’s healthcare provider to determine if/when it is safe to attend school.

Other Illness/Communicable Disease:

Depending on the illness/communicable disease, a clearance from the student’s healthcare provider may be required for return to school after illness. Consultation with Contra Costa County Public Health may be necessary for next steps.

School Actions and Communications in Case of Possible Exposure at School

Families will be notified of school or cohort closures and any restrictions (if necessary per Contra Costa County Public Health recommendations) in place to prevent COVID-19 exposure (e.g., limited hours of operation) as soon as possible.

For questions and local information about COVID-19, please call the Contra Costa County Health and Coronavirus Call Center at 844-729-8410. The call center is open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Interpreter services are available.

References & Additional Resources Can Be Found At:

Contra Costa County Health and Human Services Coronavirus Information

Contra Costa County Public Health At Home Quarantine & Isolation Safety Guidance

Contra Costa County Health and Human Services Coronavirus Information Schools

Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) website

California K-12 2022-23 Guidance

Table of Contents

Overview