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District COVID-19 Return to School COVID Protocols
We’re excited to begin the 2021-2022 school year and welcome our students back to school for in-person classes. While COVID-19 remains a serious concern, the safety of students and staff remains our top priority. We will take every precaution to keep everyone safe and healthy, continue to promote safe health practices and monitor conditions closely to determine how best to adapt to potentially changing conditions.
 
KEEPING STUDENTS AND STAFF SAFE
COVID-19 Vaccinations
The District strongly encourages people age 12 and older to be vaccinated for COVID-19. When possible, we will host free 
COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the district. We’ll keep you informed of upcoming vaccination opportunities.
 
Face Masks
The State of Ohio is reporting COVID-19 incidents at their highest rate since February 2021. In slightly more than a month, more than 13,000 Ohioans have contracted COVID. Hospitals are reaching capacity, and most concerning of all, the percentage of children getting COVID vastly surpasses what we saw over the past year.

Recognizing the increased risk that the COVID-19 Delta variant represents to children, particularly to those 12 and under who are too young to be vaccinated, Groveport Madison Schools is mandating all students and staff wear masks, if not only to protect themselves but to protect others around them. The District-wide (PreK-12) mask mandate will begin on Monday, August 23rd. We hope this mandate is temporary, and we will continue to work with medical experts to determine how long this mandate will be in place.

Masks must be worn at all times when indoors and when on a school bus. If an individual cannot wear a mask due to medical issues, a physician’s note explaining why they cannot wear it will exempt them from this mandate. At present, we are not mandating masks be worn outdoors.
 
Social Distancing
We will follow current guidance, which allows for social distancing of three feet or more. Whenever possible, we will increase 
social distancing to six feet.
 
MAINTAINING A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
Indoor Air Quality
This summer, we installed filtering systems to remove airborne particulates and disinfect the air coming from the HVAC systems 
in all of our schools and offices.
 
Cleaning & Sanitization
We will maintain cleaning and disinfection protocols in schools and offices. Frequent hand-washing will be encouraged, and we 
will keep a supply of hand sanitizer and other products to promote a healthy environment.
 
Touchless Water Fountains
Over the summer, we also installed touchless water fountains and water-bottle filling stations.
 
Outdoor Classrooms and Activities
We will continue to promote the use of outdoor education and play settings.
 
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
There are currently no restrictions on students participating in athletics nor other school-related activities. There are currently no
restrictions on crowd sizes nor are spectators required to wear masks at District events. We encourage the use of face masks and will follow CDC-recommended health and sanitization protocols.
 
COVID-19 REPORTING, TESTING, AND CONTACT TRACING
Contact Tracing 
The District will continue to notify anyone we are aware of having had close contact with an individual who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
 
Confirmed Cases, Exhibiting Symptoms, and Potential Exposures 
The District will offer free, fast-response COVID take-home tests (results available within 15 minutes) to anyone who has a known exposure to COVID. Please note the following quarantine guidelines:
 
  • Fully vaccinated, known exposure, and no symptoms – No quarantine is required with voluntary proof of vaccine or permission to access vaccine records in the state system.
  • Unvaccinated, wearing a mask when exposed, and having no symptoms – Modified quarantine. Must wear a mask at school for 10 days and can stay in school if symptom-free during that period. No participation in extra-curricular activities for 10 days.
  • Unvaccinated and not wearing a mask when exposed – Quarantine for five days. If negative COVID test after the fifth day (provided by the District or at a medical clinic of your choosing) and still no symptoms, you can return to school or work seven days after quarantine began.
  • Positive COVID test result – Quarantine for 10 days and must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to school/work.
 
KEEPING YOU INFORMED
The GoCruisers Website
While we’ll immediately contact you by phone or text if there are any concerns related to your child, the best way to remain informed of District news is to check our website, GoCruisers.org, regularly.
 
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
The past 16 months have been tough for many of our staff, students, and families. We want to do everything we can to help address any social-emotional needs impacting your daily life. If you have questions or concerns, contact your child’s school, principal, or school counselor.
 
Help us keep everyone in school safe and healthy by getting vaccinated and wearing your mask!
Attachments Available To Download:
Return to School and Work Plan Website2.pdf