COVID-19
‘21-’22 School Year
I would first like to take this opportunity to say a huge “THANK YOU” to all the Teachers, Staff, Parents and Students in advance for your support, patience and understanding as we navigate through these unusual times. Students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in person learning is our priority. Here at New Hope Academy (NHA) we are implementing the following protocols to ensure just that. The NHA Covid-19 Protocols are derived from the recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), MD Department of Health (MDOH), and The Maryland Department of Education which guides recommendations and regulations implemented by our state and local governments. Starting Fall 2021, The New Hope community will adhere to the following guidelines:
Face Masks/Coverings are required when indoors.
Masks are required to be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older). Consistent and correct mask use by people who are not fully vaccinated is especially important indoors and in crowded places when physical distancing is not possible. For more information please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
Vaccinations are strongly recommended.
Vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID 19 pandemic. All NHA teachers, staff, and students should provide proof of vaccination status. If proof is not provided those persons will be considered unvaccinated. For more information please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/your-vaccination.html
All persons entering NHA will be screened for COVID symptoms.
Anyone who screens positive for COVID (answers “yes” to any of the screening questions) will not be allowed to attend school that day. Students, teachers, and staff are advised to stay home and consult with your primary care provider for testing and care if they are experiencing ANY signs of infectious disease (COVID 19, Stomach virus, Flu, Strep throat, Fever, etc.) For more information please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Temperatures must be checked and recorded at home prior to entering the school building.
Specific training and instructions will follow.
Cleaning procedures.
All areas will be cleaned and sanitized at the end of each school day.
Strict Handwashing will be strongly encouraged.
If handwashing is not possible, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol (for teachers, staff, and older students who can safely use hand sanitizer) is recommended. Hand sanitizers should be provided by parents and kept in student’s personal belongings. For students six years of age and under, adult supervision will be provided. Sanitizer stations will be placed in various locations throughout the building. Please review proper handwashing techniques with your student. For more information please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/hand-hygiene.html
Any Student/Staff/Teacher who exhibits symptoms of illness will be sent to the Health office and sent home immediately.
Parents, if you are contacted by the School Administration that your student is ill, please retrieve your student within 1 hour. If you are unable to pick your student up within the hour we will begin calling persons listed on your pick up permission list. If we are unable to contact anyone from that list we will call 911 for transport to the nearest hospital.
In closing, your careful attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. A large portion of our student population are children under the age of 12 and are unable to receive the COVID vaccination at this time. Therefore, this guidance emphasizes implementing layered prevention strategies to protect people who are not fully vaccinated, including students, teachers, staff and other members of their households. This NHA Covid 19 guidance will be updated as recommendations and regulations are implemented by our state and local government. Also, the NHA COVID-19 protocols are followed in addition to, not in place of, the NHA Health Policy. Please feel free to contact the NHA Health Team with any questions, comments, or concerns. Thanks again for your patience and understanding.
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Carol D.W Crenshaw RN BSN CM/DN School Nurse |