Mitigation Strategies for the 2022-2023 School Year

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  • FUSD has revised its previously-adopted Mitigation Plan which outlines the health and safety measures intended to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to students and staff during the 2022-2023 school year.

    Leupp Elementary will implement mitigation measures expected as part of the Navajo Nation public health orders.

    The information in the Mitigation Plan will assist FUSD in developing its Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services plan required of all school districts receiving ESSER III funds through the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.

    The FUSD Governing Board approved the updated FUSD Mitigation Strategies Plan on July 12, 2022, to continue to protect the health and safety of our staff and families. 

    These COVID-19 mitigation strategies follow recommended guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), and Arizona state law.  As COVID-19 guidance changes, FUSD will update its existing Mitigation Strategies Plan and will communicate changes to team members and families. 

  • Mitigation Strategy

    School Year 2022-23

    Contact Tracing and Quarantine 

    Isolation and quarantine authority are delegated to the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHS) and outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes and Arizona Administrative code. The Flagstaff Unified School coordinates with officials at Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHS) and follows updated COVID-19 guidance.

    Quarantine Students Connection to Classroom

    Students will be allowed to access missed assignments upon return, via CANVAS, and via email with teachers.   Teachers and staff will work with families to ensure students have access to classroom assignments and are able to make up work that is missed due to illness or required quarantine.

    Community COVID-19 Health Data 

    Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) will continue to release weekly COVID-19 Community Level reports. These reports can be found on the CCHHS COVID-19 Data Dashboard web page here. The Flagstaff Unified School District will provide access to the above community levels on the FUSD website.

    Illness Guidelines

    (when should sick students stay home)

    Staff and students are responsible for monitoring their health daily. Individuals should not enter school buildings if not feeling well, having COVID-19 like symptoms, or having been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. In the event that a staff member or student needs assistance from the school nurse, health screenings should be conducted respectfully and in accordance with any applicable privacy laws and regulations.

    Social/Physical Distancing

    Protocols will be used to maintain social distance between individuals when possible. Class furniture can be spaced apart and students in the restroom at one time should be limited.

    Physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs on walls, will be utilized to remind individuals to follow the recommended social/physical distancing practices at the school.

    Instructional Grouping

    Decrease class sizes and maintain cohorts of students when possible to allow for more physical space between students in the classroom setting, and use under-utilized school rooms and outdoor learning spaces to promote physical distancing when possible.

    Large Group Gatherings

    All school events must follow outlined mitigation strategies. Outdoor activities are highly recommended.

    Classroom Materials and Textbooks

    It is recommended that students have individual materials and supplies.  If materials need to be shared, students and staff will use hand hygiene before use.  Materials and supplies will be cleansed & disinfected between each student.

    Hand Hygiene

    Students and staff are asked to wash hands with soap and water at each transition throughout the day (after using the restroom, before lunch, after recess, etc.).  If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer stations, with at least 60% alcohol, will be available throughout the school sites for students and staff to use as needed.

    Transportation

    If a student exhibits visible symptoms, including but not limited to, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, and/or vomiting, the following steps may be taken:

    • If the parent is at the bus stop, the student will return to their parent.

       

    • If the parent is not at the bus stop, the student will be situated so as to be socially distanced from other people if possible.

       

    • When the student arrives at their school, they will be brought to the health office for further evaluation.

    Lunchtime Activities

    Each school will work to maintain social distancing when possible and prevent congregating to the best of their ability. Students should wash hands with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available, prior to starting breakfast and lunch.  Schools may utilize staggered lunch schedules for certain classes and grades with adequate time for cleaning between lunch schedules.

    Masks

    Individuals may choose to wear a face mask at any time and to their comfort level, and decisions to mask or not to mask should be supported and respected. School sites and school buses will have masks available for students and staff that would like to wear them.

    Vaccines

    CDC advises that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill or being hospitalized if a person were to contract COVID-19. 

    FUSD recommends and highly encourages staff and eligible students to get vaccinated against COVID-19.  FUSD will work with local health partners to provide vaccine opportunities for anyone who is eligible and interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.  

    Students and staff are not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to participate in work or school in-person.

    Cleaning and Disinfecting

    At this time, baseline cleaning is happening daily at all school sites. In addition, the upgrade ionizer in all FUSD HVAC systems are being utilized 24/7 to help purify the air within district buildings. 

    In the event that students or staff test positive during a school day, the UVA/Hydroxyl/ Ionized Generator can be placed in classrooms or school areas. These generators are designed to be utilized in conjunction with the HVAC ionizer systems already in place.

    Ventilation

    FUSD continues to provide filter management and maintenance, encourages staff to open windows, and use fans to circulate air.  Plug in air purifiers have been distributed to all health offices and isolation rooms.  In addition, all FUSD buildings have received the installation of ionization units in the facility’s ventilation systems.

    Visitors and Volunteers

    We ask that visitors monitor themselves for symptoms prior to entering school buildings. If you or anyone you are with is not feeling well, please do not come into the school buildings, but instead call the front office for assistance. All visitors may utilize temperature screeners when they arrive. Visitors are required to complete the building sign-in sheet and use a visitor badge while in the buildings.

    Closing Schools

    The decision to quarantine a class, close a portion of the school, or close the school/district entirely is made in close coordination with the local health department.

    Field Trips

    All requests for field trips must have prior approval from school administrators. Mitigation strategies and the health and safety of students must be addressed in all field trip plans.

    Athletics and After School Activities

    Updated CDC and health department guidance and Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) recommendations will be followed for associated athletic sports and activities. 

    All requests for after school activities and clubs must have prior approval from school administrators. Mitigation strategies and the health and safety of participants must be addressed in all plans.

    Secondary Bell Schedule

    CHS and FHS classes start at 8:00 am

    Summit classes start at 7:40 am

    MEMS and SMS classes start at 7:40 am

    Elementary Classroom Starts

    Cromer, DeMiguel, Marshall, Kinsey, Knoles, Sechrist, and Thomas classes start at 8:40 am

    Killip starts at 8:20 am, Leupp starts at 8:00 am, Puente de Hózhó starts at 7:50 am

    Virtual Course Options

    Students requesting virtual coursework can enroll in Northern Arizona Distance Learning (NADL), which serves grades 5-12 students.  Students interested in returning to learning in-person can do so at quarterly intervals or with prior administrative approval.

    Student Technology Access

    Each FUSD student will be given a school-issued iPad for them to use during the school year.  Students with Wifi connectivity issues can reach out to school librarians or school administration to discuss available options for students.

    Water Fountains

    Fountains – Closed

    Water filling stations – Open

    Increases in COVID Cases:

    The Flagstaff Unified School District Governing Board may implement additional mitigation strategies in the event that COVID-19 cases increase in our community and in our schools. 

    To view the full FUSD COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies Plan, click here.