USD 383 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marvin Wade said this week it has been two months since USD 383 on-site learners returned to school five days per week. During this time, guidance regarding close contacts has been revised, vaccinations have been administered, metrics have improved, a new Local Health Order has been issued, and the district has remained steadfast in their commitment to preventive measures critical for keeping schools open.
With Riley County Local Health Order 20 going into effect this week, they have received questions about procedures within USD 383. At this time, all USD 383 schools are continuing with mitigation measures implemented as schools reopened in January. This includes ongoing conversation between USD 383 and Riley County Health Department about how to safely conduct specific events such as student performances, athletic contests, Prom, and Commencement. As decisions about a particular event are made, schools will announce details to the public.
During the past two weeks, approximately 1100 USD 383 employees have received their first vaccine. Staff will begin receiving their second dose (booster) in mid-March.
Guidance from the World Health Organization for contact tracing in schools was recently approved by Riley County Health Department and the Medical Advisory Task Force.
- In general education classrooms where students are masked at all times, students will need to quarantine if they spend more than ten minutes at a distance of less than three-feet from a person testing positive for COVID.
- Exceptions to the three-foot rule would be situations where students are not always wearing masks, such as during lunch or a sports activity. In these instances, the standard for quarantining as a close contact will remain six-feet or closer for greater than ten minutes.
As in the past, a representative of the health community will contact parents if a student should be quarantined.
Medical Advisory continues to meet on a regular basis to discuss how local physicians, Riley County Health Department, and USD 383 can best function as a team to protect our students, staff, and community from Coronavirus transmission. The next meeting will occur the second week in March. One topic will be the return of students and staff following spring break. As discussed in the past, every USD 383 school must remain prepared to rapidly change instructional delivery IF factors indicate a sudden change is warranted.
With spring break rapidly approaching, we understand that people are eager to enjoy themselves. We encourage you to do so, but to do it responsibly. Everyone has worked hard to get (and keep) our schools open, so please remain vigilant about following proven preventive measures:
- Wear masks
- Wash or sanitize hands frequently
- Keep hands away from your face
- Practice social distancing
- Avoid mass gatherings
- Clean surfaces regularly
- Check for fever
- Stay home when sick or if you have cold/flu-like symptoms
- Get vaccinated when presented with this opportunity