Health and Safety Plan

SESD Health and Safety Plan - Review Completed 8/17/23

How will the LEA, to the greatest extent practicable, support prevention and mitigation policies in line with the most up-to-date guidance from the CDC for the reopening and operation of school facilities in order to continuously and safely open and operate schools for in-person learning?

The South Eastern School District offered face-to-face instruction for our students and families successfully throughout the Covid 19 Pandemic.  We will continue to review guidance from the CDC and PA-DOH and work collaboratively to ensure we can safely operate.

How will the LEA ensure continuity of services, including but not limited to services to address the students’ academic needs, and students’ and staff members’ social, emotional, mental health, and other needs, which may include student health and food services?

The South Eastern School District offers a full face-to-face learning platform and virtual options for all students.  These options focus on meeting the academic, social, emotional, and health related needs of our students and families.  All district students are provided with appropriate technology (iPads or Chromebooks) as well as hotspots for internet connectivity as needed. 

The South Eastern School District will continue to provide support for staff mental health and well-being through partnership with our EAP provider.  SESD provides support for student mental health and well-being through trauma informed practices, social emotional learning and restorative practices.  The district has a well- established multi-tiered system of support which addresses core services to all students as well as additional supports for students identified with a need.

We are again contracting with True North Wellness services to provide Student Assistance Program services as well as school-based counseling services in all buildings K-12.  We also provide supports through our team of school psychologists, school counselors, and school social service coordinators.  The district has its own food and clothing pantry which we utilize to support families in need. We partner with local churches to provide a weekend backpack food program. Students will again be provided with free breakfast during the 23-24 school year.

How will the LEA will maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff and the extent to which it has adopted policies, and a description of any such policy on each of the following safety recommendations established by the CDC.

ARP ESSER Requirement

Strategies, Policies, and Procedures

Universal and correct wearing of masks; 

 

General Masking Guidelines:
On December 10, 2021, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the Commonwealth Court’s November 2021 decision invalidating the August 31, 2021 PA Department of Health Masking Order for K-12 public schools.

This decision immediately voided the Department of Health (DOH) issued mask mandate, which required masking in school buildings from September 7, 2021. Decisions regarding masking in schools have been returned to local school boards.

The SESD will not mandate the wearing of masks in the school setting.  Students, staff, and visitors may choose to wear or not wear a mask. 

 If at any time additional masking orders or mandates are communicated by the PA Department of Health or other state agency, the South Eastern School district shall meet in either a regular or specially called meeting to discuss the new mandate/ recommendation and shall hear public comment before implementing any new directives.  The meeting shall be called within 2 days of the mandate unless it can be scheduled during a regularly scheduled meeting that is occurring within 7 days of the mandate. 

The CDC offers guidance on the correct selection and wearing of masks.  Improve How Your Mask Protects You

Modifying facilities to allow for physical distancing (e.g., use of cohorts/ podding); 

To the greatest extent possible, the SESD will encourage social distancing using current PADOH and CDC guidelines and taking into consideration the level of community transmission and vaccination status. 

Handwashing and respiratory etiquette; 

Handwashing and respiratory etiquette are taught and reinforced as follows:

  • In-service and classroom lessons from the school nurse
  • Periodic reminders on school announcements
  • Communications to parents in newsletters and other media
  • Signage near handwashing stations
  • Continued availability of hand sanitizer

Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities, including improving ventilation; 

In order to maintain healthy facilities, SESD will:

  • Custodial staff with the responsibility of cleaning and disinfecting school sites will be equipped with proper protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection and other appropriate protective equipment as required by the product instructions. All products will be kept out of children’s reach and stored in a space with restricted access.
  • Maintain a cleaning and disinfecting schedule that avoids both under- and over-use of cleaning products.
  • Encourage the use of outdoor learning spaces
  • Ensure ventilation systems are serviced and meet code requirements
  • Use cleaning products approved for use against COVID-19 on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved list “N” and follow product instructions. Allow increased fresh air intake as weather permits 

Contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine, in collaboration with the State and local health departments; 

The SESD has developed an internal protocol for contact tracing in the school setting which is managed by the Director of Pupil Services and Director of Human Resources with the assistance of school level administrators and school nurses.  

SESD will continue to adhere to the legal requirements of PA DOH relating to contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine. However, we believe that families and their physicians are in the best position to make medical decisions relating to COVID-19. We will provide isolation guidance to individuals who have reported a positive case of COVID-19 and communicate PA DOH guidelines relating to quarantines. 

Diagnostic and screening testing; 

 

Information about diagnostic and screening testing is available on our website and via school nurses in our school buildings. 

Efforts to provide vaccinations to school communities; 

 

Information about vaccinations and vaccination sites is available on our district website and via school nurses in our school buildings. 

Appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities with respect to health and safety policies;

 

All accommodations with respect to health and safety for students with disabilities are made in coordination with students’ IEP or section 504 teams and done on an individual basis. The Director of Special Education and Director of Pupil Services serve as consultants to IEP teams for health and safety related IEP team decisions. 

Coordination with state and local health officials.

 

We have developed a solid working relationship with the community health nurses, community health nurse supervisor, and epidemiologist throughout the course of the pandemic.  The point of contact to the DOH for staff related Covid matters is the Director of Human Resources.  The point of contact for student related Covid matters is the Director of Pupil Services.