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 Click Here to Review COVID-19 All Students Return to School Presentation 

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• As a baseline, face coverings are required to be worn any time or place that individuals cannot maintain appropriate social distancing. Further, face coverings are “strongly recommended” by the New York State Department of Health at all times, except for meals and instruction with appropriate social distancing. However, schools can require face coverings at all times, even during instruction; and it is strongly recommended.” - NYSED Reopening Guidance FAQ (July 22, 2020)

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• In PUFSD, the students will be REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS and socially distanced (3-5 Feet where practicable) in the classroom through the use of barriers (desk shields). This model meets the mandate listed above. The health and safety of all staff and children remain a paramount focus of the Administration of the Plainedge Public Schools in developing our reopening plans. We are committed to promoting healthy hygiene practices (hand washing, use of sanitizers) and strategies to improve our personal level of safety (masks, barriers) for our staff and children to remain healthy. We are in this together. Together we can keep each other healthy. ​

 

• We also want to share an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal related to this topic: Face Masks Really Do Matter. The Scientific Evidence Is Growing

 

 

2. What will be the frequency of mask breaks? How strict will mask wearing in the classroom be and will there be any exempted children due to medical reasons? It will be hot, do the elementary classrooms have air conditioning?

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• Classroom teachers will plan for mask breaks as needed based on the age of the class and student tolerance levels. Students that require additional mask break times will be planned for individually on an as needed basis. 

• Masks will be required in classrooms at all times outside of planned mask breaks and during meals. 

• Elementary classrooms have air conditioning to keep students from getting too hot wearing masks all day.

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3. Will students be instructed on the importance of social distancing and wearing masks? What if a student refuses to wear their mask?

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• Yes, students will be explicitly taught the importance of wearing masks and the reason for social distancing as it relates to their daily lives at school and their personal health and safety. Teachers will work with students to ensure they are wearing their masks, while assessing when individual mask breaks might be needed in addition to full class mask breaks. If there is a blatant refusal to wear a mask when social distancing is not feasible, the teacher and/or administration will look to partner with parents to address the situation.

 

4. If the rate of infection does not increase, will children be able to only wear masks when they can’t socially distance instead of all day?

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• The District will continue to follow the guidelines of the CDC and the DOH regarding mask requirements.

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5. Can children bring their own masks from home?

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• Yes, we are requesting that all families purchase minimally three reusable cloth masks and send their child to school with them daily. Face coverings can and will be provided by the District as needed. We are asking our parents and staff to NOT purchase masks YET until we define the styles that are acceptable as recommended by medical professionals.

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6. Can a student wear a plastic face shield instead?

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• A plastic face shield alone is not an acceptable face covering. Face coverings must completely cover the individual's mouth and nose.  

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7. Will temperature scans or health screenings be required?

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• Yes, students will be screened for temperature prior to or upon arrival. Parents should monitor their children for temperatures and symptoms prior to sending their student on a bus. Students that arrive at school that have not submitted temperatures will be screened at school for temperatures prior to being admitted to classrooms. Staff should complete this screening prior to arriving at work via the electronic submission form. Staff will be required to monitor their own temperatures prior to arrival on campus and throughout the day. Anyone, whose symptoms response changes from a NO to YES during the day, must contact their supervisor immediately and await further instruction. More information will be provided to staff and parents regarding the MySchoolBadge App we will be utilizing to report daily temperatures and answer quick survey questions for everyone coming to school.

 

 8. Will student desks be sanitized between classes?

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• The steady use of classroom spaces will prevent crews from cleaning the rooms in between classes. Instead, occupants will be expected to take responsibility for their own space. Students and faculty will be given the option to utilize sanitizing-wipes and/or spray sanitizer and paper towels to wipe down their desk, chair, and other areas upon arrival, and again on their way out. 

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9. When student athletes participate in practices and games are masks required at all times? 

 

• Both In-Person and Full Remote Learning Students are eligible to participate in interscholastic sports. The use of masks is required for coaches at all times and student athletes when on the sidelines and on the court/field for practices and games where tolerable. The wearing of masks is highly recommended where possible.

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Quarantine/Isolation/Test Results

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1. What happens if a student or staff member has a suspected or confirmed case of COVID 19?

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• Students and staff with symptoms of illness, or a positive test, should stay home. If they are at school, they must be sent to the health office. A school nurse (Registered Professional Nurse, RN) is available to assess individuals. Students suspected of having COVID-19, or testing positive, awaiting transport home by the parent/guardian, will be isolated in a room or area separate from others, with a supervising adult present utilizing appropriate PPE.  Students and staff with COVID-19 symptoms must be in isolation for at least 10 days. 

 

2. Will classes be quarantined if a student tests positive? Will the entire school be shut down?

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• School and district administrators will continue to collaborate and coordinate with local department of health officials to make school closure and mass quarantine decisions.

 

3. When will parents receive communication from the school district if a student tests positive?

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• The school begins communicating with parents once they are notified of a positive case. You will not be notified every time a student goes home feeling sick. 

 

4. If a child gets sick and they must quarantine, will they be doing the remote learning during the 10 days? If a child is out sick will they be able/required to login to the remote class for the day(s) missed?

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• Yes, remote learning will be available to all students that are required to quarantine due to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID 19.

• Students that are sick and able to attend remotely are encouraged to do so, students that are unable to work remotely will be marked absent and will be permitted to make up school work as per usual District procedures. 

 

5. If my child gets sick does my other child in another grade have to quarantine as well?

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• If one of your children gets sick, all children and adults in your home that have had direct contact with the sick child should quarantine as per CDC Guidelines. 

 

6. What are the rules for testing our children? Will a child be tested without parental consent?

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• No, the school will not be testing students for COVID 19 without parent consent. Parents of children with symptoms of COVID 19 or that have had direct contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID 19 will be required to take their children for testing as per CDC and DOH Guidelines. High-Risk Sports Athletes are required to test weekly. Testing is currently offered by the District for all athletes or families can make the decision to use their own doctor or a test center on a weekly basis as well.