Emmetsburg Community School District
2021-2022 COVID
Protocols and FAQs
We recognize that the COVID-19 Health Pandemic is an evolving situation; changes to these guidelines will be reviewed and revised accordingly, considering and aligning with the Center of Disease Control (CDC), Iowa Department of Public health, and Palo Alto County Community Health’s recommendations. This is a LIVE document and any information held within may be updated at any time without notice.
Masking
Based on current Iowa law, ECSD recommends but does not require that all students and staff that are not fully vaccinated wear a CDC-recommended face covering to protect themselves from COVID-19.
At this time, the District nor any teacher/staff member can independently require masking in the classroom or buildings.
Any Student or Staff member may independently decide to wear a mask for their own protection and peace of mind. The mask must follow CDC guidelines for effectiveness. No bandanas
Cleaning
ECSD buildings and grounds staff will continue to clean high contact areas (desks, door handles, counters, etc.) throughout the day ECSD buildings and grounds staff will pay close attention to these high touch surfaces during their daily cleaning procedures as well.
Transportation
Based on current Iowa law, ECSD recommends but does not require that all students and staff that are not fully vaccinated wear a CDC-recommended face covering to protect themselves from COVID-19.
Contact Tracing
At this point, there will be no contact tracing done upon a positive test. Parents may be notified if a positive case does occur in their child’s classroom setting.
Testing
Individuals (including students, teachers, and other staff) can seek testing through their normal healthcare channels or through other sites that provide testing services (i.e., local pharmacies). Palo Alto Community Public Health has free home testing kits available in their offices. You may contact them at 712.852.5419.
Isolation:
Positive COVID-19 Test Result/Symptoms related to COVID-19
Persons with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis or who are symptomatic:
10 days after symptoms start and 24 hours with no fever and improved symptoms OR 10 days after positive test (if no symptoms).
Quarantine:
There currently are no quarantine orders issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Parents may choose to have their child(ren) quarantine if they come in contact with a COVID-positive individual and per best practice.
Online learning options:
This option will not be available unless further COVID protocols are put into place
Vaccination/testing options and procedures:
Individuals (including students, teachers, and other staff) can seek vaccination and testing through their normal healthcare channels or through other sites that provide testing services (i.e., local pharmacies).
Temperature taking adults/students:
ECSD will not be taking the temperatures of adults and/or students upon entry for the day.
Visitors in the School
Visitors, for academic purposes, will be allowed on a limited basis and subject to building administration approval.
Parents who are picking up and dropping students off will still be asked to call the office when they arrive at the school and their child will be sent out to the vehicle.
Parents who have academic questions and/or concerns are to call or email the office/teacher first and if a meeting is warranted, the teacher will notify the office and will meet the parent in the office to escort them to the classroom or room where the meeting will take place.
FAQ:
Q: If my child chooses to wear a mask, or is vaccinated, does that exempt them from contact tracing/quarantine?
A: There are no contact tracing or quarantine orders in place at this time.
Q: Will parents have the choice of driving their child to events this year?
A: Not unless the district puts COVID procedures back in place or ESCD administration, working in consultation with local health authorities, deems necessary.
If parents are interested in their child(ren) receiving the vaccine they may contact Palo Alto Community Public Health at 712.852.5419.
Q: Will the ECSD COVID Dashboard be updated again this year?
A: No. We will not have access to the COVID specific data that we had last year to keep the
dashboard updated with accurate information.