2021-2022 Covid-19 Guidance for Schools
August 9, 2021
Dear Lead Hill Tiger Community,
I hope this letter finds your families well and ready to start school once again. We had high hopes school would return to normal this year, but unfortunately, we still have to contend with some additional guidelines. As school begins, the following have been put in place to keep our students and staff safe. As with many things COVID-19 related, these guidelines could change at any time. We will share new information throughout the year as quickly as possible on the Lead Hill School District Website, on the Lead Hill School District App, and on our Social Media.
As you read through these guidelines if anything is unclear or if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at 870-754-9868 or through email at trichey@leadhillschools.net.
Thank you so much for your support and understanding in the 2020-21 school year and for your continued support through this coming 2021-22 year.
Sincerely,
Tami Richey, Superintendent
Lead Hill School District
Vaccinations - Act 977 of 2021 prohibits the State of Arkansas from mandating a vaccine or immunization for Coronavirus. However, students who are ages 12 and older are now eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccination. (There is not a plan to host a vaccination clinic for students at the school. However, if your family is seeking a place to receive a Covid vaccine, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center is hosting a clinic every Friday from 9 am to 12 pm. Call 870-414-2021 to make an appointment.) AR Department of Health Guidance states that fully-vaccinated students or staff do not need to quarantine if deemed close contacts, unless they have/develop symptoms.
Masks/Face Coverings - Individuals exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 will not need to be quarantined if they have no symptoms and both the infected and exposed individual consistently and correctly were wearing a mask. (Masks will be available in the school offices and buses for students who would like one.) Masks are recommended, but not required.
Physical Distancing -
*at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, and
*at least 6 feet between students and adults, and between adults who are not fully vaccinated.
Hand washing / Cleaning - Students, teachers, staff, and campus visitors should be encouraged to sanitize and/or wash hands frequently. (Lead Hill Schools will continue to have hand sanitizer at entrances. We will also provide hand sanitizer in every classroom.)
Ventilation / Air Circulation - Evidence suggests that improved air circulation is beneficial in reducing the spread of COVID-19. (We will open windows and doors whenever possible to improve air circulation in our buildings. Older HVAC units will be replaced as funding allows.)
Screening - Districts should continue to screen individuals who enter facilities. (We will continue to screen the limited number of visitors and vendors allowed in our buildings again this year. Students and staff members should continue to self screen at home before coming on campus. It is important to not come to school if you are experiencing any Covid symptoms.)
Food Service and School Meals - Given the very low risk of transmission from surfaces and shared objects, there is no need to limit food service approaches to single use items and packaged meals.
(We will continue to maximize physical distancing while eating and moving through lines.)
Busing - While on buses, open or crack windows if doing so does not pose a safety risk. Keeping windows open, even a few inches, improves air circulation. (We will distance on buses as much as possible. We will require students sit in family groups again this year.)
Educational Options - There will not be a blended option this year. Parents/Guardians will need to choose either on-site or digital/virtual and must commit to at least a semester. Lead Hill School District has had our Digital Learning Plan approved by the Arkansas Department of Education for grade K-12. If you choose the digital/virtual option, you must apply by Tuesday, August 17.
Point of Contact and Reporting of Positive Cases - All districts will continue to identify a Point of Contact (POC) who will initiate the contact tracing process when positive cases are reported at school and notify the ADH of positive cases as they occur. (Lead Hill’s Point of Contact is Andy Munday. Please contact him at (785) 250-4806 if you are experiencing symptoms and intend to get tested, or if you are a close contact to someone who is positive.)