Protective Measures

Our administrative team and teachers are preparing to welcome students back to school for the 2021-22 school year. We have been collaborating with other County Superintendents, Marshall County Health Department and Saint Joseph Health Systems over the past several weeks. According to Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order, schools are permitted and encouraged to resume for the 2021-22 school year. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Education in cooperation with the Indiana State Department of Health and the Family and Social Services Administration released guidelines for the reopening of schools. With this information and through the collaboration with county health officials, the following information is being communicated as it relates to the start of the upcoming school year.

Please visit our COVID page at culver.k12.in.us

https://sites.google.com/culver.k12.in.us/ccsc-return-to-learn-plan/home

  • There are no changes to school calendars or schedules. We will begin August 9, 2021 for teachers and August 11th for students between the hours of 7:45AM and 3:15PM. Student start and dismissal time will be as last year: 7: 55AM at MSHS and 8:00AM at CES; 3:05PM at CES and 3:12PM at MSHS. We are currently reworking class sizes to ensure social distancing within each of our classrooms. Needing to wear mask at school is optional or only when social distancing needs to occur and cannot be obtained unless a student/parent ask for their child to wear a mask all day.

  • Flow Chart for Quarantine Decisions https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/21_Decision%20Tree_School%20Quarantine_9-3.pdf

  • Students and staff will be trained to recognize the symptoms of CoVID 19 the first day. Each student/family and staff member will be expected to self-screen at home for symptoms of COVID-19. If individuals are sick, then they should not come to school/work. Temperatures may be taken at the bus stop if necessary due to concern of potential symptomatic students. If a child has a temperature over 100.3 degrees, parents will be contacted to keep them home.

  • Students and staff shall be fever free for 72 hours (without the use of medication) before returning to school. If a child has COVID symptoms or have been exposed to an individual who is known positive for COVID will be asked to be tested and to isolate to prevent potential further spread.

  • We ask staff and students (provided by family) to have their own mask with them.

  • Instructional space and daily schedules will be maximized in order to promote appropriate distancing.

  • Hand washing and the repeated use of hand sanitizer will be expected throughout the school day.

  • All students K-12 will have an assigned iPAD.

  • Lockers will be used. Lockers will be used after students report to first hour to place lunch, coats, and backpacks. Students will be able to return to locker at lunch and at the end of the day. Anytime a student is at their locker they are to be wearing a mask.

  • Schools will utilize proven cleaning products and procedures to ensure a healthy and clean environment.

  • Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing will be promoted throughout each day. Sanitizer is provided in all classrooms and personally for each teacher. Cleansing wipes will be available for door handles and commonly touched services.

  • Allow the use of water fountains for bottle or cup refills only. Water can be purchased through lunch accounts.

  • Adjust cafeteria schedules and procedures to maximize spaces and adhere to safety guidelines will be completed. Breakfast will be a grab and go item that will be eaten in classrooms. Lunch will be a typical lunch eaten in the cafeteria or other large area designated by building principal. Lunch choices may be limited at a moments notice if conditions require more social distancing.

  • Identify a separate space in school buildings to respond to symptomatic students.

  • IF the number of cases of COVID-19 reaches a level where state and local officials determine a change in our scheduling needs to occur, we potentially will implement more restrictions within the school setting in an attempt to remain open.

  • If a teacher develops symptoms they are asked to use sick day(s) and potentially get tested if symptoms persist beyond 2 days. Tests are available at MASE clinic and LifePlex. If a teacher tests positive they are to self quarantine at home until a doctor releases them to return to work. Depending on the risk of exposure the teacher's students may need to quarantine 2-5 days to determine the level of exposure and to sanitize the classroom. Same is true of a student who tests positive. Teacher and student(s) may need to quarantine 2-5 days to determine level of exposure and to sanitize the classroom.

  • In person registration is July 27th and 28th calling for an appointment or arriving and waiting in your car for access to registration. We will only be having one person enter to complete the registration. This is to maintain the sanitization throughout the building. We encourage all families new or returning to complete registration online. If you are coming to the buildings, masks will be required because the process takes longer than 15 minutes and we wish to maintain our sanitized environment for the start of school. Registration is 12PM to 7PM Tuesday and Wednesday July 27th and 28th at High School Entrance 1.

More information is available on our school webpage www.culver.k12.in.us under the COVID tab. This will be updated often.

We value the partnerships that exist with our families and communities. This partnership moving forward will be essential for our students’ success and for a safe and healthy school environment. We asked for your continued flexibility and understanding in that this decision has been developed but may change.