ARP ESSER Requirement
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Strategies, Policies, and Procedures
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Universal and correct wearing of masks;
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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
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Modifying facilities to allow for physical distancing (e.g., use of cohorts/ podding);
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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.
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Handwashing and respiratory etiquette;
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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
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Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities, including improving ventilation;
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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
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Contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine, in collaboration with the State and local health departments;
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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;
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Information about diagnostic and screening testing is available on our website and via school nurses in our school buildings.
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Efforts to provide vaccinations to school communities;
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Information about vaccinations and vaccination sites is available on our district website and via school nurses in our school buildings.
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Appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities with respect to health and safety policies;
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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.
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Coordination with state and local health officials.
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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.
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