Health and Safety Protocols

Changes to masking protocols effective Jan. 3, 2022

The Pattonville Board of Education in December 2021 voted to transition to a PK-12 mask-optional environment beginning Jan. 3, 2022.
Under the mask-optional environment, individual school COVID-19 positivity rates will continue to be monitored. If an individual school’s positivity rate reaches 2% (students and staff combined), all individuals in the school will be required to wear masks for two weeks. If the school positivity rate is below the 2% threshold after two weeks, optional masking returns. If after two weeks the school positivity rate continues to be 2% or higher, individuals will be required to wear masks for an additional week or until the school positivity rate is below 2%.
When masks are required, all staff and all students ages 2 and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus and indoors at school. Mask breaks will be allowed when appropriate and it is safe to do so. Students will be allowed to take off their masks while outside for recess, physical education classes or extracurricular activities. Visitors in the building are required to wear a mask on campus.
Students will continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Transportation requirement of masking while riding district transportation.

Riding the bus

All students are required to wear masks while riding the bus and students will be assigned seats. When possible, students in the same family will be assigned seats next to each other. Buses will be disinfected on a regular basis.

Student and staff expectations

Staff will teach students effective handwashing practices and remind them to wash their hands frequently throughout the day. Staff will provide students physical distancing strategies and remind them of these strategies throughout the day.

Breakfast and lunch

Breakfast stations will be located in major hallways for grab-and-go breakfast. Students will choose breakfast items and take them to their classroom to eat. Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria using physical distancing strategies to the extent possible. There will be no self serve items available in the cafeteria.

Health checks

All students and staff will be reminded to monitor their health. Adults or children who are sick or display symptoms of COVID-19 must stay home to prevent the spread of illness. They must also keep their school office informed and are encouraged to get tested.

Enhanced cleaning

Schools will follow cleaning procedures recommended by the CDC, using EPA-registered disinfectants. Electrostatic sprayers are used to spread disinfectant on surfaces and in hard-to-reach spaces. Frequently touched surfaces are being cleaned more frequently.

Classroom Safety

Classrooms, including surface areas, will be disinfected nightly. Classroom furniture and desks will be arranged to provide physical distance to the greatest extent possible.

Each classroom will have sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer for use as needed during the day.

Physical distancing

Schools will use strategies to maximize physical distancing, when possible.

Clear dividers may be used to provide a physical barrier in classrooms, as needed.

Family events

Students, staff and visitors will follow current districtwide masking protocols in effect at all school activities.

Extracurriculars

After-school clubs, intramurals or outside activities at the elementary and middle school will be offered using the same health and safety protocols as during the school day.

High school athletics and activities are being offered and will follow guidelines by the St. Louis County Department of Public Health and the Missouri State High School Athletic Association. For more information, contact your child's coach or activity sponsor or the PHS activities office at (314) 213-8051.

Parents/visitors

Visitors are allowed in the schools, but must follow current districtwide masking protocols in effect.

No parents/guardians or visitors will be allowed for lunch.

Outside organizations are allowed to use the district’s facilities per normal building use and rental guidelines.

School nurse

School staff will assist with minor injuries. Protocols will be in place for students visiting the nurse to limit exposure to illness.

Students with COVID-19 symptoms will be sent to a health isolation room, and parents/guardians will be required to pick up their child immediately and asked to confer with their family health care provider.

Before/after-care

Before- and after-care programs offered by Pattonville and the YMCA will continue to be offered and will use the same health and safety protocols as during the school day.

Special programs and field trips

K-8 gifted programs and the fifth-grade orchestra program will resume as normal.

Field trips will resume this year and students and staff will use health and safety protocols while going off-campus.

IEP/504 meetings

Meetings with parents/guardians of students with an IEP (individualized education plan) or 504 plan will be held in-person with staff and visitors wearing masks. Virtual options will be available per the family’s choice.

Communication

A new school year in the midst of a pandemic brings challenges, opportunities and last-minute changes, requiring patience and flexibility. As changes arise, Pattonville will communicate using its automated system for email and text. Please make sure your contact information is up to date in PowerSchool, as well as your emergency contacts, and watch for updates to ensure you stay informed. Updates can be made by contacting your child’s school office.

Accommodating All Students

Schools will partner with families and students to ensure equity and access to instruction. Accommodations will be made as needed for students who are medically vulnerable or require individualized education plans.
School nurses and other district personnel will work with families and students with disabilities to ensure they receive continued care, allowing students priority visits and/or private visits with the nurse as needed, so a student can have his/her healthcare needs met and also minimize exposure to ill students.
For more information or assistance, contact your school principal or the student services department at (314) 213-8090.

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