The following protocols will be implemented at Calibre Academy for the 2021-2022 school year to reduce COVID 19 transmission.  Because the situation is changing so rapidly, this plan is subject to change without notice based on changes to CDC guidance, state and local health authority guidance, and changes in the law.

Daily Health Screenings

At home

Students must not come to school if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

  • fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, or chills;
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
  • muscle aches;
  • sore throat;
  • headache;
  • fatigue;
  • congestion or runny nose;
  • cough;
  • vomiting;
  • diarrhea; or
  • new loss of taste or smell.

Parents will be informed on the school website, and via email reminders that they should screen students for the above symptoms each morning, should self-report symptoms, and must keep students at home if any symptoms are present. Parents will be assured that students will have the opportunity to make up work missed due to symptoms of COVID-19.

On the bus

All buses will have clearly visible signage communicating to parents that students should not enter the school bus with any of the above symptoms.

A bus driver, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), will visually check each student prior to the student boarding the bus. If a student exhibits visible symptoms,[1] the following steps will be taken:

  • If the parent is at the bus stop, the student will return to their parent.
  • If the parent is not at the bus stop, the student will be provided with a mask if they do not have one already, and—if possible—will be situated so as to be socially distanced from other persons.

If a student has a chronic condition such as allergies or asthma, parents should inform staff of that condition. If staff has been informed, students with symptoms of runny nose or cough should be permitted to ride the bus.

  • Students will be socially distanced on the bus. If that cannot be the case, students will be required to wear mask.

At school

The teacher/aide will visually check each student for symptoms prior to students entering the classroom. Any student with visible symptoms of runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, or vomiting, will be taken to the front office. Parents may be contacted for pick-up with the following exceptions:

  • If the student has a runny nose and the health aide observes that there are no other symptoms, the health aide will contact the parent to inquire as to whether the student has had any other symptoms or there have been any COVID-19 exposures in the home. If not, the student may return to class.
  • If the student has health information on file that confirms a diagnosis of asthma or other respiratory condition and the health aide observes that there are no other symptoms, the health aide will contact the parent to inquire as to whether the student has had any other symptoms or there have been any COVID-19 exposures in the home. If not, the student may return to class.

Enhanced Social Distancing/Preventative Measures

Classroom layout.

  • All desks will face the same direction rather than facing each other.
  • Students will have a limited amount of group work, floor time and sitting in a circle.
  • Teachers must maintain up to date seating charts in all classes.
  • Students will be reminded to keep their hands and items to themselves and not share. Each student will use their own supplies.

Additional social distancing practices

Remote Online Learning Option:  Calibre Academy will be offering a remote learning option for the 2021-2022 school year.  100% of learning will take place online.  Students will be required to meet with their teacher 2 times a week for an hour each time scheduled by the teacher.  Calibre Academy will be using Florida Virtual curriculum.  Due to using a different curriculum than the in person students, a one-time switch will be permitted but then that option will have to remain for the rest of the school year.

Drop-off/Pick-up procedures.

Drop off and pick up procedures will not change, however, parents/guardians will not be allowed past the gates (including signing in the front office).  This applies to lunch as well.

Bus transportation seating options

To the greatest extent possible given bus capacity, students will be assigned to bus seats with one student per row and, when possible, an empty row between students. Where students can be assigned one per row, assign them to the seat closest to the window.

Additionally, following guidelines will be implemented.

  • Require staff to wear cloth face coverings when on a school bus unless a health condition prevents this.
  • Load buses from back to front at bus stops, and unload front to back when at school (to minimize students passing by other students).
  • Allow siblings to sit together if they wish.

Lunch rooms:

The cafeteria will be used during lunch, however, it will be closed to parents/visitors until further notice.

Bathrooms. Students will enter the bathrooms in groups no larger than the number of stalls/urinals in the bathroom, and will be directed to maintain social distancing. Posters will be displayed reminding students of proper handwashing techniques.

Front offices. A Plexiglas has been installed in the front office desk area.  In addition, tape is on the floor for social distancing.  Parents and students are asked not to poke their head under the glass.

Hand Washing

All students will be reminded to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and/or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol at the following times:

  • upon arrival at school (use hand sanitizer if there is no sink in the classroom),
  • after being outside for physical activity,
  • before and after lunch,
  • prior to leaving school for home, and
  • after sneezing, coughing, or blowing nose.

Cloth Face Coverings

Due to the rising number of COVID cases, masks inside are highly recommended but not required.  This is for all staff and students.

Trips and Activities

Field trips will be canceled until further notice. Teachers will use virtual learning opportunities (such as virtual tours of museums) to enhance students’ educational experiences.

School-wide assemblies will not be held at this time.

Large-scale school events may be canceled if COVID cases continue to rise.

Other extracurricular activities can be conducted in compliance with the protocols in this document.

Birthday celebrations will happen at the end of each month.  No parents will be allowed to attend.  Treats may be sent in, however, they must be store bought and individually sealed.  For example, cupcakes will not be allowed because they are not individually wrapped but Rice Krispie treats would be.

Water Fountains

As of now all water fountains will be turned off.  Students need to bring their water bottles labeled with their name each day.  Students can refill their bottle from the faucets in their classroom.  If a student forgets their water bottle, cups will be provided.

Visitors to School

No visitors and volunteers will be allowed in the school until further notice.

PROCEDURES FOR COVID-19 SYMPTOMS OR A POSITIVE TEST

If a person becomes sick with COVID-19 symptoms or reports a positive COVID-19 test, the procedures listed below should be followed:

  1. Immediately report the situation to Rachelle Quinton ONLY. Confidentiality will be maintained to the greatest extent possible.
  1. If an employee develops COVID-19 symptoms at work, employee will be separated from all other students, staff, or visitors, then make arrangements to send the employee home in a safe manner. If the employee is able to self-transport, employee will leave the site. If the employee is not able to safely self-transport, a family member, friend, or other method of transport will be arranged to get the employee home or to a health care provider. If the employee appears to be in medical distress, call 911.
  1. If a student develops COVID-19 symptoms at school, the student will be separated from all other students and staff and the parents will be notified. 911 will be called if the student appears to be in medical distress.
  1. The areas that were exposed to the symptomatic employee or student for a prolonged period will be closed off. Calibre Academy will wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting those areas. During that time, if feasible, open windows or outside doors to increase air circulation. After 24 hours, thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces in the area, per CDC guidelines.
  1. The school will determine whether other employees or students may have been exposed to the symptomatic individual within 6 feet and for a prolonged period of time (typically longer than 15 minutes). If so, those individuals (or, in the case of students, their parents) will be notified of the potential exposure. The name of the individual who has become sick WILL NOT be disclosed. Notification should recommend that exposed individuals monitor their health closely, contact their health care provider if possible, and self-quarantine if any symptoms develop.
  1. The school will follow the Maricopa County Health Department’s guidance regarding quarantining for students and staff for any employees or students who have developed COVID-19 symptoms or had a positive COVID-19 test.

COVID CASES IN A CLASSROOM

If there is a positive case in the classroom, parents will be notified of a possible exposure by letter.  The letter will state that the CDC and the Health Department recommend that if exposed your student should take a COVID 19 test and wear a mask for 14 days.  Calibre Academy will follow the Maricopa County Health Department’s guidance regarding quarantining.

EMPLOYEES

Employees are considered essential workers.  As an essential worker if an employee is exposed to Covid and do not have any symptoms consistent with Covid 19, employees are to report to work during the 10-day quarantine period and wear a face mask when they are within 6 feet of other people.  Employees will also need to self-monitor for that time period for any new symptoms.

If an employee develops any symptoms consistent with Covid 19 the employee will need to get tested.  Calibre Academy will follow the Maricopa County Health Department’s guidance regarding quarantining.

****Click here to see the guidance and quarantine flow chart from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health****

[1] Visible symptoms include runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, or vomiting.