2021-2022 District Plan for Safe Return and Continuity of Services

June 23, 2021

USD 225 District Plan for Safe Return and Continuity of Services

PART I.

Describe how the district will maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff and the extent to which it has adopted policies, and a description of any such policies, on each of the following safety recommendations established by the CDC:

Universal and correct wearing of masks.

• The district will not require masks starting the school year 21-22 for staff and students.  As discussions and collaborations continue with Meade County Health Department (MCHD) and the number of confirmed cases affecting our school district, wearing a mask may be implemented.

• Visitors will be electronically screened at the door for continued safety and security of our staff and students. Masks are required if companies have specific mandates or confirmed cases have been identified. 

Modifying facilities to allow for physical distancing (e.g., use of cohorts/podding).

• As the need arises, physical distancing will apply during the school day and at activities/events.

• When confirmed cases are identified, modifications will be made for physical distancing during the school day and at school activities/events.  The district will follow guidance from the MCHD.   

• School was in session last school year and will continue to be held in session with appropriate distancing for the 21-22 school year.

Handwashing and respiratory etiquette.

• District cleaning and maintenance procedures will continue to follow sanitation protocols.
• Touchless systems have been installed in the restrooms.
• Staff will continue to promote handwashing and sanitizing on a regular basis with students.
• HVAC systems will continue to be cleaned and maintained. 

Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities, including improving ventilation.

• The district will continue to maintain healthy facilities and maintain ventilation needs including the changing of filters in HVAC systems in all district facilities. Discussions are taking place on the maintenance and upkeep of older HVAV units and systems.   

Contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine, in collaboration with the State, local, territorial, or Tribal health departments.

• The district will continue to work with parents to report knowledge of confirmed cases to administration.
• Employees will report knowledge of confirmed cases to administration.
• The district will continue to receive guidance from the Meade County Health Department should the need arise for isolation and quarantines.

Diagnostic and screening testing:

• The Meade County Health Department will conduct diagnostic and screening should the need arise.

Efforts to provide vaccinations to school communities.

• In collaboration with Meade County Health Department, information and personnel will be made available during enrollment and vaccinations, upon request, by appointment.

Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to health and safety policies.

• Meade County Health Department will provide services with respect to health and safety policies for all students including children with disabilities. 

Coordination with State and local health officials.

• Regular communication, guidance, and coordination of services will continue with the Meade County Health Department, State Department of Education, and the Kansas Department.

Part II.

Describe how the district will ensure continuity of services, including but not limited to:

1. services to address students' academic needs

• The district will begin the year with students and staff on site as we were last year.
• In extreme cases and based on the number of confirmed COVID cases, some degree of modified instruction will be implemented.
• The district is a one-to-one initiative with technology.  Devices are available to students and staff.
• Different avenues are available for instructional support within the school facilities:  Google classroom, ITV, varied instructional times, and smaller group of face-to-face interaction.
• MCHD will provide services upon request for health needs.
• Wearing of masks will be implemented should the need arise.  
• Based on confirmed COVID cases, modifications will be made in collaboration with MCHD.    

2. students' and staff social, emotional, mental health

• We have several resources to assist the district from the Dodge City Cooperative and Mental Health Facilities.
• Students and staff continue to have a good rapport. 
• The use of the web site, automated text messages, and face to face communication are regularly used to inform the community.
• The district encourages staff and student engagement in school and community activities to help support social, emotional, and mental health.
• Collaboration with the community organizers during special events.
• Students volunteer within the community.

3. other needs, which may include student health and food services.

• Meals will be served onsite beginning 21-22 school year.
• In the event of confirmed cases, modifications will be implemented.
• Social distancing in meal lines.
• As the need arises, paper trays, wrapped silverware, and plastic ware will be used.
• Follow guidelines from KSDE and food service programs.
• Students will follow school guidelines for illness and fevers as shared in handbooks.