After reviewing the COVID policy survey results and the current CDC guidelines, we have decided to implement the following policies for the 2022-2023 school year:
1. Masking Masking will be optional both outside and inside most of the school. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask will be supported in their decision to do so. We strongly encourage anyone who is immunocompromised, unvaccinated, or at risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 to wear a mask. Wearing a mask is one way to protect both yourself and those around you, and we encourage everyone to consider continuing to wear a mask despite our policy changes. We request that students continue to wear masks in the following rooms:
Music Room
Dark Room (photography)
Blue Room
Library Computer Room
School Vans
These rooms are used primarily by junior high and high school students, and masking in these rooms will help us be able to safely hold larger classes in these difficult-to-ventilate areas. We will have masks available for students to use in these rooms, or students may bring in their own masks. In accordance with CDC guidelines, in the event that the Pima County COVID risk levels move to High, we will implement mandatory masking for all students and staff to help prevent an outbreak. These risk levels are updated every Friday, and the community will be notified of any policy change via email that weekend.
2. Lunch There will be two lunch areas: inside on the tile floors on the north side of the building and outside on the patio on the north side of the building. Students should eat in the area in which they feel most comfortable. The microwaves and refrigerator will once again be available for student use.
3. Ventilation We will reduce the number of doors open and increase our use of heating/cooling in the summer/winter. This will allow us to still circulate fresh air into the building while also making it more comfortable inside.
4. Staying Home When Sick With these changes, it is even more important that students stay home if they are feeling sick. According to the CDC, students should stay home if any of the following symptoms are present: cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea. Staying home when sick can lower the risk of spreading all infectious diseases, including COVID-19, to other people. Keeping students home who are sick can help keep our community healthy. Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin. According to the CDC Isolation and Precaution Guidelines, if you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate for 5 days. Students may return to school masked after day 5 if symptoms have improved, and may return to school unmasked either after day 10 or when they provide a negative COVID-19 test.
Thank you for the continued support from our community. We will continue to try to improve our school systems and policies throughout the school year. We hope that these new guidelines will ensure we have a safe, comfortable, and productive school year!