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2021-2022 Health and Safety Protocols

Health and Safety Protocols- 2021-2022

The Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Health and Prevention Guidance for Ohio K-12 Schools, 2021-2022 school year, will serve as a guide for New Philadelphia City Schools.

New Philadelphia City Schools Return to School

All students will learn at school in a traditional educational setting. All students in grades K-12 will be assigned a Chromebook for school use. NPCS strongly recommends vaccinations and strongly recommends that those who are unvaccinated wear masks indoors.

Additional Health and Safety Measures:

Sanitize Facilities: Surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected frequently, with special attention paid to high-touch areas and shared materials. Each staff member will be equipped with cleaning supplies to sanitize work areas throughout the day.

Wash & Sanitize Hands: A continued focus on hand hygiene will occur. All will be reminded to wash hands frequently and utilize hand sanitizer. Sanitizer will be provided in all classrooms, school buses, and throughout the buildings.

Ventilation: To the greatest extent possible, classroom and office doors will remain open to reduce surface contact and promote ventilation. Windows will be left open, if possible, to increase the circulation of outdoor air.

Assess Symptoms: All students, staff, and visitors with symptoms or a temperature above 100°F should stay home. Staff and students are to remain home until they are fever-free (without medication) for 24 hours AND show improvement of all other symptoms. School nurses, office personnel, and administrators will assess symptoms at school when indicated.

Quarantine: NPCS will follow the lead and cooperate with the New Philadelphia Health Department with regard to quarantine requirements of exposed contacts.

Notification: A COVID Dashboard, available on the school website, will be updated weekly listing confirmed, positive cases of COVID-19.

Positive COVID-19 Cases. The District will follow the guidance of the New Philadelphia Health Department and communication to others will follow in accordance with their guidance. The COVID-19 positive student or staff member will need to meet the criteria given by the Health Department prior to returning to school.

School Transportation

School buses will be sanitized after each route. All staff and students are required to wear masks while utilizing school transportation per the CDC requirement unless they qualify for a mask exemption due to health reasons. All mask exemptions must be approved by the Superintendent and documentation will be kept on file. Masks must be appropriate for the school setting.

Extracurriculars and Co-Curriculars

The NPCSD will adhere to the policies and procedures outlined by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), along with guidance from the Ohio Department of Health, and City of New Philadelphia Health Department for all extra and co-curricular activities.

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Posted Friday, August 27, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

New Philadelphia City Schools FAQ Document

What does it mean to assess for symptoms each day?

Students, staff, and visitors need to assess each day whether they have any of the following symptoms: fever above 100°F, difficulty breathing, a new cough, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, or a new loss of taste/smell. Staff and students are to remain home until they are fever-free (without medication) for 24 hours AND show improvement of all other symptoms.

Will there be enhanced cleaning in the district?

Yes. Surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected frequently, with special attention paid to high-touch areas and shared materials. Each staff member will be equipped with cleaning supplies to sanitize work areas throughout the day.

Will my students be distanced from one another during the day?

The ODH recommends 3-6 feet of distance between students. Students will be able to do this at times during the day. Sometimes students will be closer together than that, and sometimes students will be farther apart than that.

What is the district policy on masks/face coverings?

NPCS strongly recommends that staff and students who are not vaccinated wear a face mask while indoors.

Why are face masks required on buses?

The CDC continues to require that masks be worn on all public transportation, including school buses. This requirement is regardless of vaccination status.

What might cause you to change your mask policy?

We will continue to follow the guidance from the Ohio Department of Health as well as guidance from our local Health Departments.

Are quarantine procedures still in place in 2021-2022?

Yes. The New Philadelphia Health Department and the Tuscarawas County Health Department will be quarantining students who are identified as having been exposed to COVID-19. They will be following the Quarantine Guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health.

My child consistently wore his/her mask in school but was exposed to COVID-19. Will he/she need to quarantine?

Students who consistently and properly wear a mask in school will not have to quarantine from school. They will be asked to wear a mask to school for the 14 day quarantine period.

My vaccinated child was exposed to COVID-19. Will he/she still need to quarantine?

Students who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will not have to quarantine from school. They will be asked to wear a mask to school for the 14 day quarantine period.

Will I get notified if there is a COVID positive case in my child’s school?

Yes. An email will be sent to all parents/guardians in a school when a positive case has been identified in the school building.

Will you update the COVID Dashboard?

Yes. The COVID Dashboard will be updated each Monday afternoon by 4:00 pm. It is available on our school website under the District Tab.

What if my child gets sick at school?

If your child develops symptoms at school they will be assessed by the school nurse and will be sent home if appropriate.

Are meals free this year at school?

Yes. Breakfast and lunches are free for all students this year. The Free and Reduced Lunch application still needs to be completed by families who qualify.

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Posted Friday, August 27, 2021