Health and Safety Protocols

DOH (Department of Health) is requiring students wear face coverings at all times while in school. Face coverings must be worn by staff/faculty at all times in the classroom and during arrival, dismissal, and transitional/hallway, restroom times. Students riding any district transportation must wear a face covering at all times while on district transportation. Students will only be permitted to take their masks off for the following reasons:

• Eating or drinking when spaced at least 6 feet apart; or

• When wearing a face covering creates an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task; or

• At least 6 feet apart during “face-covering breaks” to last no longer than 10 minutes.

Face coverings must adhere to the SMS dress code while not creating a disruption to the educational process. Face shields may not be worn in place of masks. Face coverings must fully cover the mouth and nose, be secured under the chin, and fit snugly against the sides of the face

Please contact administration with any questions regarding face coverings.

We will practice social distancing as much as possible, maximize the amount of space between students, and reduce the amount of time they are in close contact with one another. SMS will space desks out in each classroom with 6 feet of separation among students and staff. Extra unnecessary furniture and classroom items will be eliminated from classrooms to allow for maximum distancing. Certain classes will be housed in larger areas/classrooms that can safely accommodate larger class sizes.

The STSD has purchased additional cleaning products and has adopted new cleaning procedures and protocols with regards to cleaning and sanitizing commonly touched areas as well as restroom, desks, and restroom facilities. Sanitizing will also occur in between each lunch session to help ensure student safety.

Outside visitors and guests are not allowed with the exception of those approved by the Principal. All approved essential visitors will be required to wear a face mask, complete an electronic visitor form, answer a COVID-19 questionnaire (COVID-19: Screening Checklist for Visitors and Staff), and follow social distancing guidelines.

All material drop offs should be labeled with student first name, last name, and grade level. Any items dropped off will be placed on a table in the main vestibule area by the office doors.

If a student is being picked up, the parent will wait outside by the main entrance. Parents and visitors are not permitted to enter the main building. In the event a child is going home sick, the nurse or another staff member will escort the student to parent.

Proper social distancing measures will be observed at all times. Students in 5th grade will be self-contained with one teacher during the day. Students in grades 6-8 will transition between classes, following their schedules, due to various offerings. Due to the limiting of student movement, students will not be assigned lockers for the 2020-2021 school year. Students should have all their belongings in a personal book bag. Students will be permitted to use the restroom during class. All classrooms will allow one student out at a time. Students & staff must wear face masks/coverings.

Drinking fountains will not be in use during the 2020-2021 school year. Students are encouraged to bring their own clear water bottle filled with water at the beginning of the day. Please make sure your student's name is marked on their water bottle.

Any absences must be documented properly and all absences will be subject to the PA compulsory attendance laws. Please be aware that you may be required to quarantine your family upon return from certain destinations as per any PA Department of Health Guidelines. In addition, SMS will not be sponsoring any field trips during the 2020 - 2021 school year. This may be subject to change pending recommendations from the government.

Limiting the sharing of materials between students is highly encouraged. Students will utilize their own materials when available for their specific courses. There will be no sharing of supplies. Please ensure that your child has their appropriate essential materials to the extent as possible.

Students are expected to adhere to hygiene practices set forth by CDC and DOH recommendations. Posters and signs will be placed in highly visible locations to promote everyday protective measures. Signage will be posted at entrances, bathrooms, and throughout the building. Personal protective equipment will be utilized by staff and students in accordance with current CDC and DOH recommendations.

Each morning parents/guardians should complete a temperature check for their child prior to bus stop, walking to school, or being dropped off at school. Any students with a temperature of 100 or greater and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not be sent on a bus or report to school. COVID-19: Daily Screening Tool for Parents.

Students who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms will be evaluated by the nurse using the COVID-19 Symptom Checklist, developed by St. Luke's University Health Network. Anyone with one symptom from column A or two symptoms from column B will be separated and sent home immediately. Parents must pick up their student as soon as possible. Students sent home from school with COVID-19 symptoms must have a doctor's clearance note to return to school. Siblings of students who have COVID-19 symptoms in school will also be sent home.

Due to possible risk of exposure to COVID-19, students should only visit the nurse's office for medical emergencies or necessary predetermined medical treatments, such as diabetes, etc. Students who wish to see the nurse for non-emergency situations will need to ask their teacher to contact the nurse prior to being released from class.