CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population

• School Health Operations Requirements updated January 7, 2022
• https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/covid/SY-20-21-Public-Health-Guidance.pdf

• On July 29, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott issued, Executive Order GA-38 to provide that, in all counties not in an area with high hospitalizations:
• there are no COVID-19-related operating limits for any business or other establishment; and
• individuals are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings over the nose and mouth wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household, but no person may be required by any jurisdiction to wear or to mandate the wearing of a face covering.
• On August 25, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott issued, Executive Order GA-39.

• Any Uvalde CISD faculty, staff member or student may choose to wear a face covering.
• CDC Guidance for Wearing Masks
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html

• Texas school districts do not have the authority to allow students to earn academic credit via remote learning.
  • Parents are encouraged to contact the district for the latest information from the TEA 
    • Texas Education Agencyhttps://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/covid/SY-20-21-Public-Health-Guidance.pdf

Disabilities or Other Health Care Needs

UCISD will provide accommodations, modifications, and assistance for students, teachers, and staff with disabilities and other health care needs when implementing COVID-19 safety protocols:

Remain accessible for students with disabilities:

Direct service providers will regularly communicate with parents concerning the needs of students.  Pre-arranged method of communication will be established. 

UCISD will help provide access for direct service providers (DSP) (e.g., paraprofessionals, therapists, early intervention specialists, mental health and healthcare consultants, and others). DSPs who work at multiple locations will ask whether any of their other service locations have had COVID-19 cases.

UCISD will ensure access to services for students with disabilities.

Protecting students and employees:

When possible, keep at least 6 feet distance between DSP and student

Student and DSP may choose to wear a mask.  Wearing a mask may be difficult for individuals with sensory, cognitive, or behavioral issues. 

If there is the potential to be splashed or sprayed with bodily fluids, DSPs should consider PPE such as facemask, eye protection, and disposable gloves.

DSPs will wash hands with soap and water before and after working with a student.  If soap and water are not available hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be used.   Consider the use of disposable gloves.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

• CDC recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.

Locating a Coronavirus Vaccines Distribution Site

Individuals may also visit the website www.vaccines.gov to locate a vaccine location in your area.

www.vaccines.gov

Visit the site, click the teal finder button, enter your zip code and the site will populate a current list of vaccine providers.

Uvalde CISD will implement Class Size Reduction with ESSER III Funds.

Parental Attendance in ARDs may be virtual

Social distancing will be encouraged on school buses and in classrooms.  UCISD students and staff will maintain a minimum distance of three (3) feet from others whenever possible. Classrooms on all campuses will be set up to maintain social distancing while allowing for centers and small group work.

Uvalde CISD will not implement the use of the Skyward Health Screeners in 2021-2022. Per Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, initial monitoring of symptoms begins at home. Individuals who are feeling ill, including symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, abdominal pain, fatigue, muscle aches, or headache, should stay at home and consult with a medical professional regarding school participation.

Uvalde CISD will take safety precautions. If a student or staff member tests positive, the district will consult the Local Health Authority and report to DSHS.  Those who test positive will not be allowed to return to campus until cleared by the district.

Students and staff will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer when entering a bus, building, classroom, and/or office. Frequent handwashing and sanitizing will also be incorporated in daily schedules. Buses, classrooms, and other common areas within the school will be thoroughly disinfected daily and deep cleaning will be conducted on a regular schedule.

Good hygiene will be encouraged and reviewed following CDC Guidance of

• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer.
• In an effort to help minimize the spread of germs, water fountains will remain off on our campuses.  Students and staff have access to water bottle refill stations and are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to school.

Extracurricular Activities are an important part of a UCISD student’s educational experience.  Extracurricular activities, including but not limited to, sports, fine arts, practices, field trips, and competitions will be conducted following UIL and TEA Safety guidelines. https://www.uiltexas.org/policy/2021-22-policy-info/2021-2022-uil-risk-mitigation-guidelines

https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/covid/SY-20-21-Public-Health-Guidance.pdf

Elementary campus drop off will continue to be individual drop off sites to a staff member at the gates following individual campus procedure. This practice will be for students on time for drop off and pick up. Please see below for information regarding late drop off and early pick up for students.