COVID-19 Re-Opening Plan 23-24 School Year - Updated

November 1, 2023

ARP ESSER Plan

2023-2024 COVID-19 Reopening Plan - UPDATED

Please be aware that the reopening plan is fluid and subject to change. 

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this plan has been created to facilitate the continued reopening of our school for onsite instruction beginning August 23, 2023. The safety of our students, families, and staff is our number one priority in this process. This serves as the six month update to the plan. 

In order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in our school, we are utilizing four primary strategies for onsite learning:

  1. Cleaning, disinfecting, and hygiene including handwashing

  2. Face coverings remain optional inside the school environment for staff and students. 

Grouping and Scheduling

Elementary and Middle School students are organized in class and grade levels. Student and Staff schedules are designed to try to minimize large gatherings in the gym, cafeteria, playground, and other areas when possible. We do know however that this will not be possible at times. Large group gatherings will be allowed.

Social and Physical Distancing

Physical distancing of students and staff may occur to mitigate the exposure to COVID-19. The wearing of face coverings will remain optional in indoor settings, where social distancing cannot occur. Directional flow of traffic may be maintained when traveling in hallways. Markings for spacing may be placed in high traffic areas. Designated offices and the cafeteria may have transparent barriers for student and staff protection.

Health Screening

COVID-19 vaccine is available for all students and adults . As a result we encourage everyone to get vaccinated to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Classroom teachers and staff members will monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure and report findings to the school secretary and Superintendent. If staff report to work, they are affirming they are symptom free. If staff are symptomatic, if they have been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual, or have been identified as a primary contact of a Covid-19 positive individual, they will report that information to their supervisor. They will stay home until they have been cleared to return to work by their personal doctor. Written documentation will be required for employees to return to work certifying that they are not contagious.

The Lone Rock School District Administration asks that students and parents monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure. By sending their students to school, parents/guardians are acknowledging that their student is not symptomatic and has not been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual. If a student exhibits symptoms or has been exposed, they may not return to school until they are cleared to return by their health care professional. If a student exhibits symptoms at school, they will be isolated by the school administration and parents will be contacted by a school official. Employees of Lone Rock School will work with Ravalli public health to limit the spread of COVID-19 and may adhere to CDC guidelines. Students who test positive for COVID-19 or have been recommended to quarantine will be transferred to distance learning on the Lone Rock School platform. This will be on a case by case basis assessed by the school administration. If a student or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, Lone Rock School will use the guidelines set out by Ravalli County Health for return to school. Students or staff members that test positive for COVID-19 will need to remain in isolation for the 5 day isolation period from the date of the positive test, and be symptom free for 24 hours before they return to the school. 

Building Cleaning and Disinfecting

Lone Rock School will continue to disinfect and sanitize our school. We will be scheduling our cleaning to maximize disinfection of common and high touch areas such as classrooms, bathrooms, cafeteria, desks, tables, light switches, and door handles. Teachers and students will increase cleaning of common areas and equipment within the classroom. In addition, we will be utilizing ionizing disinfecting sprayers throughout our school on a scheduled basis. We will also be teaching, practicing, and encouraging frequent hand washing and will have hand sanitizing stations throughout our school.

Classroom Modifications

Following the CDC’s guidance, we may utilize a classroom configuration to maximize space, ideally three feet, between desks, with student seats facing the same direction when possible. We may remove nonessential furniture from classrooms to maximize space. Items within the classroom that cannot be sanitized may be removed. Teachers may utilize outdoor space as weather permits for instruction. Students may maintain individual sets of supplies and sharing of supplies may not be permitted.

Transportation

Students who ride the bus will be assigned seats according to the recommended CDC standards. Family or household groups of students may sit together to limit the spread of the virus, this will be monitored by school staff on the bus. Windows will be open, weather permitting. Students may use hand sanitizer on the bus to limit the spread of the virus. Sanitation of seats and handrails may occur between routes, utilizing CDC recommended disinfectants by school staff and monitored by school administration.

Cafeteria 

Staff will maintain cleanliness of tables and seats between groups of students. Students and staff will maintain food allergy awareness and protocols. Sharing of food, plates, or utensils may not be permitted. Students will be required to wash and disinfect hands before lunch and after recess to limit the spread of the virus. Cafeteria tables will be disinfected between groups by school staff.

Academics

The District plans for onsite learning in a traditional school setting. Safety measures will be put into place in order to maximize the safety of both students and staff.