The 2021-2022 school year begins today!
MASKS/FACE COVERINGS - Recommended
Hamilton ISD will not require the use of masks, but they are recommended. This is in keeping with the language of the Board of Trustees action taken on May 17, 2021. Students, staff, and visitors who wish to use masks or face coverings for their own safety or the safety of others are encouraged to do so.
HAND WASHING
Staff and students are expected to wash or sanitize their hands regularly throughout the school day.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Physical distancing is recommended when feasible. Outdoor activities are encouraged when possible.
CLEANING SURFACES
Surfaces and equipment will be disinfected routinely by custodial team members.
MONITOR SYMPTOMS
Staff, students, and visitors are expected to monitor themselves daily for possible COVID-19 related symptoms prior to coming on-site. Parents should refer to the CDC’s published list of possible symptoms for COVID-19 and report symptoms to the campus nurse. If experiencing symptoms related to a possible COVID-19 infection, please stay home until contacted by the school nurse, and consult your physician as necessary.
CRITERIA FOR READMISSION
Students and staff who are experiencing symptoms of a suspected COVID-19 infection will be excluded from in-person activities.
Criteria for readmission:
• Negative COVID test result*; OR
• Healthcare Provider note indicating an alternate diagnosis
and clearing the individual to return; OR
• 10 days have passed since onset of symptoms, fever-free
x24 hours without fever-reducing medications, and
improved respiratory symptoms
*Test must be collected on/after an acceptable date based on the individual’s symptoms. Consult with the Hamilton ISD nurse to clarify the appropriate testing time frame.
STUDENTS IN SCHOOL WITH SYMPTOMS
Students at school with symptoms of illness that require exclusion will be separated from others in the nurse’s office or other designated waiting area until their parent/guardian arrives to pick them up. A Rapid COVID-19 Test will be administered with parental consent. Students should be picked up within 30 minutes of being contacted by the school.
STAFF AT SCHOOL WITH SYMPTOMS
Staff at work with symptoms of illness that require exclusion will notify their supervisor promptly, maintain distancing from others and leave the campus. A Rapid COVID-19 Test will be administered upon request.
STUDENTS AND STAFF WHO TEST POSITIVE
Students and staff with positive COVID-19 test results are required to be reported to the school nurse. Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 (or are diagnosed with COVID-19 by a medical provider) will be excluded from in-person activities until: fever-free x24 hours without fever-reducing medications; respiratory symptoms have improved, and it has been at least 10 days since symptom onset (or since positive test result if asymptomatic).
NEWLY REPORTED CASE NOTIFICATION
Parents and staff will be notified by the campus of newly reported cases on campus as they occur.
CAMPUS VISITORS
Visitors on campus will be limited to necessity. All visitors will self-screen upon arrival for COVID-19 symptoms and will be required to disclose any recent positive COVID-19 test/diagnosis. Any visitor who has recently tested positive/been diagnosed with COVID-19, or who has symptoms of COVID-19 must remain off campus until they meet the re-entry criteria listed above.
STUDENTS WITH ACUTE AND CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS
Students with acute and chronic health conditions will continue to receive care, support, and implementation of their medical management plans at school. Infection prevention measures will be implemented to prevent or minimize the interaction of well visits and illness visits to nurses’ clinics.
VACCINES
Vaccines will not be mandated for students, staff, or visitors to Hamilton ISD facilities. Hamilton ISD will encourage all stakeholders to talk with their personal physicians about the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 TESTING
COVID-19 testing is available in the nurse’s office upon request, with parental consent.