I want to start by extending the warmest welcome to school for our students, families, and staff. We are beyond excited that all our students will have the opportunity to be back in our classrooms for full-time, in-person learning. The start of every new year is filled with hope and promise but, for me, this year feels especially poignant as it comes on the heels of a year where our halls were empty on the first day.

The health and safety of our students, staff and community continue to be our priority. I know families have questions and concerns about what the District will be doing to safeguard the health of their children while at school. The District is committed to following the guidance from the Washington Department of Health (DOH) and Seattle & King County - Public Health. While we cannot eliminate the risk that students, staff or visitors might be exposed to or get COVID-19, our commitment to following the guidance and adopting layered mitigation strategies will reduce that risk.

The District’s safety protocols are outlined in this, the District’s COVID-19 Response Plan (CRP). This is a living document and is adjusted as we receive updated guidance from the DOH and Seattle & King County - Public Health.

Be Our Partner in Health:

I encourage each of you to help reduce the potential impacts of COVID-19 on our students and the community by:

Vaccinations: I encourage you to consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination and vaccinating your eligible children (the FDA has authorized the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children and adolescents 12 and over). If you have questions about the benefits and risks of a COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the DOH COVID-19 Vaccination Information page or speak to a healthcare provider.
Practicing Everyday Precautions:

Practice Physical Distancing - Try to give those outside of your household space. COVID-19 is more likely to spread when people are in close contact with one another;
Wear Face Coverings - Face-coverings help contain and prevent you from breathing in respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. In most situations, face coverings will be required for students while indoors on campus (exceptions being while eating, etc.); and
Wash and/or Sanitize Hands: If the virus is on your hands you can spread it to your eyes, nose or mouth if you touch your face. Surface-to-person transmission isn't the primary way COVID-19 spreads, but it is possible to transmit viruses from infectious respiratory droplets that have landed on your hand or on surfaces you have touched.

Stay Home When Sick: Please keep your students home when they are unwell and if you think your student may have COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your school’s nurse.
Schedule Wellness Exams & Flu Shots: Do not put off your child’s annual wellness exams or flu shots. A healthy person is less likely to become seriously ill if infected with COVID-19.

Words are insufficient to fully convey my gratitude and appreciation to you — our students, families, staff and community partners — for your steadfast support of the District during this global pandemic. This guidance document serves as a resource reflecting current practices based on the evolving understanding of the virus.

As the new school year begins, we look forward to serving our students and giving our caring and dedicated educators the opportunity to help our students grow and reconnect with each other after the summer break and a very strange 2020-21 school year.

Thank you.

Donna Colosky, Superintendent

Goals for Returning Students to In-Person Instruction

Schools are an important part of the infrastructure of communities and play a critical role in supporting the whole child, not just their academic achievement. The District’s goals in returning all students to full-time, in-person instruction are to:

Protect the health and well-being of students, staff and families;
Provide quality educational opportunities and instruction for all students; and
Foster and maintain connections with students and families.

Accordingly, the District’s decisions will be grounded in the guidance from applicable health authorities and public health data in King County. The District relies on four external agencies to provide COVID-19 updates:

Washington Department of Health (DOH)

Public Health - Seattle & King County (PHSKC)

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

COVID-19 Guidance and Resources

Labor and Industries, Washington (L&I)

Employer Health & Safety Requirements for School Scenarios
Questions and Answers about Coronavirus and Vaccination For School Scenarios
COVID-19 Employer Considerations for School Scenarios

The WA DOH K-12 COVID-19 Requirements for the 2021-2022 School Year provides actions schools are required to take to reduce risks to students and staff from COVID-19 while operating in-person instruction. Schools should refer to L&I Guidance for the workplace and DOH general guidance for non-healthcare businesses. DOH general guidance will be used in schools to guide spectator events and overnight camps. Through its partnership with Public Health - Seattle & King County, the District will continually monitor and stay current on the COVID-19 trends.

COVID-19 Overview

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild or no symptoms to severe and life-threatening.

COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person. A person can become infected by coming in close contact with another person who is infected by COVID-19. Close contact is defined as being less than 6 feet from another person for a combined total of 15 minutes or more, over 24 hours. Public health officials report the virus is spread through respiratory droplets, and a person may be infected if exposed to these droplets when another infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. It is also possible to contract COVID-19 if a person touches their mouth, nose, or eyes after touching a surface that has the live virus on it.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are like other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold. Common symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Temperature greater than 100.4 Fahrenheit/38 degrees Celsius
Cough (for those with chronic allergic, asthmatic, or chronic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Unusual fatigue
Muscle and body aches
New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
Sore throat
Sudden loss of taste or smell
Congestion or runny nose (unrelated to seasonal allergies)
Nausea or Vomiting
Diarrhea

A person’s race/ethnicity or nationality does not, itself, put them at greater risk of COVID-19. However, data indicates that communities of color are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 because of many intertwining factors such as healthcare access, higher representation among essential workers and industries, etc. Stigma will not help to fight the illness. Share accurate information with others to keep rumours and misinformation from spreading.

Vaccination Requirements & Recommendations

On August 18, 2021, Governor Inslee announced a directive requiring all K–12 school employees, contractors, and volunteers be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain a religious or medical exemption by October 18, 2021.

At this time, students eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination are not required to be vaccinated. However, students and families are strongly encouraged to consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination as it greatly reduces the risks posed by this virus and our community. The FDA has authorized the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children and adolescents 12 and over). If you have questions about the benefits and risks of a COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the DOH COVID-19 Vaccination Information page or speak to a healthcare provider.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Symptoms

Any person experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should adhere to the below:

Staff, students, and visitors must stay away from any District location or Activity if they are experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms. Do not come to school or work.

MISD will utilize King County Covid Symptom Flow-Chart and Testing to determine if students or staff will need to be tested for COVID-19 and when they can return to school.

Parents should contact their child’s school to notify the office of their student’s absence and the reason for their absence.

Staff members should report their absence via Frontline, notify the school nurse of their illness, and contact their healthcare provider for further direction.

If a student or visitor exhibits signs or symptoms of COVID-19 while at District Property/Activity, that individual should be isolated from others until they can leave District Property/Activity. Parents are expected to pick students up promptly or make arrangements for prompt student pick up.

If a staff member is already at work and experiences symptoms of COVID-19, the staff member must inform their supervisor that they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and leave work.

Covid-19 Positive Cases/Exposure Protocols

If a Student or Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

Any person that tests positive for COVID-19 must be isolated from others and not come to school or work.

If a person tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a molecular or antigen test, they can return to school when the following criteria are met:

10 days since symptom onset, or since positive test specimen collection date if no symptoms are present (up to 20 days for those for those who are severely ill or severely immunocompromised), AND

24 hours after fever resolves without use of fever-reducing medications, AND

Symptoms have improved

This isolation guidance applies regardless of vaccination status.

Please contact one of the District’s main point-of-notification liaisons via phone in order to keep personal health information out of the email system:

Rosie Burns, Human Resources, 206-236-3330;
Your Administrator*; OR
Building’s School Nurse.

You may be asked to fill out a “close contact list” to help Public Health - Seattle & King County with contact tracing.

*Any administrator not assigned to a school site should then notify either Karla Rimmer or Fred Rundle.

If There is a COVID-19 Case at School

Public Health - Seattle & King County, staff, students and visitors will notify the District if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 linked to a District school. To protect individual’s privacy (HIPAA), the District will not share names or health information of students and staff. Instead, the school and District will work with Public Health officials on communication and appropriate next steps, which may include self-isolation, self-monitoring, contact tracing, and testing.

Following a positive case, a thorough cleaning of the affected areas will be conducted. If this cleaning disrupts normal school operations, families will be notified about any scheduling changes.

Students and staff members should self-monitor to ensure they are not developing symptoms. If the individual had close contact with any students or staff members who may need testing, those individuals will be contacted by public health officials.

Do not come to school or work if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have a known exposure to COVID-19. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should self-isolate and may need to be tested for COVID-19.

Self-isolation is required if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19. If you reside with someone who is COVID-19 positive or who is awaiting results of COVID-19 testing, you should remain at home unless you are vaccinated and symptom-free.

Students, staff and visitors should follow PHSKC COVID-19 Return to School/Work Flow Chart students, families and staff that are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms. You may be told to self-isolate, which means stay at home until you receive the results of your test. You are also asked to continue to monitor yourself for symptoms, avoid all contact with others, and follow Public Health - Seattle & King County advice regarding testing for COVID-19.

If you have COVID-19, you must isolate until you are symptom-free for 24 hours. If you remain home because of COVID-19 exposure or because you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your school or your evaluator, if an employee.

Please navigate to the Quarantine section and District COVID-19 Testing Protocols for more information on these issues.

Student or Staff Member Has COVID-19 Symptoms but Tests Negative for COVID-19

If a person with COVID-19 symptoms tests negative for SARS-CoV-2 with a molecular test (PCR), they may return to school following existing school illness management policies so long as they are not a close contact of someone with COVID-19 and subject to quarantine.

If a person with COVID-19 symptoms tests negative for SARS-CoV-2 with an antigen test, a confirmatory lab-based molecular PCR test will be required. An alternative to confirmatory PCR testing is serial antigen testing performed every 3–7 days for 14 days. If a person with COVID-19 symptoms does not get tested for SARS-CoV-2 or see a healthcare provider and given an alternative diagnosis, they should follow the same isolation guidance as persons who test positive for SARS-CoV-2. This applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

If You are a Close Contact With A Test-Confirmed COVID-19+ Person

If students or staff are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, they may not come to campus and they should be scheduled for PCR testing- Click here for King County Testing Locations. Be aware that vaccinated individuals can test positive for COVID-19. Please contact the building nurse with any COVID-19 testing results.

Vaccinated Staff/Students Return with Negative COVID-19 Test

Vaccinated staff and students may return to school/work if they have a negative COVID-19 test and are considered a close contact of someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 under the following situations:

A student or staff member who is fully vaccinated (2 weeks after 2nd vaccine dose) and is not experiencing symptoms, does not need to quarantine if the COVID-19+ person does not reside in the fully vaccinated student/staff member’s home. Such a fully vaccinated student or and staff member must take a COVID-19 PCR test 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in all public indoor spaces for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.

If their COVID-19 test is positive, they should isolate and follow appropriate guidance.

If their initial test was negative, but they develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they should isolate themselves from others, be clinically evaluated for COVID-19, and be tested for SARS-CoV-2 if indicated. The symptomatic fully vaccinated person should inform their healthcare provider of their vaccination status at the time of presentation to care.

A student or staff member who is fully vaccinated (2 weeks after 2nd vaccine dose) and is not experiencing symptoms, who resides with the COVID-19+ person will be permitted to return to school/work consistent with the below:

If such fully vaccinated student/staff member cannot physically distance themselves from the COVID-19+ person, that student/staff member must quarantine until 14 days after the date of last exposure or three days after the date of last exposure with a negative COVID-19 PCR test.
If the fully vaccinated student/staff member residing with the COVID-19+ person can physically distance themselves from the COVID-19+ person, the fully vaccinated student/ staff member must obtain a negative rapid COVID-19 test before returning to school or work. Such a fully vaccinated student/staff member must take a rapid test daily and receive a negative result until the student/staff member can take a COVID-19 PCR test, which should occur 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The fully vaccinated student/staff member close contact must wear a mask in all public indoor spaces for 14 days or until they receive a negative PCR test result.

If their COVID-19 test is positive, they should isolate and follow appropriate guidance.

If their initial test was negative, but they develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they should isolate themselves from others, be clinically evaluated for COVID-19, and be tested for SARS-CoV-2 if indicated. The symptomatic fully vaccinated person should inform their healthcare provider of their vaccination status at the time of presentation to care.

Close contacts who had confirmed COVID-19 in the past three months, have recovered and do not have symptoms, should quarantine and monitor symptoms as if they are fully vaccinated person. Proof of previous COVID-19 positive test results or notice from a medical provider will be required.

Unvaccinated Student’s Return with Negative COVID-19 Test

If your student is unvaccinated, Public Health - Seattle & King County recommends the following three options for the duration of the quarantine. The option you exercise must be done in partnership with an MISD nurse or designee.

Quarantine should last for 14 days after the last close contact with the COVID-19 positive person. This is the safest option. Monitor for symptoms during this time, and if any COVID-19 symptoms develop during the 14 days, get tested.

If 14 days is not possible, quarantine can last for 10 days after the last close contact. Unvaccinated students/staff that choose 10-day quarantine will be required to have a negative test result on the 5th day after close contact with a second COVID-19 test done on the 9th or 10th day after close contact.
If any COVID-19 symptoms develop during the 10 days, remain in quarantine for the full 14 days and get tested. Continue monitoring for symptoms until day 14.

The quarantine can end after 7 full days beginning after the last close contact if no symptoms have developed and after receiving a negative PCR test result. The test should occur no sooner than the 5th day of quarantine. Continue monitoring for symptoms until day 14. Please work with the school nurse to coordinate and communicate the testing process. Unvaccinated students and staff hoping for a shortened quarantine may be required to have additional COVID-19 testing on days 7-14. A negative test does not necessarily mean your child does not have COVID-19. The test result only means that they did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing.

District-Offered Covid Testing

The District has a limited supply of BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen Tests. WA DOH has notified schools that supplies continue to be limited. When available and supply allows, the District will offer rapid testing under the following circumstances

Twice weekly screening tests for unvaccinated athletes participating in high contact sports. Parental consent must be on file. Testing will occur on competition day and one additional day per week. Should competitions occur on consecutive days, screenings should be given each morning of the competition day.
Students who are considered close contacts of someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 and if the student is asymptomatic.
Staff who are considered close contacts of someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 and if the staff member is asymptomatic.

Utilizing Rapid Test if Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms

Rapid antigen testing can be utilized to quickly diagnose COVID-19 for symptomatic students and staff. Rapid antigen testing is also known to have a high rate of false negative or inconclusive results for people that are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Therefore, BinaxNOW testing will be offered if testing supplies are available, but if the staff or student is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and the test is negative, they may be required to obtain a follow up PCR test and/or get an alternative diagnosis from a medical provider.

Positive COVID-19 Test: Privacy

When a staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19, reporting and communication procedures shall be followed per PHSKC guidance. To protect the privacy of the infected student or staff member, as few people as possible will know the identity of COVID-19 positive individuals. Only those persons identified as a close contact with the COVID-19 positive person will be contacted. Your child’s teacher, coach and/or activity supervisor will be notified if your student tests positive for COVID-19 and your student was on campus 2 days prior to your child’s diagnosis and/or symptom onset. This is necessary, because teachers play an important role in helping to identify close contacts in the classroom. Staff will receive training and reminders related to maintaining confidentiality.

District Notification of Close Contacts

MISD will communicate by email to notify families that their student is a close contact of someone that has tested positive for COVID-19. In some cases, nurses may need to speak with families and/or students to help determine the nature of close contact.

Please contact one of the District’s main point-of-notification liaisons via phone or email.

Rosie Burns, Human Resources, 206-236-3330;
Your Administrator*; OR
Building’s School Nurse- parents of students should use this option.

You may be asked to fill out a “close contact list” to help Public Health - Seattle & King County with contact tracing.

*Any administrator not assigned to a school site should then notify either Karla Rimmer or Fred Rundle.

Daily Parent/Guardian Planning for Sick Student

Parents and caregivers should make a plan in case their child needs to be picked up early from school due to illness. Please ensure contact information is up to date with the school.

Staff Attestations

All staff members will be asked to complete an attestation at the beginning of the year. The attestation will include:

Commitment to physical distancing & other District COVID-19 protocols;
Wearing of appropriate face coverings and/or PPE;
Only reporting to work if no COVID-19 symptoms are present;
Leaving work and testing for COVID-19 if symptoms occur; and
Communicating with District nurses or administrators if they are in close contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 or if they have tested positive for COVID-19.

School Screening: Student Presents as Ill at School

School Screening

At any time, the school may conduct a health screening for a student who either self-discloses they feel ill or when a staff member suspects a student is not well. The nurse or designee will conduct the temperature screening and overall health screening of the child. Student’s and staff with a fever of 100.4 and/or those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will be sent home.

Isolation Rooms

Each school will have a designated isolation area for students who show symptoms similar to COVID-19 during the day. This area will be staffed by the school nurse, health room assistant, or trained designee equipped with appropriate PPE. Parents/guardians/caregivers will be notified to pick their child up from school as soon as practical.

Masks & Face Coverings

Face coverings, when worn correctly, are our best defense to keep transmission rates of COVID-19 low in schools because they protect both the wearer and other people from getting COVID-19. Face coverings are required when indoors at K-12 facilities and busses. Face coverings are not required outside regardless of vaccination status or age. However, the DOH, PUblic Health, and CDC strongly encourage unvaccinated persons to wear face coverings outside if they will be around people outside of their household.

A cloth face covering is anything that completely covers the mouth and nose and fits securely on the sides of the face and under the chin. It should be made of two or more layers of tightly woven fabric with ties or straps that go around a person’s head or behind their ears. A face shield with a drape can be used when someone has a developmental, behavioral, or medical condition that prevents them from wearing a face covering.

Face coverings or masks with ear loops are preferred over ones that tie around the neck or behind the head during physical activity to reduce the risk of injury. Face coverings will be provided for students and staff that do not have them.

Those who do not need wear face coverings include:

Babies and toddlers under age 2 should never wear cloth face coverings.
People with a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental or cognitive condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This includes, but is not limited to, people with a medical condition for who weairng a face covering could ostruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove a face coring without assitance.
Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who provide instruction and use facial if mouth movements are used as part of communication.
Younger students ages 2-4 years old must be supervised while wearing a face covering or shield. They may need help with their masks and getting used to wearing them.

Schools will provide appropriate PPE for all staff, including those who provide assistance to students who have special needs.

Indoor Mask Requirements

All school personnel, volunteers, visitors, and students must wear cloth face coverings, or an acceptable alternative (e.g. surgical mask or clear face shield with a drape), at school when indoors. Depending on their job task or activity, staff may be required to wear higher level PPE.

Face coverings may be removed by:

Persons, including students, when eating or drinking;
Students being provided a “mask break.” Mask breaks will typically occur outside or in designated areas where physical distancing can be maintained;
Those working alone indoors e.g. individuals who are isolated from interactions with others who have little or no expectation of in-person interruptions. How often a staff member is able to work alone throughout the day may vary; and
Staff verified to be fully vaccinated working indoors in areas not generally accessible to the public and when no visitors, students or volunteers are present (e.g. two vaccinated staff members working in a shared office space);
Staff verified to be fully vaccinated when students are not present or expected to be present IF physical distancing can be maintained AND it is not a staff meeting. Note, wearing masks is strongly encouraged in all indoor settings if people other than those in your household are present;
Please refer to the Athletic’s section for more information as to when masks can be removed by athletes, coaches, or officials.

A person who has removed their face coverings must put it back on as soon as the circumstances allowing the removal ends.

The WA Dept. of Labor & Industries, provides the following examples of working alone:

A lone worker inside a vehicle.
A person by themselves inside an office or classroom with 4 walls and a door.
A lone worker inside of a cubicle with walls/partitions high enough to block the breathing zone of anyone walking by, and whose work activity will not require anyone to come inside of the cubicle.

Outdoor Mask Requirements

Per the Secretary of Health’s Mask Order, face coverings are not required outdoors regardless of age or vaccination status. Masks are strongly recommended for unvaccinated individuals when outdoors in crowded spaces or when in close contact with people from outside their household for a sustained period of time, as the risk of COVID-19 infection increases with the duration and closeness of contact between individuals.

STAFF: Which mask/Face Covering for Which Task

L&I, OSPI, and DOH joint guidance, Employer Considerations for School Scenarios, outlining the rules and guidance for school staff health and safety. This resource provides guidance as to which face coving is appropriate for which situation:

The overall health risk for the typical K–12 in-person instructional setting is classified as low risk. There are other scenarios in the school setting where the risk level may be higher or lower.
In low risk situations, staff may wear a cloth face covering.
In medium risk situations, L&I’s long-standing guidance allows for several different protection options, including a face shield with a cloth face mask, a surgical-style mask, a hobby dust mask, a KN95 mask, or a KN90 mask.
For high risk or extremely high risk situations, an N95 respirator or equivalent should be used. If an employer cannot reasonably obtain an N95 or equivalent, they may use a face shield plus an FDAapproved surgical mask, procedural mask, or a KN95 mask until a respirator can be obtained.
N95 respirators or equivalent protection are only required in high risk or extremely high risk situations.

WA L&I has categorized tasks into the following transmission risk categories: negligible, low, medium, high, and extremely high risk. Potential types of District activities are:

* Inside should be considered broadly to mean not outside. Outside environments have a free flow of air that limits viral transmission. Situations that are under cover or partially surrounded by walls are not necessarily outside or inside. Generally, these situations should be considered inside unless it can be shown that there is good flow of air that maintains an outside air environment.

** Except for the following sectors:

Healthcare (including long-term care, doctor’s offices, hospitals)
Public transportation (aircraft, train, road vehicles)
K-12 Schools, childcare facilities, and day camps in locations where students are present
Correctional facilities
Homeless shelters

Transparent masks may be worn to facilitate speech services.

The District will ensure that staff or students who cannot or should not wear masks under the DOH exemption criteria have additional safeguards to mitigate the additional risk.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

District-wide protocols regarding PPE usage are designed to comply with guidance of all applicable public health agencies. Compliance with guidelines for personal protective equipment is a job expectation for District staff. These protocols may change as public health guidance continues to evolve.

Gloves will be made available for staff for appropriate job responsibilities.

Additional PPE (gowns, foot coverings, etc.) will be made available to staff in high risk classifications when appropriate as per health agency guidelines and as determined by Human Resources in conjunction with the COVID Site Safety Supervisor. Personal protective equipment will be provided through the District to each site. Staff may request PPE through their COVID Site Safety Supervisor.

If staff members have concerns about PPE compliance, they are encouraged to consult with their supervisor.

Respirator Program for MISD

Click here to access the most current version of the MISD Respirator Program.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing requirements will not prevent the District from offering full-time, in-person learning to all students/ families in the fall.

Physical distance of three feet or more between students in classroom settings should be maintained to the degree possible and reasonable, that allows for full-time, in-person learning for all students. A school’s ability to do so will depend on students’ ages, developmental and physical abilities, and available space.

The District shall strive to maximize distance between students to the degree possible for the following circumstances:

When face coverings cannot be worn e.g. while eating;
in common areas such as hallways; and
during high-risk activities when increased exhalation or aerosolization occurs e.g. during physical exertion while in PE, playing wind instruments, etc.

Signage

Signage reminding staff, students and visitors to wear an approved face covering is posted at the front entrance of each facility. Interior signage is placed in the foyers and hallways to remind people of physical distance requirements and the wearing of a face covering.

Where appropriate, signage will be provided in multiple languages. When signage must be in English only, universal images will be used to communicate the directions/expectations in those areas.

Classroom Setup

Classrooms will be set up to allow three feet or more between students whenever possible and reasonable. Due to some class sizes, this may not always be possible. When this is not possible, classrooms will be set up to maximize spacing between students, while also still prioritizing full-time, in-person learning for all students.

Physical Distancing: Activities and interactions

Staff members will be encouraging students to limit physical contact and will be modeling new ways to interact using games that include basic principles, such as “two-arm lengths apart,” and avoiding close greetings like hugs or handshakes. Physically distant greetings such as air-fives and waves will be encouraged. Classroom activities will be planned that avoid physical contact or the close gathering of students. Activities that require clustering around an item or small area will be avoided.

Performing Arts: General Guidance

Requirements outline previously in this document concerning masks and face coverings, physical distancing, grouping students and staff, cleaning and disinfection, and hygiene practices still

apply to performing arts activities. Additional requirements that apply to all K-12 performing

arts activities stem from the fact that may performing arts activities are high aerosol-generating and

increase the risk for COVID-19 transmission:

Masks are not required outdoors, however distancing of three (3) feet is recommended;
Reduce shared equipment to the degree possible;
Maximize ventilation of the space as much as possible;
Universal masking with appropriate material – MERV13 or 3-layer medical face mask

or similar material – is required by all students and staff in performing arts classes

and while participating in performing arts activities;

Aerosol-producing musicians, e.g., singers, woodwinds and brass, speech/debate, and theater performers are required to wear appropriate masks/face coverings and/or use appropriate bell covers while performing.

Woodwinds and brass performers may remove their face coverings/masks when performing on their instrument and must replace their face covering/mask during non-performance time

Universal masking with appropriate material – MERV13 or 3-layer medical face mask or similar material – is required in general music and elementary classrooms when singing is performed.

Performances Generally

For performances, audience members should be seated in “family units” and those small groups should be spaced at least 3 feet apart. All audience members must wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.

Universal masking is required during performances for participants, including appropriate face coverings and bell covers on woodwind and brass instruments.

Band/Orchestra/Instrumental Specific

Students choose to come to school for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the motivating class or experience that gets them to school is a passion such as band or choir. The District has a successful tradition of offering a valuable academic, social, and emotional experience through these two performing arts. The District will work to ensure that all students have access to their chosen performing arts course. Space constraints should not limit access to these classes. Distancing should be at least 3 feet, if possible, and more if space permits.

Considerations:

Follow all general performing arts recommendations listed above.
Indoors, modified face coverings should be worn by students while playing instruments. A surgical-style mask with an opening or slit cut for the instrument mouthpiece is recommended but not required. Other styles of face coverings can have tightly woven, stretchy overlapping fabric that allows access for the instrument mouthpiece and recloses over the outside of the

mouthpiece. Students should switch to regular, unmodified face coverings without

openings as soon as they are done rehearsing.

Bell covers with appropriate material – MERV 13 or 3-layer medical face mask or similar material – are required for brass and woodwind instruments when indoors. Bell covers are recommended when playing outdoors but not required.
Practice good hygiene collecting water condensation from brass instruments. Instruments should have specially designed bell covers (brass and woodwind

instruments) or bags with hand openings (woodwind instruments) to limit the spread of

droplets and aerosols.

Brass and woodwind instrument bell covers should be multiple layers of tightly

woven fabric, ideally with the middle layer being MERV-13 filter material, which

securely covers the entire bell of the instrument.

Flutes and recorders should use a tightly woven cloth material over the end of

the barrel.

Bags with hand openings are another option for woodwind instruments.
Instruments and equipment should be cleaned according to manufacturer recommendation. COVID-19 Instrument Cleaning Guidelines may be referenced as well. When possible, avoid shared music, instruments, or other supplies; and perform safe storage options for equipment. If instruments are shared, uses should follow appropriate cleaning procedures between use.
Instrumentalists must control spit valve releases in a manner that prevents spread, and wash hands immediately after.

Choir/Singing

Follow all general performing arts recommendations listed above.
A 3-layer surgical style (aka disposable procedure masks), well-fitting mask is required while singing.

Theatre & Drama

Follow all general performing arts recommendations listed above.
If singing, shouting, or 3-layer surgical style (aka disposable procedure masks), well-fitting mask is required while singing.

Dance, Movement, & Like Activities (e.g. Drill)

Follow all general performing arts recommendations listed above.

Speech/Debate

Follow all general performing arts recommendations listed above.

Physical Education

When possible, physical education will occur outdoors, particularly when increased exhalation or aerosolization occurs. Outdoor locations for fitness training and team sports are preferred to indoor locations and should be utilized to the greatest extent possible to allow for maximum fresh air circulation and social distancing.

Athletics

The WA DOH Sports Guidance, WIAA and KingCo Conference will serve as the governing bodies to provide guidance about athletics and competitions. The District will use this guidance and develop additional plans and protocols as a separate Return to Play guidance document.

Assemblies

Assemblies and larger student gatherings may occur indoors only if physical distancing of three feet may be maintained. The District will prioritize holding large student gatherings outdoors where possible.

Recess / Outdoor Spaces / Playgrounds

Masks are not required for outdoor play. Teachers supervising outdoor play may also be unmasked. Though not required, it is highly recommended that unvaccinated students and adults wear face coverings outdoors when around non-household members. At the elementary level, the District shall identify a designated mask break area for students who choose to wear masks outdoors.

Drinking Fountains and Bottle Fillers

DOH guidance as to cleaning fountains and bottle fillers will be followed.

Safe Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance for Public Spaces (PDF)

Staff will clean and disinfect fountains and bottle fillers throughout the day. Students and staff are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles. Disposable cups will also be made available at each site. Water bottles and cups should not be shared.

The District will post signage at water sources that includes:

Do not place your mouth on the spout of the fountain or allow your water bottle to contact the nozzle when refilling.
Allow water to flow for 10 seconds to allow fresh, clean water to come through prior to drinking.
If the fountain has a button or lever, clean before and after use, or use your elbow. Wash or sanitize your hands after use.

The District has developed a water quality plan designed to ensure the safety of the water available through District faucets and fountains.

HVAC Systems and Air Quality

The Facilities Department is responsible for and actively ensuring that the maximum amount of fresh air is being brought into the workplace. Air recirculation is being limited and ventilation systems are being properly used and maintained and HVAC system filters will be changed more frequently. Air handling units will be fitted with the highest filtration rate filters that can be sourced and installed without negatively impacting performance. MERV 13 is the preferred level of filtration.

Highly functioning Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are critical in maintaining healthy school and work environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has developed guidance for the operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems to reduce the risk of COVID-19. The District has worked closely with HVAC engineers and consultants who are very familiar with our multitude of systems to analyze each system and make specific recommendations with an emphasis on COVID-19 and preventative maintenance. We are following the ASHRAE guidelines listed below:

Continued monitoring, inspection and maintenance of all HVAC systems
Filter changes a minimum of 3 times per year (use of Merv-13 rated filters where appropriate)

Ventilation will be set to maximize outside air flow continuously. Most of the HVAC systems in our District bring in 100% outside air in addition to most buildings having operable windows.

Staff may open windows to their classrooms/workspaces to promote airflow. For security reasons, classroom and other building doors should not be left open.

Safety Drills and Evacuations

In the event of a safety drill, students and staff will exit the building or participate in the drill in the same manner as they would under normal operating conditions.

In the event of an actual emergency, students and staff should first and foremost seek safety with the emergent issue as the primary response. Everyone should attempt to practice healthy measures to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. However, if confronted with a situation that poses an immediate risk to the health and well-being of students and staff and one or more of the typical COVID-19 safety measures cannot be adhered to, stakeholders should focus most on responding to the emergent issue.

In-School Food Service & Food Consumption

Lunch: Students will be oriented to lunch protocols by their teachers and/or lunchroom staff. Physical distancing will be maintained, to the extent possible. Students will be encouraged to eat outside where appropriate.

Snack: Students shall consume snacks brought from home either outside of a school building or while sitting at their desks.

During snack periods, generally:

Students will be required to wash or sanitize hands before every snack period.
Students must only remove their mask while eating and then put it back on immediately after eating.
Students should be made aware of a safe place to put their mask while eating to prevent it from falling on the floor/ground.
Students must not share snacks (purchased or brought from home) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but also to protect many who have food allergies.

Snack periods occuring inside:

Should be limited in time, not to exceed 10 minutes. Students on 504 Plans/Health Plans requiring more frequent snack breaks or who take longer to eat must be permitted to consume food consistent with those Plans.
Students must remain seated at their desk/work area while consuming food so as to support physical distancing.
To the maximum extent possible, staff should maintain 6 feet distancing from students during a snack period when masks are not being worn.
Students must remain at their desk until done consuming their food and then may get up, once masked, to dispose of any trash.

Transportation

School buses are considered public transportation. All students, bus drivers and staff must wear a mask when riding the bus. When a mask is not feasible due to a student’s disability, a face shield with a drape is an acceptable accommodation.

Bus Hygiene

Buses will have a small (3.5 oz) bottle of hand sanitizer to be sparingly used if a student has not sanitized or washed their hands before leaving their house/boarding the bus.
A box of masks on each bus will be available for students who arrive with no mask (students who did not arrive with a mask will be reported to the school for family follow-up).
Bus drivers will be furnished with the appropriate PPE.

Entering & Leaving District Facilities

The strategies District schools used prior to COVID-19 will remain in effect for students, staff and the community. Consistent with state mandates, all persons who can and should wear a mask must wear a mask when in building common areas, including classrooms, if others are present.

All individuals, including students, shall use hand sanitizer or wash their hands upon entry.

Student Pick-up & Drop-Off

Each individual school will be creating a plan to ensure efficient and safe pick-up and drop-off at the school. This plan will be communicated to the respective families and posted for easy access on the school’s website homepage. Students will continue to enter the school in the morning through either classroom doors or main entrance doors.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to transport their own children where possible. Picking up and dropping off students outside of the building is encouraged, unless there is a need for the parent or caregiver to enter the school.

Current start and end times will be posted on the District website for each school. Families should drop off children as close to the start time as possible, but no earlier than 10 minutes before the start of school. Students should be picked up as close to the end time as possible.

Once the school day begins, school building external doors, except for the main entrance, will be locked. Unless re-entering after recess or an outside school-based activity, a student who has left school will need to re-enter through the main doors.

Visitor Entry

To promote health and safety, visits to schools by guardians and other adults should be scheduled in advance whenever reasonably possible. When possible and appropriate, virtual options for meetings are strongly encouraged.

All visitors who enter a District facility or vehicle are required to first sign in, provide a phone number to support contact tracing if that becomes necessary, and attest that they are not COVID-19 positive or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Any visitor to a District site must put on an appropriate face covering, typically a mask. When in a school or District building, visitors should maintain physical distance from staff and other students and should practice diligent hand hygiene.

Travel

The District expects all staff, students and visitors to adhere to the CDC and DOH guidelines with respect to quarantining after domestic and international travel. In Washington, persons who have traveled domestically are not required to quarantine upon their return absent a known COVID-19 exposure. Those traveling outside of the country should confirm whether they are required to quarantine.

Training

District-wide health and safety protocols will be designed to comply with the guidance of applicable public health agencies. Strict compliance with all relevant District safety and health rules will be an essential function of each employee’s job.

Staff will be provided with training regarding the District and school safety protocols and procedures that are adhered to District-wide and that are specific to their building.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Facilities

Cleaning and disinfection is the responsibility of ALL District Employees

Instructional Staff Cleaning Expectations

All classrooms are provided with disinfecting spray bottles, towels and hand sanitizer that have been approved by the EPA for effectiveness and low toxicity. Instructional staff should spray and wipe down student desks as well as high touch areas like door handles at the end of the day.

Disinfecting spray bottles and hand sanitizer will be made available in key administrative areas. Individual employees are responsible for disinfecting their own workstations and shared tools/equipment at the end of their workday.

Custodial Cleaning Expectations

In addition to the general daily cleaning procedures, the custodial staff will clean and/or disinfect high touch/use areas throughout the day. This includes but is not limited to door handles, handrails, water sources, countertops, restrooms etc.

Restrooms will be serviced twice a day, once during the school day and again as part of the regular nightly cleaning process.

Each building will be thoroughly disinfected nightly using an electrostatic disinfecting system.

Disinfectant Specifications and Uses

1. Virex – Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner and Deodorant

o Hospital grade, broad-spectrum, neutral quaternary disinfectant cleaner. 17% quaternary ammonium.

o Use to clean and disinfect all washable surfaces. Desks, handrails, doors, counters, etc.

o PH 10

o Health Rating 3 Concentrate 1 Diluted

o EPA Reg No. 70627-24

2. Oxivir TB

o Hospital grade, broad-spectrum, neutral disinfectant cleaner

o Use for floors, walls, furniture, and all washable surfaces

o PH 3.0

o Health Rating 0 Concentrate 0 Diluted

o EPA Reg No. 70627-56

3. Clorox® Total 360® System

Electrostatic sprayer
PH 11.9
Health Rating 1
EPA Reg No. 67619-38

Post-COVID-19 Exposure Cleaning and Disinfecting Facilities

Cleaning and disinfection protocols for a probable case of COVID-19 will comply with CDC recommendations. This process is referenced in the Cleaning and Disinfecting Facilities section of this document. Access to areas visited by a probable case of COVID-19 will be restricted until cleaning and disinfection is completed.

COVID-19 Tracking & Response Team

This DOH guidance outlines how school districts should respond to a COVID-19 outbreak in their schools. MISD will utilize the PHSKC COVID-19 Response Plan for monitoring and supporting contract tracing suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in schools.

Covid Response Plan Key Personnel

MISD District COVID-19 Coordinators

Fred Rundle, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services - fred.rundle@mercerislandschools.org 206-290-8435
Karla Rimmer, BSN, RN, MISD School Nurse - karla.rimmer@mercerislandschools.org 206-275-5961

MISD COVID-19 District Coordinator Responsibilities

Serves as liaison to Public Health
Uses the online reporting system or calls King County COVID-19 Call Center 206-477-3977 open 8AM to 7PM to notify about confirmed cases in each school
Maintains School Case & Close Contact List for MISD
Distributes protocols, procedures and resources to School COVID-19 Coordinator(s)
Updates protocols, procedures and school resources as new or revised guidance from CDC, WA DOH, and PHSKC becomes available
Serves as the point-of-contact for questions and information for the community

MISD School COVID-19 Coordinators and Screening Leads

District and MOT

Erin Battersby, Executive Director - erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org 206-475-3023
Betsy Harmening, LPN, School Nurse - nw.healthroom@mercerislandschools.org

Mercer Island High School

Walter Kelly, Principal - walter.kelly@mercerislandschools.org 206-231-3351
Shelley Sage, RN, School Nurse - shelley.sage@mercerislandschool.org 206-786-5067 (cell) or 206-236-3377 (desk)

Islander Middle School

Aaron Miller, Co-Principal - aaron.miller@mercerislandschools.org 206-730-1644
Mary Jo, Budzius, Co-Principal - maryjo.budzius@mercerislandschools.org 206-793-9069
Karla Rimmer, BSN, RN, School Nurse - karla.d.rimmer@mercerislandschools.org 206-275-5961

Island Park Elementary

David Hoffman, Principal - david.hoffman@mercerislandschools.org 206-230-2680
Krista Way, LPN, School Nurse - krista.way@mercerislandschools.org 206-230-6281

Lakeridge Elementary

Heidi Christensen, Principal - heidi.christensen@mercerislandschools.org
Rachael Hitchcock, MSN, RN, School Nurse - rachael.hitchchock@mercerislandschools.org 206-230-6231

Northwood Elementary

Aimee Batliner-Gillette, Principal - aimee.batliner-gillette@mercerislandschools.org
Betsy Harmening, LPN, School Nurse - nw.healthroom@mercerislandschools.org
Emer Nolan, BSN, RN, School Nurse - nw.healthroom@mercerislandschools.org

West Mercer Elementary

Megan Isakson, Principal - megan.isaksont@mercerislandschools.org
Yvonne Monahan, RN, School Nurse - yvonne.monahan@mercerislandschools.org

MISD School COVID-19 Coordinator and Screening Lead responsibilities

Notifies District Coordinator Karla Rimmer or Fred Rundle immediately when notified school staff, student or visitor has tested positive for COVID-19 or if a staff or student is suspected to have COVID-19
Utilizes School Case and Close Contact Template to document symptoms and to generate a list of close contacts
Works with School Administrative Assistants to procures class list, if relevant
Advises staff or families of students on isolating or quarantining at home protocols, testing resources, and return to work or school guidance
Sends communications to families regarding outbreaks at school
Ensures staff and students are using appropriate face coverings

MISD Infection Control Lead

Tony Kuhn, Director of Operations and Maintenance - 206-730-5039
Joe Gonzalez, Custodian Foreman - 206-730-5051

How To Materials

Staying at Home When You are Sick – Video (ENGLISH)

Quedarse en Casa Cuando está Enfermo - Video (SPANISH)

How to Wear a Mask

Wearing cloth face coverings that cover the mouth, nose, and chin may help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are required for staff and students in all shared indoor public spaces. There are specific exceptions based on age, development, or disability. See DOH Guidance on Face Coverings.

It is important to everyone’s health and safety that masks are worn properly. Before putting on a mask, individuals should wash their hands or, if that is not an option, use hand sanitizer.

Diagram

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For a more interactive explanation of why and how to wear a cloth face covering, please click here or watch the following MISD Video on how to wear a face mask.

How to Remove a Mask-Let’s Move this Section as well

For staff, cloth or the appropriate facial coverings must be worn AT ALL TIMES by every individual not working alone at a location. It is important to be careful when removing a face mask, especially if the mask will be re-worn before being washed (e.g. during a mask break). The key steps to removing a mask are to:

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

Cloth masks should not be worn multiple days in a row. Used cloth masks should be cleaned by hand or in a washing machine (learn more about how to wash masks).

The District is responsible for providing appropriate PPE for staff. Employees working with students who cannot wear a mask for the reasons described previously shall be provided all appropriate PPE, including but not limited to medical grade respirator masks, eye protection/face shields, gloves and clothing, as described by the applicable local, State or federal standards (whichever is most strict).

Hand Hygiene

MISD Wash Your Hands – Video (English)

Wash Your Hands - Video (ENGLISH)

Proper hand hygiene, including frequent hand-washing, is a key element to reducing the spread of illness. Students will be taught and expected to follow proper hand hygiene. This includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and the frequent use of hand sanitizer. Visual instructions for proper hand washing will be displayed beside every sink.

Hand sanitizer will be available in all schools for students and staff at main entrances, in offices, in every classroom, and at other locations as necessary. Individual hand sanitizer pump bottles are provided to individual classrooms and offices. Sanitizer products contain 70% ethanol alcohol.

There will be numerous prompts to wash hands or use hand sanitizer throughout the day, such as when first entering the building, entering the classroom, and immediately before and after recess.

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