COVID-19 School Protocol

Diocese of Fresno School Reopening Guidelines

Office of Catholic Education REOPENING GUIDE FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

PRIOR TO OPENING

Supplies:

· Hand sanitizer (allergy and fragrance free)

· Disposable face masks (one for each employee for each day worked and/or cloth masks enough for each employee that at the end of the workday can be properly washed)

· Disposable face masks - one per student per day; who may come to school without one

· Disinfectant to clean all classrooms, offices, and work areas

· Disposable gloves for custodial and office staff

· Thermo thermometer (no contact thermometers)

· Printed questionnaires for each employee regarding daily COVID-19-exposures

· Eye protection for custodial employees

· For those with trouble breathing, provide face shields which include a cloth drape attached across the bottom and tucked into shirt

· Check sub-list for availability and share guidelines

Physical Space:

· X Marks the Spot – use tape to mark where students stand in line to enter classrooms, restrooms (when capacity is reached inside), at entrances to the school, and at other crowded areas to help students with social distancing requirements

· Arrange desks 6 feet apart in all instructional spaces– w/o students facing each other

· Remove all shared tables from classroom

· Designate and layout all spaces being used for instruction to meet social distancing

· Thoroughly clean all areas of the school building with approved sanitation products and devices

· Develop a walking “circulation flow” so students are not crossing paths while moving in hallways

· Prep all technology services and have ready to use quickly if another shut down occurs

· Prepare a secure area for sick children maintaining social distancing (6 feet)

· Determine processes and location for safe deliveries to campus

· Ensure all signage is properly placed (exterior and interior)

· Remove all cloth toys, upholstered furniture and bean bag chairs from classroom

Communication of Changes:

· Teachers must sign form agreeing to calendar change for 2020-2021 school year

· Parents must receive, sign and return agreement form for all safety protocols

· Online offerings must be communicated to all parents as an option with specifics for how to participate in classes virtually

· All school meetings, other than faculty meetings, should continue using ZOOM or WebEx virtual platforms

· All gatherings of large groups are prohibited, including whole school Masses (over 100 maximum) and assemblies

· All student field trips will be virtual until further notice

· Outline drop-off and pick-up instructions for parents/guardians

Training:

· All employees including substitutes must be trained on safety protocols

· All employees will be trained on proper use, removal and washing of cloth face coverings

· All employees

Other Diocesan Re-Opening Guides to Read before Opening:

· Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno Guidelines for Church Re-Opening

· Diocese of Fresno Office of Catholic Education Guidelines for Preschool Re-Opening

IN SESSION DAILY REQUIREMENTS

· Hand sanitizer at all entrances must be filled at end of each day

· Enrollment must be capped so that 6 feet of social distancing can be maintained in all classrooms and student contact areas.

· Restrooms must be sanitized after lunch and at end of day

· Classrooms and all office space must be disinfected

· For disinfection, diluted or 70% isopropanol (according to CDC guidelines), and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants must be used

· All children entering campus will have their temperature taken. For any child with a temperature greater than 100.4, have them sit quietly for 15-20 minutes and then take their temperature again. If the temperature is still greater than 100.4, they will be sent home

· Conference rooms, teacher breakrooms, and offices will be monitored for social distancing compliance and access may be limited

· Bringing or sharing refreshments during meetings is prohibited in order to limit the risk of contamination. Snack items, candy, and drinks will not be provided until further notice

· Playgrounds and gyms should only be used by one group at a time and cleaned after each use. Limit free play to ensure safe distancing.

· Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

· Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

· Clean all thermometers before storing for the night.

ALL EMPLOYEES – ADMINISTRATION, TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF

· Custodial staff should wear single use gloves and eye protection while cleaning. Hands should be washed at least 20 seconds immediately after gloves are removed.

· All employees will be screened before entering the building. Temperatures must be recorded on a log sheet. Anyone who displays any symptoms (fever over 100.4) should be sent home and not allowed to enter.

· If someone is known to be caring for someone with the symptoms of COVID-19, he or she may not be on campus until such care is completed and they have quarantined for 14 days

· All faculty and staff will self-screen at home (COVID-19 Self-Monitoring Checklist). Employees may continue to work if they can honestly say NO to all the questions on the checklist.

· All employees must wash hands/sanitize when entering campus

· All employees, while on campus, will wear face mask. A face shield is permitted for teaching language arts, but a mask is required when helping students 1:1.

· Office staff must wear masks and gloves during high volume contact times.

· Employees preparing and serving food must wear gloves and masks at all times.

TEACHERS

· Junior high teachers will rotate to the different classrooms; students stay in room.

· High school teachers take temperature before each class due to co-mingling of students.

· Open windows and doors (depending on weather) to increase fresh air quantities and filtration. Fans are permitted on hot days for ventilation.

· Maintain 6 feet of distance between desks – this includes teacher desks.

· Teachers will provide initial and routine instruction in social distancing and health practices to their students. Remind students to keep masks on except while eating their lunch.

· Classroom instruction will be delivered respecting social distancing, 1:1 with student devices, whole group, etc.

· Teach students to use a tissue and cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or use the inside of their elbow.

· Teach students to wash their hands often for a minimum of 20 seconds or for students in grades TK-12 to use hand sanitizer when soap is not available.

· If an employee or other person becomes ill at work or while on campus, he or she will be instructed to go home or to the nearest health center.

· If diagnosed with COVID-19, employee will be required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days until the person has recovered/cleared by the Public Health Department.

· At the end of every day, sanitize all desks, doorknobs, light switches, shared surfaces, etc. with approved disinfectant and/or wipes.

· Limit the sharing of all educational materials; if materials are shared, they must be disinfected (wiped clean) prior to another student handling them.

· Maintain social distancing guidelines across grades and groups. No comingling of grades and/or groups except in high schools.

· There should be no physical contact games for PE or recess.

STUDENTS

· All students must wash hands/sanitize when entering campus.

· Students in grades 2-12 will be required to wear a mask while on campus.

· Students will always remain with their classmates, including structured recess.

· All teachers and students are not to visit another classroom outside of their grade level.

· Any student showing signs of illness will have his or her temperature taken in the office. Students with a temperature above 100.4 degrees or showing any symptoms of illness will be isolated and sent home.

· Students will cooperate with the social distancing and masking in which they are instructed, or they will not be allowed on campus.

· Students will use the restroom at designated times, and the numbers of students will be limited to the number of sinks available in the restroom.

· Students will each eat lunch in designated area and/or with class.

· Lunch is brought to students; students do not go to cafeteria to get their lunches.

· Students will be required to have their own supplies (pencils, crayons, scissors, etc.); sharing of supplies will be prohibited.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS

· All parents/guardians will always wear a mask while on school property for meetings.

· All adults will observe proper “Social Distancing,” of six feet at all times.

· Adults will follow all instructions given by school administration.

· Parents will not be admitted on campus or into classrooms prior to or during the school day.

· Students will be dropped off at a pre-designated area for proper screening and temperature checks, while maintaining proper social distancing (six feet).

· Any student who arrives after the 1stbell has rung, will be dropped off at the school office for screening and temperature check (the gate will be locked with the start of school).

· No volunteers will be on campus until further notice.

APPENDICES – See below

Appendix A: COVID-19 Screening Checklist for Non-Medical Employees

Appendix B. Diocese of Fresno Re-Opening Disclaimer

Appendix C: Bussing Guidelines

Resource Links

Refer to Additional Resources as Needed before Opening:

COVID-19 Self-Monitoring Checklist Check and Record Every Day or

Staff and Visitor Log Due to COVID-19(Download free template)

COVID-19 Free Printable Signs & Posters

Safety Guidelines Training Stop the Spread of Germs and Symptoms of COVID-19 Video

Training Guidelines on proper use as well as removal and washing of cloth face coverings

Using Personal Protective Equipment and Use of Cloth Coverings

Stronger Together, California Public School Guide for Re-Opening

Safety Postings

Diocese of Fresno Office of Catholic Education COVID-19 Safety Plan (CSP) January, 2021

The following is explanation/information regarding Covid 19 policies in our school

Introduction

In July of 2020 each of the 18 elementary schools, as members of the Diocese of Fresno Education Corporation, submitted Waivers to Reopen. Each county’s Public Health Director, in the 5 counties where these Catholic schools reside, approved these waivers and sent the waivers to the California State Public Health Office for approval. All of the 18 elementary schools were allowed to open for in-person instruction in either September and October. During the period of in-person instruction from September until the winter break on November 25, 2020, there was no outbreak of the virus due to the strict compliance of the Diocesan Reopening Guidelines. All 18 of the elementary schools can continue in person with the approved Waiver. It is understood that the new criteria and requirements replace those in the Elementary Waiver that allowed all Catholic schools to open in the fall. All waivers approved prior to this date remain valid.

The two Catholic high schools, Garces Memorial in Bakersfield and San Joaquin Memorial in Fresno were allowed to open once Kern and Fresno Counties were in the Red Tier. These schools used the hybrid model and they too prevented any spread of the virus during the time before and since the winter break. Our high schools remain open even though these two counties have moved into the Purple Tier as is allowed by the state of California.

This new document includes all the components for safety laid out in the January 14, 2021 document, COVID-19 and Reopening In-Person Instruction Framework and Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California, 2020-2021 School Year. Attached to this document is the COVID-19 School Guidance Checklist, completed by each principal for each school as well as one compilated checklist from the Office of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Fresno. This reporting shall continue every other Monday (or the Tuesday immediately following if the Monday is a state holiday) until this directive is modified or rescinded.

The Diocese of Fresno Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools also follow the State of California’s updated Travel policy. Non-essential travel (for recreational purposes) should be limited to 120 miles from the person’s home. Californians who travel outside the state or the country must quarantine for 10 days upon their return to California. Visitors to California from other states and countries must also quarantine for 10 days upon their entry into California.

Before Students Arrive - Daily Requirements

Check for Ample Supply of:

· Hand sanitizer (allergy and fragrance free).

· Disposable 3ply face masks (one for each employee for each day worked and/or cloth masks enough for each employee that at the end of the workday can be properly washed).

· Disposable 3ply face masks - one per student per day; who may come to school without one.

· Disinfectant for frequent cleaning of all classrooms, offices, and work areas.

· Disposable gloves for custodial and office staff and anyone serving food.

· Thermo thermometer (no contact thermometers).

· Printed questionnaires for each employee regarding daily COVID-19-exposures.

· Eye protection for custodial employees.

· For those with trouble breathing, have a supply of face shields which include a cloth drape attached across the bottom and tucked into shirt.

· Check sub-list for availability and share guidelines and ensure training with all substitutes.

Physical Space Walk-Through:

· Check tape or reminder aids that mark where students stand in line to enter classrooms, restrooms (when capacity is reached inside), at entrances to the school, and at other crowded areas to help students with social distancing requirements.

· Ensure desks are 6 feet apart in all instructional spaces– w/o students facing each other.

· No shared tables in classrooms.

· Check that all iPads, Chromebooks, and tablets have been sanitized the night before.

· Ensure that all areas of the school building have been thoroughly cleaned with approved “child safe” sanitation products and devices.

· Develop a walking “circulation flow” so students are not crossing paths while moving in hallways.

· Check all technology services and internet strength to provide the best virtual instruction.

· Check the secure area for sick children maintaining social distancing (6 feet).

· Meet deliveries to ensure that all safety precautions are taken by vendors.

· Check all signage for properly placed (exterior and interior).

· Remove all cloth toys, upholstered furniture and bean bag chairs from classroom.

· Check for cleanliness where meals are served outside or in classrooms – no cafeteria use.

· Mark areas where recess is held in specific separated and designated groups.

· Perform safety check on ventilation systems and air quality and make adjustments.

Communication and Enforcement of Changes:

· Parents must have received, signed and returned agreement form for all safety protocols.

· Parents must be provided with the list of COVID-19 symptoms and instructed to keep their child at home if the child is feeling ill or has symptoms of COVID-19, even if symptoms are very mild, and to get their ill child tested for SARS-CoV2. 2 (see attached).

· Online offerings in all grades must be communicated to all parents as an option with specifics for how to participate in classes virtually.

· All school meetings, other than faculty meetings, should continue using ZOOM or WebEx virtual platforms.

· All gatherings of large groups are prohibited, including whole school Masses and assemblies.

· All student field trips will be virtual until further notice.

· Ensure that all drop-off and pick-up instructions for parents/guardians are followed.

· No in person school tours – considered non-essential and increase risk of transmission.

· Ensure school-wide communication system that allows staff and families to self-report symptoms and receive prompt notifications of exposure, exclusions and closures is in good working order.

Ongoing Staff and Faculty Training:

· All employees, including substitutes, must be trained on safety protocols prior to starting.

· Staff members must be provided with the list of COVID-19 symptoms and instructed to call in sick and stay home if having symptoms of COVID-19 and to get tested for SARS-CoV2.

· All employees will be trained on proper use, removal and washing of cloth face coverings.

· All employees will be trained on the confidentiality surrounding health recording and reporting (FERPA).

· Preparedness training is provided if someone gets COVID-19 or in the event of a shut down.

In Person Instruction - Daily Safety Requirements

· Hand sanitizer at all entrances is filled at end of each day.

· Enrollment is capped so that 6 feet of social distancing can be maintained in all classrooms and student contact areas between teachers, aides, and students.

· Restrooms are sanitized frequently during the day and thoroughly at the end of day.

· Classrooms and all office space are disinfected after contact with others.

· For disinfection, diluted or 70% isopropanol (according to CDC guidelines), and soap and water are used.

· All children entering campus have their temperature taken. Any child with a temperature greater than 100.4, will sit quietly for 15-20 minutes and then take their temperature again. If the temperature is still greater than 100.4, they will be sent home.

· Conference rooms, teacher breakrooms, and offices are carefully monitored for social distancing compliance and access may be limited.

· There is no sharing of refreshments during meetings to limit the risk of contamination. Snack items, candy, and drinks are provided by the school.

· Playgrounds and gyms are only used by one group at a time and cleaned after each use. Free play is limited to ensure safe distancing.

· Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol is used if soap and water are not available.

· Students are taught and reminded to cover their mouths and noses with tissue when they cough or sneeze or use the inside of their elbow.

· All thermometers are cleaned before storing for the night.

FOR ALL EMPLOYEES – ADMINISTRATION, TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF:

· Schools ensure that staff are tested asymptomatically by their primary care provider or by referring teachers to a community testing site, as testing capacity permits. Testing frequency include all staff being tested over 2 months, where 25% of staff are tested every 2 weeks, or 50% every month to rotate which staff members are tested over time.

· Elementary students must remain in stable groups with fixed membership that stays together without mixing with any other groups.

· Junior High’s and High Schools use block scheduling, a hybrid in-person model, and teams of teachers who work with a set group of students they share.

· Custodial staff wear single use gloves and eye protection while cleaning. Hands are washed at least 20 seconds immediately after gloves are removed.

· If someone is known to be caring for someone with the symptoms of COVID-19, he or she may not be on campus until such care is completed and they have quarantined for 14 days.

· All employees must wash hands/sanitize when entering campus.

· All employees, while on campus, wear a face mask. A face shield is permitted for teaching language arts, but a mask is required after completion of lesson.

· Office staff wears masks and gloves during high volume contact times.

· Employees preparing and serving food always wear gloves and masks.

FOR TEACHERS:

· Junior high teachers rotate to the different classrooms; students stay in room.

· High school teachers take temperature before each class due to co-mingling of students.

· Windows and doors are opened to increase fresh air quantities and filtration. Fans are used on hot days for ventilation. Student desks are placed with ventilation behind them.

· 6 feet of distance is maintained between desks of students and teacher desks.

· Teachers provide initial and routine instruction in social distancing and health practices to their students. Reminding students to keep masks on except while eating their lunch.

· Classroom instruction is delivered respecting social distancing, 1:1 with student devices, whole group, etc.

· Teachers kindly remind students to use a tissue and cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or use the inside of their elbow throughout the day.

· Teachers supervise students so that they wash their hands often for a minimum of 20 seconds or for students in grades TK-12 use hand sanitizer when soap is not available.

· If an employee or other person becomes ill at work or while on campus, he or she is instructed to go home or and to the nearest health center for testing.

· If diagnosed with COVID-19, employee will self-quarantine at home for 14 days until the person has recovered/is cleared by the Public Health Department with a negative test result.

· At the end of every day, all desks, doorknobs, light switches, shared surfaces, etc. are cleaned with approved disinfectant, wipes or soap and water.

· There is no sharing of all educational materials; except perhaps, iPad, or Chromebooks which are disinfected (wiped clean) prior to another student handling them.

· Social distancing guidelines are followed across all grades and groups. No comingling of grades and/or groups except in high schools.

· There are no physical contact games for PE or recess.

FOR STUDENTS:

· All students must wash hands/sanitize when entering campus.

· Students are tested symptomatically and in response to case exposure.

· Students in grades Preschool (over age of 2) through Grade 12 will be required to wear a mask while on campus except while eating or napping for preschoolers. There is no end parenthesis

· If a student refuses to wear a mask, the student must be excluded from on-campus instruction, unless they are exempt, until they are willing to wear a face covering. Students excluded on this basis are offered other educational opportunities through distance learning.

· A cloth face covering, or face shield is removed for meals, snacks, naptime, or when it needs to be replaced. When a cloth face covering is temporarily removed, it is placed in a clean paper bag (marked with the student’s name and date) until it is put on again.

· Students always remain with their class or cohort, including structured recess.

· All teachers and students do not visit another classroom outside of their grade level.

· Any student showing signs of illness has his or her temperature taken in the office. Students with a temperature above 100.4 degrees or showing any symptoms of illness will be isolated and sent home.

· Students will cooperate with social distancing and masking in which they are instructed, or they are not allowed to be on campus.

· Students use the restroom at designated times, and the number of students is limited to the number of sinks available in the restroom.

· Students eat lunch in designated areas and with their own class.

· Lunch is brought to students; students do not go to cafeteria to get their lunches.

· Students are required to have their own supplies (pencils, crayons, scissors, etc.); sharing of supplies will be prohibited.

· Students participating in youth sports will wear a mask when participating in conditioning activities, even with heavy exertion, both indoors and outdoors.

FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

· All parents/guardians will always wear a mask while on school property.

· All adults must always observe proper “Social Distancing,” of six feet.

· Adults must follow all instructions given by school administration.

· Parents are not be admitted on campus or into classrooms prior to, or during, the school day.

· Students are dropped off at a pre-designated area for proper screening and temperature checks, while maintaining proper social distancing (six feet).

· Any student who arrives after the 1stbell has rung, is dropped off at the school office for screening and temperature check (the gate is locked with the start of school).

· No volunteers are allowed on campus.

GUIDANCE ON TRANSMISSION:

· The principal notifies the local health officer of any known case of COVID-19 among any student or employee who was present on a school campus within the 10 days preceding a positive test for COVID-19. Specifically, school shall report the following information:

o The full name, address, telephone number, and date of birth of the individual who tested positive;

o The date the individual tested positive, the school name at which the individual was present on-site within the 10 days preceding the positive test, and the date the individual was last on-site at the school.

o The full name, address, and telephone number of the person making the report.

· This information is reported to the local health officer by telephone within twenty-four hours from the time an individual school is first made aware of a new case.

· This reporting continues until this directive is modified or rescinded.

· Information reported to the local health officer pursuant to this directive will not be disclosed except:

(1) to the California Department of Public Health;

(2) to the extent deemed necessary by the local health officer for an investigation to

determine the source of infection and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including with health officers in other jurisdictions as necessary to monitor, investigate, prevent, and/or control the spread of COVID-19;

(3) if required by state or federal law;

(4) with the written consent of the individual to whom the information pertains

or the legal representative of any student or staff member who has any symptoms of the virus or reports that they have been exposed will be sent home immediately or if notified by phone, will not be allowed to come on campus until the results of a COVID-19 test are complete.

· An employee shares his or her results with the Diocesan Health Officer and Superintendent. The principal is notified if the employee is safe to return.

· Parents must have a letter from a qualified physician stating that the child is safe to return to school or present a negative rest result. That letter/test result must be shared with the school principal before the child is allowed back to school.

· Staff are tested periodically by their primary care provider or by referring teachers and staff to a community testing site, as testing capacity permits and as practicable. Examples of recommended frequency include all staff being tested over 2 months, where 25% of staff are tested every 2 weeks, or 50% every month to rotate which staff members are tested over time. Under the CARES Act, Covid-19 testing is covered by the Diocesan Health Plan with no cost to the individual being tested.

School Closure Determinations:

Individual school closure is based on the number of cases:

· Within a 14-day period, has occurred in 25% or more of stable groups in the school.

· Within a 14-day period, at least three outbreaks have occurred in the school and more than 5% of the school population in infected.

· The LHO has determined school closure is warranted for other reasons, including results from public health investigation cases in multiple cohorts at a school or when at least 5 percent of the total number of teachers/student/staffs are cases are positive within a 14-day period, depending on the size and physical layout of the school.

· The Local Health Officer has determined school closure is warranted for other reasons, including results from public health investigation or other local epidemiological data.

Schools may typically reopen after 14 days and the following have occurred:

Cleaning and disinfection
Public health investigation
Consultation with the local public health department

RESOURCES

Community Care Licensing Covid-19 Licensed Child Care Facilities FAQ’s:

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/community-care-licensing/child-care-licensing/covid-19-child-care-resources/faqs-for-licensed-child-care-facilities-and-providers

APPENDICES – See below

Appendix A: COVID-19 Screening Checklist for Non-Medical Employees

Appendix B. Diocese of Fresno Re-Opening Disclaimer

Appendix C: Bussing Guidelines

Appendix D: Is It Covid-19, allergies, or the flu?

Appendix E: Training Guide School Safety COVID-19 Pandemic

Diocese of Fresno Re-Opening Disclaimer

Appendix C - Reopening Disclaimer

As we gradually and cautiously re-open our Catholic Schools for educational services in accordance with state and federal directives, please note the following:

The school will take every precaution it can to disinfect these premises and arrange for approved "Social Distancing'' to ensure your safety and the safety of your children from the coronavirus.

By entering this school, all individuals agree to the following:

• To acknowledge that the school cannot guarantee you or your child’s safety when attending on campus or other school activity

• To take all responsibility for your own well-being and health against the Novel Coronavirus and hold the school and Diocese harmless (not liable) since the virus can be spread by those who are asymptomatic

• If your children are vulnerable, ill or afraid of infection; consider the online option offered by the Catholic Schools.

• To observe proper "Social Distancing'' of six-feet at all times on school or parish property

• To obey all instructions given by school leadership, faculty and staff while on campus

• To wear a mask while entering, present and exiting the school grounds

• To pray for the well-being and health of one another

Posted: August 31, 2020

Rachael Manzo, School Administrator

MARY IMMACULATE QUEEN SCHOOL

OPEN ENROLLMENT, CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION office@miqschool.com