Woodland Joint Unified School District

         COVID-19 Student Health & Safety Protocols      

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COVID-19 Site Specific Plan:

Health and Safety Protocols for In-Person Learning

The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is the top priority when making the decision to physically reopen our schools. Woodland Joint Unified School District will be following the guidelines of the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) COVID-19 and Reopening In-Person Instruction Framework & Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California, 2020-2021 School Year.  The CDPH document is found here for your review. The following are health and safety student protocols that will be followed in WJUSD that adhere to CDPH guidance to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Please note that the protocols may be subject to change based on modifications to the guidance from the public health agencies and other officials. Please check the district and school website for the latest updates.

PRE-ARRIVAL

Passive (Self) Screening Staff and students must self-screen for symptoms at home daily. This is called passive screening. The COVID-19 Daily Symptom Screening for Students and Staff and Return to Work Requirements (Appendix A and B) are included in this guide. The following are considerations for self-screening.

Staff and students who are ill, and who have had no known exposure to a person with COVID-19, must stay home until they have met the CDPH criteria to discontinue home isolation:

• At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever reducing medications; and
• Other symptoms have improved; and meets one of the following criteria:

• The staff or student has a negative test for COVID-19; or
• A health care provider has confirmed an alternative diagnosis; or
• At least 10 days have passed since the day the symptoms first appeared.

 By ALL families working together we will ensure that everyone is safe.

• Prior to sending your child to school, parents/guardians must perform a daily symptom check on their child.
• If the answer is YES to any of the following questions, your child must stay home from school and you should report your child’s illness and symptoms to the school attendance office.
• Follow-up with your child’s physician.

DAILY CHECKLIST:

• Does the child have a fever (100.4° F or greater) without having taken any fever-reducing medications?
• Does the child have a sore throat, congestion or a runny nose?
• Does the child have a new uncontrolled cough that causes shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (for children with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)?
• Does the child have diarrhea, nausea or vomiting?
• Does the child have a new onset of headache, body aches or fatigue?
• Does the child have a new loss of taste or smell?
• Is the child living with someone in the household that has tested positive for COVID-19 OR living with someone in the household who is awaiting their test results for COVID-19?
• Has the child had close contact (less than 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) with a person confirmed with COVID-19?   

Screening for staff and students must be conducted daily.  Staff is required to take their temperature each morning as well as conduct screening to ensure that all staff can come to work.  The COVID-19 Daily Symptom Screening for Students and Staff are included in this guide. The following are considerations for self-screening.

Staff and students who are ill, and who have had no known exposure to a person with COVID-19, must stay home until they have met the CDPH criteria to discontinue home isolation:

• At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever reducing medications; and
• Other symptoms have improved; and meets one of the following criteria:

• The staff or student has a negative test for COVID-19; or
• A health care provider has confirmed an alternative diagnosis; or
• At least 10 days have passed since the day the symptoms first appeared.

Please note that Individuals with close contact (More than 15 minutes within 6 feet within a 24 hour period.) to persons who test positive for COVID-19 must stay home and self-quarantine.

Individuals with Close Contact to Persons with COVID-19

Staff and students who have had close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 must stay home and self-quarantine.

ARRIVAL

Entrances Morning  Drop-Off 

If the child meets all of the screening criteria then they are permitted to come to school. Families may drop off their child by their assigned entry gate.  Most families will drop off students in front of campus on Beamer Street in front of Beamer Park Elementary and walk to the assigned GATE.  Students must stay away at least 6 feet of physical distance from other families. Also speak to your child regarding the importance of keeping physical distancing and mask wearing while on school grounds.  Families should practice mask wearing prior to coming to Beamer Park Elementary as students are required to wear a mask during school hours.  Parents are not permitted on our school grounds during morning drop off.  You may walk your child to the entrance gates and staff will be easily visible to help guide them to the appropriate gate.    

Your child’s class will be assigned a gate to enter the school premises.  Each gate is labeled with a number.  Families should know which gate to enter through the school. Please do not enter through the front office area at this time.  

DISMISSAL

Students will be dismissed from assigned gates.  These new procedures are designed to help with student safety and traffic. As we will need your help to adhere to guidelines.  

Entrances & Exits (Pick-Up & Drop-Off) 

• Students and staff must enter through controlled entry and exit locations that may be divided to ensure distancing.
• Sites will implement measures to minimize crowding at drop-off and pick-up areas
• Sites will communicate changes to parents and students prior to returning to campus.
• Visual cues, barriers and/or signage will be used to direct traffic flow, minimize crowding and ensure distancing.

Active Screening - Temperature Checks and Identifying Ill Persons on Site

Active screening requires all students and staff entering a site to be screened for illness. The Daily Student Health Check at School Entry (Appendix C)

At this time, students will be screened daily at school entrances for symptoms of illness. Screening will include:

• Temperatures checks using a no-touch thermal scan thermometer prior to entry into school or prior to boarding a school bus.
• Visual checks by school staff for signs and symptoms of illness.

Staff will be screened daily by completing a health-screening questionnaire and taking their temperature using a no-touch thermal scan thermometer.

Parents/guardians must wait in their vehicle or wait outside the school until their student passes the health screening and enters campus. If a student or staff member has any sign of illness or has been exposed to COVID-19, they may not enter the school site or District building and will be sent home. Students whose parent/guardian is not present will be escorted to an isolation room until their parent or guardian can pick them up.

Students and staff must enter through required controlled entry and exit locations at each site. Sites shall set up controlled entry and exit screening locations and ensure staff and students understand and follow health and safety precautions.

FACE COVERINGS

Wearing a Face Mask

Wearing a face mask protects others and ourselves and they work best when everyone wears one.  All staff, students, parents/guardians and visitors are required to wear a face mask at all times.

Face masks could be medical procedure masks (sometimes referred to as surgical masks or disposable face masks) or cloth masks made with breathable, tightly woven fabrics.  The CDC recommends that face masks be made of two or three layers of materials and fit properly on the face (completely covering nose and mouth and fit snugly against the side of the face with no large gaps on the sides).  

Face masks with exhalation valves or vents are not allowed and scarfs or ski masks worn on the face do not substitute for a face mask.  

Students and parents/guardians will be informed on the types of face masks, proper use, removal and washing of reusable cloth masks. See Appendix D for the CDC’s poster, “How to Safely Wear and Take off A Mask”.  Face masks should follow WJUSD dress code standards.

California state guidance allows for times when a face mask can be temporarily

removed in the following situations:

When people are eating or drinking (6 feet of distance must still be maintained from other persons who are not members of the same household).

When a person is not sharing a room or enclosed space with others.

When persons are engaged in outdoor work or recreation when alone or when they can maintain a distance of 6 feet from one another.

Guidance for Daily Use of Face Mask

• Use a freshly washed or clean face mask for each day.
• Clean hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before touching the face mask.
• Avoid touching the front of the face mask and use the ties, bands or loops.
• Apply face mask before coming onto campus or into the worksite.
• Avoid eating or drinking while wearing the face mask.

How to Remove a Face Mask

• Clean hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before touching the face mask.
• Avoid touching the front of the face mask and use the ties, bands or loops.
• Throw any disposable face mask in a waste container.
• Wash cloth face mask by hand with warm water and soap or in the washing machine.

Exceptions to the Use of a Face Mask

A cloth face mask should not be worn in the following situations:

• Children age 2 and younger
• For individuals with a medical exemption from a physician (for example, individuals with some respiratory health conditions)
• For individuals who are hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication (face shields with drapes would be recommended in this situation)
• When it is inappropriate for the developmental level of the individual
• For individuals with a medical or mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face mask
• For individuals who are unable to remove a face mask without assistance

Face Shields with Drapes

Face shields with a cloth drape may be used by teachers to enable students to see their faces and to avoid potential barriers to phonological instruction. Face shields with a cloth drape can be used for those who are hearing impaired and for those who are unable to wear face masks for medical reasons.

Refusal to Wear Face Mask

Continual efforts will be made using positive reinforcement teaching strategies to ensure face masks are worn properly. If a concern about wearing masks arises, the administrator, assigned School Nurse, Health Technician or assigned supervisor should be notified immediately for additional support. Each unique situation will be assessed and support strategies will be employed for the well-being and safety of all. In the event that a student who is not exempt from wearing a face mask continually refuses to wear one, the YCDPH requires schools to provide distance learning for this student.

HAND WASHING/SANITIZING

Hand Washing and Respiratory Hygiene 

All students and staff must wash hands frequently. If soap and water are not available, use district approved hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Access to hand washing or hand sanitizer and face coverings will be available at or near entrances of campus. Staff will schedule time for handwashing or the use of hand sanitizer by students throughout the day.

Training on effective hand washing and use of sanitizer must be provided to all students and staff. See Appendix E for the CDC’s poster, “Did You Wash Your Hands? Children under age 9 should only use hand sanitizer under adult supervision.

At minimum, students and staff must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer upon their arrival to school. Other times when hand washing should occur include:

• Before and after lunch
• After using the restroom
• After using shared items
• When hands are visibly dirty
• After using a tissue, coughing into hands
• Upon arriving home

Respiratory hygiene or cough/sneeze etiquette, including use of tissues and elbows will be reinforced by using signage, training, and lessons. See Appendix F for the CDC’s poster, “Cover Your Cough”.

CLASSROOM LAYOUT

• In-person class sizes are reduced to less than 16 students per classroom per day.
• Student desks are spaced out and facing the same direction, as practicable.
• Physical distancing will be implemented as feasible throughout the day.
• Students and staff will reduce their movement throughout the classroom to ensure social distancing.
• HVAC MERV 13 filters have been installed in all classrooms and office spaces.

STUDENT MATERIALS

• Basic materials and supplies will be provided and will not be shared to the extent possible.
• Sharing of materials will be limited. If materials are shared, they will be sanitized between uses.
• Each child’s belongings will be separated from others and in individually labeled containers, cubbies, or areas.
• Beamer Park Elementary encourages the use of personal water bottles.  
• Students may bring lunch bags to school each day.
• Students in grades 3-6 will bring their fully-charged district Chromebook to school (K-2 students will not need to bring Chromebooks to school)

ALL Students are asked to bring a Backpack with the following items:

• Chromebook (3rd-6th grade)
• Books and folders (as specified by your child’s teacher)
• Worksheets and homework (as specified by your child’s teacher)
• Snack
• Lunch (if bringing one from home)
• Extra masks
• Water Bottle

STUDENT RESTROOMS

• A limited number of students will be permitted in the restrooms at a single time. This number will be posted on restroom doors.
• Restrooms will be sanitized throughout the day (i.e.: after each recess and lunch breaks), and physical guides and posters will be provided.
• Students will wash or sanitize hands before going to the bathroom, and wash their hands after, and wear masks following CDPH’s guidance.

DRINKING FOUNTAINS

Students are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles to school to use at our watering stations on campus. There are disposable cups provided since water fountains will not be in use.

MEALS & SNACKS

• Lunch will be grab and go. Students will be able to bring a snack that can be eaten on their break while outside of the classroom.
• Students will stay with their groups to the extent possible as recommended by CDC and CA Department of Public Health.
• Food offered at school will be pre-packaged or wrapped items, and students will not share food or drinks.
• Students may remove their face covering when eating or drinking.  When dismissed to throw away trash, face coverings must be worn.
• Seating will be marked to help students maintain safe physical distancing when utilizing designated meal areas. 

RECESS & P.E.

• Use of shared playground equipment will be limited in favor of physical activities that require less contact with surfaces.
• Sharing of materials and equipment will be limited to the extent possible, and if shared, items will be sanitized between uses.
• Each class will have their own crate of recess & P.E. equipment.
• The use of the playground equipment (swings, slides) will be on a rotational basis and will be limited to a cohort each day.

• Students will wash or sanitize their hands before and after recess/P.E.
• Recess and P.E. areas will be identified and designated as areas to play in by classes on a rotating schedule to assure that students stay with their cohorts as much as possible.
• When recess ends, students will walk to their classrooms without lining up to limit large crowds.

VISITORS

Essential visitors will be required to self-screen prior to an essential meeting and will be screened when arriving on campus or to a department building.

• District locations and school campuses must remain closed to non-essential visitors or volunteers.
• Essential visitors include but are not limited to government agency staff conducting health and safety assessments, a parent/guardian attending an essential meeting, such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Essential visitors may also include contracted services staff performing their work at a district facility.
• Classroom volunteers and classroom visits are not permitted at this time.
• Parents and guardians will be encouraged to make appointments for essential visits.
• Prior to the visit to campus, essential visitors will be provided with self-screening checklists and other relevant safety protocols.
• Essential visitors may be limited to the front office or specific areas on campus and the number of essential visitors will be monitored and controlled to ensure distancing for school office staff.
• All essential visitors must enter through the main office, sign in upon arrival and participate in active health screening.
• All essential visitors must wear a face covering.

PARENT MEETINGS, ASSEMBLIES, SCHOOL EVENTS

Currently, only virtual or drive-thru options will be pursued.

COVID-19 SAFETY DRILLS

Each classroom will review our new safety guidelines designed to promote safety.  Teachers will practice all of our safety practices with students including but not limited to walking in a line 6 feet apart, sitting in a classroom 6 feet apart, and remaining within the class’ boundaries during recess.  

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

WJUSD has procured items that are considered essential equipment to ensure safeguards. This includes

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is defined as equipment needed by staff to perform their job

safely such as face covering, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, gloves, etc. This also includes adjustments to

facilities that respond to the unique needs of the moment.

Our PPE include:

✓ Face Coverings & Face Shields for students and staff

✓ Soap/ Hand Sanitizers

✓ Cleaning/ Disinfecting Supplies

✓ No-Touch Thermometers

✓ Plexiglass for Office space

✓ Gloves as needed

✓ A.C. MERV upgraded filters

SICK STUDENTS

Students who are sick during the school day will be separated from others in a designated Isolation Room, and parents will be contacted to pick them up. Students with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will receive an additional temperature check using an alternative thermometer. If the temperature is confirmed, parents will be contacted for immediate pick-up.

TRAININGS & EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

Staff Training

• COVID-19 Facts
• District policies and procedures
• Social distancing
• Face Coverings
• Hand Washing and Respiratory Hygiene
• Screening Requirements
• Reporting Hazards
• COVID-19 Symptoms
• Scenarios - What to do if you’re ill or test positive for COVID-19
• Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols
• Resources, stress management, mental health, self-care

Student Training

• What is COVID-19?
• Self-Screening and when to stay home
• Precautions we are taking and why - distancing, face covering, hand washing, stay at home guidelines
• Handwashing - How To
• Cover your cough
• How to use a face covering
• What is 6 feet?
• Cleaning their space
• Resources, stress management, mental health, self-care

Parent/Guardian Training

• COVID-19 Facts
• Rationale for district guidelines
• Self=-screening. When to keep students home if they are ill and the length of time tey must stay home
• Taking and monitoring temperatures at home

LEARNING MODEL CHANGES

All K-12 schools will be opening to In-Person Instruction on April 12, in a hybrid model.  Within the Hybrid model students will  have the opportunity to attend school two days a week in person. Families were encouraged to consider all options and make the best possible decision for their children.  However, families will be able to request a change of program model within the first week of Phase 3 implementation, April 12 - 16.  It is important to understand that requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be granted only as space allows.  Program change requests should be submitted to school site principals and must be received by Friday, April 16.

COVID-19 Symptoms of Illness

If a person is sick or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, they may not come to school or work and will follow Return to School or Work Requirements (Appendix A and B). Per CDC guidelines, signs of illness include:

• Fever or chills (100.4 degrees or higher)
• Cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
• Fatigue, muscle or body aches,
• Headache,
• New loss of taste or smell,
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose,
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, CDC advises you to seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. CDC advises that you call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Appendices

Appendix A

Woodland Joint Unified School District’s

STUDENT COVID-19 HOME DAILY SYMPTOM SCREENING

• Prior to sending your child to school, parents/guardians must perform a daily symptom check on their child.
• If the answer is YES to any of the following questions, your child must stay home from school and you should report your child’s illness and symptoms to the school attendance office.
• Follow-up with your child’s physician.

CHECK LIST:

• Does the child have a fever (100.4° F or greater) without having taken any fever-reducing medications?
• Does the child have a sore throat, congestion or a runny nose?
• Does the child have a new uncontrolled cough that causes shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (for children with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)?
• Does the child have diarrhea, nausea or vomiting?
• Does the child have a new onset of headache, body aches or fatigue?
• Does the child have a new loss of taste or smell?
• Is the child living with someone in the household that has tested positive for COVID-19 OR living with someone in the household who is awaiting their test results for COVID-19?
• Has the child had close contact (less than 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) with a person confirmed with COVID-19?  

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Appendix B

Woodland Joint Unified School District’s

STAFF COVID-19 HOME DAILY SYMPTOM SCREENING

• Prior to coming to work, staff must perform a daily symptom check on themselves.
• If the answer is YES to any of the following questions, you must stay home from work and you should report your absence.
• Follow-up with your physician.

CHECK LIST:

• Do you have a fever (100.4° F or greater) without having taken any fever-reducing medications?
• Do you have a sore throat, congestion or a runny nose?
• Do you have a new uncontrolled cough that causes shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (for children with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)?
• Do you have diarrhea, nausea or vomiting?
• Do you have a new onset of headache, body aches or fatigue?
• Do you have a new loss of taste or smell?
• Are you living with someone in the household that has tested positive for COVID-19 OR living with someone in the household who is awaiting their test results for COVID-19?
• Have you had close contact (less than 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) with a person confirmed with COVID-19?  

Appendix C

Daily Student Health Check

Appendix D  

CDC’s How To Safely Wear And Take Off A Mask

Appendix E

CDC’s Did You Wash Your Hands?

Appendix F

CDC’s Cover Your Cough

Appendix G

Flowchart for Student Illness or Positive COVID-19 Diagnosis