COVID-19 Re-Opening Plan 21-22 School Year

June 15, 2021

2021-2022 COVID-19 Reopening Plan

Please be aware that the reopening plan is fluid and subject to change.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this plan has been created to facilitate the continued reopening of our school for onsite instruction beginning August 25, 2021. The safety of our students, families, and staff is our number one priority in this process.

In order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in our school, we are utilizing three primary strategies for onsite learning:

1. Cleaning, disinfecting, and hygiene including hand washing

2. Social distancing

3. Optional face coverings

Lone Rock School will provide onsite and distance learning for all students as appropriate. The educational needs and well being of students and staff will be monitored.

Grouping and Scheduling

Elementary and Middle School students are organized in class and grade levels. Student and Staff schedules are designed to minimize large gatherings in the gym, cafeteria, playground, and other areas. Large group gatherings will be allowed following the social distancing guidelines as much as possible.

Social and Physical Distancing

Physical distancing of students and staff may occur to mitigate the exposure to COVID-19. Smaller class sizes will be encouraged to mitigate risk. The wearing of face coverings will be optional in indoor settings, where social distancing cannot occur. Directional flow of traffic may be maintained when traveling in hallways. Markings for spacing may be placed in high traffic areas. Designated offices and the cafeteria may have transparent barriers for student and staff protection.

Health Screening

Classroom teachers and staff members will monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure and report findings to the school secretary and Superintendent. If staff report to work, they are affirming they are symptom free. If staff are symptomatic, if they have been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual, or have been identified as a primary contact of a Covid-19 positive individual, they will report that information to their supervisor. They will stay home until they have been cleared to return to work by county public health officials and or their personal doctor. Written documentation will be required for employees to return to work certifying that they are not contagious.

The Lone Rock School District Administration asks that students and parents monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure. By sending their students to school, parents/guardians are acknowledging that their student is not symptomatic and has not been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual. If a student exhibits symptoms or has been exposed, they may not return to school until health care officials clear them to return and they meet the District’s inclusion criteria. If a student exhibits symptoms at school, they will be isolated by the school administration and parents will be contacted by a school official. Employees of Lone Rock School will work with Ravalli public health to limit the spread of COVID-19 and may adhere to CDC guidelines. Students who test positive for COVID-19 or have been required to quarantine will be transferred to distance learning on the Lone Rock School platform. This will be on a case by case basis assessed by the school administration. If a student or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, Lone Rock School will use the guidelines set out by Ravalli County Health for return to school. This presumption includes a minimum of 14 days since the onset of symptoms or positive test.

Building Cleaning and Disinfecting

Lone Rock School will continue to disinfect and sanitize our school. We will be scheduling our cleaning to maximize disinfection of common and high touch areas such as classrooms, bathrooms, cafeteria, desks, tables, light switches, and door handles. Teachers and students will increase cleaning of common areas and equipment within the classroom. In addition, we will be utilizing ionizing disinfecting sprayers throughout our school on a scheduled basis. We will also be teaching, practicing, and encouraging frequent hand washing and will have hand sanitizing stations throughout our school.

Classroom Modifications

Following the CDC’s guidance, we will utilize a classroom configuration to maximize space, ideally three feet, between desks, with student seats facing the same direction when possible. We will remove nonessential furniture from classrooms to maximize space. Items within the classroom that cannot be sanitized will be removed. Teachers will utilize outdoor space as weather permits for instruction. Students will maintain individual sets of supplies and sharing of supplies may not be permitted.

Transportation

Students who ride the bus will be assigned seats according to the recommended CDC standards. Family or household groups of students may sit together to limit the spread of the virus, this will be monitored by school staff on the bus. Windows will be open, weather permitting. Students will use hand sanitizer on the bus to limit the spread of the virus. Sanitation of seats and handrails will occur between routes, utilizing CDC recommended disinfectants by school staff and monitored by school administration.

Cafeteria

Staff will maintain cleanliness of tables and seats between groups of students. Students and staff will maintain food allergy awareness and protocols. Sharing of food, plates, or utensils will not be permitted. Students will be required to wash and disinfect hands before lunch and after recess to limit the spread of the virus. Cafeteria tables will be disinfected between groups by school staff.

Academics

The District plans for onsite learning in a traditional school setting. Safety measures will be put into place in order to maximize the safety of both students and staff. In addition to onsite learning, Lone Rock School is offering full time distance learning opportunities to students of families who desire this model of instruction. Because of staffing needs, students and families are asked to make a commitment to their style of learning for a minimum of one semester. Families will have access to Chromebooks provided by the school. Parents must sign a distance learning contract for students to participate in distance learning. The contract will include expectations for parents and students. Grades will be assigned for distance learning courses. If the student has an active 504 Plan or IEP, the District, with parent input, will determine if the required accommodations and support can be delivered remotely or if modifications will need to occur to best serve the student.