NPS 2022-2023 Health Guidelines
Revised 12/19/22
As we look forward to welcoming 2023, we continue to support healthy, in-person learning. We will continue to work collaboratively with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) to balance respiratory disease prevention measures with maximizing in-person participation opportunities for students. We will remain mask-optional and encourage staff and students with mild respiratory symptoms (negative for COVID-19), to wear a mask. The district will continue to report positive cases to DPH as well as share general information about COVID-19 cases in our district via our dashboard system.
Vaccinations – are the first and most important line of defense in preventing respiratory diseases like COVID-19 and influenza from disrupting the continuous operation of our schools. Please talk with your school nurse if you need information on vaccination sites or clinics.
Sickness/Illness – Students and staff with mild respiratory disease symptoms (infrequent cough, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, etc.), NO fever, and NO known COVID-19 case contact are recommended to self-test at home for COVID-19 PRIOR to leaving for school/work every day they have symptoms.They are allowed to attend in-person as long as their test result is negative. FREE home COVID-19 tests will be available for you to pick up in the main office of your school/work until 12/22/22. While it is not mandated, we do recommend you wear a mask while you have symptoms.
All students with a fever (> 100F) must remain out until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
All students/staff who test POSITIVE for COVID-19 test must report the positive test directly to the school nurse, in their building, with the date of onset of symptoms as well as submit a copy of the positive test result. The student/staff will quarantine for a minimum of 5 days and can return on day 6 if symptoms are improved and approved by the school nurse. Once the above has been submitted, the nurse will appropriately excuse the student’s absences as needed.
There will be routine cleaning and disinfection protocols for all classroom surfaces and common areas. Cleaning wipes will be available for classrooms as well as work space areas. We will continue to have water filler stations at all schools.
Ventilation – all systems have been inspected and received appropriate repair and maintenance to run properly and allow for maximum air flow throughout the school setting.
As always, we encourage you to follow Universal Precautions by continuing to cover your sneeze and cough, frequently wash your hands, increase your water intake, and get plenty of rest. As temperatures allow, OPEN your windows and let some fresh air in!
We have maintained normal school operations throughout the Fall of 2022 and no longer provide any online instruction for students who are absent for any medical reason. Therefore, students who are absent can access assignments via Google Classroom or as directed by their teachers. Upon their return, students will have two days for every day missed to submit assignments. Students will have the opportunity for extra support as needed
We appreciate your continued cooperation as we successfully navigate a healthy and successful school year!