COVID Update for the New School Year

Our goal is to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment for all.  Mask wearing is fully welcomed and highly encouraged for staff and students who are medically fragile and/or are experiencing cold and flu symptoms of any kind.  Each person’s masking choice will continue to be respected and supported.

As a district, we will comply with orders or mandates from agencies with jurisdiction. We will continue to communicate recommendations and advisories to families and let parents make the decision that is best for their family.  The District also maintains the right to put stricter safety measures in place that protect students, staff, and the greater community should the need arise.  

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

COVID-19 will be treated as we have traditionally handled any infectious illnesses in our schools, each having specific exclusion criteria. 

• Test Positive for COVID-19 or have a fever or symptoms

  • Those with positive or probable COVID-19 cases need to stay home for 5 days after symptoms appear and continue to wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. 

  • If they are symptom-free or symptoms are resolved after 5 days, individuals can resume activities and return to school. If they have a fever, they must continue to stay at home until the fever resolves. 

•  Exposure to COVID

  • Individuals that have been exposed to another person with a positive case are asked to wear a mask for 5 days. We ask that individuals take personal responsibility for monitoring their health and the health of their family and stay home until they are feeling better.

• When to return to work or school

  • Staff and students are advised to follow CDC recommendations for returning to school and work by checking out the Quarantining and Isolation Calculator to determine When to Stay Home Calculator

The District will provide masks, tests, and other medical supplies as available. We will not require masks and we will not contact trace. The Whitehall City School District ended the 2021-2022 school year without a mask mandate, and we were able to have critical face-to-face instruction. We will continue to be “mask welcome” at all grade levels and maintain the right to put stricter safety measures in place that protect students, staff, and the greater community should the need arise. 

Free Test Kits

Through this link, families can apply to get 8 tests per delivery per household. https://special.usps.com/testkits