Back to School Plan Home GMSD COVID Dashboard Instructional Models Social Distancing & Masking CDC Mask Exemptions Masking in non-classroom environments Contact Tracing Return Options for Possible Close Contacts: Positive and Suspected Cases COVID-19 Notifications Health Checks COVID Related Absences Technology Reach out to a school nurse Building Sanitization and Cleaning Procedures Limited Guest Access After School Activities, Arts, & Athletics R.E.A.C.H. Transportation Return to WWW.GMSDK12.ORG Instructional Models One of the key recommendations of the Shelby County Health Department and Center for Disease Control (CDC) is to provide 3-6 feet of social distancing when possible. Last year, school districts in TN received special permission from the Governor and the State Board of Education to operate virtually and with hybrid instruction. This year the Governor and State Board of Education have ruled that districts are not allowed to offer these forms of modified instruction. All GMSD schools will offer in-person, full-time instruction for the 2021-2022 school year. The only exceptions to virtual learning allowed must be a state-approved stand-alone virtual school or homebound instruction. GMSD received approval for a stand-alone virtual school for grades K-12. Social Distancing & Masking Masks are mandated for all person(s) vaccinated and unvaccinated while indoors in a school building. From the beginning of the pandemic, GMSD has followed the guidance of the Shelby County Health Department. We will continue to do so. *If your child has a valid CDC exemption and is unable to wear a mask, please reach out to your school administration. Documentation from a medical provider specifically listing a CDC exemption MUST be provided per the new language of the SCHD. *The CDC exemptions are listed below: CDC Mask Exemptions The Shelby County Health Department is defining exemptions according to the CDC’s Face Mask Order, which can be found here: Who is covered by the exemption for “a person with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because the disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.)”? Most people, including those with disabilities, can tolerate and safely wear a mask and are required to wear one as per CDC’s Order. However, certain people with disabilities who, because of their disability, cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, are exempted from CDC’s mask-wearing requirement. The exemption is not meant to cover people with disabilities for whom wearing a mask might only be difficult or whose disability does not prevent them from wearing a mask or wearing a mask safely. The following narrow subset of persons with disabilities are exempt from CDC’s requirement to wear a mask: A person with a disability who, for reasons related to the disability, would be physically unable to remove a mask without assistance if breathing becomes obstructed. Examples might include a person with impaired motor skills, quadriplegia, or limb restrictions. A person with an intellectual, developmental, cognitive, or psychiatric disability that affects the person’s ability to understand the need to remove a mask if breathing becomes obstructed. The following persons with disabilities might be exempt from CDC’s requirement to wear a mask based on factors specific to the person: A person with a disability who cannot wear a mask because it would cause the person to be unable to breathe or have respiratory distress if a mask were worn over the mouth and nose. A person with a condition that causes intermittent respiratory distress, such as asthma, likely does not qualify for this exemption because people with asthma, or other similar conditions, can generally wear a mask safely. A person with a disability requiring the use of an assistive device, such as for mobility or communication, that prevents the person from wearing a mask and wearing or using the assistive device at the same time. If use of the device is intermittent and the person can remove the mask independently to use the device, then a mask must be worn during periods when the person is not using the device. A person with a severe sensory disability or a severe mental health disability who would pose an imminent threat of harm to themselves or others if required to wear a mask. Persons who experience discomfort or anxiety while wearing a mask without imminent threat of harm would not qualify for this exemption. Masking in non-classroom environments For after school activities that occur inside a school building, is universal masking to be applied? The August 20, 2021 Amendment to Shelby County Health Department, Directive No. 24 now mandates that masks are required for all indoor activities. This includes after school activities for students and events that are open to visitors. Contact Tracing A possible close contact is identified as the following: An individual within 3-6 feet of a confirmed positive case for a cumulative 15 minutes in a 24-hour timespan. Per the Amendment to Shelby County Health Directive No. 24, contact tracers will be using 3 feet social distancing as their measurement in a classroom setting, for masked students only. Per the Shelby County Health Department, we will use the “Exception” clause (from the CDC) which allows for students not to be placed in quarantine if they are separated 3-6 feet and all students are wearing masks. This applies only to students in the classroom setting. The CDC Exception language states, "In the K–12 indoor classroom setting, the close contact definition excludes students who were within 3 to 6 feet of an infected student (laboratory-confirmed or a clinically compatible illness) if both the infected student and the exposed student(s) correctly and consistently wore well-fitting masks the entire time. This exception does not apply to teachers, staff, or other adults in the indoor classroom setting. While contact tracing all non-classroom settings such as the cafeteria, playground, after school events or activities, contact tracers will be using 6 feet of social distancing as a measurement for possible close contact. Vaccinated vs. Non-Vaccinated: Fully vaccinated individuals will not be required to quarantine if identified as a direct contact. (Unless experiencing symptoms). Non-vaccinated individuals will be required to quarantine if identified as a direct contact, regardless if currently experiencing symptoms or not. Return Options for Possible Close Contacts: 7 Day Quarantine = Must get a negative COVID test (no earlier than 5 days from last exposure) and remain without symptoms. 10 Day Quarantine = Must remain without symptoms for 10 days. No COVID test required. 14 Day Quarantine = If a direct contact cannot meet the criteria for early return, a 14-day quarantine is required. 24 Day Quarantine = If a direct contact is unable to isolate from positive cases in their household, then a 24-day quarantine is required. Positive Case: If a direct contact tests positive, they will complete a 10-day quarantine based either off the day symptoms started (if known) or date COVID test taken. Positive and Suspected Cases A Student Tests Positive: Families will reach out to GMSD (building nurse, CSH Supervisor, or building admin to notify district of positive test results. Members of the district’s contact tracing team will reach out to gather additional information and provide a return to school/activity date. Positive cases will quarantine for 10 days based off the day they started symptoms (if known) or day they were tested. A school and district notification will be sent out informing of a positive COVID case. Names will not be shared in any district communications. Return to school date(s) will be communicated with building principals, attendance clericals, and the student’s teachers. A Positive Case is Identified: Contact tracing takes place with CSH Supervisor and Lead Nurse reaching out to start interviews. Close contacts will be identified based off case analysis and interviews. A return to school/activity date is generated based off last time contact was had with positive case and/or when symptoms started. Families can complete early return options (7 or 10 days) by meeting the criteria for early return. Student Sent Home With Symptoms: A student sent home from school by the school nurse with Covid like symptoms must meet the following criteria for return: Complete a 10-day isolation to monitor symptoms. Receive a negative COVID test and remain fever free for 24-hours without the aid of fever reducing medications. (Can return the next day if this criterion is met). A COVID Parent Packet will be provided to the family once they pick their child up. The packet includes: Doctor's note that must be signed if seeking an alternative diagnosis, return to school options, and a COVID symptom monitoring log. Any student who presents to the clinic/nurse with any one of the high-risk symptoms or with any combination of 3 or more low-risk symptoms will be sent home. Further evaluation by a physician is recommended. COVID-19 Notifications Parents will continue to receive school wide COVID notifications. Due to privacy issues governed by law, the identity of person(s) with either suspected or positive cases of COVID-19 cannot be publicly shared. It is, however, important that parents report confirmed COVID-19 cases to the school so that proper protocols can be enacted. Standard health procedural letters will be sent via email or text message to notify parents if students or staff have come in direct contact with individuals who tested positive for COVID-19. Health Checks GMSD will not be continuing the daily student health checks in Skyward during the 2021-2022 school year. However, schools will continue working with families to provide excused absences if students have been exposed to COVID-19 or if they are showing any symptoms. GMSD wants families to practice the necessary precautions and are ready to work with parents to keep all of our students healthy. COVID Related Absences When a student is identified as a direct contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has tested positive and needs to quarantine according to the GMSD student COVID protocol, absences will be excused. Teachers will offer access to lessons and materials to keep students on track during their absence. This access can include Schoology assignments, printed assignments, and/or video-recorded lessons. Students may participate in learning activities each day while quarantined to remain on track with lessons/curriculum; however, they may also wait to submit assignments upon returning according to the GMSD Grading Policy 4.600: In the event of an excused absence, students are expected to make up missed work within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the school policy, with a minimum of one day allowed for each day absent. Technology For password resets, general troubleshooting, or technology questions email helpdesk@gmsdk12.org or call (901)756-2323. If the device is stolen: Off campus – A police report must be filed by the student’s parent/guardian in the city where the device was stolen, and school administration must be notified immediately. In addition, the District may require restitution of property and damages, where appropriate. On campus – School administration should be notified immediately. If the device is lost or misplaced: Please report lost or misplaced devices immediately to your school for assistance in recovering the device. Restitution will be required for the full replacement value of the device. Reach out to a school nurse Forest-Hill Elementary: Alison Herrington, Mary.herrington@gmsdk12.org Dogwood Elementary: Madhuri Srinivasan, Madhuri.srinivasan@gmsdk12.org Farmington Elementary: Melissa Eskins, Melissa.eskins@gmsdk12.org Riverdale Elementary (K-8): Julie Bebawy, Julie.bebawy@gmsdk12.org Houston Middle School: Laura Smith, Laura.smith@gmsdk12.org Houston High School: Celeste Waldrup, Celeste.waldrup@gmsdk12.org GMSD Lead Nurse: Colleen Cheatham, Colleen.cheatham@gmsdk12.org GMSD School Health Supervisor: Andrew Martin, Andrew.martin@gmsdk12.org Building Sanitization and Cleaning Procedures Increased cleaning efforts have been outlined with our custodial service provider, SKB, to include multiple daily cleanings of common areas and increased efforts in each classroom. GMSD will continue the employment of day porters at each school building to both clean and monitor the increased cleaning effort protocols and ensure that their building is in alignment with district standards. GMSD has purchased eight Clorox Total 360 Cleaning Systems. These systems are often used in hospitals to mitigate the spread of germs. High traffic areas will be disinfected on a regular basis, and classrooms on a case-by-case basis. All school HVAC systems have been upgraded with High-MERV filters. The MERV-13 filters are the industry standard in reducing particles and bacteria in the air. Our HVAC systems also have the ability to circulate fresh air in programmed bursts through the building. GMSD has programmed fresh air in short, frequent bursts. Schools will provide opportunities for all students to take regular breaks to wash their hands throughout the day. Restrooms will be regularly checked for necessary materials. Hand sanitizing stations have been placed throughout each building. Limited Guest Access The district will be limiting interactions between students and non-staff adults during school hours to minimize additional contact exposures to non-household members. Our schools are excited to provide free, USDA subsidized, breakfast and lunch to students again this year. Food deliveries by parents will be strongly discouraged this year to minimize unnecessary exposures and disruptions to the school day. In-person meetings such as IEPs and 504s will be offered to families. However, alternative options will still be provided for families. After School Activities, Arts, & Athletics After school activities, athletics, and fine arts are an important part of the social emotional well-being of students. GMSD has prioritized that these activities will continue with protocols and safety guidelines. Athletics will follow TSSAA & TMSAA guidelines. R.E.A.C.H. For many working parents, our partnership with the City of Germantown Parks and Rec Department R.E.A.C.H. Program is essential. R.E.A.C.H. will be permitted to provide this service on our campus and will follow all school procedures and safety measures. Questions about R.E.A.C.H. need to be directed to Germantown Parks and Recreation. Transportation Our transportation provider, Durham, will provide information about their safety procedures on buses. Social distancing may not be possible on buses and mask wearing will be required. Connect with us in a two-way dialogue about our Back to School Safety Plan. Return to WWW.GMSDK12.ORG Germantown Municipal School District 3350 S. Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown, TN 38138 | Phone: 901-752-7900 | Fax: 901-757-6479 ***It is the policy of the Germantown Municipal School District to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, handicap/disability, sex, genetics, or age. The Germantown Municipal School District is not responsible for questionable or controversial content found through links external to this site. This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. LEARN MOREGOT IT