Back to school Q&A
Taos Municipal Schools Superintendent Lillian Torrez answers important questions about school plans recently approved by the school board.
Are students required to return to in-class learning?
No. Only students who want to return, and have permission from their guardian, should return to campus. Any student who does not wish to return to in-class learning could continue remote learning.
How safe is the school?
Schools are required to follow safety protocols established by the New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Public Education Department. Students will be screened with a temperature check upon arriving at school, and will be required to follow all regulations regarding masks, PPE and social distancing. Any student exhibiting symptoms or a fever of 100 degrees or higher will be denied entry to the school building.
How safe is the school bus?
School buses will be cleaned and disinfected twice a day. Bus riders will be limited to one student per seat. Ceiling vents and windows will be opened for fresh air ventilation at the back and front of the bus, weather permitting.
How safe are the classrooms?
Classrooms will be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Two HEPA filtration systems will be placed in every classroom with
students. Windows will be opened for air ventilation, and classroom furniture will be rearranged to allow for social distancing. Students will remain with the same cohort every day they are on campus for the remainder of the school year.
What if a student becomes sick in school?
Taos Municipal Schools will follow PED requirements for onsite illness with students and TMS COVID Flowchart for Reporting and Rapid Response to Positive COVID-19 and/or Close Contact or COVID-Like Symptoms. All COVID-19 test results will be kept confidential.
Will students wear masks all day?
Yes. Students will be required to wear multi-layered face coverings throughout the day, except for meal times. Violators will face disciplinary action, including school suspension.
Will PPE be available on campus?
Yes. No-touch hand sanitizer stations will be placed across school campuses.
Will students eat in the cafeteria?
No. Students will receive both breakfast and lunch upon arrival, and eat in their classroom at their assigned desk. In the spring, meals could be eaten outdoors. Outdoor eating will be socially distanced, and staggered to allow for cleaning between cohorts.
What about the K-8 schools?
Taos High School/Cyber Magnet/ Chrysalis are the only schools that will re-open with hybrid learning. All other district schools will remain in remote learning with small group in-person instruction. Special accommodations for IEP students will be available.
When will hybrid learning begin?
The New Mexico Public Education Department approved the Taos Municipal Schools plan Friday (Feb. 12), in order to re-open on Monday (Feb. 22). The school will be cleaned and disinfected and outfitted with HEPA air filters. An inspection from the fire marshal will be required.
When will sports begin?
The New Mexico Public Education Department will require a twoweek acclimation period between the beginning of hybrid learning and the beginning of competitive sports.
What does a hybrid-learning week look like?
Participating students will be broken into two groups. One group will learn on campus Mondays and Tuesdays, and the other group will learn on Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays will be reserved for faculty consultations and deep cleaning of the classrooms.
How will students use the bathroom?
Each campus building will create a bathroom use protocol to meet students’ needs. Students will be required to observe social distancing in the hallways and the lavatories.
How will students be disciplined?
Students who violate social distancing and PPE protocols will be given a verbal warning after the first offense. Students will be removed from the classroom after a second offense.
What about school employees?
School employees will be entitled to EPLSA, FFCRA and FMLA, according to the specific criteria identified in Section 7 of the COVID-19 Safety MOU between TFUSE and TMSD. Pursuant to Section 8 of the COVID-19 Safety MOU between TFUSE and TMSD, an employee at risk of severe illness may request alternate work arrangements.