On August 23rd, 2021, the Board of Directors approved the reopening plan that will be implemented as we start the 2021-2022 school year.
This plan is aimed to reduce student and staff absences due to illness or quarantine and avoid the need to shift to remote instructional models by reducing the likelihood of transmission of the COVID-19 virus in our school community.
The plan includes the following health and safety procedures that support our goal of maximizing in-person learning time and social-emotional support for all students this year. Below is a summary of RSU 1’s full plan that can be read HERE.
Prescreening: Conduct daily self-checks for symptoms or possible exposure to positive cases. Pre-Screening Tool for 2021-2022
Masking: Masks are required in all indoor settings beginning on August 25 for all students, staff, and visitors regardless of vaccination status. This includes after-school activities.
- Masks are required for students, staff, and drivers on any form of transportation.
- Allowances will be made for medically-documented cases that require accommodations under Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Mask breaks will be provided as needed. Masks may be removed when actively eating or drinking.
- Extra student and adult size masks will be available in all buildings.
- Staff may remove masks when working alone in their rooms.
- Masks are not required in outdoor settings.
Distancing: The goal is to maintain at least 3’ of distancing whenever possible, as long as it does not impede the district from offering full-time, in-person instruction for all students.
Personal Hygiene: Continue to focus on and encourage frequent hand washing, hand sanitizing, minimal sharing of supplies, and proper sneeze and cough etiquette.
Cleaning and Disinfecting: High touch surfaces will be cleaned throughout the school day. If a building has someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 24 hours, the space will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Ventilation: Ionization equipment has been installed in facilities to remove particles and contaminants from indoor air. Increasing outside air circulation will continue to be done by keeping doors and windows open, when possible. Tents will be rented for each school during the fall and spring.
Vaccinations: The district will continue to promote vaccines and will make every effort to offer additional clinics for approved age groups.
Pooled Testing: Pooled testing is optional for students and staff. The district anticipates starting pooled testing in mid-September (hopefully, 9/13). Students and staff who participate in pooled testing will not need to quarantine if they are a close contact of a positive case and can also be more flexible with social distancing. Being able to stay physically present in school and in extracurricular activities is something we want for all students and staff this year. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated students and staff are encouraged to sign up for this program. For staff and students who would like to participate in pooled testing, please click HERE to read the informational letter and fill out the digital consent form.
The district appreciated the public input that was received on the reopening plan, especially around indoor masking. The plan will continually be revisited by the school district.