1 of 13

2021-2022

WOCSD Safe Opening of School Plan

2 of 13

Factors Considered When Making Decisions

  • The WOCSD administration will review data and recommendations provided by several agencies including the Governor’s office, the Maine CDC, the Maine School Management Association, and the American Association of Pediatrics in order to determine the safest procedures and protocols for the 2021-22 school year.

3 of 13

  • The WOCSD safe opening of school plan for the 2021-22 school year is based on the most updated guidance from the Maine CDC and the Maine DOE.
  • The plan throughout the 2021-22 school year is subject to change as this pandemic has created a fluid and ever changing challenge for schools.

4 of 13

Current CDC/DOE Guidance

(July 29,2021)

  • All K-12 students return to in-person instruction
  • Vaccinations are the leading public health prevention
  • All K-12 students, teachers, and staff, regardless of vaccination status, wear face coverings while indoors
  • All K-12 students, teachers, and staff, regardless of vaccination status, wear face coverings on all district transportation (buses and vans)
  • Maintain at least 3 feet physical distance between students within classrooms and cafeteria

5 of 13

HEALTH SCREENING:

Health Monitoring protocols are implemented in accordance with guidance from the Maine CDC, DOE, and local health officials.

  • Students (Parents/Guardians) and staff must complete the following Covid-19 Self Screening prior to entering a school building or district transportation:
      • Temperature greater than 100.4 F, must stay home
      • If you have any of the following symptoms, they are to stay home.
          • Cough
          • Shortness of breath
          • Difficulty breathing
          • Diarrhea
          • Vomiting
          • Sore Throat
          • Change or loss of smell or taste
          • Has an immediate family member who has 1 or more of the above symptoms or known close contact with anyone with Covid-19

Any person showing symptoms must report those symptoms to the school nurse and not attend school. Staff members and students who are identified as Covid-19 positive must quarantine until the meet the criteria for a safe return to school.

6 of 13

Contract Tracing/Quarantine

  • We will continue to collaborate with the Maine CDC, DOE, and local health providers to the extent allowed by privacy laws and confidentiality to provide information about people diagnosed or exposed to Covid-19. This will allow identification of students, teachers, and staff with positive Covid-19 who should quarantine, and identify all close contacts requiring a quarantine period as well.
  • Fully vaccinated people who were in close contact with someone who has Covid-19, but DO NOT HAVE Covid-19 symptoms do not need to quarantine, but are recommended to be tested with 3-5 days.

7 of 13

CLASSROOM PRECAUTIONS

  • All district classrooms maintain 3 feet physical distance between desks
  • All Grade K-6 classrooms will have individual plexiglass partitions
  • An outdoor tent will be available at all three school buildings for outdoor learning
  • Additional teachers and staff have been hired to reduce class sizes and allow more physical distancing throughout the district.
  • Daily routine cleaning of tables and desks
  • Each classroom will be disinfected each night

8 of 13

TRANSPORTATION

  • Students will be required to wear face coverings
  • Students will be assigned seats
  • There will be two students in each seat
  • Students are to sanitize hands when entering the bus
  • Open windows when weather allows for increased ventilation
  • Parents are encouraged to drop off/pick up their children if possible, to reduce number of students on the bus
  • High School students who are eligible to drive and park at school may do so

9 of 13

Volunteers and Visitors

  • Parents and visitors must report to the school main office
  • All visitors must follow CDC/DOE Safety Guidance when entering buildings
  • All visitors must wear face coverings when entering school buildings
  • Volunteers are allowed at each building with the approval of the building principal

10 of 13

EDUCATIONAL RECOVERY

  • District hired a new position (Director of Academic Recovery)
  • Hired additional teachers and staff to provide academic tutoring support

REMOTE LEARNING

  • The goal is for all K-12 students return for in-person learning. We will offer a remote learning program for students who have requested and provided medical documentation that prevents a physical return to in-person learning.

11 of 13

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

WHS - 7:30am - 1:40pm

WJHS - 7:30am - 1:50pm

WES - 8:30am - 2:45pm

​

WEDNESDAY - Early Release Day

WHS - 7:30am - 12:40pm

WJHS - 7:30am - 12:50pm

WES - 8:30am - 1:45pm

​

  • First Day of School is August 30th for Staff
    • First Day of School is August 31st for Students grades (1 thru 9) and September 1st for Students grades (Kindergarten & 10 thru 12)

​

    • Building updates - all buildings sent letters to parents/guardians on August 11, with specific building protocols.

12 of 13

Athletics & Extra Curricular Activities

  • The WOCSD will resume all activities and continue to implement all CDC recommendations for all students

​

  • Athletics will continue to follow all MPA guidelines and recommendations

13 of 13

QUESTIONS?