COVID-19 School Reopening Plan

Handbook DRAFT

UPDATED: AUGUST 10, 2020

QUALITY, COMMITMENT, OPPORTUNITY, ACHIEVEMENT

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COVID-19 Reopening Mission .............................................................................................. 3

SDFA Guiding Principles for Decision-Making Post COVID-19 Closure ............... 3

Jefferson County Public Schools Guiding Principles .................................................. 3

What Do We Know About COVID-19 .................................................................................. 4

Factors and Considerations In Decision-Making for SDFA Fall Reopening ......... 5

Administrative Conclusion Summary 7/8/2020 ...................................................... 6

Administrative Conclusion Summary 8/3/2020 ...................................................... 8

Start of School Information ..................................................................................................... 9

1Fort Approach to Learning ........................................................................................... 9

Individual Technology Devices .................................................................................... 9

2020-2021 Learning Formats ............................................................................................. 10

"Mirrored" Instruction Model ....................................................................................... 11

Learning Format Selection Process .......................................................................... 12

Attendance ......................................................................................................................... 12

Code of Conduct .............................................................................................................. 12

School Assignment ......................................................................................................... 13

District Assessments ....................................................................................................... 13

Extracurricular Activities and Athletics .................................................................... 13

Cleaning Protocols ................................................................................................................. 14

School Operations Team ...................................................................................................... 17

Safer As Opposed to 100% Safe ................................................................................. 18

Wellness Checks .............................................................................................................. 18

Face Covering ................................................................................................................... 20

Recess & Playgrounds ................................................................................................... 20

Classroom Desks and Spacing ................................................................................... 20

Bubblers & Water Bottles .............................................................................................. 20

Student Supplies .............................................................................................................. 21

Plexiglass Barriers ............................................................................................................ 21

Entering and Exiting the Building .............................................................................. 21

Student Hallway Traffic Flow ...................................................................................... 21

Visitors .................................................................................................................................. 22

Family Meetings ............................................................................................................... 22

Bussing ................................................................................................................................ 23

Student Nutrition Program ........................................................................................... 24

Jefferson County Health Department ............................................................................. 25

Definitions .................................................................................................................... 25-26

Positive COVID-19 ........................................................................................................... 27

Jefferson County Health Department Guidance .......................................... 27-29

Interim Closure Instructional Plan ..................................................................................... 29

Authority to Close Face-to-Face Instruction .......................................................... 29

Contacts ...................................................................................................................................... 30

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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COVID-19 Reopening MissionTo reduce the health-related risks to COVID-19, child and adolescent physical or sexual abuse,

substance abuse, depression, and suicidal ideation while also providing for quality education,

student services, and extracurricular activities. While the goal of face-to-face teaching and

learning is of utmost importance while considering the health, safety, social-emotional,

logistical, and practical factors thereby understanding that a shift to a blended, hybrid, or full

virtual environment shall always be of consideration.

SDFA Guiding Principles for Decision-Making Post COVID-19 Closure:Student and staff safety is of utmost importance and highest priority.Reopening in person is preferred if safety assurances can be achieved. Equity of opportunity and ensuring student access to high quality, public education as aforemost responsibility. Commitment to social-emotional needs and trauma-informed practices to advanceacademic learning.Decision-making grounded in current data and recommendations from local, state, andnational organizations. Ensuring compliance with State and federal guidelines and requirements. Careful consideration of unique circumstances across groups, schools, and services.Value to community partnership and engagement within a 1Fort vision.

Jefferson County Public Schools Guiding PrinciplesCollaborative work with the Superintendents of Jefferson County, Several Principals of

Parochial Schools of Jefferson County, and the Jefferson County Public Health Department

determined that a unified approach and solidarity in decision making will serve our

communities well. Each school district superintendent expressly stated that although we

agree upon these guiding principles, each individual school board has authority to adopt,

modify, or cancel this guidance.

FoundationWe support the American Academy of Pediatrics Statement as one of the guiding principlesof our School Reopening Plan: “Schools provide more than just academics to children andadolescents. In addition to reading, writing and math, children learn social and emotionalskills, get exercise and access to mental health support and other things that cannot beprovided with online learning. For many families, school is where kids get healthy meals,access to the internet, and other vital services.”

SafetyStudent, staff, and family safety is a very high priority. Plans will reflect guidance from theDepartment of Public Instruction, CDC, and American Academy of Pediatrics, as well asstate and local health departments.

Full Return to SchoolPlans will reflect a preference for full-day, face-to-face classroom learning and focus oncreating conditions to reopen schools as safely as possible. However, knowing thetrajectory of COVID-19 outbreaks are changing weekly, we are planning for multiple schoolopening scenarios.

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Face CoveringsTo allow the return of all students, face coverings will be required for all staff and studentswhenever benefits outweigh harm. Individual concerns will be addressed on a case-by-

case basis, (i.e., young learners, medically fragile students, students with IndividualEducation Programs (IEPs), or when recommended physical distancing can't be achieved,etc.) Face Coverings allow us to provide more students bussing services, reduceconstraints on class size, allow for face-to-face instruction, reduce the need to plan fordaily entering and exiting the buildings plans, reduce the needs for staggered starts,and address other physical distancing challenges.

Flexibility Instructional models may include blended and virtual options for students in the event thatwe cannot safely provide full-day, face-to-face classroom learning for our students or ifschools are forced to close for an extended period of time.

Health ScreeningsWe support the screening of all students and staff participating in the school setting. Theprocedures for this screening may be conducted at school or at home as determined byeach district/private school.

AthleticsIndividual athletic programs will be addressed in consultation with the WIAA and the localhealth department following CDC, Wisconsin Health Department, local health departments,and other athletic organization guidelines.

What do we know about COVID-19 (to date)?At the time of writing this handbook, here is what the science is telling us about the

Coronavirus. ( https://www.cdc.gov/ )

Instruction Instructional models may include blended and virtual options for students in the eventthat we cannot safely provide full-day, face-to-face classroom learning for our students or ifschools are forced to close for an extended period of time.

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Factors and Considerations

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Factors and Considerations 7/8/2020

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Factors and Considerations 7/8/2020

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Factors and Considerations 8/3/2020

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Start of School InformationStudents in the School District of Fort Atkinson will return to classes on Tuesday, September 1.

All students in grades Kindergarten through grade 5 will report to school either in-person or via

remote (virtual) learning. Students in grades 6 and 9 will report on Tuesday, September 1 for a

full day of middle school and high school orientation. Their peers in grades 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12

will join them on Wednesday, September 2. The School District of Fort Atkinson will hold

classes daily Monday through Friday according to a regular bell and course schedule. For

more information regarding bell or course schedules, please visit your school’s website.

Individual Technology DevicesThe District is excited to announce that all students in grades kindergarten through grade 12

will be provided an individual Chromebook for his/her use at school and at home. In addition

to avoiding the COVID-19 safety concerns related to shared technology, the District is excited

about the benefits individualized technology provides for teaching and learning. There is no

cost to families for this device, however, fees may be assessed to families due to damage to

any district property including mobile devices. Students/families should familiarize

themselves with our Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety Policy found on our

website.

It is important that parents help their children to properly care for their mobile device,

including keeping it clean, and using it effectively for online learning. More information

regarding the use and management of student Chromebooks will be provided to families by

the student’s school prior to the start of school.

SupportTechnical support is available to students and families by emailingstudentsupport@fortschools.org or by calling (920) 563-7820. Please include as muchinformation as possible including your name, the serial number of the device, and contactinformation. A member of our support team will get back to you as soon as possible.

ReturnMobile devices and chargers may be collected at the end of the school year for maintenanceover summer break. Students will retain their original device each year while enrolled at theSchool District of Fort Atkinson. Any student who transfers out of the district will be required toreturn their device. If a device is not returned, the family will be responsible for payment in full.If payment is not received, the family will be turned over to a collection agency.

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1Fort Approach to LearningThe School District of Fort Atkinson is committed to providing equitable and aligned services

to all students for the 2020-21 school year. Through maintaining students in their home

schools and following through on our commitment to comprehensive programming by

honoring student course selections, families can choose a learning format - in-person or

remote / “virtual” - with confidence that all students will continue as valued members of our

learning community and learn from highly qualified SDFA teachers.

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2020-2021 Learning Formats

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“Mirrored” Instruction ModelAll classes, from kindergarten through grade 12, in the School District of Fort Atkinson for the

2020-21 school year will provide opportunities for students to access instruction in-person as

well as “mirrored” through remote / virtual access. Fall 2020 marks a return to delivery of

required grade level learning for all grades and courses. Learners in both formats will continue

to access the full spectrum of learning experiences typically offered in Fort Atkinson schools

including full group and small group instruction, peer-to-peer collaboration, and independent

work.

Teachers will utilize technology to provide high quality audio as well as video access to

learning experiences happening throughout the school day. Instruction will be provided

through a live video feed (synchronous learning) or by pre-recorded video (asynchronous

learning) posted in Google Classroom. When direct teaching is occurring, remote learners will

connect to the classroom via Zoom and learn alongside their classroom peers. When in-

person students are working independently, remote learners will also complete assigned work

independently at home off of Zoom. Remote learners will be accessing learning throughout

the school day during regular school hours. Teachers will communicate with families

supporting remote learners via Google Classroom allowing them to provide families

information on when students need to log in to Zoom or other digital applications as well as

assignment expectations. The District is sensitive to screen time for remote learners. Our goal

is to provide a balanced learning experience in consideration of the age and maturity of the

students.

Engaging all learners in active learning will be of highest priority. Teachers will be learning

new digital tools to provide opportunities for students to connect. Teleconferencing using

Zoom and collaboration opportunities using various digital programs will be utilized for peer-

to-peer, small group or teacher interaction.

Classroom assignments and updates will be posted in Google Classroom to be utilized by both

in-person students as well as those accessing learning virtually. Teachers will be able to send

home paper materials to remote students weekly as well as supplies or materials as needed.

Families with remote learners will have responsibilities to physically return work to school

weekly if the materials cannot be returned digitally.

Increased technology integration will benefit all of our 1Fort learners. Throughout the school

year, the SDFA team will be learning new teaching strategies and models that use technology

strategically to enhance learning for all students. These contemporary practices are made

possible through our expanded technology access this school year. This professional learning

is the beginning of a long-term commitment to expanding our team’s expertise in the area of

technology-enhanced learning.

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Learning Format Selection ProcessStudents will participate in learning through the format selected by families during

registration. The School DIstrict of Fort Atkinson will follow up with any families that did not

register a current student the week of August 3 to update student information and determine

the family’s learning format preference. If a family’s preference for learning format changes

after registration, families must notify the district no later than Friday, August 21 using the

Change of Learning Format Request Form on the District website.

Knowing consistency is key for safety measures as well as to optimize learning, the district is

encouraging families to commit to a learning format selection for at least a quarter (9 weeks). If

a change of learning format is desired, families will submit a Change of Learning Format

Request Form. If a family feels a change in learning format needs to occur within the quarter

due to an unexpected circumstance or academic need, requests will be considered on a case-

by-case basis. Learning format selection or change for students with specialized needs may

also be made by the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Team or a Section 504

Team in collaboration with the student’s family.

If at any time a student is ill or unable to attend school in-person due to a COVID-19 exposure,

the student may transition to a remote (virtual) learning format during their time away from

school and return to school in-person when the student has recovered or the quarantine

period has been completed.

The School District of Fort Atkinson has committed to providing a mirrored, remote (virtual)

learning option for the entirety of the 2020-21 school year. Decisions for future years will be

considered by the Board of Education at a later date.

AttendanceAttendance is required for all students for the 2020-21 school year. Attendance will be taken

daily for all students. Attendance procedures for in-person learners will not change from

previous procedures. The School District of Fort Atkinson is still working through attendance

procedures for remote (virtual) students and will communicate these to families of remote

(virtual) learners prior to the start of the school year. Truancy laws and compulsory attendance

expectations are in place for the 2020-21 school year. Families with students who do not meet

attendance requirements will be subject to standard attendance procedures and, when

warranted, truancy consequences.

Code of ConductAll students - whether in-person or remote (virtual) learners - will be subject to the SDFA Code

of Conduct while participating in learning activities in the 2020-21 school year. Please

reference your school’s student handbook for more information about code of conduct

information. Principals in each school will have administrative supervision over all students

enrolled in his/her school including those who are attending remotely (virtually).

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School AssignmentAll students, regardless of learning format selection, will remain in his/her current school

placement. This approach ensures that all of our 1Fort learners maintain the learning

community relationships and school connection we value.

District AssessmentsAll students, regardless of learning format selection, will be required to participate in District

assessments by grade level and State of WI requirements. Whenever possible, at-home test

taking options will be utilized for remote (virtual) learners. Required assessments will be

communicated with families throughout the school year.

Extracurricular Activities and AthleticsAll students maintain equitable access to participation in extracurricular activities and athletics

regardless of learning format selection.

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Cleaning Protocols

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*This is a sample classroom for reference from the Muskego Norway School District.

Plexiglass and other accommodations will be made on a building by building basis and will be shared by each

building at a later date.

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Cleaning Protocols

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Cleaning and DisinfectingIn addition to traditional cleaning methods, increased COVID-19 measures for daily cleaningand disinfection of classrooms, gymnasiums, restrooms, locker rooms, cafeteria seating, andother facilities is critical to preventing the spread of all illnesses, including COVID-19, andseasonal influenza.

The SDFA custodial staff will pay special attention to touch points and common surfaces, inhigh-traffic areas, such as waterfill stations, doorknobs, light switches, desks, computers,phones, toilets, faucets, sinks, handrails, etc.

In some cases other staff (non-custodial staff) will be relied upon for some of this dailycleaning within classrooms.

Adhering to 'time on surface' requirements in accordance with the EPA, approved disinfectantswill be used.

Chemical Cleaning Products UsedThe SDFA uses the EPA approved disinfectants that include hospital grade disinfectant or

fresh 10% chlorine bleach solution (sodium hypochlorite solution), as appropriate. Included on

the EPA List N: disinfectants for use against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Spic and Span

& Comet disinfectant qualify. Brutabs for Victory Sprayers & Clorox 360 cartridges qualify as

well.

Sanitation and Hygiene SignagePosters and signs in all buildings will be provided by the District with assistance from the

school nurse. Posters such as cover your cough, handwashing, and stopping the spread of

germs are examples of such signage.

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Each school building has formed an Operations Team which will utilize the below checklist todevelop customized plans for their building. These plans will be shared at a later date.

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ThermometersIf a family does not have access to a thermometer, please contact your school principal or pupil services department. The District will provide free thermometers as supplies last.

Additionally, each school building has access to at least one touchless thermometer for usefor students and staff exhibiting COVID-19 like symptoms.

Health RoomsEach school now has two health rooms. The first health room is the traditional room for

children receiving medications, treated for bumps and bruises, doing blood sugar checks, and

other routine health-related needs. The second health room is for students experiencing

COVID-19 like symptoms.

Both rooms will be supervised by office staff. If a child has COVID-19 symptoms, a parent, guardian, or emergency contact member will be contacted and the child will be sent home.

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Wellness ChecksTo reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the SDFA requires students and employees toperform health wellness checks on a daily basis.

Safer as Opposed to 100% SafeGiven the depth and breadth of influencing factors while realizing some commitments are in

direct conflict with other important commitments, SDFA embraces the notion that our efforts

are to make schools “safer” knowing that we can never make schools 100% “safe.”

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Response to Students and Staff with COVID-19 SymptomsSchool Nurse or designated school staff needing to provide direct patient care will wear

appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including N95 masks and perform hand

hygiene after removing PPE. Equipment may include a face shield, face mask, protective

goggles, gloves, and gown.

Touchless thermometers are provided for each building and will be used to take

temperature readings.

Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 like symptoms will be expected to go home.

Parents/guardians or emergency contacts for students will be contacted.

Symptomatic individuals will remain under visual supervision by a staff member. The

supervising staff member will be wearing a face covering.

Symptomatic individuals are required to wear a face covering while waiting to leave the

school.

Cleaning and disinfecting protocols will be followed after the symptomatic individual has

left the health room.

Confidentiality

The District recognizes that an individual's health status is personal and private. Therefore,

the District shall handle information regarding students and District employees with

suspected or confirmed communicable diseases in accordance with state and federal laws

and Board policies governing the confidentiality of student and staff health records.

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Classroom Desks and SpacingIncreased space between students by rearranging seating to maximize space between

students. Following the current State Order, face coverings must be required at all times

while indoors during the time of the State Order.

If the physical space in the classroom (and other settings) does not allow for

recommended spacing, then desks will be spaced as far away as possible and face

coverings will be required at all times in that classroom for students and staff.

Due to the spacing constraints at the schools, students and staff will be required to wear a

face covering throughout the day with intermittent breaks when it is safe and you have

been instructed to do so.

Recess & PlaygroundsAccording to the CDC and the AAP, enforcing physical distancing in an outside playground

may be difficult and may not be the most effective method of risk mitigation. Emphasis shouldbe placed on cohorting students and limiting the size of groups participating in playgroundtime. Outdoor transmission of the COVID-19 virus is known to be much lower than indoortransmission. Since physical distancing cannot be consistently achieved and enforced duringthis time, face coverings will be required.

Students and supervisors must practice good hand hygiene before going out to play and

immediately upon returning inside the school building.

Face CoveringsIf a child/family refuses to wear a face covering, they will be offered virtual instruction only andwill not be allowed to ride the bus or participate in the in-person educational program. If achild cannot wear a face covering due to health reasons, please contact your buildingprincipal.

"Face covering'' means a piece of cloth or other material that is worn to cover the nose andmouth completely. A "face covering'' includes but is not limited to a bandana, a cloth facemask, a disposable or paper mask, a neck gaiter, or a religious face covering. A "face covering''

does not include face shields, mesh masks, masks with holes or openings, or masks with vents.

All students and staff members will receive one reusable face covering from the district on the1st day of school. Each school will have a designated school supply list which will includeadditional reusable face coverings for each student.

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Bubblers & Water BottlesAll bubblers’ (drinking fountains) push bars have been deactivated. To reduce these high

touch surfaces, water bottle filling stations have been installed in all buildings.

Students are to bring their own water bottle to school labeled with their name. Please stop by

your main office if you are unable to obtain a refillable water bottle.

Parents/guardians will receive communication from their school principal and/or classroom

teacher regarding water bottle needs. Parents/guardians are responsible for cleaning theirchild’s water bottle on a daily basis.

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Student SuppliesParents/Guardians will receive communication from their school principal and/or classroom

teacher regarding these supplies. Among the typical back-to-school supplies, families will also be

asked to provide a refillable water bottle, and additional face coverings.

For parents/guardians who have the means to donate extra supplies, please consider doing so.

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Plexiglass BarriersPlexiglass barriers may be installed in instructional settings, collaborative spaces, lunch areas,

and student work stations. Plexiglass barriers may also be installed in office workspaces such

as administrative assistants’ desks and other areas as appropriate. When students, staff,

visitors, and guests are greeted by the building administrative assistant, the desk may have a

plexiglass barrier.

Entering and Exiting the BuildingEach building will have clearly marked entrances and exits. There will be signage available ateach entrance which will list the self-screener for all students and staff.

Student Hallway Traffic FlowVarious areas, such as the narrow steps at schools, may necessitate designated steps for goingup and going down.

The flow of students in the buildings will be closely monitored and steps will be taken to

minimize high volume areas.

Large common areas, such as cafeterias, will have floor markings indicating places to standwith 6 feet social distancing.

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VisitorsVisitors will be limited to appointment only.

Signage will be posted at the entrance of each building indicating that visitors will be

required to screen themselves prior to entry for symptoms as indicated on the self-screener

sign.

In the case of an emergency, visitors will be allowed without an appointment.

Face coverings will be required.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own face coverings, but if they do not have one, a

disposable mask will be provided.

If a visitor needs to drop an item off at school, we ask that you use the controlled access

front door system to notify the office of your student's name and the item you are dropping

off. You will be directed to leave the item in the designated retrieval area for staff to deliver

to the student.

Family MeetingsFamily meetings such as IEPs, meetings with counselors, and meetings with teachers will be

encouraged to be done virtually. When a virtual option is not possible, a face-to-face meeting

is certainly acceptable. During face-to-face meetings face coverings will be required.

Details on special school events (open houses, conferences, etc.) will be provided at a later

date.

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Bussing

Elimination of the Transfer Point - This may mean each bus will need to visit multipleschools to drop off and pick up all children on their route. This will mean earlier pickups inthe morning and later drop offs in the afternoon. Every effort will be made to minimize achild’s time on the bus.Bus drivers and riders are required to wear face coverings. If a child cannot wear a facecovering due to health reasons, please contact your Building Principal. Seats may be assigned on all bus routes.Physical distancing will be maintained to the extent possible depending on the number ofstudents on the bus route. This may require children of the same household to sit together,sit one student per seat, sit students nearest the window, sit every other seat, or somecombination of these.If appropriate and safe, windows will be encouraged to be open while the vehicle is inmotion to help reduce the spread of the virus by increasing air circulation.Hand sanitizer will be available on every bus to support healthy hygiene behaviors.If a student becomes sick during the day, they will not be allowed to use the bustransportation to return home.Congregating in the aisle will not be allowed.Eating, drinking and chewing gum on the bus will not be allowed.Each vehicle will be cleaned and disinfected following every route run with specialattention given to high-touch surfaces (door handles, windows, grab handles, etc.)Signage regarding special rules during the pandemic will be posted in each vehicle.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation for their childrenif you have the means and options to do so. This will allow for reduced numbers of students onthe buses to accommodate physical distancing where possible and shorten the amount oftime students are on the bus given the changes made to the transportation system outlinedbelow.

Although physical distancing is not feasible on school buses, the School District of FortAtkinson and Double Three Transportation are working on the best routing assignments tominimize the potential for exposure. Steps that will be taken for bus transportation this yearinclude:

In August the District and Double Three Transportation will review those students that haveelected the in-person option and are eligible for District provided transportation. Thosefamilies will receive a communication from Double Three Transportation verifying whether thestudent(s) will ride the bus or not. Once all families are confirmed, routes will be designed andestimated pick up and drop off times established and communicated to the family. Should youhave any questions regarding your child(ren)’s transportation, please contact Double ThreeTransportation at 920.563.3652.

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Student Nutrition Program

A limited number of daily meal options for students to choose from to encourageexpediency through the serving line.Serving classes in staggered shifts to accommodate physical distancing within thedesignated lunch area.Cafeterias will be equipped with plexiglass panels in the serving line, as well as on thetables wherever possible, to create a physical barrier, when mask use would be difficult.Disposable food service items such as utensils and dishes will be used as often as possible,as recommended by the CDC and/or local Health Authorities.There will be no self-serve food stations such as salad bars and condiment bars. Allcondiments will be individually packaged.Student Nutrition employees and any staff handling or preparing food or beverages, foodpreparation equipment and supplies, or pre-packaged food containers will be required touse appropriate PPE, including masks, face shields and gloves, as outlined in the CDCguide for best practices for food safety.Cleaning and sanitizing of food service areas will follow CDC and Health Authorityapproved practices.In an effort to limit visitors and outside contaminants, a service will be offered whereparents and staff can order treats through the Student Nutrition Program for things such asbirthdays or classroom parties.Due to the need to limit contact point exposures, student delivery of food orders fromrestaurants will not be permitted during the normal school day at all schools.All students will be issued an ID with a barcode. These cards will be used to access lunchaccounts, in order to eliminate the use of keypads and PIN numbers.In order to decrease high touch points in the cafeteria, microwave ovens will not beavailable.

The School District of Fort Atkinson will continue to participate in, and follow all requirementsof the School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program and Wisconsin School DayMilk Program. Modifications will be made to these programs to minimize the potential forexposure. These modifications include:

Since each school building’s cafeteria layout and physical service space varies, more specificinformation regarding the operation of the student nutrition program at each school will beshared by the Building Principal.

An option for receiving school meals will be provided to students that have chosen the virtualonly option. More information regarding that structure will be forthcoming and communicatedto the parents/guardians of virtual students.

If you have any questions regarding the Student Nutrition Program, please contact ChristinaOswald, Student Nutrition Director at oswaldc@fortschools.org or via phone at 920.563.7811ext.1159.

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Jefferson County Health DepartmentJefferson County has hired a full-time Epidemiologist. Recommendations from their office

are forthcoming regarding closure, contact tracing, and decision making with positive

cases.

Please find the Jefferson County Health Department - Reopening JeffersonCounty Schools Addressing the Spread of COVID-19 here.

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DefinitionsClose Contact: Defined as being within 6 feet or in a room for more than 15 minutes or having

any physical contact with an individual who has been positively confirmed to have COVID-19,

starting from 48 hours before illness onset or positive test, whichever occurred first.

Community Spread: Level of community transmission, or percent of confirmed cases with an

unknown source of infection. More extensive mitigation will be needed when there is greater

community transmission. Jefferson County is using a rolling average for the prior 2 weeks.

Positivity Rate: Percent of Total Tests Conducted that are Positively Confirmed (over a rolling

period of 2 weeks). The threshold widely considered to be the maximum positivity rate above

which additional mitigation and preventative strategies are recommended threshold is 5.0%.

Jefferson County is electing an 8.0% positivity rate as our threshold due to several factors.

Among them being that the 5% threshold is a metric that, while a rate, does not take into full

consideration the differences between a densely populated urban jurisdiction with many

surrounding suburban environments versus a less densely populated jurisdiction like

Jefferson County.

Isolation: Separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.

Quarantine: Separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a

contagious disease to see if they become sick.

Measures of Trajectory: The effective reproductive number (the average number of

secondary cases from an infectious case in an a particular population at a specific point in

time) and doubling time (the time required for the number of cases to double) are

epidemiologic measures that can be used to characterize the speed with which illnesses are

spreading in an outbreak. Although these measures can be imprecise, especially when

calculated within smaller populations, they provide alternative ways to analyze and

characterize the trajectory of COVID-19 activity in Jefferson County

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Concerns of EquityWhile COVID-19 is an infection that has recently become a part of our lives, there are many

individuals who struggle with other social and individual determinants of health that may

impact them adversely. These vulnerable populations include a broad array of groups,

including racial and ethnic groups, those with mental health or substance abuse disorders,

those who experience abuse, those with special needs, and many more. Some of these groups

may require tailored strategies to ensure they do not suffer disproportionately from COVID-19

or the strategies intended to mitigate the spread of the virus. We can solve or reduce

unintended consequences by anticipating and planning for them, implementing tailored

activities to address them as best as possible, and ensuring we are able to assess and adapt as

needed. Please reach out to JCHD for technical assistance, if desired, in this matter.

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Definitions

Fever or chills

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue

Muscle or body aches

Headache

Symptoms: This list does not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19, only the most

common. When asking students and parents to self-assess symptoms, ask them to check for

any of these symptoms. If any of these symptoms are being experienced, it is best to shift to

virtual learning. Other symptoms, like body rashes, have also been observed in many

positively confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Loss of taste or smell

Sore throat

Congestion or runny nose

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea

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Positive COVID-19 CasePublic health departments have used contact tracing for decades to identify a person with

a communicable illness, isolate that person, and quarantine others with high-risk exposure

to the infected person to prevent disease spread. This technique has worked with the

measles, chickenpox, mumps, and multiple other illnesses seen in schools.

If a school district becomes aware that an individual who has spent time in a district facility

tests positive for COVID-19, the district officials must immediately notify local health

officials from the Jefferson Department of Public Health officials of a confirmed case while

maintaining confidentiality.

If exposure occurred at school, students and staff may or may not be able to continue

coming to school based on exposure assessment. This exposure assessment will be

completed by the school nurse in conjunction with Jefferson County Health Department

officials.

Contact tracing for all positive COVID-19 cases will be completed by Jefferson County

Public Health, Department of Health Services, and other agencies in conjunction with the

school nurse and assistance from school district administrators.

School officials will cooperate with the contact tracing investigation with attendance

records of bus transportation, classroom cohorts, cafeteria seating, and other such

contacts that will allow for quick identification of those at high risk of infection from the

positive COVID-19 student and staff.

Quarantine of 14 days may be necessary for those identified through contact tracing

Contact tracing will be conducted for close contacts (any individual within 6 feet of an

infected person for at least 15 minutes and both parties not wearing a face covering) or

any new requirements for contact tracing as established by health officials.

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Jefferson County Health Department GuidanceDue to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising trend of cases in Wisconsin, JCHD is providing

guidance to schools regarding when a school or district should shift to exclusively virtual

learning, when students or staff should remain home, and for what durations of time so that the

health of students is considered while their educational needs are being met by staff. It is

equally important that the staff in our school districts feel as secure as possible during this

critical time.

When We Recommend a Specific Student to Shift to Virtual Learning

Fever or chills

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue

Muscle or body aches

Headache

Upon showing any one symptom of COVID-19 in the list below. Shift to virtual learning for 3

days. If symptoms remain persistent for 3 days, or if symptoms worsen, shift to virtuallearning for 10 days. Parents or guardians should be conducting this assessment at home

before bringing a student to school. However, this self-assessment can take place at school in

classrooms at any time during the day, as well.Loss of taste or smell

Sore throat

Congestion or runny nose

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea

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When We Recommend Students and Staff to Shift to Virtual LearningStudents and Staff – who were in the same classroom or any other room for more than a

cumulative time of 15 minutes or had any physical contact with someone who tested positive

or COVID-19 – should shift to virtual learning for 14 days from time of exposure. Due to the

transmission dynamics of COVID-19, this would be regardless of whether staff or students

were within 6 feet or more, or if they were wearing a face covering, as long as they were in the

same classroom or other room. We strongly recommend that all who are exposed are tested

for COVID-19, if possible.

Siblings of positively confirmed individuals would also be asked to shift to virtual learning for

14 days after the positively confirmed student completes their 10th day after experiencing

symptoms or after having been tested, whichever comes first.

Students from siblings’ classes would only be asked to shift to virtual learning if the sibling of

the positively confirmed case is tested and confirmed to have COVID-19. We strongly

recommend that all who are exposed are tested for COVID-19, if possible.

We recommend that the physical classroom(s) in which a positively confirmed individualremained for a cumulative total of more than 15 minutes remain closed for 3 days fordeep cleaning and disinfection. Sanitation staff should wait 24 hours, when possible,before entering the affected classrooms or areas.

When We Recommend a School Building to Shift to Virtual LearningIf 3 positive cases for students or staff in face-to-face learning are confirmed within 1 week, we

recommend the school building shift to virtual learning for 3 days, regardless of student

population size. This is due to airborne particles lingering in the air and on surfaces, viral

transmission dynamics indoors, and the number of potential individuals exposed.

The duration of 3 days allows for contact tracing to take place with the individuals who have

tested positive, and further allows for the potential presentation of symptoms among those

who have been exposed.

The number of cases that would call for closure may be re-examined under conditions of low

positivity rates and low community transmission, and for those schools who are able to

implement classes in cohorts.

Please note that this is a conservative mitigation strategy that is based on the increasing trends

in Wisconsin and Jefferson County. Positivity rate and the rate of community transmission are

key metrics that are currently high in Jefferson County, which increase the chances that there

are likely additional students who have been infected in the event of a positively confirmed

case. The Wisconsin DHS website with COVID-19 activity shown by county and region

currently shows Jefferson County as having a high case rate and burden of COVID-19.

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Authority to Close Face-to-Face Instruction

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has the authority to make this decision ontheir own. If the decision is made locally, this decision will be a joint decision while consulting healthprofessionals, Jefferson County Public Health, the school nurse, and state officials asnecessary. Ultimately, for the SDFA the authority rests with the Board of Education or theauthority the Board of Education gives to the Superintendent of Schools.

The district is preparing for situations in which school buildings need to once again close dueto a significant number of students or staff testing positive for COVID-19 or reporting otherillnesses. We are also planning for the need to close buildings if there is a considerableincrease in COVID-19 cases in our state or region.

Interim Closure Instructional PlanQuarantine of the individual, a specific classroom or grade level, and in extreme circumstances

the entire school may be required. Classroom, school, or district quarantine will result in the

implementation of a virtual learning format for some period of time depending on the number

of cases and the nature of exposure.

Students and classes that are quarantined due to positive COVID-19 tests or exposure will be

able to continue instruction via implementation of a virtual learning instructional model.

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When We Ask a School District to Shift to Virtual LearningIf the positivity rate in Jefferson County Positivity Rate reaches or exceeds 8%, or if percent of

infections through Community Spread (positively confirmed infections with an unknown

source) reaches or exceeds 60%, we recommend that school districts shift exclusively to virtual

learning.

While community transmission and positivity rate are the two key metrics we are using to

inform closure and re-opening, please keep in mind that we should remain adaptable to

changing conditions that go beyond those two elements. In a situation where positivity rate

remains under the threshold, but other key metrics worsen, we may issue new

recommendations with consideration of those metrics. These metrics include case rate,

contact tracing capacity and function, hospital capacity, and testing capacity and availability.

The epidemiology of COVID-19 (positivity rate, community spread) in adjacent jurisdictions is

also a factor that will be considered. Neighboring or nearby jurisdictions with significantly

higher incidence or with increasing COVID-19 activity could affect Jefferson County,

jeopardizing improvements and causing an increase in positively confirmed cases.

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Who to contactBuilding Specific questions - contact building principal

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