How will you decide to make changes to the mask policy?
Data from the Indiana COVID-19 Data Report and the HSE Schools COVID-19 Data Dashboard will be reviewed on the second and fourth Friday of each month to determine changes, if any, to masking protocols. Please keep in mind that if percentages spike in a particular school, masks may be required regardless of the current COVID-19 Advisory Level.  

What if positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise? Will the plan change?
The Return to In-Person Instruction Plan is fluid and reviewed frequently. The purpose of this plan is, first and foremost, to protect the health and wellbeing of our students and staff, while minimizing the likelihood of COVID-19 exposure and maximizing in-person learning opportunities. If the spread of COVID-19 is found to be in the schools, on the increase in cases for students and staff is significant enough, it is likely for the plan to change to protect students and staff.
 
What type of cleaning regimen will be used to disinfect and sanitize classrooms, facilities and playgrounds?
Custodial crews will clean and disinfect “high touch” points in common areas as needed, which include but are not limited to:  Desks, chairs, tables, door handles, push plates,  stair rails, water fountains, shared items that are difficult to regularly clean (electronic devices, books, games, art and lab supply equipment) should be limited in use. In situations where COVID transmission may be higher, shared items not able to be properly disinfected, should not be reused for at least 72-hours. If said items need to be reused within 24-hours, they should be disinfected.
 
What is the school nurse’s role during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The school nurse’s roles are to educate students and staff about COVID when they return to the school building, to be the first line of screening for students who may be exhibiting symptoms of COVID, and to interface with local public health personnel when schools have positive cases. The school nurse will assist in implementing guidance provided by the state department of health on when ill students, students who test positive, and students who are a close contact of COVID-19 patients can return to school.
 
Is hand sanitizer available and/or provided to students and staff?
In addition to hand sanitizer being available to students and staff in classrooms, all buildings have been equipped with free-standing hand sanitizer stations.

Are parents permitted to eat lunch with their student in school buildings? 
At this time, lunch visitation is suspended.
 
Are visitors, including parents and/or guardians, required to wear a face covering when they enter the building? 
Masks are optional for anyone visiting a school building/facility during business hours. Classroom volunteers will be permitted in all buildings pursuant to Board Policy K07.00 and are required to follow the current masking protocol. Lunch visitors are not allowed at this time.
 
Are students, staff and/or visitors screened prior to entering a school building? 
It is the expectation of parents and/or guardians to only send healthy students to school each day throughout the year. If they any of the exhibit symptoms listed here, the students must remain home. Self-screening notifications are in all buildings alerting individuals NOT to enter the building if they are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19. 

If a student or staff member exhibits COVID symptoms, what are the procedures to keep others safe?
If an individual presents with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they will be sent home and asked to contact their healthcare provider and/or to seek testing for COVID-19. If the healthcare provider believes the illness is caused by another illness, provide documentation stating so and when the student may return to school.

• The individual will need to stay home and be fever-free for 24-hours without the use of fever-reducing medication prior to returning to school.
• If the individual tests negative for COVID-19, the student may return to school immediately upon providing test results.
• If the individual tests positive for COVID-19, the date to return will be determined using the latest guidelines from the Indiana Department of Health. 

Are students screened prior to boarding the school bus? 
Students are not screened prior to boarding the bus. We ask that parents familiarize themselves with the COVID-19 screening checklist and perform this each morning prior to sending a student to the bus stop. 
 
Can my student ride another bus home provided a note was submitted to the school ahead of time? 
At this time, all students must ride their assigned bus. 
 
What is the protocol for handling a sick student who may board the school bus? 
If it is apparent that a student is sick, the driver notifies the school prior to arrival, so a school nurse or designee can meet the bus once they arrive. 
 
How are social distancing guidelines be applied to bus transportation? 
While it is not possible to follow social distance guidelines while on the school bus, all passengers are required to wear a face covering per federal regulations. 
 
When are the buses be cleaned and sanitized? 
High-touch areas (such as handrails in the student entrance area) are given additional attention to ensure they are disinfected, and buses will be disinfected once per day. 
 
Do students need a face covering while on the school bus? 
Students are required to wear a face covering while riding on the bus per federal regulations.