Safe Return to Schools Plan

Parent Information on Covid Protocols
COVID-19 Protocols
Minnesota Department of Education has determined that the decisions regarding Covid Protocols and Distance Learning are to be made at the local School Board level this coming school year, as opposed to the Statewide Rulemaking that was implemented last year, with the exception of School Busing.

Masks       
Masks will not be required in District 484 buildings. The district and staff are very supportive of those who choose to wear one. We support and accept all who choose to wear a mask in our schools and on our properties.  Bullying of any person for reasons of mask wearing will be dealt with under the district’s bullying policy.

Close Contact Quarantine    
The District will not be removing students or staff from school based upon close contacts with positive COVID-19 cases. Schools MUST report positive test results in accordance with MN Rule 4605.7070 (called Red Cap report) and require we report a case, name, grade, etc. 

Parent Notice
Parents will be notified via email if your child is considered a close contact of a confirmed case of Covid-19 among the students or adults working with your child.   
Parents are provided this information so they can determine the best decision for their child and family. 
Excused and unexcused absences will be managed using existing school policies.  Covid related absences will be considered school excused.

Sick Students        
Parents please do not send a child to school who is showing any signs of respiratory illness, coughing, sinus infection, etc.  The school will be sending students home who present illness. Students are welcome back at school once their symptoms subside.
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Student process as related to Positive Covid Cases
What are we required to do with a positive case of Covid?
a)   That case must be reported to MDH.
b)   Student must isolate for 10 days and return on day 11.
Student work will be provided to all children while they are home.

Loss of Taste and Smell is an almost universal indicator of Covid;
Therefore, when a student reports loss of taste and smell, it will be treated as a positive case of Covid, with the exception that a confirmed negative test, within the recommended testing time frame, would result in the student being allowed to return to school immediately.

Requirements for Students who are living within the same household of a student who has tested positive for Covid.  Parent is advised to contact the school nurse to review the expectations.
-If the student is vaccinated, they may attend school unless they are showing symptoms of Covid, then they follow all current student illness protocols as outlined in the School Health Policy.  
-Or, if a student is not vaccinated, and is symptom free for 5 days after exposure from a household positive, and the student then tests negative, they may return to school on day 8.
-Or, if a student tests negative, but has symptoms, review School Health Policy.
-Or, if a student does not produce a negative test, then they may return to school on day 11 of being symptom free.
Student work will be provided to all children while they are home.