Grace Christian School considers the health and well-being of our students and staff a priority. We also prioritize in-person learning for our students. This week, the COVID-19 Decision Trees for K-12 Schools have been updated and to support these objectives and (hopefully) clear up some of the confusion regarding quarantine and isolation we want to share these new procedures for our students.
Following this updated guidance, Grace will now implement the group tracing model to advise families of potential COVID-19 exposure. Under this model, the school will notify the parents of any student who shared an indoor airspace for 15 minutes or more with a person who tested positive with COVID-19. Exposed students CAN stay in school and should test on Day 3, 4, or 5 following exposure in order to remain in school, they are able to participate fully in all school activities. Students choosing not to test should quarantine at home until returning on Day 11, please notify the office of this decision.
PLEASE KEEP your children home if they test positive or develop any symptoms of COVID (sore throat, cough, runny nose, diarrhea, nausea, recent loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle aches, or fever). Students who test positive for COVID-19 may return to school as early as Day 6 with evidence of a negative test collected on or after Day 5 as long as symptoms are resolving with no fever within the past 24 hours. If a student returns prior to Day 11, they must wear a mask inside and outside when around others. Without a negative test, students who test positive for COVID may return on Day 11 contingent upon resolving symptoms and no fever being controlled with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. As return to school dates are often conditional upon test results and medical conditions, we encourage parents to accompany students when they check-in at the school office upon returning from quarantine or isolation.
Testing on Day 3, 4, or 5 after exposure can be completed at any of the following:
-Your doctor’s office
-County testing sites
-Rapid testing sites
Grace has very limited access to antigen tests, please try to secure testing from one of the above locations. If you need a test please let Mrs. Deborah or I know.
Finally, we understand the guidance from health officials is both confusing and ever-changing. We thank you for your patience and will continue to provide you with regular updates as needed. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have questions or require additional information.
Ben Elliott
Superintendent
760.747.3029 x7105
