From USD 428 Great Bend...
Dear 428 families,
As you are aware, the current surge in the omicron variant is creating immense pressure on our schools and staff members as we work to keep classrooms staffed and in-person learning possible.
To help alleviate some of the pressure on our schools, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), along with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), support schools implementing a 30-day temporary suspension on all contact tracing activities.
What does this mean for you as parents and guardians?
- Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18, our district will no longer notify families whose child may have been in contact, through classroom or extracurricular settings, with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Students and staff who were previously quarantined as a close-contact, or those currently participating in the test-to-stay program, can return to school on Wednesday, Jan. 19 as long as they have NO symptoms.
This change also shifts USD 428’s testing program. We will no longer be offering test-to-stay, but instead, testing will be used for diagnostic purposes as needed.
Expectation for all parents and families:
- Regularly monitor your children for symptoms of COVID-19.While symptoms can vary based on the strain or individual, click here for a list of common COVID-19 symptoms provided by the CDC.
- While symptoms can vary based on the strain or individual, click here for a list of common COVID-19 symptoms provided by the CDC.
- Notify your school if your child tests positive.
- Do not send your child to school if they are sick or if they test positive.All students who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home for 10 days and be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
- All students who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home for 10 days and be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
If you believe your child has been exposed to a positive case either at school, home, or elsewhere, families can choose to keep their child home to monitor symptoms for up to 10 days. Absences related to COVID-19 are still considered excused absences but the situation must be communicated with the child’s school.
While we continue to practice stepped-up hygiene routines and distance students when possible, there are additional mitigation strategies for families to consider. For students 5 and up, COVID-19 Vaccinations and/or boosters are free and widely available. Students can also wear a well-fitted mask at school and activities.
If you have any questions regarding this change to school contact tracing protocols, please contact your school nurse. Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this challenging time for our schools and communities. We will continue to keep you informed as guidance changes are announced.