#TeamHancock Health & Safety

Hancock County Public Schools is partnering with Family Health Care Associates to meet serve the medical needs of students in our school district. Beginning in the 2020/2021 school year we will have an RN in all 4 of our schools, as well as a Nurse Practitioner available to all students. We are excited to bring even more resources and services available to students and families.

Prescription Medications

Students that will be requiring any prescription medications in school(including Epipens, inhalers, antibiotics)will have to have this form FILLED OUT BY A PHYSICIAN BEFORE WE CAN ACCEPT ANY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS. Only Adults can bring in medication and must be counted with staff when brought into school.

Health & Safety FAQ

How will HCPS ensure students are not arriving to school with symptoms of COVID-19?

  • All families will take their students' temperatures daily before going to school; any student with a fever of 100.4 or higher should NOT go to school (this includes going to the bus stop).

  • All students and staff will screen themselves for respiratory symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, before the school day begins. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should NOT attend school.

  • All students will receive a COVID-19 health screening, including taking each student's temperature before they enter school each day. All staff will also go through a health screening each day.

How will positive cases of COVID-19 be handled at school?

  • See the HCPS COVID-19 Decision Tree Below.

Will school nurses have the capability to administer COVID-19 tests?

  • Yes; if needed, school nurses will be able to give COVID-19 tests.

What will happen if a students begins to exhibit a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 while at school?

  • See the HCPS COVID-19 Decision Tree Below.

Will students wear masks all day?

  • All students and staff will wear masks throughout the day, especially when social distancing is not possible. In each classroom, masks will always be worn when social distancing is not possible.

Will students provide their own masks?

  • It is recommended that each student provide his/her own mask if possible. The district will provide masks to those who need them. Masks must meet school dress code expectations. Neck gaiters are allowed. For specific masking questions, please contact your school's office.

What will be the cleaning and sanitation process at schools?

  • Our district maintenance department and school level custodial staff will be following healthy at school guidelines ensuring all of our buildings are safe and clean.


#teamhancock covid-19 quickfacts

  • All K-12 students and staff will wear face coverings/masks when entering the school; a masks will be provided if someone arrives without a face covering.

  • All staff will complete a health screening each day before they come to work which includes a temperature check.

  • All students will have their temperatures check when arriving at school. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to remain at school.

  • All staff and students will wear face coverings/masks in grades K-12 unless social distancing can occur. In the event that student desks in classrooms are able to be distanced appropriately, masks may be removed. Any time students and staff are moving throughout the classroom or school building, masks will be worn.

  • Face coverings/masks will not be worn outside as long as distancing is possible.

  • All classrooms will be arranged to create as must spacing as possible; students will face the same direction.

  • Schools will make every effort to minimize hallway traffic and movement through the school building. Where possible, one-way hallway flow and staggered schedules will be implemented.

  • School will follow disinfection procedures developed by the Green River District Health Department and state health officials for school campuses, including buses, classrooms, workspaces, and outdoor spaces.

  • Specials such as art, music, and PE, as well as similar electives at the high school will be modified to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols.

  • Schools will be limiting the sharing of supplies between students and will implement procedures to disinfect items between uses if sharing is unavoidable.

  • Gloves are not recommended for students and staff except in situations related to cleaning, first aid, food service, and special services as needed.

  • Large gatherings, assemblies, and field trips are suspended until further notice.

  • Each school will determine isolation areas to be used if a student is not feeling well in order to minimize contact with others until they can go home.

  • Visitors will have very limited access to the school buildings. Families should communicate and conduct business by phone or email as much as possible. Access inside the school buildings will be very limited.

  • Currently, visitors may not eat meals with children, and no special events will occur. School volunteer programs are also suspended at this time.

  • Any visitor who must enter the building will complete a health screening, including a temperature check.