COVID-19 Protocols 

Updated 11/1/2021

The Kimberly Area School District’s goal is to open for in-person instruction, five days a week while incorporating preventative measures and protocols designed to remain open.  Over the past year we have learned a lot about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and mitigation strategies.  Based on what we currently know, we are providing this mitigation plan in a pragmatic and data-driven way to support moving forward with school activities in a safe manner.

Due to the unpredictability of COVID-19, KASD will continue to evaluate, adjust and implement our procedures and protocols based on a combination of State and local data and regional hospitalization rates balanced with offering the best possible learning environment for our students and families.

Face Mask Graphic MASKING

On October 25, 2021, the KASD Board of Education voted in favor of the following to align with vaccination availability for students:

  • Starting November 1, masking will be optional for students in grades 7-12.
  • Starting January 3, masking will be optional for students in grades 4K-6.  

If a building reaches a 2% covid positivity rate, masks will be required for 14 days for that building and then a review of cases and spread will be conducted.

COVID-19 Testing Graphic COVID-19 TESTING

Vaccination Graphic VACCINATIONS

Students who are vaccinated and deemed to be a close contact can remain in school as long as they are asymptomatic. 

Sickness Graphic Illness

Keep your child home when:

  • They are sick
  • They are diagnosed with COVID-19
  • They are being tested for COVID-19

When monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms, parents/guardians and students should look for:

Major symptoms (Students should stay home and take a COVID-19 test if ONE symptom from this list is present): Fever (above 100.4), cough (above baseline), new loss of taste/smell, trouble breathing/shortness of breath

Minor symptoms (Students should stay home and take a COVID-19 test if TWO symptoms from this list are present): Congestion/runny nose (above baseline), chills, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, headache (above baseline), body aches, unusual fatigue, sore throat (above baseline)

COVID protocols vary on a case-by-case basis, but are based on CDC/Wisconsin DHS guidelines.  Generally however, protocols will be:

If my child.... and is... then he/she/they should...
Tests positive for COVID-19 Unvaccinated or vaccinated
  • Quarantine for 10 days from symptom onset or positive test result
Has COVID-19 symptoms Unvaccinated
  • Stay home
  • Take a COVID-19 test 
  • Stay home while awaiting test results
  • Return to school with a negative result 
  • Begin 10 day quarantine with a positive result (or if do not test)
Has COVID-19 symptoms Vaccinated
  • Follow typical illness protocol, stay home until 24 hours fever free
  • COVID-19 test encouraged
Is a close contact to a positive case at school and is masked Unvaccinated or vaccinated
  • Remain in school and monitor for symptoms
Is a close contact to a positive case Unvaccinated
  • Quarantine for 10 days after last close contact without testing, or
  • Quarantine 7 days after last close contact, with a negative test result collected on day 6 or 7 (provide a copy of the test result to the school)
Is a close contact to a positive case Vaccinated
  • Remain in school and monitor for symptoms
Is a close contact and had COVID-19 in last 90 days Unvaccinated or vaccinated
  • Remain in school and monitor for symptoms

Contact Tracing GraphicCONTACT TRACING

As a general rule, the local Public Health Department will be the primary tracing agent.  KASD will Contact trace the following scenarios:

  • Contact tracing will be conducted for siblings/household members of the positive case.
  • In addition, 
    • at the elementary and intermediate level, families will be notified weekly if there was a positive case at their building. 
    • at the middle and high school level, families will be notified weekly of active case numbers at their building.
  • Regardless of notices, students should always monitor their symptoms daily.
  • School nurses will assist families as needed with determining close contact status outside of school as appropriate.

Stay Home Graphic  ABSENT STUDENTS

Please use your school’s normal attendance line procedures to report a student absence.  When reporting a COVID-19 related absence, please include any reason to suspect potential connection to COVID-19, such as positive test or awaiting test results for someone else in the home, student has had close contact with someone else who tested positive for COVID-19, or student has multiple symptoms related to COVID-19 that are not caused by a known other ailment (such as allergies).

Students who are absent from school should contact their teacher(s) to determine the best way to complete missing work.  Students have access to learning materials via their teacher or District platforms, such as Seesaw or Google Classroom.  Activities are expected to be completed independently.

GENERAL MITIGATION

  • An emphasis on routine hand washing/sanitizing behaviors will be in place.
  • Physical distancing will be observed where possible to ensure safety and health.  Typical seating arrangements in a classroom will range from 3’ to 6’ apart.
  • KASD Facilities staff members will continue to adhere to regular cleaning and sanitizing protocols.  When heightened levels of cleaning and sanitizing is necessary, supplies remain readily available.
  • Touchless bottle fillers will remain active.  Students are encouraged to bring a labeled water bottle to use while at school. 
  • Increased air ventilation, sneeze guards and limiting hallway exposure will be continued.
  • Students will be assigned seats and/or strategically grouped by class.  
  • Students and staff should continue to monitor for COVID symptoms daily.

Visitor Badge GraphicVISITORS 

Visitors will have limited access to our buildings at this time and are required to follow district masking guidelines.

School Lunch Graphic LUNCH

Lunch will be served in cafeterias or normal dining spaces.  Administration will be provided latitude to shift lunch and other procedures if needed.

Bus GraphicBUSING

Students utilizing transportation services provided by KASD will be required to wear masks/face coverings.  Masks will be available for students who cannot provide their own.  Additionally, students are encouraged to sit in the same seat with members of their household whenever possible

Activities GraphicEXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 

KASD will consult with the WIAA and Fox Valley Athletic Conference to establish protocols and guidelines for events and participation

RESOURCES

24/7 Crisis Intervention Resources

Text “HOPELINE” to 741741
Outagamie County Crisis Information - (920) 832-4646
Calumet County Crisis Information - (920) 849-9317
Winnebago County Crisis Information - (920) 233-7707 or (920) 722-7707
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - (800) 273-8255
United Way Information and Referral - Dial 211