Covid-19 FAQ

2021-2022 Health and Safety Protocols

How will "local health conditions" be assessed and by whom?

SBPS utilizes a threshold model to implement certain safety measures based upon positive cases within a school setting. A number of factors will be used to drive decision making such as:

  • School-Based Positivity Rate
  • Local Hospital Capacity
  • Number of isolations
  • Recommendations from State and Local Health Entities

How is the school working to provide a safe environment?

Fiscally prudent safety enhancements and improvements are being made to each facility. Examples include bottle fillers, electro-static commercial sprayers, isolation rooms for symptomatic students, additional temporary para positions at each school to address Covid-related needs, additional health clinic staff, and PPE. All procedures are being continuously reviewed with multiple contingencies and alternatives.

Will students be required to wear a mask?

Masks and face coverings are optional, although recommended, for all staff, students and visitors who are not fully vaccinated.

The requirement for mask and face coverings may change if there is an identified high risk of spread within the community. The following guidelines will be followed if there is an identified high risk of spread in a classroom or school building:

% Individuals Positive or in Isolation

In grades PK-5 if a positive case is reported, all individuals in the grade level will be expected to wear a mask for 10 days following the last unmasked exposure. The 10 days will be extended if additional positive cases within the grade level arise. All students attending the After School Program will need to mask if any positive cases are reported in the school. If any student(s) riding the bus are required to wear a mask due to thresholds for masking, all students riding the bus will be expected to wear a mask.

BMS - 5% of students and staff in a grade level

SHS - 5% of students and staff in the school

If the above thresholds are met, masks are required for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in the identified grade level (PreK-5 and BMS) or school building (SHS) for 10 days from the date the threshold was met.

Why are masking thresholds so much different for grades PK-5 compared to secondary grades?

After consulting with the local health department the change was made to masking thresholds for grades PK-5 due to the extended length of time individual classroom cohorts spend together during the school day. The threshold applies to entire grades due to the collaborative nature of teaching and learning across elementary grade levels and grade levels sharing space such as during recess, lunch and specials.

What screening will occur for students and staff?

Parents are asked to screen children daily at home for possible symptoms of COVID-19. Parents should screen for any of the following: sudden onset of cough, sudden onset of shortness of breath, or sudden loss of taste or smell.

Or

Two or more of the following symptoms: a fever of 100.4 or above, chills, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or fatigue.

Staff will also be asked to self-screen daily for possible symptoms

Where is COVID testing available free in the community?

Visit Panhandle Public Health District's website for a continuously updated list of where testing is available in the community: http://www.pphd.org/

What will visitation look like? Will parents be able to come to the school for events and meetings?

Visitors and volunteers are welcome in our schools, unless local conditions and guidance from local health officials require modifications. Any visitors and/or volunteers who have not been vaccinated are recommended to wear a mask. If building level masking thresholds have been met, visitors and volunteers will be required to follow masking guidelines. All visitors and/or volunteers are encouraged to use hand sanitizer upon entrance and exit of the building.

What will the protocols be for sports, music, theater and other activities?

SBPS will follow the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) guidelines and guidance from local health officials in regards to school activities. https://nsaahome.org/covid-19/

Spectators can refer to the District website at www.sbps.net/activities for spectator guidance.

Does my child have to be vaccinated to attend school?

Vaccination is not required for students but is encouraged for all staff and eligible students if they have not already done so. Visit http://www.pphd.org/ for information on how to obtain the vaccine.