HEALTH & SAFETY

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN RETURNING TO SCHOOL 2020-2021

WHEN WE REOPEN

The health and safety of our students, families, and staff are of the utmost importance. We follow health and safety measures set forth by Mendocino County, the California Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This information will help provide health and safety guidance for Ukiah Unified students, families, and staff.

SCREENING AT HOME

• Students and staff are asked to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, and fever at home before coming to school or getting on a bus.

• Anyone with a fever of 100.4°F or more should not go to a school site. Those experiencing symptoms including persistent cough, shortness of breath, or runny nose should not attend school.

• Students and staff members are required to complete a daily temperature check prior to coming to a UUSD site.

ARRIVING AT SCHOOL

• Arrival/departure times and campus entry points will be managed to allow for appropriate physical distancing.

• Physical barriers will be installed in areas where faceto-face interaction with the public occurs.

• School sites will have signage throughout campus to encourage physical distancing and proper sanitation.

• UUSD will work to identify testing opportunities and locations for school staff.

TRAVEL & LARGE GATHERINGS

If you are planning large gatherings or will travel, please isolate for 14 days before sending children back to in-person instruction or activities.

IF A TEMPERATURE OF 100.4°F+ IS DETECTED

• Students with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher will not be admitted and shall be sent home.

• Individual should then contact a health care provider for further instructions.

• Please notify the school administration of any positive COVID-19 test results.

• School will notify health officials, staff and families of any positive cases.

• If a student develops a fever while at school, they will be isolated from other students, provided a face covering if they do not have one, and their parent/guardian will be contacted to pick them up.

• Sick staff and students will be advised to isolate according to CDC guidelines. The individual may return after 10 days after symptoms first appeared and no fever for the last 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications, or proof of negative COVID test.

• Staff and students will be trained on proper hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of hand sanitizer

• Students will be instructed to wash or sanitize their hands upon arrival into the campus, using the restroom, and lunch.

• Handwashing and hand sanitizing for students will be reinforced daily with time allotted to wash hands regularly.

• Hand sanitizer stations will be available at all school sites.

• Students and staff will be instructed on protocols for coughing, sneezing, etc. while protecting others health and safety.

• Schools will limit sharing of supplies. Belongings separated in individually labeled storage containers, cubbies or areas.

• Visual reminders will be provided and posted for staff and students.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

• Sites will implement plans to ensure proper physical distancing, reducing the number of students in classrooms.

• Sites will design spaces with physical distancing in mind, which may include instruction outdoors or in larger areas.

• Student work spaces will be arranged with consideration for maximum physical distancing, following public health recommendations.

• Teacher and other staff desks will be distanced at least six feet away from student desks.

• Group activities will be significantly limited, and off-site field trips will be suspended.

• Visual reminders will be provided and posted around campus.

FACE COVERINGS

• Face coverings are required for ALL students TK - 12th (unless exempt), in order to provide additional protection for students and staff and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Students without masks will be provided with a disposable one to wear while at school.

• Students who refuse to wear face coverings and do not have an exemption will be excluded from on-campus learning. They will be required to participate in fully virtual learning.

• Students with medical/ sensory/cognitive/behavioral exemptions (with a doctor’s note) will not be required to wear a mask, but are strongly encouraged to utilize a face shield if possible.

• Students will be instructed on proper face covering protocol. Parents are asked to familiarize their children with the use of cloth face coverings, including the importance of being careful not to touch their mask or areas of their face.

• Students will be asked to wear face coverings upon arrival to the school site, throughout the day in their classrooms, as they transition between classes, as they travel around campus, when they have less than 6 feet of distance between themselves and another student or staff member, and when they are dismissed.

• Students will be allowed to remove their masks to eat, or for any mask breaks designated by staff.

• All staff will be provided with face coverings and are required to wear face coverings unless prevented due to health conditions or instructional/communication needs. In those instances, staff will be provided with a clear face shield.

• Visual reminders regarding face covering protocols will be posted for staff and students.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT HAND WASHING & SANITIZING STATIONS

Hand washing and sanitizing stations are located in common areas at each school such as lunch areas, front offices, and priority locations. All sinks have hand soap and paper towels. Each classroom is equipped with a hand sanitizer dispenser at exterior entrance.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR STAFF

The District will provide face masks for staff. All staff are required to wear fabric face coverings unless prevented due to health conditions or instructional/communication needs. Clear face masks and face shields are options for staff.

TOUCH-LESS THERMOMETERS

The District has provided each school and District site with touch-less forehead thermometers so staff may screen students, and themselves.

GLOVES

The District will supply gloves for each classroom as needed.

DRINKING FOUNTAINS

Drinking fountains will be disabled. Students should bring their own water bottles and may refill their bottles at designated sinks on campus.

BREAKS, RECESS, & LUNCH

Breaks, recesses, and lunch will be staggered as feasible to allow maximum physical distancing.

BATHROOMS

Bathrooms will be cleaned and stocked with soap throughout the day.

HVAC SYSTEMS

HVAC systems have been serviced and inspected across the District to ensure proper operation and circulation of outside air.

WIPES & SPRAYS

Disinfecting wipes and/or disinfecting sprays will be provided in every classroom.

CDPH GUIDELINES

Campuses will follow guidelines developed by the CDPH for cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation of school sites as practicable.

UUSD COVID-19 RESPONSE WEBSITE: https://sites.google.com/uusd.net/uusdcovidresponse/