School Safety Operational Procedures

• Staff and children wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitizer) frequently, especially upon entry to the building, before/after meals, before/after recess and PE, between classes, after contact with high-contact items or surfaces, before/after touching the face or one’s facemask, and when practicing coughing/sneezing etiquette.

• Effective April 27, 2022, and for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year, the KCKPS Board of Education approved optional face masks for students and staff as long as the total COVID-related absences remain below five percent (5%). In the event that an individual building (school) exceeds this threshold, that building (only that building) will temporarily return to the mask requirement and will need to drop below five percent (5%) of COVID-related absences for one week before moving back to optional masking.The district respects that some students and staff may continue to wear masks for personal, safety, or other health reasons. Please be respectful and supportive of all choices.

• Good mask hygiene includes performing hand hygiene before putting on and removing a mask, and after touching the face or mask.
• When required per Board policy, masks must cover both the mouth and the nose at all times.

The Facilities Maintenance Department Supports the efforts of the District to achieve the goals and values as stated on the District’s Continuous Improvement plan, and strives to provide clean, safe and comfortable learning environments for our students and staff.

• Gloves, and disinfecting wipes will be provided by the custodian for each room.
• Custodians will engage in daily “continuous” cleaning, wiping down high touch points throughout the day to be followed by complete disinfecting of the building at night.
• Increased ventilation and fresh air circulation will occur, if possible.
• Windows may be opened to increase fresh air circulation.
• Water fountains can be utilized.
• Classroom carpets and rugs are permitted; however bare necessities are recommended. Couches and soft furniture items are not recommended.
• Desk shields are not required. If a staff member or student requests one, it will be provided.
• PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) will still be provided by the district.
• Air filtration systems (LED filters) are installed in every classroom and various rooms for additional air cleaning efforts.

When children are healthy, they can learn better.  At Kansas City Kansas Public Schools, we are committed to the health and wellness of our students and our community.

Student Entry

The Task Force Team has developed workplace strategies and guidelines to help schools mitigate the risks of the spread of COVID-19.  The procedures were implemented with guidance from the local health officials to help ensure a safe conscious-working environment as we prepare to return to the buildings.

We have guidance in place that recommends staggering entry times for buses and car drop-off, using multiple entrances, monitoring student’s arrival to make sure students are not congregating in the hallways, and ensuring students are visually screened for signs of illness upon arrival to school.  Visitors are discouraged from entering the school unless by appointment.

The plan may be updated or tweaked to appropriately address isolation and containment practices to accommodate for the different design and layout of each school.  We have provided answers to commonly asked questions for each program and grade level in the district.

Classroom Mitigation Procedures

• Seating charts shall be implemented.
• Social distancing remains a best practice and should be used to the greatest extent possible.
• To the best extent possible, cohorts should be implemented.
• Desk shields are not required. If a staff member, student or parent requests one, it can be provided.
• PPE will still be provided by the district.

Academic Instruction

Staff Instructional Guidelines

• The GVC and curriculum resources shall be implemented to ensure high-quality core instruction for all students.
• In the event that a student needs to be out for an extended period, Canvas should be utilized to post videos and assignments and serves as the primary method for delivering instruction.
• If a teacher is out sick or in quarantine, other teachers may be added to that teacher’s Canvas course as collaborators to post assignments or lesson materials for students in that teacher’s classroom.
• Please see the two links below for information on adding collaborators to Canvas courses. School principals and instructional coaches have administrative rights to add teachers as collaborators to Canvas courses associated with their building.

How do I add collaborators to my course?

How do I add staff/students to a manually created course?

• Buildings should continue their already-identified practices and procedures for make-up work due to absence.
• Accurate attendance must be kept on students who are absent due to Isolation or Quarantine.
• Staff will adhere to the established KCKPS grading policies and guidelines as outlined in this support document.
• Staff are discouraged from the use of homework packets unless students cannot access technology during their quarantine.
• When prioritizing workload for a student in quarantine, focus on reading and math with integration of science and social studies; consider offering students a choice board that is standards-aligned.

Student Instructional Guidelines

• All instruction will be in person; virtual learning students will be enrolled in Greenbush.
• In the event that a student needs to be out for an extended period, Canvas should be utilized to access instructional videos and assignments and serves as the primary delivery method for instruction.
• Student work will be turned into the teacher via Canvas.
• Students should log into their teacher’s Canvas site daily to check for assignments, projects, and instructional information.
• Students should stay in contact with their teacher(s) via email/Canvas to ensure that they understand content, assignments, and expectations.
• Students shall commit to completing the necessary coursework during their absence or upon return from their absence.
• Students will be granted the appropriate time for make-up work as outlined by the school/teacher.
• Buildings should continue their already-identified practices and procedures for make-up work due to absence.

If there are students not adhering to safety guidelines and protocols, such as proper mask usage, please refer to the Unsafe Conditions guide.

Staff Responsibilities

1. Report exposure to your school nurse or principal.
2. The principal will speak with a school nurse for guidance.  The COVID Team will initiate contact tracing.  Unvaccinated students, and students who were not following mitigation procedures who are identified as close contacts will be instructed to quarantine.
3. Return to school will be cleared by the nurse (See flowchart).
4. Provide proof of vaccination to the nurse, if applicable.
5. If at any time following exposure a student experiences symptoms, they are presumed positive regardless of vaccination status or test results.
6. Absences due to COVID will be excused after speaking with the school nurse.
7. Complete a 10-day quarantine from the last date of exposure.
8. Students who are exposed to a positive household family member must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days from the last date of exposure.
9. Students may access assignments and class materials through Canvas.  Contact your child’s school if you have questions. 

Principal Responsibilities

1. Work with staff to ensure that students can access assignments and materials through Canvas.
2. Ensure that teacher-student contact is made during the period of the student’s absence.

Additional Responsibilities

1. The nurse will add a health flag in Infinite Campus.  Absences are excused in Infinite Campus by the attendance secretary for the duration of the quarantine or isolation.
2. Once all close contacts have been notified of their exposure, the principal will complete the appropriate templates and email them to their direct supervisor and the Health Services Coordinator for approval.  Building staff and school community receive notification via notification letter or district COVID Hub.
3. If a family cannot be reached or if notifying a family cannot be done within a 24-48 hour period (such as a weekend or holiday) an email or electronic communication may be used for timely notification.

If a student needs to be seen by the nurse, the teacher will notify him/her of the concern prior to bringing the student to the nurse’s office to allow for the proper personal protective equipment to be worn and to ensure that no other students are exposed to an ill child. Teachers will refer to the Guidelines for Triage of Student Health Concerns prior to sending students to the nurse.

• A school nurse will be available to provide Health Services support at each location where students are present.
• Students must have a completed Student Health Form on file with the nurse annually.
• If the student requires medications to be given at school, updated medication authorization forms must be on file with the nurse.
• If the student requires any medications, treatments or procedures, while at school, physicians’ orders for the 2021-2022 school year must also be obtained and be on file with the nurse.
• Emergency contact information must be provided.
• Students must be current on their childhood immunizations for attendance, in accordance with Kansas statute 72-6261. Parents/guardians will be given a 30-day written notice by the school nurse if their child is out of compliance. Any student whose parent/guardian does not make an effort to achieve compliance within 30 days may be subject to exclusion from school until state compliance is achieved.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Wyandotte County Health Department do not currently recommend universal symptom screenings for students to be conducted by schools.
• Families and educators should work with students to practice wearing a mask safely and consistently.
• Students who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are highly encouraged to be vaccinated. This protects the school community and families from being required to quarantine at home due to an exposure.
• Students must stay home if they have any symptom of illness that may be related to COVID-19 (Testing may be required prior to returning to school).
• Head Start sites will follow their own illness screening requirements.
• Parents/caregivers are strongly encouraged to take their child’s temperatures each morning and monitor their child for signs and symptoms of infectious illness.
• Students who exhibit symptoms of illness will be assessed by the school nurse and taken to an isolation room immediately. Schools should still plan to have an isolation room to use as necessary.
• Consistent with Wyandotte County school guidance, students with any ONE symptom must be excluded from school. Return to school will be based on the criteria set by the health department.
• COVID-19 testing will be offered and may be performed with parent/guardian consent.
• Contact Tracing, Isolation, and Quarantine:
  • CDC and local public health recommendations will be followed. A district nurse should be consulted to be sure the latest guidelines and district protocols are followed.
• Parents/guardians will be notified that the student must be picked up within 45 minutes of notification that their child is ill.
• The parent/guardian will be advised by the nurse of the Wyandotte County Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for Schools and Childcare, which requires students to have a negative COVID-19 test, be symptom-free, and be fever-free for 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications before they can return to school. Students who do not provide proof of a negative test may return to school after 10 calendar days have passed since the symptoms first appeared.
• The nurse will follow-up with the parents/guardians and communicate with the Health Services Coordinator and Director of Health Services if the student tests positive.
• The Health Department will be notified and contact tracing will be performed.
• Close contacts will be identified and advised to quarantine for 10 days following the date of exposure.

• Special Education staff will follow all district protocols and procedures as all other district staff.
• When students receiving special education services are quarantined, they are marked the same as their general education peers and no special education services will be provided during the time the student is out of quarantine. There will be no compensatory services provided.
• Students receiving special education services with significantly higher needs, may have a mask exemption due to their specific disability.
• Students will receive special education services as written in their IEP.
• Students being served under Section 504, will continue to receive services as outlined in their 504 plans.

Good nutrition and learning go hand in hand.  Nutritional Services mission is “Providing nutritious and flavorful foods, to inspiring students, in a welcoming environment, while maintaining financial responsibility and excellence.”  We work to ensure all students are afforded the opportunity to receive healthy, enjoyable meals that are student tested and student approved.

The Nutritional Services department is made up of a team of food and nutrition professionals that are dedicated to students’ health, wellbeing, and their ability to learn.  We support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices.  Meals, foods, and beverages sold or served at schools meet state and federal requirements which are based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines.  We provide students with access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students.

• Hand sanitizer is provided before students enter the lunchroom and after students leave.
• Lunch tables are cleaned between lunch sessions.
• Students can self-serve entrees, fruits, vegetables, condiments, utensils, and milk. Snack Bars are closed.
• Water Stations are utilized in the cafeteria where applicable.

The school bus is often the student’s first point of district contact in the morning and the last point of district contact in the evening.  School buses are considered an extension of the classroom and will be prioritized with the same expectation of cleanliness and will have practices in place to provide the safest mode of transportation for our students and staff.

• When required by Board Policy on COVID absence percentages, bus drivers and students are required to wear masks on the bus unless students are medically exempt.
  • Disposable masks will be provided for students who do not have one when boarding the bus.
• Hand sanitizer is available for students to use when entering.
• Siblings should be seated together on the bus when possible.
• Buses should be loaded back to front when possible.
• Seating charts shall be implemented for low-capacity bus routes.
• Social distancing is recommended at bus stops.
• School buses will be cleaned on a regular basis.
• Drivers have the option of opening windows to increase circulation of outdoor air depending on climate and weather conditions.

Illness Reporting Guidelines for Staff with New COVID-like Symptoms

Employee Responsibilities

1. Remain home and do not report to your school or work site.
2. Report illness to your immediate supervisor(s) or principal.
3. Speak with a school nurse for guidance.  Return to work will be cleared by the nurse.  COVID Testing will be advised for all illnesses with new COVID-like systems.
4. Enter sick/disability time into Frontline.
5. Provide the nurse with test results (See flowchart).

Supervisor Responsibilities

1. Ensure steps 1-5 Employee Responsibilities have taken place.  Send an email to Covid.Staff@kckps.org with employee name, contact information and brief description of illness, if provided.  A nurse will follow up within 24-48 hours.
2. If results are positive, the nurse and supervisor report results to their respective supervisors.  Nurses will report positive results to the Health Services Coordinator and the COVID Resource Nurse within 30 minutes of notification.  The COVID Team will initiate contact tracing.  Close contacts are identified and instructed to quarantine if unvaccinated, per local Health Department guidelines.
3. Once all close contacts have been notified of their exposure, the supervisor will complete the appropriate templates and email them to their direct supervisor and the Health Services Coordinator for approval.  Building staff and the school community receive notification via notification letter or District COVID Hub.

Staff Exposure Reporting Guidelines

Employee Responsibilities

1. See flowchart to determine next steps based on exposure type.
2. If you are not vaccinated, or you are exhibiting symptoms, remain home and do not report to your school or work site.
3. Report exposure to your supervisor or principal.
4. Speak with a school nurse for guidance.  Vaccinated individuals should provide the nurse with a copy of their vaccination record and email it toCOVID.Staff@kckps.org..
5. If you are exhibiting symptoms, testing is recommended.  Provide the nurse with test results.  If at any time following exposure, you experience symptoms, you are presumed positive regardless of vaccination status or test results.
6. Enter sick/disability time into Frontline.  If it is determined by the Contact Tracing Team that the COVID illness was directly linked to a confirmed workplace exposure, their leave will be covered by District-paid Quarantine Leave.  If it is not determined to be a workplace exposure through contact tracing, the absence may be subject to the employee’s sick/disability leave.
7. Complete a 10-day quarantine from the last date of exposure.
8. Staff who are exposed to a positive household family member must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days from the last date of exposure.
9. Return to work will be cleared by the nurse. 

Supervisor Responsibilities

1. Ensure steps 1-9 from Employee Responsibilities have taken place.  Send an email to Covid.Staff@kckps.org with employee name, contact information and brief description of illness, if provided.  A nurse will follow up within 24-48 hours.
2. If the employee tests positive for COVID-19, the nurse and supervisor report results to their respective supervisors.  Nurses will report positive results to the Health Services Coordinator and the COVID Resource Nurse within 30 minutes of notification.  The COVID Team will initiate contact tracing if applicable.

Instructional Staff Guidelines

• If a teacher is out sick or in quarantine, other teachers may be added to that teacher’s Canvas course as collaborators to post assignments or lesson materials for students in that teacher’s classroom.
  • Please see the two links below for information on adding collaborators to Canvas courses. School principals and instructional coaches have administrative rights to add teachers as collaborators to Canvas courses associated with their building.
    • How do I add collaborators to my course?
    • How do I add staff/students to a manually created course?
  • Teachers shall maintain daily meaningful contact with these students, keeping documentation of the contact.
    • In KCKPS, meaningful contact:
      • Is purposeful, substantive, and/or of value. Topics addressed may include (but are not limited to): course content, social emotional well-being, organizational skills, and student questions.
      • Includes phone calls, email conversations or online discussion questions, Google Form surveys, conversations via FlipGrid or other types of virtual platforms.
      • Involves verbal or written interaction – not simply a confirmation that work has been submitted.
    • Buildings should continue their already-identified practices and procedures for make-up work due to absence.
    • Accurate attendance must be kept on students who are absent due to Isolation or Quarantine. (Student Services and Health Services will be providing training).
    • Staff will adhere to the established KCKPS grading policies and guidelines as outlined in this support
    • Professional development can be held in-person.

Health Services Information

• Staff who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are highly encouraged to be vaccinated. This protects the school community and families from being required to quarantine at home due to an exposure.
• Staff must stay home if they have any symptom of illness that may be related to COVID-19. Testing may be required prior to returning to school.
• Staff who report symptoms of illness should speak with a building or district nurse or may contact the Contact Tracing Team at Staff@kckps.org regarding their symptoms prior to working with students or staff in-person. COVID testing will be available for symptomatic individuals and may be required. Staff who have been exposed to someone with COVID should speak with a building or district nurse or the Contact Tracing Team, regardless of vaccination status.
• Certain groups of educational staff who serve vulnerable student populations may be required to wear additional PPE per the previously-approved USD 500 Health and Safety Plan for this population.
  • When required due to COVID absence percentages in specific buildings, all children over 5 years of age and all staff in daycare, childcare, or educational settings are required to wear masks or face coverings at all times unless actively eating, drinking, or sleeping.
  • Students and staff must wear either a paper (surgical) or a multi-layer cloth mask.
  • Bandanas or single-layer gaiters are not allowed.
  • Face coverings with exhalation valves or vents must NOT be worn in schools. This type of face covering does not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID-19 to others and may promote the spread of infection.
  • The use of a face shield without the use of a mask is not permitted. Face shields have not been demonstrated to be effective for preventing transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.

COVID Obligation to Public Health and Safety of Staff and Students

KCKPS Requirements

• When required due to COVID absence percentages,  employees are required to wear a mask in all public spaces, indoor and outdoor, while on district property and district sponsored events. Exceptions include:
  • Solitary, enclosed workplaces, such as an individual office or classroom (this only applies if the staff member is in their individual office/classroom by themselves). This exception does not include cubicles.
• When required due to COVID absence percentages, , employee masks must always cover the nose and mouth and will not be removed when speaking to another individual (in person or over the phone).
• Staff will be required to upload their vaccination cards to TalentEd.
• Unvaccinated staff may be required to conduct a COVID-19 test weekly.
• •  

COVID Violation Coaching Procedures

-Utilize the Progressive Coaching Form-

• Verbal Warning - If the employee is not wearing a mask or is not properly wearing a mask (when required to), the supervisor will conduct a conversation with the employee to ask that they wear/properly wear their mask.
  • Non-Disciplinary - An employee adheres to wearing/properly wearing a mask once requested.
• Written Warning - If the employee continues to not wear/properly wear a mask (when required to) the supervisor will administer a written warning and reiterate the district’s mask expectations.
• Administrative Leave with Pay - Continual disregard of a potential mask requirement, purposeful disregard of public safety (i.e. - reporting to work following a positive test result, reporting prior to the end of their quarantine timeline, reporting with symptoms, and/or their actions constitute a safety concern for staff and/or students). The supervisor will contact Human Resources and place the employee on Administrative Leave with pay until the situation is resolved.

All purposeful disregard to public safety may be deemed as insubordinate behavior and a violation of Board of Education Policy  GAPA - Rules, Regulations and Policies Governing Activities of Employees (specifically Prohibitions (3)). 

Remote Work Information for COVID Quarantined Employees

Remote work may be available for KCKPS employees who have been required to quarantine due to COVID.  Remote work is not guaranteed for any employee without supervisor approval and will be subject to eligibility based on the employee’s job description.  Proof of quarantine requirement or positive COVID test results must be sent to the designated district or building nurse or the Contact Tracing Team prior to remote work approval.

Eligibility requirements for remote work due to required quarantine -

• The employee has been required to quarantine due to exposure of COVID through district or personal contact.
• The employee has tested positive for COVID, but not experiencing symptoms that would hinder the employee from performing their daily work.
• Proper documentation of COVID exposure or required quarantine has been submitted to the building nurse.
• Greater than 75% of the employee’s job description can be completed remotely and the technology to perform the work is functioning.
• The building or department leader has reviewed the eligibility requirement and has approved remote work for the employee.
• A meeting has been scheduled by the building or department leader, prior to the remote work approval, to discuss and complete the Remote Work Request. The building or department leader will retain the checklist in their location.  (Send a copy to HRLeaves@kckps.org)
• The employee will contact their designated building or department daily to provide an update of the work performed.

If an employee is not physically able to meet the remote work eligibility requirements, the district will not require the employee to perform work.  In this case, the current district FMLA process would be followed. 

COVID Classroom Coverage and Payment Guidelines

The following information is to be used as a guideline for COVID classroom coverage in the case of COVID exposure and/or required quarantine.

Prior to working remotely, please review all information found in this document.  Remote work is not guaranteed for any employee without supervisor approval and will be subject to eligibility based on the employee’s job description.  Remember this is for teacher working remotely while the kids are in the classroom.

All employees working remotely must have written approval on file.

Teacher approved for remote work

1. Must have documentation on file with proper signatures.
2. Must have technology that supports remoting into the classroom for instruction.
3. Must have an assigned individual to monitor the students.

Payment as classroom monitor with remote teacher

1. Classified Employee - If a classified individual is the “classroom monitor” because another teacher is remoting in from home, then they can be utilized as the “monitor” and not the instructor.
   1. The classified employee should be reassigned for the day to this new role and not expected to perform their normal duties.  This would allow them to keep their daily rate without the expectation of pay for two roles.
   2. Classified employee that may be assigned as a “classroom monitor”
      1. Examples - ESL Aide, Paraprofessional, ISS Monitor, etc.
2. Certified Employee (Instructional) - If a certified individual is the “classroom monitor” because another teacher is remoting in from home, then they can be utilized as the “monitor” and not the instructor.
   1. The certified employee would need to be on their planning time and not be utilized during their classroom instruction time.
   2. The employee would be paid $20.72/hour and is required to fill out a form for extra duty.
3. Certified Employee (Non-Instructional Support) - If a certified individual is the “classroom monitor” because another teacher is remoting in from home, then they can be utilized as the “monitor” and not the instructor.
   1. The certified employee should be reassigned for the day to this new role and not expected to perform their normal duties.  This would allow them to keep their daily rate without the expectation of additional pay for two roles.
   2. If the certified individual is filling in adhoc during their free time (lunch, after contract, planning), they would be paid $20.72/hour and is required to fill out a form for extra duty.
   3. If the certified individual is filling in adhoc during their regular work time because of schedule availability, they would not receive additional compensation.

Teacher unable to do remote work

1. Must notify their direct supervisor and/or building administrator(s).
2. Must enter absences into Frontline (AESOP) requesting a substitute.
   1. Agency employees -
      1. Contact Agency to provide a substitute.
      2. Contact the internal Substitute Team (karen.mccarty@kckps.org) or the HR Department if the agency cannot provide one.

Payment as a substitute for absent teacher

1. Substitute request filled - A substitute will be assigned to the building and will receive their daily rate.
2. Substitute request unfilled - Administration must assign staff to the classroom for absence.

Certified (Instructional) - If a certified or multiple certified teachers must split sections of a class, then those teachers should split accordingly.  (Example - Two teachers decide to split the class of the absent teacher)

1. If a teacher is assigned 65% or more of the classroom, the teacher receives a full hourly rate.
2. If a teacher is assigned 64% or less of the classroom, the teacher receives half the hourly rate.

Certified (non-instructional) and Classified - Must possess an emergency substitute license or Kansas teaching certificate.

1. Individuals that cover as a substitute teacher will receive their daily rate or the difference in pay between their regular daily rate and that of a substitute teacher, whichever is greater.

Those requesting additional compensation must fill out Form 3 (timesheet).

• Campuses will be able to have outdoor activities
• Field trips are allowed, but they must be pre-approved by your IIO.
• Assemblies such as pep rallies shall not be permitted, unless they are outdoors.
• Open houses/Back to School events can be held, but it is highly recommended that grade levels are staggered to reduce the amount of individuals on site.
• Athletics will follow KSHSAA guidelines and district mitigation requirements.
• Spectators at Events:

o   Outdoors:  Spectators will not be required to wear a mask but should maintain appropriate distancing.

• All Fine Arts and PE courses will be offered with mitigations and adaptations to instruction per District guidelines.
  • KCKPS will continue with mitigations - bell covers, etc., with as much distance as our space allows.
  • Band masks, Merv 13 material, bell covers, and puppy pads for spit/valve deposits are provided for the classrooms.
• Choir and theatre should utilize the blue masks that are provided by the district.

COVID-19 and Maintaining a Healthy School Environment

KCKPS remains committed to doing everything we can to protect the health of our students and staff.  Our goal is to restore and maintain in-person learning for all students while adhering to public health recommendations to protect the health of our students, staff, and community.

KCKPS continues to work closely with the Unified Government Public Health Department (UGPHD) and follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Health and safety guidelines will continue to be updated as new information and guidance becomes available.

Many safety protocols are in place to limit exposure and transmission of COVID-19 in our schools. Families can help maintain a healthy school environment in the following ways:

• Students should remain home if they are sick or if they have been exposed to someone who may have COVID-19.
• Parents are encouraged to check their child’s temperature before they leave home. Children with a temperature of 100.0° F or greater should remain home until they are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications (Tylenol, Motrin, or generic equivalent) and symptom-free for 48 hours. Students with a temperature greater than 99.0°F may be sent home if they have other symptoms of illness.
• If your child is sick and you aren’t sure if it’s allergies or a virus, you should keep him or her home. Since the symptoms are similar with both, making sure your child does not spread a virus around school is the right thing to do.
• If your child becomes sick at home, please notify the school nurse or attendance secretary of the reason for their absence. This will help the school nurse monitor for an increase in illness among students.
• Students ages 5 and older are required to wear a mask or face covering which covers the nose and mouth at all times except while eating, drinking, or sleeping.
• Update their contact information and designate an emergency contact in case a child becomes ill while at school. Due to the pandemic, sick children must be picked up within 45 minutes of being identified as being ill to avoid exposing others. Parents should have a back-up plan if they cannot pick up their child within 45 minutes.
• Students should be up-to-date on their immunization schedules and influenza vaccinations to prevent outbreaks of preventable contagious disease. Students who wish to attend in-person learning but have not met the state requirements for school attendance, at the discretion of the Superintendent, may be subject to exclusion.
• If your child is sick and you aren’t sure if it’s allergies or a virus, you should keep him or her home. Since the symptoms are similar with both, making sure your child does not spread a virus around school is the right thing to do.

There are several symptoms and conditions that would require a child to remain home from school, which can be found in the Parent Handbook. Children exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 without other obvious explanations are prohibited from coming to school, and will be sent home immediately. The current known symptoms are:

• Fever
• Chills or shaking
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
• In children, poor appetite or poor feeding, especially in babies under 1 year old

Wyandotte County school guidelines require that students with any symptom of illness must be tested for COVID before they may return to school. If your child becomes ill at school, the school nurse can administer a free saliva COVID-19 test with parent consent. Test results are typically available in 24-48 hours. These are the same test kits available through the Health Department.

What actions can I take at home to help prevent my family and my child from contracting COVID-19?
Coronaviruses, including COVID-19, spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) via coughing or sneezing. It may also spread by touching a surface or object with the virus on it. The same good health habits that prevent other viruses like the flu also prevent the spread of COVID-19 and decrease the risk of getting sick:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
• Wear a cloth face covering or a mask in public spaces to prevent the spread of droplets that carry the virus.
• Practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough into a tissue or your elbow (not your hand), then throw tissue away and wash your hands.
• Keep students home if they are running a temperature or they report not feeling well or appear weak or ill.
• Consult your health care provider if you or your child has health conditions that put you at increased risk.

Will students and staff members be required to wear a face mask?
Effective April 27, 2022, and for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year, the KCKPS Board of Education approved optional face masks for students and staff as long as the total COVID-related absences remain below five percent (5%). In the event that an individual building (school) exceeds this threshold, that building (only that building) will temporarily return to the mask requirement and will need to drop below five percent (5%) of COVID-related absences for one week before moving back to optional masking.

The district respects that some students and staff may continue to wear masks for personal, safety, or other health reasons. Please be respectful and supportive of all choices.

Since my child is attending school remotely, do they still need their immunizations?
Yes. Please continue to focus on your child’s immunizations just as you would for in-person learning. State immunization requirements have not been waived for the 2020-2021 school year. Families are encouraged to make an appointment with their medical provider or the health department so they are compliant with state requirements by the first day of school.

Should my child get a flu shot this year?
Students should be up to date on their immunization schedule and their annual flu vaccination to prevent outbreaks of preventable contagious disease.

What are symptoms for which my child should stay home from school?
There are several symptoms and conditions that would require a child to remain home from school, which can be found in the Parent Handbook. Children exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 without other obvious explanations are prohibited from coming to school, and will be sent home immediately. The current known symptoms are:

• Fever (we will use 99.0oF as a sign of possible illness)
• Chills or shaking
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
• The following symptoms are concerning for a complication of a previous exposure of infection of COVID-19 known as Pediatric Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS). Children with the following symptoms of PMIS should not attend school. Parents should contact their child’s doctor or primary care provider for further guidance and evaluation:
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Skin rash—diffuse, red rash that may be on the inside of the mouth, the inside of eyes, on the palms of hands, or on the soles of the feet
• Bloodshot eyes
• Feeling extra tired
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Neck pain

What happens if my child is sick at school or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19?
Teachers will monitor students for signs and symptoms of illness at school as they have in the past. If your child does not feel well or shows signs of illness, they will be sent to the school nurse for an assessment. If they are identified as having symptoms, you will be contacted for immediate pick-up from school. Due to the pandemic, sick children must be picked up within 45 minutes of being identified as being ill. Parents should have a back-up plan if they cannot pick up their child within 45 minutes. Your child will be placed in a separate area and will wear a mask until they are picked up. This is for the protection and health of your child and those caring for him/her. We recommend that you contact your child’s medical provider and follow their specific guidance regarding next steps.

What if my child has been tested for COVID-19 and is awaiting test results?
A child who is awaiting test results must be excluded from in-person school and must stay home until results are
available.

What if my child has tested positive for COVID-19?
If a student/child has tested positive for COVID-19, the parent must notify the school of the positive result and must be excluded from in-person school for 5 days since symptoms first appeared and remain fever-free for 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer. Siblings and other household members must quarantine for a minimum of 5 days and will be excluded from in-person school.

Please note, in accordance with state and local laws and regulations, schools are required to notify the local health department immediately of any case of COVID-19. For the safety of our staff and students, if your child or another family member receives a positive COVID-19 test result, do not send them to school.

What is my child has tested negative for COVID-19?
If a child has symptoms of illness, but received a negative test result, they may return when they are free of all symptoms and are fever-free for 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

What if my child has symptoms of illness but does not get tested for COVID-19?
They may return when five (5) calendar days have passed since symptoms first appeared, and they have been fever-free for 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer.

What isolation and quarantine procedures will KCKPS follow?
KCKPS will follow quarantine and isolation guidelines as recommended by the Wyandotte County Health Department.

This is the time of year that many people struggle with seasonal allergies. How can they distinguish those symptoms from COVID-19?
For kids and adults with seasonal allergies, this is the time of year when they may be experiencing respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in adults and children and can look like symptoms of other common illnesses such as colds, strep throat, or allergies. Allergies and viral symptoms can be similar but there are some key differences. For example, think about the timeline. Does your child always have problems this time of the year? Think about or have your pediatrician check back to see if your child came in for a visit the same time last year with the same symptoms.

 

• Itchy, runny nose, sneezing,
• coughing
• Itchy, watery eyes. Redness
• Itchy, sensitive skin, rash or hives– swelling
• Shortness of breath, cough,
• wheeze, chest tightness

Second, check for fever. Allergies do not cause fever, but it could be a COVID-19 symptom, along with these other symptoms that can appear 2-14 days after a COVID-19 exposure:

• Cough
• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Congestion or runny nose

Last, check if your child is itchy. Children with allergies are typically rubbing their eyes or noses more, especially during this time of year. It’s important to speak with your pediatrician about all of the symptoms your child is experiencing. Because some of the symptoms of COVID-19 and seasonal allergies are similar, it may be difficult to tell the difference between them, and you may need to get a test to confirm your diagnosis.

If someone has a history of seasonal allergies, what should they do to avoid them being sent home from school for these symptoms?
Many symptoms of seasonal allergies overlap with COVID-19 symptoms. Both conditions can cause:

• Congestion
• Runny Nose
• Coughing
• Sore Throat
• Fatigue
• Headache

If your child is sick and you aren’t sure if it’s allergies or a virus, you should keep him or her home. Since the symptoms are similar with both, making sure your child does not spread a virus around school is the right thing to do. Many kids are prescribed or given over-the-counter antihistamines for their seasonal allergies. Most families don’t give it every day or during the winter since the allergy symptoms aren’t present. Speak with your pediatrician first, but as pollen/allergy season approaches your child’s physician might suggest giving your child his or her medicines regularly before the season starts and throughout to help minimize the symptoms.

Symptoms of allergies and mild COVID-19 infections can be similar. How can we know for sure if it is allergies or COVID-19?
If your child has an alternative diagnosis of seasonal allergies and your child is experiencing allergy symptoms, it’s best to speak with your school nurse before sending them to school. Symptoms of allergies and mild COVID-19 infections can be similar, and it can be hard to distinguish between the two without testing. In most cases, testing will be advised and can be done at school by the school nurse, free of charge.  Results are typically available within 24-48 hours. Parent consent is required.

If your child does not have an alternative diagnosis of allergies, your child must be tested for COVID-19 or remain at home for 10 days. If their test is negative, they should stay at home until symptoms go away for 48 hours. They must also be fever-free for 48 hours without Tylenol or other fever-reducing medication before returning to school. Speak with the school nurse if you have questions about when your child can return to school. Your child’s absence will be excused, but your child is encouraged to participate in remote learning if they are able to.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#People-with-Seasonal-Allergies

https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/fight-seasonal-allergies

https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Coronavirus-(COVID-19)