Covid-19 Self-Screening and Contact Tracing Procedures
Update on Instructional Supports During Quarantine: Beginning the week of September 27, the HCPSS Evening School program will offer virtual grade-level academic support sessions for eligible elementary and middle school students who must quarantine or who are struggling academically. These sessions will be available on Google Meet each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6-8 p.m., and consist of parallel small group sessions in elementary English and math; and middle school English, math, science and social studies. Parents are encouraged to attend with their child. Please click here for more detailed information.
Updated Contact Tracing Procedure
In an effort to increase efficiency at notifying families, and to ease the burden on school nurses, health assistants and other school staff, HCPSS has contracted with Ameridial to manage notifying families when a student is identified as a close contact. This change is effective Thursday, Nov. 18.
Perform a Health Check Everyday! All parents/guardians are to perform a COVID-19 health check every day before your student leaves home. Students are not to come to school if they are experiencing any symptom(s) associated with COVID-19 or other communicable disease.
***Covid-19 Testing Sites: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/covid-19-testing#mobile-testing
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Immunization Requirements
Reminder to parents of incoming 7th grade students: All children must have the required State of Maryland immunizations in order to attend school, including in districts utilizing virtual instruction. The following vaccines are required by the state of Maryland for all students entering Grade 7:
Many students may have already received these immunizations, but the Health Room may not have the updated immunization record. Please contact your child’s doctor and send us an updated copy of your child’s immunizations to the Health Room. Click here for more information about this requirement.
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Volunteer/Observer Vaccine Requirement
As per HCPSS, effective Monday, Oct. 25, all volunteers and chaperones who interact with students and parents/guardians who are conducting observations in which they will be in a classroom with students will be required to use the PinPoint platform to show proof of full vaccination at least five school days prior to entry into a school. This also applies to students who are visiting a school that is not their own during the school day to serve in a volunteer capacity (e.g. mentoring opportunities). This does not apply to students who go to another school as part of their school schedule including students who visit the ARL.
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Masking
Masks are required in all school and office buildings for all students, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Masks also will be required while on school buses. Masks will not be required for any students or staff while eating/drinking indoors. For more information, please click here.