Masking optional, but recommended, on school buses
Masking is optional but still recommended for students who ride the school bus. We will have students use hand sanitizer as they board and continue to ventilate buses by leaving the windows open, so make sure to dress warmly!
Masking still required in some settings
Masks are still required by staff and students in health and isolation rooms, and staff will provide a mask to students as they enter. Under the current guidelines these spaces are considered healthcare sites and must follow the healthcare guidelines.
What to do if showing COVID-19 symptoms
Regardless of vaccination status, staff and students cannot come to school/work if they are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19. They should get tested and/or see a health care provider and follow the “What to do if a person is symptomatic” flowchart from DOH.
If anyone shows COVID-19 symptoms at school or work, they must mask up, immediately isolate, be sent home and are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test.
If a student/staff member tests positive for COVID-19, when can they return to school or work?
It is important that families know the latest guidance from Snohomish Health District when it comes to returning to school/work after testing positive for COVID-19.
Please see below:
- If you choose to test and your test is negative on day 5, you are able to return to school/work on day 6 without a mask.
- If you choose to test and your test is positive on or after day 5 of symptoms (even if day 5 is your first positive test), you are considered infectious and will need to isolate until you test negative. It is not necessary to test after day 10. Once you have a negative test, you can return to school without a mask the next day.
- If you choose not to test on day 5, you must wear a well-fitting mask or face shield with a drape during days 6-10 of the isolation period.
- If you choose not to test nor wear a mask on days 6-10, you must isolate at home for the full 10 days and then return on day 11.
Notification when exposed to a positive COVID-19 case
Families and staff will be notified when there is an exposure to a positive COVID-19 case. If a positive case occurs in a classroom, we will notify the school staff and families of that classroom so we are sure to inform anyone who may be considered high risk or immune-compromised.
The district is still required to report positive cases to the Snohomish Health District. If a staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19, please notify your school so we can continue to accurately report this information.
What do students/staff do if they are exposed to a positive COVID-19 case?
Exposed students and staff may continue to participate in school and extracurricular activities if they are not symptomatic. They are expected to monitor for symptoms for a full 10 days from the exposure, consider wearing a mask and get tested on days 3-5. If an exposed student or staff member develops symptoms or tests positive, they are required to immediately isolate at home and follow the DOH protocols.
Physical distancing
Strategies will continue to be used to increase physical space to the greatest extent possible. Physical distancing should not prevent a school from providing instruction or services.
COVID-19 vaccination still required for all school district employees
All staff must be fully vaccinated from COVID-19 or have an approved religious or medical exemption from Human Resources. Unvaccinated staff with exemptions from the vaccination mandate must still follow their accommodations. Any requests for changes to an employee's accommodation, must go through Human Resources.
Volunteers are an essential part of our school district community, and we are excited to welcome parents, grandparents and community members into our schools starting the week of April 11, which is right after Spring Break. We encourage you to go to our volunteer webpage for information on how to become a volunteer. In addition to background checks, all volunteers are required to verify COVID-19 vaccination status or receive an approved exemption.
COVID-19 testing and masks provided
We will continue to offer COVID-19 testing at our schools and our centralized COVID-19 Response Center. Each school building will offer testing times, and our COVID-19 Response Center is providing tests. Please call 425-431-1900 to schedule an appointment. In addition, all district buildings will provide masks for those who choose to wear them.
Protecting health and safety
It is essential that students, staff and families continue to:
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Stay home when sick
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Watch for symptoms of COVID-19
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Maintain physical distancing to the greatest extent possible
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Wash and sanitize hands throughout the day
COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidance
Please review the latest guidance from Washington State Department of Health dated March 7, 2022:
Requirements and Guidance to Mitigate COVID-19 Transmission in K-12 Schools, Child Care, Early Learning, Youth Development, and Day Camp Programs
Please review the latest Washington State Department of Health dated March 11, 2022:
Washington State DOH Symptom and Exposure Flowchart for K-12 Schools and Child Care
Talking to your child about masks
Masks will be optional but continue to be highly recommended. We encourage all families to talk and make decisions about mask wearing to school. We will support all families, no matter what decisions are make. We ask everyone to be respectful and sensitive to the individual needs of our families and staff in this transition.
Stay home when you feel sick
Student and staff should stay home when they feel sick. See symptoms to check for below.
Check daily for COVID-19 symptoms
Please be aware of COVID-19 symptoms and check daily. Please use the DOH symptom chart for more information. Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- Fever (Temperature greater than 100.4 Fahrenheit)
- Cough (for those with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Unusual fatigue
- Muscle and body aches
- New onset of headache
- Sore throat
- Sudden loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose (unrelated to seasonal allergies)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Vaccinations
On Aug. 18, 2021, the governor mandated all K-12 school employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone 5 years and older at this time.
COVID-19 Testing
Our district partners with Health Commons Project to provide free in-school COVID-19 testing for students and staff who have been exposed to COVID or have COVID-like symptoms.
Please call your school to schedule a test or contact the district's COVID-19 call center at 425-431-1900.
Hand Washing
Students and staff will be required to wash or sanitize hands upon entering the building and will be asked to wash and/or sanitize hands frequently throughout the day.
Watch the video to learn how to properly wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs.