4 minute read
Health
The Taos Municipal Schools has been working diligently to create a plan to protect our students and staff while also providing the maximum educational opportunities. Below there are some preliminary guidelines our superintendent has shared. Also, the updated immunization requirements from the State of New Mexico department of health are on page 50. Over the weeks to come, Taos Municipal Schools will continue to update parents, students, staff and commu nity regarding all the plans to protect the health and safety of our school community and the community of Taos while providing a high quality education! Taos Municipal Schools has a ‘Reopening Task Force’ which meets weekly to discuss the schools opening in August. The following are some of the safety/health measures that will take place for students and staff:
Students and staff regularly wash hands and time is provided during the school day to do such; The school is thoroughly cleaned more than once a day in accordance with CDC recommendations; Hand sanitizer is provided in each classroom and in main locations throughout all schools and frequently used; Recess and other breaks will be staggered to allow students to break outdoors or in small groups to accommodate social distancing; Students will be offered a breakfast and lunch in their classroom; Students eating meals while at school will follow social distancing guidelines;
Students and staff will be required to wear appropriate ‘personal protective equipment’ (PPE) during the school day; Classes will be divided into small groups, for example in alternating days in order to have fewer students at a time; The classroom will be arranged to accommodate fewer students and allow for social distancing; There will be transition time allowing for cleaning/ disinfecting classroom; When students are not in the classroom, they will participate in online/distance learning; Procedures will be in place to ensure students will follow social distancing guidelines and will only interact with their class; Special Education accommodations and supports will be provided according to IEPs; Hand washing/sanitizing will be required throughout the day; Parents/guardians will be asked to check for COVID-19 symptoms at home prior to departing for school each day; School buses run with social distancing practice in place; Bus drivers and students will wear appropriate
‘personal protective equipment’ (PPE); Students and staff will be asked to remain home if sick; Parents/guardians will be allowed in schools by appoint only;
Parents: Get into the habit of Covid-safe practices.
School building access will be limited to people providing essential functions only; Visitors and volunteers will not be deemed essential and thus not be allowed on campus.
You can help protect your family from COVID-19 by practicing and promoting everyday healthy habits. If an outbreak occurs in your community, your school may dismiss students to prevent further spread of the virus. Use this checklist to plan and take action if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community.
PLAN AND PREPARE
Practice and reinforce good prevention habits with your family. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Keep your child at home if sick with any illness. If your child is sick, keep them at home and contact your healthcare provider. Talk with teachers about classroom assignments and activities they can do from home to keep up with their schoolwork. Be prepared if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily dismissed. Talk with your employer about sick leave and telework options in case you need to stay home with your child.
Consider planning for alternate childcare arrangements.
IF YOUR SCHOOL/CHILDCARE PROGRAM IS DISMSSED:
Keep track of school dismissal updates. Read or watch local media sources that report school dismissals or stay in touch with your school. Talk to your school about options for digital and distance learning. Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of
COVID-19 in the community. Seek guidance from your school administrator to determine when students and staff should return to schools. Duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis based on the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific situation in your community. Students and staff should be prepared for durations that could last several days. Administrators should work with their local health authorities to determine duration of dismissals.
