A:  Staff and students are expected to follow all guidelines issued by the DPH. School staff will work with students and families who are facing challenges in complying with the guidelines.

A:  The district, in partnership with its labor associations, will look at how support staff are utilized and may temporarily assign other duties in support of meeting the DPH guidelines and requirements.

A:  While special education students will be held to the same Department of Public Health guidelines as general education students, the IEP will determine any modifications to the guidelines.

A:  Lancaster School District employs a number of COVID safety strategies in the classroom including the optional use of masks, HEPA air filtration, and high-quality MERV13 air filters in our HVAC units. The Los Angeles Department of Public Health guidelines indicate that as long as schools practice a multi-layered safety approach, there are no distancing requirements in the school.

A:  To the extent practicable, students will NOT share classroom supplies, including pencils, crayons, scissors, paper, etc. Items brought from must not be shared.

A:  Fever of 100.4°F or higher. Cough. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. New loss of taste or smell. Chills, fatigue, muscle or body aches. Sore throat. Congestion or runny nose. Nausea. Vomiting or diarrhea.

A:  Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor temperatures and symptoms daily before taking their children to school. Please check daily for the following symptoms:

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher
• New cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste or smell
• Chills, fatigue, muscle or body aches
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea
• Vomiting or diarrhea

If your child has recently developed any of these symptoms, DO NOT BRING THEM TO SCHOOL. Contact the school’s office to notify them of their absence.

A:  Students and adults experiencing symptoms MUST NOT attend school. This includes anyone with a fever of 100.4°F or higher. Students seeking COVID-19 testing due to exposure or symptoms of illness MUST stay home until they receive their results. Families should contact the school attendance office about their child’s absence. Absences due to COVID-19 symptoms are excused.

A:  If someone in your household tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently under quarantine or self-isolation, your child should follow the guidelines from the Department of Public Health regarding how long to remain at home and when to return to school.

A:  If your child needs a COVID-19 test, check with your child’s medical care provider first. If a test is not available, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offers free testing for people who meet the criteria for testing. For testing criteria, locations, and appointments, go to https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/

A:  At this time, face coverings for all students and staff are optional, but strongly recommended. Should COVID cases surge again, the Department of Public Health is authorized to re-impose a mask mandate.

A:  Your child will be provided a disposable mask by the school, if the child requests one.

A:   According to the Department of Public Health guidelines the best masks for reducing the spread of COVID-19 are N95, KN95, or surgical/medical grade masks.