How are the attendance rules being handled this year?

There is no longer retention in elementary school (ES) or middle school (MS) or failure of the course in high school (HS) strictly due to attendance. That was removed from the board policy and from all procedures this year.

Will the number of excused absences be changed to accommodate infection/quarantine?

There isn’t a need for excused absences.  There is no longer retention in ES or MS or failure of the course in HS strictly due to attendance. That was removed from the board policy and from all procedures this year.  No matter how many absences a student has, they will not be retained due to attendance.  However, students may still be retained if they are not on grade level or fail a course if they do not have grades to pass the course, so all work should still be made up to keep up with their class.

Will the attendance policy be more forgiving this year? Are are we still being held to the previous year’s more stringent policy?

There is no longer retention in ES or MS or failure of the course in HS strictly due to attendance. That was removed from the board policy and from all procedures this year.  No matter how many absences a student has, they will not be retained due to attendance.  However, students may still be retained if they are not on grade level or fail a course if they do not have grades to pass the course, so all work should still be made up to keep up with their class.

Are there any adjustments made for the number of days allowed missed from school? I’m concerned that multiple isolations (even for viral colds that end up NOT COVID) can make a child miss a ton of school. What is going to be the policy to allow completion of grade level?

Thank you. IF a student is excluded we are going to move the student to distance learning, so if the student is feeling better later in the day or the next day, they can still keep up with their class throughout their exclusion. There is no longer retention in ES or MS or failure of the course in HS strictly due to attendance. That was removed from the board policy and from all procedures this year.  No matter how many absences a student has, they will not be retained due to attendance.  However, students may still be retained if they are not on grade level or fail a course if they do not have grades to pass the course, so all work should still be made up to keep up with their class.

How will attendance be adjusted for students that must stay home for 10-14 days? Will they just get absences for those days?

IF a student is excluded we are going to move the student to distance learning, so if the student is feeling better later in the day or the next day, they can still keep up with their class throughout their exclusion. Also, when a student is able to participate, they will be marked present with the code DLP Distance Learning Present or HDED Health Department Excluded but Participating in Distance Learning.  There is no longer retention in ES or MS or failure of the course in HS strictly due to attendance. That was removed from the board policy and from all procedures this year.  No matter how many absences a student has, they will not be retained due to attendance.  However, students may still be retained if they are not on grade level or fail a course if they do not have grades to pass the course, so all work should still be made up to keep up with their class.

Say I get sick, will the number of excused absences be increased to accomodate quarantine or infections that result in the child not being able to attend or participate in school or not able to get home work done. If we keep our child home, do we need to submit a doctor's note to bring the child back? Will the child be penalized for not attending while ill?

There isn’t a need for excused absences.  There is no longer retention in ES or MS or failure of the course in HS strictly due to attendance. That was removed from the board policy and from all procedures this year.  No matter how many absences a student has, they will not be retained due to attendance.  However, students may still be retained if they are not on grade level or fail a course if they do not have grades to pass the course, so all work should still be made up to keep up with their class.  If a student is unable to participate in distance learning, students who request make up work will be given make up work by the teacher.

What happens if the child misses too many days due to sickness this year?

There is no longer retention in ES or MS or failure of the course in HS strictly due to attendance. That was removed from the board policy and from all procedures this year.  No matter how many absences a student has, they will not be retained due to attendance.  However, students may still be retained if they are not on grade level or fail a course if they do not have grades to pass the course, so all work should still be made up to keep up with their class.

Will coping and behavioral health counseling be available for distance learning as well? Will distance learners have access to emotional counseling too? Is there emotional support available for distance learners?

YES- Counselors, Social Workers, Safe School Professionals and School Behavioral Health Staff will be providing supports and referrals for all students. Contact your student's school counselor, social workers or safe school professional for assistance. If you have further questions or need additional information or support contact the Counseling Department. 

What is an example of air hugs?

These images are examples of what an airhug can look like.

Will a social emotional curriculum be implemented for all grades (differentiated??)  and will teachers reach out to parents if they have concerns about a students emotional health?

All teachers have had professional learning on mental health, wellness and family engagement.  The district is strongly encouraging classroom teachers to lead with these practices.

Here is the link to the Social and Emotional Learning curriculum: https://www.washoeschools.net/site/default.aspx?PageID=15180.

What outlets/ help do you recommend for parents who are dealing with loneliness?

There are many wonderful social distanced opportunities for adults within area community organizations here locally and opportunities online for social online interactions. Look at online and local groups related to your hobbies or parenting and family focused groups.  These can be great places to begin conversations activities and friendships. Here are some websites with more resources:

The WCSD Family Resource Center: https://www.washoeschools.net/Page/5706

Family Wellness page:  https://www.washoeschools.net/distancelearning

Are face shields allowed?

Yes, Students can wear face shields but they must also wear a cloth face covering.  A face Shield does not take the place for a cloth face covering. 

What about the clear shields? Are those going to be allow?

Yes, Face Shield are allowed but not a substitute for a cloth face covering.  If a student intends to wear a clear shield they will also need to wear a cloth face covering per Nevada Governor’s Emergency Directive 028. 

What do conern stay at home. What if they have they have a running nose because of allegy.

If a student only has a runny nose then they should still attend school.  If they have a runny nose and at least 1 other known symptom (see WCSD Self Screening Tool) then they should stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days or until a negative COVID-19 test and student no longer has symptoms for at least 24 hours (without medication). 

Please let us know if you will be banning the use of neck gaitors and bandanas?

Very recent studies have shown these are not adequate.  The WCSD Dress Code is still in effect and certain items that could be considered “gang” affiliation are not appropriate to wear to school such as bandanas. 

What about the clear face shields?

Yes, Face Shield are allowed but not a substitute for a cloth face covering.  If a student intends to wear a clear shield they will also need to wear a cloth face covering per Nevada Governor’s Emergency Directive 028.

can we use a face shield?

Yes, Face Shield are allowed but not a substitute for a cloth face covering.  If a student intends to wear a clear shield they will also need to wear a cloth face covering per Nevada Governor’s Emergency Directive 028.

my child wont be wearing one so is he essentially putting everyone at risk including himself.

There is a greater risk of exposing others to COVID-19 and exposing themselves to the virus if they are unable to wear a cloth face covering. 

Can children wear face shields instead of a mask?

Yes, Face Shield are allowed but not a substitute for a cloth face covering.  If a student intends to wear a clear shield they will also need to wear a cloth face covering per Nevada Governor’s Emergency Directive 028.

kids have the "sniffles" all throughout cold season and coughs can even be allergy related.  if kids cannot come to school with any symptoms, i would assume classes will be almost empty at some point. am i understanding?

Yes, that is likely.  If students present and come to school with any of the 17 known symptoms of COVID-19 (most of which are identical to seasonal allergies, FLU, Streep Throat etc.) then they will be asked to go home for at least 10 days (encouraged to get a COVID test) and do distance learning. 

Are face coverings that are the buff style or gator style allowed?

They go around your neck and they pull them up to cover nose and mouth. 

Are the face shields a good enough face coverings?

Face Shield are allowed but not a substitute for a cloth face covering.  If a student intends to wear a clear shield they will also need to wear a cloth face covering per Nevada Governor’s Emergency Directive 028.

If a childs Asthma acts up, but has no fever can they attend school? How do I get her Asthma medication to the school nurse?

Please contact your school and ask to speak to the nurse.  You can make arrangement with the nurse to drop off medications.  If the asthmatic symptoms are the same as the COVID-19 symptoms then they will likely be asked to stay home for at least 10 days and do distance learning until symptoms stop.

why will kids be allowed to come with no masks even with a doctors note. I would think they would have an underling issue if they can't wear one? 

Yes, In the Governor’s Emergency Directive 028 it outlines the process a family/student would need to take in order to be considered “exempt” from having to wear a cloth face covering to school.  Medically fragile students or students with a disability (IEP) that does not allow them to wear a cloth face covering are exempt from having to do so.  Any family/student that feels that they fall into this category should contact their school’s principal ASAP.

how would we determine allergies verses runny nose.

Having a runny nose is certainly a symptom of seasonal allergies in Washoe County and many students have them.  WCSD has removed “Runny Nose” off of our COVID-19 symptoms that we would send a student home with.  Students would need to have at least 1 other symptom before the school would ask the family to quarantine their student for 10 days and suggest getting tested. 

What types of thermometers are most accurate? What about families who do not have accurate thermometers? What about the fact that SOO very many people are asymptomatic?

Yes this will be an ongoing challenge if a student has COVID-19 but does not show any symptoms.  There are a variety of different types of thermometers that are good enough to take an accurate temperature.  We are concerned with any temp over 100.4 degrees. 

How does a child get cleared to come to school if they have one of them symptoms listed?

If a student was asked to go home and do distance learning for 10 days because they had 1 or more of the COVID-19 symptoms then after 10 days they no longer have symptoms then they are OK to return to school.  This is also true if they get a COVID-19 test and it comes back negative and students symptoms stop after 24 more hours without medication. 

Will accept ions be made for kids will health conditions for masks.

Yes, Please contact your school’s principal for more information and guidance.  

What will the teachers be cleaning surfaces with? It seems that soap and water won’t kill the virus and we will eventually have an outbreak?

According to the CDC Soap and Water will kill the virus.  It is actually a combination of the Soap being mixed with water and the agitation process of the paper towels going back and forth over a surface that will break the cell membranes of the virus down and ultimately kill it.  This is also why the CDC is advocating for everyone to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

are the kids allowed to take a back pack to school? 

Yes, At this time lockers are off limits so students will need to take all of their personal items + lunch in their backpacks.

How often will children get breaks from wearing their mask?

Some schools have built breaks into their daily routines.  If a student needs to take a break they should notify their teacher and if they are outside the student can remove themselves for other students/adults and be 6+ feet away from anyone and temporarily remove their face coverings.  After taking some deep breaths and feeling better the student will need to put their face covering back on and continue on with their day.

If someone in the household is experiencing symptons and the child does not attend school, will that child be marked absent or  be able to complete all of their work online?

Yes, if the student is already signed up for distance ed. then there should be no disruption in that students learning.  If the student was supposed to go to “In-Person” school then they will be assigned an alternative assignment and asked to do it while they are home. 

can my daughter wear face shields?

Yes, Face Shield are allowed but not a substitute for a cloth face covering.  If a student intends to wear a clear shield they will also need to wear a cloth face covering per Nevada Governor’s Emergency Directive 028.

hey can do the bandit style facemasks?

The WCSD Dress Code is still in effect and certain items that could be considered “gang” affiliation are not appropriate to wear to school such as bandanas. 

Will there be several times during the day that the students can take their masks off to take a break from them?

Some schools have built breaks into their daily routines.  If a student needs to take a break they should notify their teacher and if they are outside the student can remove themselves for other students/adults and be 6+ feet away from anyone and temporarily remove their face coverings.  After taking some deep breaths and feeling better the student will need to put their face covering back on and continue on with their day.

What is the procedure if someone in a class tests positive? Will everyone in the class be told? Will they be asked to test and/or stay home until they know?

If this happens in an elementary classroom then everyone in that classroom (including aides and teacher) will be asked to stay home and quarantine for 14 days.  That class will immediately need to switch to distance education during this time.  If this happens in a middle or high school classroom then everyone in that environment will be asked to quarantine for 3 days or 72 hours while WCSD and WCHD conduct contract tracing to determine how many other students and adults this student came into contact with.  After the contract tracing is conducted more students or staff could be asked to quarantine for 14 days because of close exposure contacts. 

how will the schools keep parents informed of active or suspected covid cases within the student and faculty bodies? Can you please answer my question above? In addition, if I do have a sick child do I call the office and will they move them to distance learning immediately due to sickness not preference?  Yes, please call your school ASAP.  Please be prepared to answer a series of questions that your school secretary, nurse or clinic aide have been trained to ask to help begin the contact tracing process.  Yes, if your child is sick and showing symptoms of COVID-19 then they will likely be moved over to distance ed. immediately. 

Will there be times during the day that the students can take their masks off to take a breathing break, for example?

Some schools have built breaks into their daily routines.  If a student needs to take a break they should notify their teacher and if they are outside the student can remove themselves for other students/adults and be 6+ feet away from anyone and temporarily remove their face coverings.  After taking some deep breaths and feeling better the student will need to put their face covering back on and continue on with their day.

Will there be contact tracing for infections? Will the students and parents be advised if they have been in contact with a sick staff member or student?

Yes, this will be a joint project between WCSD and WCHD.  Contact tracing is very important to trying to stop the spread of the virus. 

Are the students actually going to placed 6 feet apart per guidelines?

Yes, in our middle and high schools students will be expected to maintain 6 feet of social distancing whenever possible.  In our elementary schools that will be 3 feet per the Governor’s directive.  

For kids who have medical reasons for not wearing a mask, will they be required to wear face shields?

Yes, if they can.  The school will provide the clear face shield for any student that can’t wear a mask if they want one. 

instead of?  i like the sheilds as they are less oxygen restrictive and frankly protect a wider area of my daughters face....  please confirm and thanks!

Yes, Face Shield are allowed but not a substitute for a cloth face covering.  If a student intends to wear a clear shield they will also need to wear a cloth face covering per Nevada Governor’s Emergency Directive 028. 

during the Novovirus outbreak last year I was told that the District had created a threshold for individual schools closing based a percentage of student body being sick.   Is there a similar protocol, for Covid?    Can we expect that a school will close if their is a significant outbreak, and how will the makeup work be handled? 

Yes, if there are too many teachers/staff out at a particular site WCSD will probably not be able to keep it open.  Any students that are out because of COVID-19 or a school closure will be asked to do all of their school work online/virtually. 

HEY CAN MY CHILDZ where the bandit style facemask i is where they have two face masks with eye holes it is very protective.

The WCSD Dress Code is still in effect and certain items that could be considered “gang” affiliation are not appropriate to wear to school such as bandanas. 

What happens if my 1st grader takes off his mask in class and he does not want to put it back on?

All students are required to wear a face covering 100% of the time (with breaks).  If a student refuses to wear a mask they will be asked nicely to put it back on and explained the rationale behind the Governor’s emergency directive.  If they still refuse they will be asked to go home and be on distance learning/virtually.

What types of thermometers are most accurate? What about families who do not have accurate thermometers? What about the fact that SOO very many people are assymptomatic?

Yes this will be an ongoing challenge if a student has COVID-19 but does not show any symptoms. There are a variety of different types of thermometers that are good enough to take an accurate temperature.  We are concerned with any temp over 100.4 degrees. 

I have a question about Melton, which has a suspected positive case.  Especially with no children in the building, I would gather than no one was within 6 ft of this person for 15 minutes and that masks were diligently worn.  I’m confused about why the entire school was closed today if this was the case, i.e. protocols were followed.  I thought the response was such that only the close contacts are sent home rather than the entire school.  Should we expect the entire school to shut down each time there is a suspected or positive case?

I believe this decision was made out of an abundance of caution.  Typically a whole school would not be shut down if there is only 1 positive case. 

The CDC recommends against wearing a face mask with a valve or vent for exhalation.  These masks allow exhaled respiratory droplets to reach others & potentially spread the COVID-19 virus.  These type of masks are not allowed in many healthcare facilities due to this risk.  Will WCSD consider this recommendation for the facial coverings/masks mandate? 

Yes, a typical cloth face covering is what is recommended and allowed in our schools.  We would not want students wearing a mask that would allow them to breath in particles circulating in the classroom. 

Is there a plan for the schools to aquire the equipment to check the students temperature as the enter in the morning?  This would assist those that can't afford a thermometer and keep everyone honest.

No, schools will not be checking the temperature of students before they enter the building each morning.  There are a number of reasons for this but we created the WCSD Self Screening Tool so that families can monitor temperatures at home before sending their son/daughter to school each day.

Would a bandana work?

The WCSD Dress Code is still in effect and certain items that could be considered “gang” affiliation are not appropriate to wear to school such as bandanas. 

If a house hold tests positive how will the student’s class be notified? Will that entire class or school move to distance learning?

Please contact the school immediately and let them know that someone in the household tested positive.   Depending on the situation (contact tracing) that entire class might be asked to quarantine for up to 14 days. 

Can we donate cloth masks?

Yes, there are a variety of departments and schools in WCSD that would love to have donations of PEE equipment. 

Will their be biohazard bins for used masks?

Many masks are disposable and students can throw them away if they have been compromised (ripped etc.).  Families are encouraged to wash their child’s cloth face coverings every night. 

are any of you doctors or nurses?  who are you to say that a face sheul is less effective than a mask?

That has been determined by the CDC and a variety of other professional organizations. 

I have a concern about pick up and drop off at the school. I am thinking that with the buses being reduced in capacity there will be more parents driving to/from school. Is there going to be a plan for this? Wanting to know how to keep the kids safe with health and traffic issues. Thanks!  This is a good question and if you are talking about a middle or high school then there will only be approx.40% of the students there on any given day which should cut down on parent traffic.  This will be challenging for many of our elementary schools but many of them have always received rides from parents so there might not be that much of an increase. 

What is Kevin Dick recommending as ‘safe face coverings’?

A Cloth Face Covering is sufficient.  There are a variety of different types of materials and usually a simple light test (hold the mask up to light and if you can clearly see the light that is not as good as a fabric that does not let as much light through).

Regarding the "mask break"  mentioned in the webinar, shouldn't the mask break encouraged to be done outdoors instead of in an enclosed room?

Yes, absolutely.  We are encouraging all schools to take their “mask breaks” outside.

Was it really suggested that it is safe for teachers & students to “remove face coverings & take deep breaths as long as they are 6 feet apart.” ?!!!

Some schools have built breaks into their daily routines.  If a student needs to take a break they should notify their teacher and if they are outside the student can remove themselves for other students/adults and be 6+ feet away from anyone and temporarily remove their face coverings.  After taking some deep breaths and feeling better the student will need to put their face covering back on and continue on with their day.

will teachers have access to  thermometers? how will parents be notified of a positive case in their classes?

No, teachers will not use thermometers but if they suspect a student might have a temperature then they will be asked to go to the school health clinic.  A nurse or clinical aide will take that child’s temp.  The WCSD and WCHD will work together to notify parents/families if there is a positive case in the classroom and all students need to quarantine for up to 14 days.

If my child tests above 100.4 degrees and stays at home for a Monday, for example, how long does he have to stay home before he can return to school if his temp returns to a normal degree on the following day?

If their temp goes back to normal (without medication) for 24 hours or more then they should be ok to return to school as long as they do not have any other symptoms of COVID-19. 

If a child test positive in my child's class, will we be notified?- Kristen Butters

The WCSD and WCHD will work together to notify parents/families if there is a positive case in the classroom and all students need to quarantine for up to 14 days.

Why are the elementary students allowed 3 feet of social distancing versus the 6 feet required for other students?

It has been determined by CDC and WCHD that the virus is not as common in younger children (Pre-K to 5^th grade) so that is the pre-caution that our district has gone with.  This is also the guidance that our Governor’s office has adopted. 

If there is a student suspected to be infected with COVID 19, do you immediately isolate the student or wait till they are tested positive?

Yes they can “quarantine” if they have symptoms but would not “isolate” until there is a positive COVID test.

Will the students desks sanitized between class periods?

SFCs and school custodians will be cleaning high touch areas (such as desks) every night and as often as possible. 

So your saying if a family has one child with symptoms they are to send the rest to school?

Yes, secondary contacts (as long as they do not have symptoms) are OK to go to school.  If there is a positive test in the household however then everyone needs to quarantine for 14 days.

If students or family members travel will the student or entire family need to isolate?

I would need more info.  Students do not need to quarantine just because of traveling. 

If someone tests positive in high school who will have to quarantine.

It depends on the contact tracing.  It might only be a few students/staff but it could also be many or several depending on close contacts and how many students/staff that person came into contact with.

What about all of the people who are asymptomatic?

Yes, this will be a big challenge since they will not be showing any symptoms. 

Will masks be required at recess?

Yes, masks are required at all times during the school day.  Short breaks will be given as needed. 

I keep hearing “10 days”…it’s 14-days. What’s the difference? Weekends?

The difference is 10 days if they are already showing symptoms and 14 days if they are not showing symptoms but have been exposed.  It is all about the incubation period of time. 

If a child or teacher has tested negative for COVID, will other parents of children in the same classroom be notified? If so, how will that be communicated? (Because you may be concerned about your own child’s similar symptoms.)

If a teacher tests negative then there is no need to notify families.

How long will a high school teacher be kept out of the classroom when they have a positive Covid test and when will students in their class be notified?

Students/families will be notified ASAP as they will likely need to quarantine for a period of time.  A teacher would likely be out for at least 10 days or until their symptoms stop without medication. 

Regarding allowing asymptomatic family members to attend school while awaiting test results, is there any change in testing result timeframes? Results are often taking five or more days. That can lead to multiple exposures while awaiting results.

This is going to be a challenge as you are correct…getting results back can often take 5+ days.  This fluxes and depends on the day/week.  

If my child wakes up with a sore throat, will they be required to be checked for COVID-19?

Not required but encouraged. Please notify your school ASAP.

how will we be notified if a student in our class was positive or in contact with positive case.

WCSD working with WCHD will notify families of positive cases. 

What happen is our kid needs to stay at home for possible symptoms...Can they continue school online?

Yes, any student that is staying home with symptoms will be encouraged to do distance learning. 

If a student is quarantined two weeks even though they feel good, what is the plan for doing school work? Are teachers recording lectures for in-person days so those students can stay on track? Or will they be trying to keep up with only half of the lecutres or playing catch 2 weeks behind?

Yes, teaches should be continuing with their lessons virtually. 

You mentioned that kids who are sick need to be out for a quarantine period—10 to 14 days. Does the child who is attending in-person switch to distance learning during the quaratine period?

Yes, any student that is out and quarantining then they should switch immediately to distance learning. 

if your high schooler must stay home due to symptoms will they be able to distance learn that day?

Yes, all high school student will be on a hybrid A/B model.  They will be doing half of their school work remotely from the beginning.  If they are out for any period of time then they will be expected to do all of their school work virtually.

If students can't bring a backpack how will they get their homework? We will have to print this out our selves?

Students should be allowed to bring backpacks to school as school lockers will not be used in middle and high school. 

are there enough subs if 20% of the teachers get sick?  Our HR department has a good understanding of exactly how many subs WCSD has total.

I can’t speak to specific numbers but other staff members will be asked to cover classrooms if we run out of subs including our superintendents leadership team. 

We are in the in person learning program. If we have to enter quarantine, will we be able to participate in the distance learning program during the quarantine period?

Yes, absolutely.  If you are signed up for the hybrid in person learning model and are forced to quarantine then you will be asked to switch to distance learning during that time. 

If an entire elementary classroom is required to quarantine due to a Covid positive case, how will Learning continue?

The teacher and all of their students will be asked to switch to distance learning. 

It’s been released that if we want to change our students from in person to distance learning or visa Vera we are to give 2 full weeks notice before change. However, if a child becomes ill and is required to be home 10-14 days will they immediately be moved to distance? Or will they have no school/education given for that 2 weeks since there will not be a 2 week notice before moving to distance or in person?

No, if your child is forced to move to distance learning because they are in quarantine then that will begin immediately.  WCSD wants to try and limit the number of times a family switches between distance and in-person as it is a disruption to that child’s learning continuum.  

Will the student be able to switch to distance learning if they become ill?

This would assist the absence issue in most cases.  Yes, all students that contract COVID-19 will be encouraged to continue with their learning virtually (distance learning).  This is assuming that student is well enough to focus and still learn from home. 

Can a student do online class if they have to stay home sick?

Yes, all students that contract COVID-19 will be encouraged to continue with their learning virtually (distance learning).  This is assuming that Student is well enough to focus and still learn from home.