Safety Protocols In Place As Students Return To Classrooms In Catoosa

Students choosing to learn in person are returning to classrooms in Catoosa on Monday. The district outlined many of its protocols in an effort to keep everyone safe in its return-to-learn plan.

Staff and students are encouraged to wear masks despite the district being unable to mandate this rule due to state law. The district said there will be efforts to distance students apart, including reconfiguring classrooms and doing recess in pods for elementary students.

Faculty and staff will be given PPE including masks and disinfecting wipes. The district said high-contact areas will be disinfected frequently.

Many events like meet the teacher and parent-teacher conferences will have a virtual option this year. There will be a precautionary room at each school site for students showing signs of illness.

The district said it will determine if a closure is necessary should there be a COVID-19 case. Should a closure happen, the district will pivot to distance learning.

Parents are being asked to complete a daily self-check of their students to make sure nobody is coming to school feeling sick. They plan to use contact tracing and notify parents of positive cases only if it is believed a student had close contact with a sick staff member or student.

Students can quarantine by choice if they have been exposed to a sick person but are not showing symptoms. Quarantine is required if someone in their home tests positive for COVID-19.

Students in quarantine will take part in distance learning. The district is expected to post a weekly COVID-19 status.

Click Here to view the district's full return to classroom plan.