SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE - January 4, 2022

Posted: January 4, 2022

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released updated guidance regarding isolation and quarantine periods. We are asking parents to be extra diligent in monitoring their children for symptoms and to keep their child(ren) home if they are ill.
We are committed to keeping our buildings open and our students in school. In order for this to happen, we may need to make adjustments as we go in order to maintain in-person learning.

Below are updates to quarantining, masking and the Mask to Stay, Test to Play Program:

Anyone who tests positive must isolate at home for the next 5 days. That person must also wear a mask for 5 days after the isolation period. Please follow the below flowchart if you have COVID-19:

• COVID Flowchart

Anyone who is exposed outside of school will follow guidelines depending on their vaccination status.

• If you are exposed and your Covid-19 vaccines are up-to-date you may come to school but you will need to wear a mask for 10 days after your last exposure. If possible, test on day 5. If you develop symptoms or test positive, stay home.
• If you are exposed & unvaccinated or COVID-19 vaccines aren’t up-to-date you will be required to stay home for 5 days. Upon returning to school, you will need to wear a mask for 10 days after your last exposure. If possible, test on day 5. If you develop symptoms or test positive, stay home.
• Guidelines for the Masks to Stay, Test to Play program have been updated. This program applies to those who were exposed to COVID-19 in the school setting or during school-related activities.
  • Students can Mask to Stay with in-person learning after being directly exposed to COVID-19 in a school setting if they do the following:
    • Wear a mask for 10 days after the initial exposure date.
    • Self-monitor or have a parent monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
    • Isolate and get tested if they show symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of the severity of symptoms.
  • Asymptomatic contacts may Test to Play to participate in extracurricular activities if they do the following: 
    • Wear a mask when able. (This includes: transportation; locker rooms; sitting/standing on the sidelines; and anytime the mask will not interfere with breathing, the activity, or create a safety hazard.
    • Test on initial notification of exposure to COVID-19.
    • Test, if possible, on day 5.
• Additionally, Facial coverings will continue to be mandated for all students and staff using school transportation.

Below is the Quarantine and Isolation Guidance provided by ODH and CDC:
            Quarantine and Isolation Letter

The District will continue to monitor guidance, regulations, recommendations and mandates from Warren County Health District, Ohio Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control for future guidance and possible changes. Thank you for your commitment, patience, and understanding as we work through the challenges created by the pandemic.