August 13, 2021
A Message from Your Superintendent
Dear Logan-Hocking School District, 

Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year. We are excited to have our students and staff back in the classroom for another great year.
 
As you know, COVID-19 is still an issue in our community, state and country. We’re focusing on the situation at our local level, and have worked closely with the Hocking County Health Department to determine the safest way to keep our students in the classroom.
 
The Logan-Hocking School District (LHSD) recently announced our mask policy and quarantine protocols for the start of the school year. If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to thoroughly review these updates.

MASK UPDATE
The Ohio Department of Health announced that masks will be recommended, but not mandated, for the start of this school year. Therefore, LHSD will be following an optional mask policy for students and staff in our school buildings.

In light of the increasing number of cases in our local area and state, we have developed tiered mask levels to allow our district to respond quickly to ongoing developments, and most importantly, keep our students in the classroom throughout the year. The Logan-Hocking School District Board of Education, healthcare leaders and administration will use community and district data to determine when it is necessary to implement a different tier. The tiers are as follows:

  • Tier 1: LHSD strongly encourages that anyone not vaccinated or those with a pre-existing health condition wear a mask at all times while at school. This is the tier we will operate in for the start of the school year.

  • Tier 2: Students will wear a mask anytime they are not in their assigned seat per seating chart. 

  • Tier 3: Students and staff wear a mask while indoors. 

  • Tier 4: LHSD will implement remote learning, by school building and/or district-wide.

Currently, the district is operating under Tier 1. Currently, the district is in Tier 1. While masks are not required, we STRONGLY encourage that anyone not vaccinated, or those with a pre-existing health condition wear a mask at all times while at school. Just like last year, masks remain a great tool to keep fellow classmates safe who may not be old enough to receive a vaccine, or may have a health condition that prevents them from doing so.

It is important to note that the policy for school buses and school transportation to and from school and extra curriculars are required to follow the current CDC public transportation policy for masking. This means that all students, staff and coaches on school transportation are required to wear masks during that time.

QUARANTINE POLICIES
Quarantine policies will be a little different this year as we follow new guidance from the Ohio Department of Health. These policies are situational, and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please take time to review the flow chart outlining quarantine procedures. It’s important to note that students who are fully vaccinated, or those who are wearing a mask at time of exposure will not be required to quarantine.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL REMINDERS
Finally, there are simple steps we should all do every day to make this school year safe and successful:

  • Students and staff - If you show any symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu, please stay home and contact your doctor immediately. Parents - If a child shows symptoms at illness at school, they will be sent home.

  • Keep practicing good hygiene, cover your mouth for coughs or sneezes, and avoid touching your face.

  • Please be respectful of those wearing masks at school and around our community.
  • It’s important to remember that our current mask policy, and all COVID-19 related policies, are subject to change throughout the year as the situation evolves.
 
We are proud that Chieftain Nation continues to work together to keep everyone safe and in the classroom together. You have done a great job so far, and I know we can continue to do what it takes to have a great year ahead. We look forward to seeing you all next week!
Go Chiefs!


Sincerely,
 
The Logan Hocking Board of Education
and Monte Bainter, Superintendent
Logan-Hocking School District
(740) 385-8517