Quarantine requirements/procedures
For fully vaccinated individuals there is no quarantine requirement. It is considered a direct exposure if an individual is within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period unless they experience symptoms.
*One exception that NYS has made to this rule: Students who are spaced at a distance of 3 feet in their classrooms and who have properly fitted masks are not considered a direct contact if a positive student is also wearing a properly fitted mask.
Distancing
Students are asked to keep the appropriate distance when moving through hallways when possible.
Students will continue travel this year at all grades to specials, lunch, etc.
Students are spaced at a distance of 3 feet or more feet in their classrooms.
Students who are singing and/or playing a wind instrument must distance 6 feet when performing indoors.
Physical education classes will be held outside whenever possible. Students who have appropriate gear will not be required to change for class.
When waiting in lines students and staff are distanced at 6 feet when possible.
While there is no distancing requirement on school buses, masks must be worn at all times to limit quarantines and exposures.
Mealtime Procedures
The distribution process allows students to remain distanced at 3-6 feet when meals are distributed.
Students will continue to eat outdoors whenever possible.
When students are eating indoors they are distanced at 3 feet or more. This is however not always possible and may results in quarantines.
Schools continue utilizing seating charts and limit those who are within 3 feet of each other to reduce quarantine requirements.
Playground equipment and “lunchtime fun” items are rigorously disinfected throughout the day.
Recess will continue to be held daily and students are encouraged to safely play with their classmates.
Preventative Measures
We remind students and staff that they should not attend school if they are experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea
Handwashing and proper hygiene is required. Signage is displayed throughout the buildings and students will be reminded of proper handwashing techniques.
One flow of traffic in hallways is encouraged whenever possible.
Bathrooms will remain at limited capacity and be sanitized periodically throughout the school day.
Facilities
Airflow has been tested, improved, and continuously monitored throughout the school year.
All District air filters are at merv15 which is above the OSHA requirement of merv13.
Windows will be opened frequently to increase airflow.
Increased disinfection protocols are being practiced, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Disinfection wipes are available for all classrooms.
Deep cleaning protocols were enacted in areas where an infected individual was located.
Air filtration devices have been placed in large spaces and classrooms that have limited windows.
FAQ'sWhat is the District's face covering policy for the 2021-22 school year?
Masks are required for all students and staff at all times indoors except for mealtime and during mask breaks as is required by NYS and Governor Hochul.
What are the safety procedures regarding positive cases and quarantining?
Currently, vaccinated individuals and those who have been COVID-19 positive within the last 3 months (90 days) are not required to quarantine as long as they are non-symptomatic.
Unvaccinated individuals who have been in close contact (six feet or less) with an infected individual for more than 10 minutes within a 24 hour period are required to quarantine.
“Added recommendation for fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, regardless of whether they have symptoms.”
Guidance link
Will remote days or a hybrid learning model be an option?
The District currently has no plans to offer a hybrid model. North Rockland will continue to be open for full-day schooling five days a week. The remote option is available and enrollment is open for families who choose to sign up for remote learning.
Will the District require vaccination or vaccination status disclosure?
No. The District is not requiring children to be vaccinated or disclosure of vaccination status to attend school. We encourage all those who are eligible to get vaccinated. Please find current vaccination appointments and back-to-school wellness information below under Health. Students who have direct exposure to a positive individual may be asked to disclose their vaccination status to determine if they need to quarantine.
Protocols be regarding social distancing and classroom capacity?
Distancing: The District has distanced students and staff three feet or more whenever possible.
Classroom capacity: The District has implemented smaller class sizes to help spread students and allow our teachers to provide more individual attention to our students.
Can virtual learners continue to have full access to all classes?
We have found simultaneous teaching to be a challenge that should be utilized if no other logical option is available. Therefore, students who wish to enroll in our remote academy will access school with a specialized remote teacher and not be participating in classes with in-person students. In-person students will be required to attend school in-person to participate in daily lessons.
What if my child is required to quarantine due to exposure at school?
Instructors have been secured who will be providing live instruction and support students who are required to quarantine.
- NRHS students are able to receive their work via Google Classroom and work with teachers as part of 3-5 program.
- Middle school students follow the same model as the high school and teachers available for addition support if needed by reaching out to their school counselors.
- Elementary school students will be assigned to a quarantine teacher that will provide live instruction via Google Meets.
What parts of my child's day cause the highest risk of being placed on quarantine?
Most student quarantines have been a result of a direct contact on the bus or during meal time.
If I choose remote instruction for my child, will there be an option later on for in-person if we desire?
Parents who enroll their child in the Remote Academy will be committed to that program for the entire second semester. If you are intersted in finding out more information regarding the Remote Academy please email the principal Mr. James Mulligan at jmulligan@northrockland.org
District Events, Trips and Parents Protocols
At NRCSD we price ourselves on our community and in person events and will continue to hold them as often as we can safely do so. Field trips are allowed and we are working closely with the Field Trips Team to provide valuable authentic trips throughout the rest of the school year, which students can safely participate in.
Parents and Events
Masks are required indoors and at all indoor school events. Mask breaks are allowed outdoors and mask wearing outdoors is not required but urged at your own discretion. Please remember that people have varied comfort levels in regards to the methods of COVID-19 safety protocols, masks, and procedure to please be sure to respectful of everyone when in attendance.
Travel
When traveling out of state - while there are no longer travel restrictions when you are traveling and celebrating this holiday season please be cognizant of distancing, masking, and testing. Let's all be mindful and considerate of our North Rockland community together this holiday season. The CDC announced today that effective December 6, 2021, all air passengers must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one (1) day before travel to the United States. All employees will be expected to take this into consideration when making any international travel arrangements so that you will be able to return to work when scheduled.
