OVERVIEW

COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are almost exclusively spread by respiratory droplet transmission. As a result, and because virus shedding may occur prior to symptom onset or in the absence of symptoms, routine, frequent and proper hand hygiene (soap and water or hand sanitizer) is critical to limit transmission. Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective strategies to prevent the spread of most respiratory viruses including COVID-19 particularly during the pre- symptomatic phase of illness.

Staff and students should:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available

• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth

• Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze or use the inside of their elbow

Age-appropriate signage is placed at St. Paul School to remind students to perform hand hygiene. An increased schedule for routine hand hygiene, above and beyond what is usually recommended will be encouraged:

• Before and after eating

• After coughing and sneezing

• After sharing items such in the classroom, at art or music

• Before and after recesses

• Before and after using the bathroom

• Each classroom is equipped with a sink for hand washing.

• Access to hand hygiene facilities (hand sanitizer dispensers and sinks/soap) is critical. Hand sanitizer (60-90% USP grade alcohol) will be available at the entry point for each classroom.

• Adequate resources and a replenishment process will be implemented to ensure supplies are available to perform hand hygiene frequently. Donations are welcome.

• Liquid soap and hand sanitizer will be replenished and tissues/paper towels available for drying.

• Disinfectant will be readily available so that commonly used surfaces can be wiped down by individuals before each use.

Face coverings are an important part of staff and student protection, as well as personal hygiene, social distancing, and frequent cleaning efforts.

Face coverings are highly encouraged for Kindergarten through 2nd grade and required for staff and students in 3rd through 6th grade. Masks should be worn especially when it is difficult to maintain the necessary physical distance. Face shields may be utilized. Disposable masks will be available in the school office for those in need. Please see the CDPH Guidance for Face Coverings for additional information and exemptions.

We are discouraging students from using the drinking fountains. Instead, we recommend that all students bring water bottles to school, labeled with their name, so that they can refill them in our bottle filler. Students should not share water bottles with others.

St. Paul School will not allow normal visitation to our campus for at least the first trimester. Parents, guests and visitors will be limited to the front office area and may not enter the general campus area.

Students being dropped off in the morning will go through a car line and be dropped at one of the front gates. Student must go through a health screening, including a temperature check, before entering campus.

Dismissal will also be through a car line. Students will wait in the classroom and be called when their ride has arrived. Parents are welcome to park but will be asked to wait at the gate to receive their child.

We request that parents refrain from congregating at gate areas and encourage 6 ft. of personal distancing.

Parents dropping off and picking up from daycare, the OMC building, will be limited to the lobby area. We will reevaluate as our situation evolves.

Our staff will significantly increase the wiping down and disinfecting of classroom and public spaces and high-touch surfaces across our buildings and throughout the school day. We will also provide greater access to cleaning materials for our teachers and staff so that they can clean and disinfect spaces, as needed. Donations of products in high demand are welcome.

Students who may have unique circumstances, may have been exposed or have tested positive for COVID-19 will be provided with an opportunity for alternative educational arrangements as feasible. Distance Learning or Independent Study will be available and coordinated between the family and the school.

Due to the possibility that students will need to engage in remote or online learning at some point in the school year, St. Paul School will make available devices for students in grades Kindergarten through 6 who do not have reliable access to a computer at home. The parent/student is financially responsible for negligent damages to the device. The dollar amount will be the cost of the parts needed to repair or replace the device. Families will need to ensure a reliable internet connection.

In an effort to maintain the integrity of our mitigation practices, we will not be allowing outside organizations to use our school facilities for the time being.

It is very important that all stakeholders understand the safety requirements, protocols and expectations to ensure everyone and their communities stay safe and prevent the spread of the virus. We will structure the training so that information is disseminated to all teams and audiences.

Content covered will include:

1. All training topics can be reinforced with signage in the buildings.

2. School checklists

3. Disinfection measures and cleaning protocols

4. Physical distancing guidelines

5. Proper use of face coverings

6. Symptom identification and Isolation protocols

7. Daily self-screenings and on site health screening

8. Plan and procedure for when a child or staff member becomes sick