COVID-19 Safe Reopening Plan

Introduction

The Holtville Unified School District is dedicated to providing a safe learning environment which promotes academic success and equity for all students. Our community of dedicated professionals is here to provide a world-class education to the children of our community. HUSD has a rich history of ensuring that each child is given every opportunity to experience academic, social and emotional growth that will help them to become productive, positive contributors to society.

In the 2022-2023 school year, HUSD has continued a full schedule, in-person instructional model. HUSD is also providing independent study according to the state’s current guidelines in effect. Parents are encouraged to contact their school site principal if they anticipate the need for independent study.

To ensure that HUSD schools remain open to in-person instruction, the District will actively monitor students for signs of illness. It is expected that parents monitor their child/ren for symptoms (including, but not limited to temperature, headache, body aches, cough, shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhea) prior to sending their child/ren to school every morning. If the child/ren exhibits ill-like symptoms the child/ren should remain at home, seek medical attention, and notify the school site.

II. Health and Safety

1. Local Conditions to Reopen
   1. HUSD will follow state and local public health department clearance.
      
      
2. Equipment
   1. Each school site will have a sufficient amount of screening equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
      1. Facemasks, face shields, gloves, gowns, sneeze guards, thermometers, nursing equipment, etc.
      2. PPE/equipment will be restocked as needed.
   2. Disposable face coverings, gloves, hand sanitizer, plexiglass sneeze guards and thermometers are available for classrooms.
      1. Gowns and face shields are available for added protection, or as needed.
         
         
3. Cleaning/Sanitizing Supply
   1. Adequate cleaning/sanitizing supplies will be available at each school site.
      1. Disinfectants, soap, hand-sanitizer, UV lamps, paper towels, facial tissue, etc.
         
         
4. Address Positive COVID-19 Cases and Community Surges
   1. Students and staff who were potentially exposed and/or tested positive for COVID-19 will follow the quarantine and isolation protocols survey (link in the additional resources section of this document).
   2. Temporary school closures due to COVID-19 will be considered as a last resort and considered only after all available resources have been exhausted in an attempt to preserve in-person education. Temporary school closures will be considered only after conferring with ICPHD.
      
      
5. Address the School’s Role in Identifying, Documenting, Tracing, Monitoring and Reporting COVID-19 infections:
   1. Identifying: Self-screening
      1. Students and families are encouraged to self-monitor and self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms.
   2. Documenting, Tracing and Monitoring:
      1. The district will document, trace and monitor individuals within the school district.
      2. The COVID-19 Team and Human Resource Department will review employee sick calls/symptoms.
   3. Reporting protocols
      1. HUSD will follow the Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) reporting protocols.
      2. All positive cases will be documented.
         1. All outbreaks (3 or more positive cases within a 14 day period) will be reported to ICPHD for further guidance.
      3. The COVID-19 Team will keep an open line of communication with the local health department school liaison.

III. Managing Symptoms

1. Student
   1. Any student exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 at school (i.e. 100.4° Fahrenheit or above temperature, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, chills, head or muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting) will be sent to the nurse’s office.
      1. The parent/guardian will be contacted. If symptoms are new and unexplained, the student should not return to campus until the symptoms have improved, symptoms are due to a non-infectious cause (e.g., allergies, asthma), or clearance from a physician has been received.
      2. Parents are advised to have their child tested for COVID-19 and follow isolation protocols if results are positive. That includes isolating for a minimum of 5 days, if positive.
      3. District nurse will advise on further actions.
   2. While on campus students will be monitored throughout the day for signs of illness.
      1. Teachers/aides will receive training on symptoms of COVID-19 and how to properly report to the nurse/health clerks if a student develops symptoms.
         
         
2. Staff
   1. Staff will self-monitor COVID-19 symptoms prior to leaving home.
   2. Any staff member exhibiting signs of COVID-19 symptoms at school (i.e. 100.4° Fahrenheit or above temperature, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, chills, head or muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting) will be sent home.
      1. All staff members have the option to be tested for COVID-19 through the school district for free, or through their healthcare provider.
      2. Over the counter COVID-19 antigen tests are acceptable tests.
      3. If a staff member tests positive for COVID-19, he/she must isolate for five days from the date of his/her positive test.
      4. Staff member is cleared to return to work/school if he/she tests negative for COVID-19 on day 5 day of isolation, or after.
      5. District nurse will advise on further actions.

IV. Hygiene

1. Staff Training and Family Education (age-appropriate)
   1. Teachers will educate their students as to COVID-19 Guidelines, proper hand washing/disinfecting techniques, respiratory etiquette.
   2. Signage is posted throughout campuses encouraging hand washing and proper respiratory etiquette.
      
      
2. Equipment
   1. Hand-washing stations/hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout campus.
   2. Hand sanitizer is available in the classrooms and students have access to wash their hands when needed.
   3. Teachers will implement a daily hand hygiene routine in their classroom.

V. Physical Distancing

1. Classrooms
   1. Rearranged furniture and play spaces to create distancing when and where possible between students.
   2. Masks are optional in classrooms.
   3. Open windows & doors if possible to allow for increased circulation of outdoor air.
      
      
2. Food Service
   1. Food service staff will wear PPE during food preparation and the serving of meals.
   2. Breakfast and lunch will be served in the classroom or cafeteria/lunch area utilizing:
      1. Suspended self-service.
      2. Additional picnic tables and tents to accommodate outdoor seating.
         
         
3. Staff
   1. Workspaces will be rearranged and ‘distancing’ information will be displayed.
   2. Face coverings will be optional during staff development meetings when indoors.
   3. Adjust staff schedules as necessary.

VI. Cleaning/Disinfecting

The Holtville Unified School District will maintain high standards of cleanliness.

1. Custodial staff involved in disinfecting and cleaning should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times and follow supervisor instructions when disinfecting COVID-19 exposed areas.
2. Classroom staff will disinfect surface areas routinely throughout the day, such as:
   1. Desks and tables, chairs, keyboards, phones, headsets, and other high-touch areas.
3. Daily disinfecting of high-touch surfaces will be performed by custodial staff, such as:
   1. Door handles, desks, chairs, phones, sneeze guards, drinking fountains, sink handles, restroom surfaces, and floors.
   2. Regular use of UV light to disinfect classrooms.
4. HVAC systems will aid in circulating outside air into the classrooms. Maintenance of HVAC systems will be conducted frequently.
5. Ensure restrooms are maintained, stocked and sanitized frequently throughout the school day.

VII. Communication with Students, Parents, Employees, Public Health Officials, and the Community

1. HUSD will engage stakeholders of the COVID-19 Safe Reopening School Plan.
2. HUSD will communicate COVID-19 Safe Reopening School Plan to stakeholders as well as community members.
3. All stakeholders will be informed of COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

VIII. Instructional Programs

The Holtville Unified School District will continue the 2022-23 school year with the following instructional models.

• Regular Schedule: students attend school in-person on a daily basis with teachers.
• Independent Studies: available to students who are unable to attend in-person instruction.

IX. Mental Health and Well-being of All

1. Support and promote student wellness on a regular basis (i.check-ins, etc.).
2. Promote daily routines in the classroom setting and include mindfulness strategies.
3. Support and promote staff wellness (trainings, techniques, strategies, etc.).
4. Continue targeted intervention of students and staff.
5. Inform the community of local resources (food banks, Medi-Cal, child care, etc.).

X. School Services

1. Transportation will follow COVID-19 Health and Safety guidelines.
   
   
2. Food Service will follow COVID-19 Health and Safety guidelines and the following procedures:
   1. Signage is posted on how to stay healthy in the food service area and cafeteria.

XI. Additional Resources