MMSD Pandemic Safety Protocol Update
By John Burkholder, Principal
The school district has developed new pandemic safety protocols for schools as we move closer to September and the start of school. Keep in mind that due to the shifting nature of the pandemic, safety protocols are continually updated, added, and/or deleted. At this point I simply want to include you on the current thinking for the start of school in September.
First Things First: Safety begins at home for all of us. It is critical that if your child exhibits any new symptoms that are associated with covid and/or has had a recent known exposure, they need to stay home from school. I can't emphasize this point enough! We will be doing the same as staff members. Now, on to school day safety measures.
Masks: Required at all times while inside our building, except when eating or drinking. Students are also expected to wear masks while riding buses to and from school. As we move into fall, students will be able to remove their masks while outside.
Social Distancing: Because of universal mask wearing, we will be moving to a desired minimum of three feet for social distancing. On buses, we will be able to have students in the same seat (on yellow buses) with masking in place.
Covid Testing: All student and staff members will have access to testing in our school health office. Students will need parent permission. Students testing positive or for whom a test can not be obtained after suspected exposure or being symptomatic must stay home and quarantine for 7 to10 days depending on the type of test used or absence of a test.
Contact Tracing: Any student identified as a close contact for exposure but who was fully masked or fully vaccinated at the time of exposure will not need to be tested or quarantined unless they become symptomatic.
Parents, Visitors and Volunteers: Unfortunately, we still can not have visitors inside our building with the exception being unique circumstances necessary to meet the needs of individual students.
Special Events: At this time, indoor special events such as open house, concerts, and dances are not allowed. We are hopeful that these events will be returning to our campus sometime during the coming school year.
More detailed information will be shared prior to the beginning of school as schedules and routines specific to Hamilton are developed.
