IMPORTANT NOTICE:  The guidance in this document is subject to change as additional information about the spread and prevention of COVID-19 is known.  We must alter our documents and learning plans to comply with any new directives to safeguard student health and learning needs.

Current CDC guidance does not consider vaccination status 

Student or staff POSITIVE for COVID-19:
·      Isolate at home for 5 days from symptom onset, or 5 days from test date if no symptoms.
·      May return to school/work on day 6 if symptoms have improved and no fever for 24 hours.
·      Wearing a mask on days 6-10 is recommended.
·      Athletes may return to play on day 6, if not severely ill.

Student or staff EXPOSED to COVID-19:
·      NO quarantine required.
·      Monitor for symptoms.
·      If symptoms develop, please test for COVID-19.

Parents and staff may contact the School Nurse to receive guidance on COVID-19 protocol.

CDC no longer recommends universal case investigation and contact tracing.  School nursing no longer performs these tasks related to COVID-19.  Positive COVID-19 results are no longer tracked and reported to the state department. 

• WVDE School Recovery and Guidance

• MCS COVID-19 Protocol - 2023/2024

Q. In order to prevent spread, will masks be required for staff and students? If so, will county school systems provide the masks?
A. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own.  Since we are requiring them, every student and staff member will be provided with a face covering (mask and face shield), if they don’t have their own.  Face coverings are to be worn.  According to the CDC masks should not be worn by:  children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing, anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.  
 
Q. What about special needs students with sensory issues, etc?
A. The special services department is providing strategies and unique PPE products to address the individual students.  The IEP team is the platform for individualized problem solving regarding student w/disabilities who may have sensory issues and struggle with wearing masks.
 
Q. How can students be spaced six feet apart in classes that average 25 - 30 students?
A. Six feet social distancing cannot be accomplished when class sizes are larger than the square footage of a classroom allows.  As much space as possible should be arranged in classrooms with six feet as the preference.  Seating may be arranged with tables or desks so that students sit facing the same direction.  Face coverings are to be worn.  According to the CDC masks should not be worn by:  children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing, anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.  
 
Q. Will county school systems provide PPE, sanitizer, and cleaning supplies for classrooms?
A. We will be providing PPE, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies to be accessible in each building.
 
Q. How will art, music, science, and other classes that use “hands on” equipment in the classroom have their equipment cleaned between uses?
A. According to the West Virginia Schools Re-entry Toolkit it is required for all schools to disinfect all shared objects (e.g., gym or physical education equipment, art supplies, toys, games) between use. Limit sharing of personal items and classroom materials to small groups and disinfect between uses or provide adequate supplies for individual student use. 
 
Q. Who has the responsibility to sanitize and how will there be time allotted to sanitize those items?
A. Everyone is encouraged to be a part of the sanitizing routines in their personal workspace/classroom.  Custodians will sanitize throughout the day in common areas and in classrooms after dismissal.
 
Q. How will teachers keep their classes well-ventilated? Some teachers have been told to keep their doors closed for safety reasons - will they now be allowed to have their doors open?
A. Classrooms with windows that open may crack them to assist with ventilation.  Buildings equipped for bringing in outside air with the HVAC systems are monitored for proper ventilation by EMCORE.  It is recommended by the local Health Department to leave doors open or only the teacher open and close the doors to classrooms, so the door knobs are touched less.  Outside entrances should be secure with access by a monitor for permission to enter.

Q. For elementary students, how will small groups and / or center activities take place?
A. According to the West Virginia Schools Re-entry Toolkit schools and counties are recommended to minimize opportunities for sustained exposure (15 minutes or more) by ensuring social distancing with at least six feet between people whenever possible (e.g., adequate space exists in hallways, classrooms are large enough or class sizes are small enough, students and staff utilize large outdoor spaces). Provide frequent reminders for students and staff to stay at least six feet apart from one another and when feasible, arrange desks or seating so that students are separated from one another by six feet. If it is not possible to arrange seating six feet apart, consider having all students sit facing the same direction (i.e., all sitting on the same side of the table).
 
Small group teacher led instructional activities will require unique PPE such as table top acrylic shields We have been fortunate to have a local provider (Winners Choice) who is customizing table top acrylic products.  Regardless some small group situations will need to be considered and center activities may need to be spaced differently.  Face coverings are also required when proper social distancing is not possible.
 
Q. Will students be allowed to hand in paper work? Will teachers be allowed to grade it and hand it back?
A.  Paper based materials, such as books and loose-leaf paper, are not considered high-risk for COVID-19 transmission and do not require additional cleaning or disinfecting procedures. According to Mr. White from Marion County Health Department (7/27/2020), “In regards to students handing in paper homework, I am not concerned as to date there has not been a documented case of COVID 19 transmission on any surface that I am aware of, let alone a paper surface.  Also, the teachers will be allowed to grade and return papers.  The study that deemed the virus survival on surfaces was a molecular study that simply says it may be there, no information on viability of the viral particles. While we cannot eliminate the risk of transmission on paper, books, etc., the risk is very low to the point it is insignificant in terms of causing the illness.  There are many variables to determination of risk of contracting the illness on these articles and items.”

Q. A follow up question (for Mr. White) relating to handling student paper assignments and getting those back out to the students once reviewed. Is there a time limit on handling any items whether paper, USB or anything you might think of?
A. No time limit on materials.  These materials are of no real significance in transmitting the COVID-19 virus as many variables determine transmissibility.
 
According to the West Virginia Schools Re-entry Toolkit:  Paper based materials, such as books and loos-leaf paper are not considered high-risk for COVID-19 transmission and do not require additional cleaning or disinfecting procedures.

Q. Will students’ and staffs’ temperatures be checked daily upon school entry?
A.  No.  Keeping in line with the many discussions with the local Health Department, temperatures will not be checked on every student entering school.  Many things can alter your temperature and many positive COVID-19 cases do NOT have a fever.  This will be a daily check/questions that parents will need to be responsible for, BEFORE sending their student to school.  Temperatures will most certainly be checked for every student who presents to nurse/office with symptoms.
 
Q. If a student is found to have a fever, where will he/she be quarantined until a parent/guardian arrives to take them home?
A. The school nurses’ association has developed and approved a protocol for addressing this.  COVID 19 SCHOOL RE-ENTRY RECOMMENDATIONS & GUIDELINES WV ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL NURSES.  Sick students will be isolated from well students.  As few students as possible should be sent to the nurse, allowing time and space for symptomatic students to be evaluated and quarantined.  All minor ”band aid” needs will remain in the classroom to the extent possible.
 
Q. Will county school systems provide free COVID-19 testing for all students and staff?
A. According to Lloyd White There is no recommendation at this point that students, staff, or other personnel be tested.  The county school system does not provide COVID-19 testing.  If an employee or student has symptoms, it is recommended they seek testing from their health care provider or the local Health Department.
 
Q. If a student or staff tests positive for COVID-19, what method of contact tracing will the county school system employ to ensure a limited spread of the virus?
A. The school system will immediately contact Marion County Health Department to address COVID-19 contact tracing.
The following guidelines are to be used for confirmed cases to return to work after quarantining.

• A test-based strategy is no longer recommended to determine when to discontinue home isolation, except in certain circumstances.

• Symptom-based criteria were modified as follows:

  • Changed from “at least 72 hours” to “at least 24 hours” have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

  • Changed from “improvement in respiratory symptoms” to “improvement in symptoms” to address expanding list of symptoms associated with COVID-19.

• For patients with severe illness, duration of isolation for up to 20 days after symptom onset may be warranted. Consider consultation with infection control experts.

• For persons who never develop symptoms, isolation and other precautions can be discontinued 10 days after the date of their first positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

A summary of current evidence and rationale for these changes is described in the Duration of Isolation and Precautions for Adults with COVID-19.
 
Q. Will water fountains at schools be shut off? If so, will students be provided with bottled water?
A. Water fountains will not be shut off, but the portion of the fountain used for personal drinking will be covered.  Students and employees are encouraged to bring a wide mouth refillable water bottle with a removable cap for use at water filling stations located throughout the school.  The part that is used to drink from must not contact the filling station.
 
Q. How often will bathrooms at schools be sanitized?
A. At a minimum four times a day:  morning, mid-morning, mid-afternoon and after dismissal. 
 
Q. In middle and high schools, how will class changes be handled to ensure proper social distancing?
A. Floor signage will be visible for reminders.  Dismissals will need to be orderly and in a line following one-way traffic patterns.  Teaching and practicing expectations will occur in the soft start re-entry on the first four days of IN-Person attendance.
 
Q. How will locker assignments and times be conducted to ensure social distancing?
A. According to the West Virginia Schools Re-entry Toolkit (July 8, 2020) it is recommended to designate hallways as one-way, posting directional reminders on the walls and/or floor. According to the West Virginia Re-entry Toolkit (July 8, 2020), it is required to develop processes to keep students’ personal items separate and limit shared spaces (i.e., lockers). Logistics at schools can aid in reducing the number there at any one time and masks must be worn in halls and locker rooms.  Logistics at schools with numbers of those attending will determine the actual procedures.
 
Q. If students keep their belongings in the classroom instead of lockers, how can we reduce the risk of students bringing more germs, bugs, etc., into the classroom?
A.  Teaching, reminding and modeling healthy expectations will assist in the reduction of these concerns.

Q. What will be the protocol for new / transfer students? Will they be required to quarantine / test prior to enrolling?
A. According to Mr. White from the Marion County Health Department (7/20/2020) “Regarding transfers within the county should be addressed on an individual basis with the following question in mind: What is the reason for the transfer? I believe it must be a valid reason such as family relocation, adoption, etc. If the reason is just because a student wants to attend a particular school, that reason would not be considered a valid reason in my opinion”. The same would be applicable for transfers into our school system from another county as well.
 
With the current situation of social distancing being a primary method to decrease risk, it is important that classroom size be considered when making transfer decisions.
 
Our objective is to always protect our students, staff, and other support personnel.  Any decisions must be made with the protection of their health and safety in mind.
 
Public health seeks to reduce the risk of transmission, thereby reducing prevalence.
 
According to Mr. White (7/27/2020) Transfers with the county Mr. White explained that there is no need to quarantine prior to entering new school as this student is already in Marion County Schools. There is also no need to be tested as the student is already in Marion County Schools. Transferring the student does not increase risk of transmission in and of itself.
 
The question of if a student is transferring from 1. Out of county (WV Student), 2. From out of state, or 3, from out of the country, would the student be required to quarantine or need tested? According to Mr. White (7/27/20), “as of now, the answer is no to all three.  However, if the Governor institutes a travel ban, that may change things, In all cases of transfers, I would do the questionnaire and temp check on the first day of school”.
 
Q. Will school librarians be allowed to check out books to students? How will books be sanitized?
A. According to Mr. White from the Marion County Health Department (7/27/2020), “There is no reason why the Librarians cannot allow book checkouts. The books cannot be effectively sanitized, only on the outer surface.” Mr. White suggests all participants coming into the library sanitize prior to touching any material.
Paper-based materials, such as books and loose-leaf paper, are not considered high-risk for COVID-19 transmission and do not require additional cleaning or disinfecting procedures.
 
Q. How many cases can occur at a school before it is shut down?
A. The Marion County Health Department will make this determination. The state is still working on a set of metrics, but it will still be up to the local Health Department to assist the school system in making those decisions.

Q. According to WV State Code, teachers and service personnel are guaranteed a duty-free lunch. If students are eating lunch in classrooms, who will supervise them?
A. Principals will work with teachers to make sure that lunch is supervised appropriately.
The teacher’s duty free lunch will be scheduled into the school day.  When stake holders met, particular attention to the length of the school day was considered in order to ensure duty free lunch and a planning period.  Therefore, the in person models of instruction limit/shorten the student’s instructional day to address these teacher issues.
 
Q. How will meals be delivered to classrooms?
A. Menus will be modified, and cafeteria staff will create meals that travel more easily than a traditional menu.  Vegetable Soup may be replaced with a Pepperoni Roll so that students can carry to the classroom on a Styrofoam tray.
 
Q. Who will deliver the meals?
A. As we follow CDC Guidelines, it is our thought that students can wear their face mask, maintain 6 feet of social distancing, go through the lunch line and pick up their own Styrofoam tray.  The student can take the tray to the classroom. K-1 students may need additional help or the plan altered to prevent spills. Some details may be worked out because of the situation at a given school.
 
Q. How will trash be disposed of, and how will rooms be cleaned after eating?
A. Trash bags will be provided to classrooms.  There will be a trash can in the hall outside of the classrooms for garbage.  Custodians will dispose of trash from the hall. Everyone is encouraged to be a part of the sanitizing routines in their personal workspace/classroom.  Custodians will sanitize throughout the day in common areas and in classrooms after dismissal.
 
Q. If a school moves to all-virtual learning, what is the plan for food preparation and delivery?
A. Meals will be prepared at school by our cafeteria staff, parents can pick up meals at school.  If the Governor declares the county or state is to move to remote learning meals could be delivered to the 11 respective sites throughout the county for pick up.
 
Q. Will cooks continue to prepare meals at their school-site, or move to a centralized location?
A. The Governor has declared that all employees that do not have a preexisting health condition that puts the employee at risk will report to work to their designated work site.  If cafeteria staff is healthy and available, the cafeteria staff will produce the meals.

Q. Will substitute teachers be allowed to report to multiple schools?
A. Yes, Substitute teachers are to follow all employee safety protocol measures.  Substitute teachers must wear a mask and wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of cross contamination.
 
Q. Will itinerant teachers still visit multiple schools?
A. Yes, itinerant teachers are to follow all employee safety protocol measures.  All itinerant teachers must wear a mask and wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of cross contamination.
 
Q. As many substitutes are older and may choose not to sub right now, how will schools deal with sub shortages?
A. We currently have received 93 contracts from substitutes (40 are retired teachers). Six new subs are on the agenda to be approved on August 3, 2020 and we are still accepting applications.
 
Q. How will students be pre-assigned to other classes and still maintain social
distancing of six feet?
A. When feasible, arrange desks or seating so that students are separated from one another by six feet.  If it is not possible to arrange seating six feet apart, all students will sit facing the same direction (i.e., all sitting on the same side of a table) to the extent possible.
 
Q. If a school employee contracts COVID-19 or is exposed to COVID-19 and has to quarantine for 14 days, will these days count as “sick” days for the employee?
A.  An employee is eligible for paid sick leave if a health care provider directs or advises the employee to stay home or otherwise quarantine because the health care provider believes that the employee may have COVID-19 or is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and quarantining based upon that advice prevents an employee from working or teleworking.  Per the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), if a healthcare provider directs the employee to quarantine, current law gives employees up to two weeks of paid sick leave in addition to their regular sick leave effective through December 31, 2020.
 
Q. What happens if the employee runs out of sick days?
A.  The employee has access to up to two weeks of paid sick leave through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) for COVID-19 related leave in addition to their regular sick leave they receive each year.  After these forms of leave are exhausted, employees are eligible for a total of twelve workweeks of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) that is unpaid leave.  If an employee has taken some, but not all, twelve workweeks of an employee’s leave under FMLA during the current twelve-month period used by the employer, the employee may take the remaining portion of leave available. 
 
Q. Many teachers have children. In a “hybrid model,” will all students be distance learning on the same day across a county?
A. On a blended learning model, students participate in learning 5 days.  Two days would be In-Person and three days from home.

Q. For new teachers, will mentors be available to help them navigate “virtual” learning?
A. Yes, new teachers will be provided a mentor from Marion County Schools. Professional Development opportunities will be available for all teachers in Marion County relating to virtual learning and teaching.  Many “new” teachers have had the experience of “virtual” learning as part of their teaching training.  However, new teachers and veteran teachers will continue to receive supports in navigating the “virtual” learning platform.
 
Q. How will special education teachers handle “push in” or “pull outs” of students in regular education classrooms?
A. IEP services must continue as delineated in the IEP. Special educators have been exploring service deliver models since March 13.  Many of our related service providers such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy, physical therapy have been involved in offering tele-therapy services.  Some IEPs may need to be amended or reconvened to address the most appropriate delivery method in light of the Re-entry guidelines.
 
Q. Will teachers of the deaf be equipped with masks that allow for lip reading?
A. Yes. The Special Services Department has garnered such unique PPE to address this unique need.
 
Q. With all the changes and new requirements, will teacher evaluations be suspended for 2020-21?
A. Modifications occurred for Policy 5310 last year.  We will continue to monitor policy modifications as situations change.  Supervisors will be informed of changes as they occur.

Q. Will bus drivers be required to check students’ temperatures before they board the bus, or will there be another staff member present to help?
A. No, our drivers will not be required to check student’s temperatures before they board the bus or as student’s exit the school bus.
 
Q. How will students maintain social distancing on school buses?
A. According to the West Virginia Schools Re-entry Toolkit dated July 8, 2020, “Develop seating arrangements and protocols to limit the number of students to no more than two per seat.  Face coverings are required, unless medically exempted. The school county may provide face coverings for student if they do not have one.”
 
Q. Will buses make multiple runs in order to limit the amount of students on board?
A. This decision will be based on student’s ridership and CDC Guidelines The Transportation Department has elected to hold onto older buses that we normally sell, typically this is done after new buses have been received.  The transportation does have “overflow buses” in place if needed to utilize when needed.
 
Q. For students that ride multiple buses, how will bus transfers work?
A. There will be no significant changes that would directly impact student transfers.

Q. Will students who do not have internet access at home be provided with some way to access the internet?
A. The county has established Wi-Fi Cafes at each of the schools parking lots so that students and parents can access the internet.  The county is also working in conjunction with the WVDE to look at options through Comcast, Mobile Citizen and US Cellular, and T Mobile .
 
Q. How will students be held accountable for completing online assignments?
A. Students will be held accountable for assignments through established protocols in classroom management plans approved by the school administrator and Marion County Grading Policy.
 
Q. Will county school systems require teachers to use the same platforms for content delivery county-wide?
A. Employees and students will utilize Office 365 k12 email accounts due to the fact they all have access to this tool, and it is protected through the state.  The digital learning platforms will be Google Classroom and/or Office 365 tools. We are considering a single sign on platform, called Clever, that will give students access to a dashboard of icons for various software programs, assigned websites etc.  Students will be able to navigate to learning tools by signing in to one portal dashboard.

Q. How can we ensure that equipment (for sports, band, etc) is thoroughly cleaned between uses?
A. Everyone is encouraged to be a part of the sanitizing routines in their personal workspace/classroom.  Custodians will sanitize throughout the day in common areas and in classrooms after dismissal.  Sports and Bands have already been practicing and coaches are handling sanitizing.
 
Q. Will spectators be allowed at sporting events? If so, how will they be spaced to comply with social distancing?
A. We will follow the guidelines of the WVSSAC.
If spectators are allowed, then the school will mark off locations that are recommended.
 
Q. How will transportation to and from events be handled to ensure social distancing?
A.  In the same manner as transporting to and from school.
 
Q. Will students and spectators be required to wear masks at indoor sporting events (basketball, volleyball, etc)?
A. We will follow the guidelines of the WVSSAC as well as our local health officials as further guidance is received.
 
Q. What is protocol if the teacher gets sick?
A.  The employee has access to up to two weeks of paid sick leave through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) for COVID-19 related leave in addition to their regular sick leave they receive each year if they meet federal guidelines.  After these forms of leave are exhausted, employees are eligible for a total of twelve workweeks of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) that is unpaid leave.  If an employee has taken some, but not all, twelve workweeks of an employee’s leave under FMLA during the current twelve-month period used by the employer, the employee may take the remaining portion of leave available. 
 
Q. Will the entire class or school be quarantine/closed and for how long?
A. Marion County Health Department will assist us with making the decisions for individual school or class closure.
 
Q. Who will be responsible to supplying sanitizers, soaps, towels, masks, etc?
A. The maintenance department will continue to purchase cleaning and sanitizing materials for the schools.
 
Q. Will there be homework?  I personally think of bringing the sickness into our homes from the books, papers, and book bags being at school. 
A. Teachers determine the appropriateness of homework assignments.  Homework may be assigned using various media as appropriate to the task.  This may require the chrome book, paper pencil, virtual media etc. 
 
Q. Will there be additional skilled counselors on staff to deal with teacher and/or students becoming sick or dying?
A.  Marion County Schools expanded the number of counselors this school year to reduce the number of counselors who served more than one school.  Many of these counselors have been involved in the “bucket” planning for re entry under the category of emotional and mental health.  Our counselors are receiving various strategies and resources to support staff and students regarding the mental health impact of this pandemic.
 
Q. Who is charged with the responsibility of mandating and enforcing mask wearing?  What do teachers do when students / parents refuse or when students take them off? What are the consequences of children or adults not wearing masks properly or at all? What are the consequences of children abusing other peers with coughing or spitting on them out of dislike or hate?  You have to know the bullying that goes on at school some older child will do this.
A. Teachers should make an immediate office disciplinary referral. Parents and student can be counseled on the school wide expectation. If this is not a family supported behavior, education options other than face to face learning can be explored under the guidance of school staff.
 
School wide positive behavior and supports (SWPBIS) efforts exist across all schools. ALL expectations including the “new” expectation for COVID safety is presented as a school wide and classroom expectation.  Therefore, ALL Staff has the responsibility of teaching, supporting and acknowledging students who safely exhibit these expectations.  Discipline measures for failure to adhere to this expectation would result in an office referral. Given the safety nature of this specific expectation, discipline action by the principal is warranted and aligned with Policy 4373.
 
Face coverings are to be worn.  According to the CDC masks should not be worn by:  children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing, anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Principals would have to address insubordination of staff.  Teachers and Principals would have to address noncompliant students.
 
Q. Will we be forced to sign a liability contract to send our children?
A. Some of the local physicians, and some school districts outside of our local area have done this.  Typically, it has consisted of a statement indicating that the parent is aware of the risk potential.  Marion County Schools has not entertained that option at this time. State guidance has not addressed this measure to date.
 
Q. Can the youngest children have a distance learning vs older children?
A. Students K-12 have on line virtual options.  Pre-K students option is a packet rather than online.
 
Q. If a teacher tests positive for COVID-19 are they required to quarantine for 2-3 weeks? Is their sick leave covered, paid?
A.  The Marion County Health Department will determine how long the employee is required to quarantine.  An employee is eligible for paid sick leave if a health care provider directs or advises the employee to stay home or otherwise quarantine because the health care provider believes that the employee may have COVID-19 or is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and quarantining based upon that advice prevents an employee from working or teleworking.  Per the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), if a healthcare provider directs the employee to quarantine, current law gives employees up to two weeks of paid sick leave in addition to their regular sick leave effective through December 31, 2020.
 
Q. If that teacher has 5 classes a day with 30 students each, do all 150 of those students need to then stay home and quarantine for 14 days?
A. Contact tracing is crucial for determining the impact of an individual who tests positive for COVID 19.  In collaborating with the Marion County Health Dept., cooperation with the Health Dept. questioning will determine if quarantine is necessary and which individuals must abide.  Typically, the quarantine determination is made based on lapses of protocol and close contact with the individual diagnosed.  Be reminded that this questioning protocol is conducted by the Marion County Health Department.  Therefore, families and students should be aware of the “call” and ready to address questions to ensure the safest response to this issue.
 
Q. What if someone who lives in the same house as a teacher tests positive? Does that teacher now need to take 14 days off of work to quarantine? Is that time off covered? Paid?
A.  An employee is eligible for paid sick leave if a health care provider directs or advises the employee to stay home or otherwise quarantine because the health care provider believes that the employee may have COVID-19 or is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and quarantining based upon that advice prevents an employee from working or teleworking.  Per the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), if a healthcare provider directs the employee to quarantine, current law gives employees up to two weeks of paid sick leave in addition to their regular sick leave effective through December 31, 2020.
 
Q. What if a student in your kid's class tests positive? What if your kid tests positive? Does every other student and teacher they have been around quarantine? Do we all get notified who is infected and when? Or because of HIPAA regulations are parents and teachers just going to get mysterious “may have been in contact” emails all year long?
A. The Marion County Health Department will issue the protocol for contacting families who “may have been in contact”.  The Health Department officials are responsible for the tracing activities.
 
Q. What is this stress going to do to our teachers? How does it affect their health and well-being? How does it affect their ability to teach? How does it affect the quality of education they are able to provide? What is it going to do to our kids? What are the long-term effects of consistently being stressed out?
What will be the metal health impact on a child (especially the youngest) who are separated physically by plexiglass, masks, no lunch or no recess social time, no physical contact per peers and/or teacher, and the physical restrain of sitting all day in one place?
What mental impact will teachers face with having a class to not only teach, but to keep safe and healthy?
A. The mental health of teachers has been a topic of concern illuminated in Marion County School’s Trauma Informed Care Journey.  Specifically, this concern is referred to as COMPASSION FATIGUE.  We must continue our Trauma Informed Care activities and continue to address mental health of both the students and the staff during this difficult time.  There is a specific “bucket” designated to address the mental health wellness of both staff and students.  Specific strategies and supports are outlined on the WVDE Re Entry page.  Our local bucket leader for this area includes Sherry Copley who oversees school counselors, Mandy Boylen – lead nurse, and Denise Shipley (SE Behavior Specialist) will address these supports with school teams in order to support staff and students.  As school leaders we need to make mental health and wellness a priority during these very challenging times.
 
Q. How will it affect students and faculty when the first teacher in their school dies from this? The first parent of a student who brought it home? The first kid?
How many more people are going to die, that otherwise would not have if we had stayed home longer?
A. School staff and students are certainly impacted when death occurs.  Marion County Schools counselors provide grief counseling to those impacted.  It is unclear what the death toll census will be or if the ability to decipher avoidable death will be calculated.