COVID-19 Resources
Updated Mask Guidance & COVID Protocols
UPDATED ON FEBRUARY 22, 2022
MASKS AND FACE COVERINGS
Will be strongly encouraged and recommended. All students participating in extracurricular activities will have the opportunity to wear masks.
HEALTH SCREENINGS
Students: Students and parents should be monitoring for any symptoms of illness. Students should NOT attend school if they have any symptoms of illness. Students with any signs of COVID-related symptoms will be sent home and must follow return to learn guidelines.
Staff: Staff should be monitoring for any symptoms of illness. Staff should NOT come to work if they have any symptoms of illness.
IN CASE OF SYMPTOMS
Students or staff members who exhibit major or minor symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to stay home.They can return to school:
- If they only have minor symptoms and the symptoms resolve within 24 hours - no test required.
- With a negative PCR or antigen test and meeting the criteria for school illness policies: "How Sick is Too Sick"
If a student or staff member begins exhibiting symptoms of illness while at school, they will be asked to wear a mask in the health office and until they can go home.
ISOLATION & QUARANTINE
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, they must isolate:
- Stay home for 5 days.
- If no symptoms or symptoms are resolving (much better) after 5 days, they can return to school (if they have a fever, they must stay home for 24 hours after the fever resolves)
- If they still have a fever or symptoms haven’t improved after 5 days, they must stay in isolation until:
- They have no fever for at least 24 hours (without using fever reducing medication) AND
- Other symptoms have improved (for example, cough and shortness of breath have improved)
- If they did not have symptoms when they tested positive but developed them AFTER, they must continue to isolate for 5 days after symptoms started and are improving as described above.
- Mask wearing will be encouraged for 5 additional days when around others.
If a student or staff member is exposed to someone with COVID-19 at school in a non-outbreak setting, and they are not fully vaccinated or have not tested positive in the past 90 days, it is recommended that they:
- Stay home for 5 days
- Wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
If a student or staff member is exposed at home, and they are not fully vaccinated or have not tested positive in the past 90 days, they must:
- Stay home for 5 days if the sick person can isolate away from them
- Stay home for 10 days if the sick person cannot isolate
- It is recommended that they wear a mask for 5 additional days after returning
In case of an outbreak or suspected outbreak in our schools (2-5 or more connected cases), an exposed individual who is not vaccinated or has not tested positive in the past 90 days must:
- Quarantine (stay home) for 5 days
- If symptoms develop, isolate from others and get tested
- Get tested at least once during the first 5 days after the exposure
- Mask use will be encouraged during days 6 through 10 when returning to school
Individuals who are fully vaccinated or who have tested positive in the past 90 days can continue attending and should:
- Get tested at least once during the first 5 days after the exposure.
- Watch for symptoms. If symptoms develop, stay home and get tested.
- Mask use will be encouraged for 10 days after the exposure.
EXPOSURE COMMUNICATIONS
Schools will only communicate with parents regarding a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in the student’s class/grade at the elementary level. We will no longer send COVID communications for presumed positive cases.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Students and staff members will be encouraged to maintain at least three feet of space when possible.
HAND WASHING/SANITIZING
Frequent and proper handwashing will continue at all schools. Our protocols will continue to allow adequate access and time for washing and sanitizing hands.
SCHOOL VISITORS
Visitors to schools will be encouraged, but not required, to wear masks in schools.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS/ACTIVITIES/SPORTS
After school clubs and activities will follow all safety protocols that occur during the school day. High school sports are following the parameters set forth by TCHD. The District Athletic Director continues to meet weekly with our school nurse.
VACCINES
Vaccinations remain the best way to limit the spread of COVID-19. We encourage all eligible students, staff and family members to get vaccinated and boosted to protect themselves and our community against COVID-19. Vaccinations are free and available to students, staff and family members. Many places have vaccines available in our community. We continue to hold vaccination events in our schools.
TESTING
Weekly COVID testing in our schools is available to students whose parents have signed them up and given permission to test. Students who participate in “high-risk” activities as defined by the Tri-County Health department are required to participate in weekly testing.
Community COVID testing is still widely available. We encourage any student or staff member with symptoms or a known exposure to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
UNVACCINATED EMPLOYEES, GUEST TEACHERS AND VOLUNTEERS
Employees, guest teachers and volunteers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (including a third dose, if applicable) must be tested weekly or upon arrival to work/volunteer. Volunteers can show proof of full vaccination to the main office or be tested upon arrival.
ADDITIONAL ACTIONS
Ventilation: We will continue to change our HVAC filters above and beyond what is currently required to ensure the best possible ventilation of our indoor spaces.
Cleaning Protocols: We will continue our upgraded cleaning and sanitation protocols of our classrooms, rooms and facilities.
ACADEMICS
Teachers will continue to use SeeSaw (grades ECE, K-1) and Google Classroom (grades 2-12) to post assignments for any student who has been absent from school. Englewood High School will continue with the PASS program to support students who are currently accessing online courses through Edgenuity.
SUBSTITUTES
Englewood Schools will continue to employ permanent substitute teachers at every site in order to mitigate disruption to the classroom if a teacher is absent due to COVID.
COVID RESOURCES FROM THE CDC
CDC shortened isolation and quarantine guidance recently. Read the new guidance here and find answers to frequently asked questions about this policy here.
How do I know when I am eligible for a COVID-19 booster? This website helps you understand who should be boosted when based on age and type of vaccine.
Feeling Stressed During these Times?
AllHealth Network is here to listen free of charge.
Contact them at 720-707-6789 or visit ALLHEALTHNETWORK.ORG/COLORADO-SPIRIT
Here are some suggestions to help cope during a stressful time.
Parenting Resources during COVID-19
Linked here are six strategies to help parents with their children during this time of confinement. Strategies include: one-on-one time, staying positive, creating a daily routine, avoiding bad behavior, managing stress and talking about COVID-19.
Health and Mental Wellness Resources
This can be a stressful and scary time for everyone. Feeling prepared and knowing what you can do to help you and your family stay well are some ways to help minimize stress. This resource for parents/caregivers provides ways for families to prepare as well as how to help children from different age groups cope with what is going on. If you think you are having symptoms of COVID-19, please follow these guidelines from CDC. These resources from Tri-County health can also help you stay informed and reduce the risk of spreading or catching COVID-19. Additional mental health and food resources can be accessed here.
Additional Resources:
"I Matter Colorado" is a new resource to support youth emotional and mental health. Parents or youth can take a survey to make sure they get the appropriate help. The answers are confidential and used to match you with a clinician who can best support you.
Get started by filling out a survey now.
Protecting Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Self-Care Strategies for Resilience
As a reminder, Safe2Tell is a resource students can access right away if they have worries or concerns about themselves or a friend.
Resources for Undocumented Communities
This document contains information about healthcare, food, and other resources for undocumented communities. On the last tab are fundraisers allies can donate to if they are so inclined.
Resources from the City of Englewood
Find local information and resources for businesses and residents by checking out the City of Englewood's COVID resource page.
Onward Colorado
If you've lost your job, this website will help you get unemployment benefits and start looking for work.