PRESS RELEASE – Provided by MWISD
Dear Ram Families,
The 2021-2022 school year is fast approaching, and I want to take this opportunity to communicate to our stakeholders the MWISD protocols for the upcoming school year with regards to COVID-19, at all district facilities. (Note: these protocols are subject to change as new guidance becomes available from state officials or new executive orders are published by Governor Abbott.)
MASKS/FACE COVERINGS – OPTIONAL
MWISD will not require the use of masks. This is in keeping with the language of Governor Abbott’s executive order GA-38, which prohibits governmental entities (including ISDs) from mandating the use of face coverings. Students, staff, and visitors who wish to use masks or face coverings for their own safety or the safety of others are encouraged to do so.
HAND WASHING
Staff and students are expected to wash or sanitize their hands regularly throughout the school day.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Physical distancing is recommended when feasible. Outdoor activities are encouraged when possible.
CLEANING SURFACES
Surfaces and equipment will be disinfected routinely by custodial team members.
MONITOR SYMPTOMS
Staff, students, and visitors are expected to monitor themselves daily for possible COVID-19 related symptoms prior to coming on-site. Parents should refer to the CDC’s published list of possible symptoms for COVID-19 and report symptoms to the campus nurse. If experiencing symptoms related to a possible COVID-19 infection, please stay home until contacted by the school nurse, and consult your physician as necessary.
CRITERIA FOR READMISSION
Students and staff who are experiencing symptoms of a suspected COVID-19 infection will be excluded from in-person activities.
Criteria for readmission:
- • Negative COVID test result*; OR
- • Healthcare Provider note indicating alternate diagnosis and clearing the individual to return; OR
- • 10 days have passed since onset of symptoms, fever free x24 hours without fever-reducing medications, and improved respiratory symptoms
*Test must be collected on/after an acceptable date based on the individual’s symptoms. Consult with an MWISD nurse to clarify the appropriate testing time frame.
STUDENTS IN SCHOOL WITH SYMPTOMS
Students at school with symptoms of illness that require exclusion will be separated from others in the clinic or other designated waiting area until their parent/guardian arrives to pick them up. Students should be picked up within 30 minutes of being contacted by the school.
STAFF AT SCHOOL WITH SYMPTOMS
Staff at work with symptoms of illness that require exclusion will notify their supervisor promptly, maintain distancing from others and leave the campus.
STUDENTS AND STAFF WHO TEST POSITIVE
Students and staff with positive COVID-19 test results are required to be reported to the school nurse. Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 (or are diagnosed with COVID-19 by a medical provider) will be excluded from in-person activities until: fever-free x24 hours without fever-reducing medications; respiratory symptoms have improved; and it has been at least 10 days since symptom onset (or since positive test result if asymptomatic).
NEWLY REPORTED CASE NOTIFICATION
Parents and staff will be notified by the campus of newly reported cases on campus as they occur.
CAMPUS VISITORS
All visitors will self-screen upon arrival for COVID-19 symptoms and will be required to disclose any recent positive COVID-19 test/diagnosis. Any visitor who has recently tested positive/been diagnosed with COVID-19, or who has symptoms of COVID-19 must remain off campus until they meet the re-entry criteria listed above.
STUDENTS WITH ACUTE AND CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS
Students with acute and chronic health conditions will continue to receive care, support, and implementation of their medical management plans at school. Infection prevention measures will be implemented to prevent or minimize interaction of well visits and illness visits to nurses’ clinics.
REMOTE LEARNING
The MWISD Remote Learning Academy will not be available the 2021-2022 school year.
VACCINES
Vaccines will not be mandated for students, staff, or visitors to MWISD facilities. MWISD will endeavor to communicate vaccination opportunities to our stakeholders.
COVID-19 TESTING
MWISD will not be providing COVID-19 testing to students or staff. MWISD will endeavor to communicate testing opportunities to our stakeholders.
EXTRACURRICULARS
UIL practices and contests will be conducted according to the rules and guidelines promulgated by the University Interscholastic League and the Texas Education Agency.
Founder | Self-taught in all forms of creativity with a passion for photography of landscapes and architecture. Devoted to helping the Mineral Wells community.
