SAFETY FIRST – WHAT WE ALL NEED TO KNOW

Safety of our students and staff is a priority.  We regularly monitor and thoroughly review guidance from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, California Department of Public Health, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to inform plans and considerations for reopening our schools for in-person instruction.  We are pleased, that health and safety conditions have improved in Los Angeles County to allow us to safely reopen and welcome students back into our classrooms beginning April 5, 2021. To maintain a safe and healthy school environment when we reopen for in-person instruction, it is critically important that we all follow current public health guidelines and enforce the following physical distancing, hygiene, and cleaning practices:

Starting with The Basics 

We’ve all learned the importance of a couple of key behaviors in the fight against COVID-19. We strongly encourage the use of face coverings, keeping at least six feet apart from others, washing hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer, and when sick, stay home. The Lancaster School District has implemented these basic standards in its preparation for the safety of our students.Please read further for more details.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

While not mandated, the use of face masks is strongly encouraged. Should your child be exposed to another perosn who has a confirmed case of COVID, your child may continue to attend school under the following conditions:

• The student must remain asymptomatic and wear a high quality mask for 10 days after expose
• The student must show proof of a negative COVID test five days after exposure.

Students who are unable to follow these Department of Public Health mandates will be restricted from attending school and must quarantine for 10 days. 

Physical Distancing

Students are encouraged to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other students and the teacher whenever possible.This includes while in line to enter or leave the school.The District has placed convenient ground markers that are 6 feet apart to help in reminding the students where to stand at a gate, door, or other congregate area. 

Hand Washing

Students will have opportunities to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds during the school day.  Remind them to also wash their hands before and after using the restroom, eating, or adjusting their face covering.  If soap and water isn’t available, all classrooms and offices have been stocked with hand sanitizer. 

Isolation and Quarantining Policies

Should your student show symptoms of COVID infection or show signs of a COVID infection, we will ask you to isolate your child at home for a certain number of days.This is an important part of controlling infection.

For more information on any of the above-mentioned COVID-19 Safety Protocols, please go to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health COVID-19 webpage. 

COVID Testing

There are many locations in the Antelope Valley to get a free COVID test in addition to your family doctor.  You can learn more about these free locations by clicking here. The school also has available Antigen Rapid Tests that you may administer to your child at home. If you or your child are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, please do NOT send your child to school until everyone is healthy. It is advisable that you consider getting tested as soon as possible and follow all isolation and quarantine policies recommended by your health care provider and/or Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Classroom Conditions

.All classroom ventilation systems have upgraded filtration and we’ve installed a size-appropriate portable HEPA filter for an extra layer of protection for all in the classroom.  Additionally, please be assured that classrooms, restrooms, and offices are thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. 

School Meals

Department of Public Health Guidelines have relaxed the number of students allowed indoors in one space. Elementary students will be allowed to eat in the cafeteria by classroom. Table capacity may be reduced to allow distancing. Students are encouraged to eat their lunch outside, if they so choose. School sites may modify these dining arrangements to increase safety and social distancing in response to a surge in COVID cases.

Visits to the School

Given the current Department of Public Health safety guidance, it’s important we limit the number of people allowed on school grounds to students, teachers, and support staff. Therefore, visits by parents to classrooms will be restricted and all other meetings will be by appointment only. Contact your school office to set up an appointment. 

Emergency Contact Information

As part of the agreement to return your student to in-person learning you will be required to verify and update emergency contact information.  Should your student develop COVID symptoms during the school day, you or the emergency card contact will be required to rapidly come to school to retrieve your student.  At that time, you will be given information on free COVID testing in the Valley and how to quarantine and isolate at home.

Coming to School Sick

In the past, there have been times when parents would send their child to school with a runny nose, cough, or even a low-grade fever.  During this time of COVID, those symptoms could be associated with a COVID infection.  Therefore, all parents must agree that they will NOT send their child to school if the child is showing any symptoms of any illness. Our number one priority is the safety of all students and staff.  We can only achieve this goal if we know that our families are partners in following COVID safety guidelines, including keeping home sick children. If a child is brought to school sick, he or she will not be allowed access to the school and the parent will be contacted to pick up the child immediately. 

Thank you for taking the time to review information on our safety protocols.  We sincerely hope that this was helpful in addressing safety related questions and concerns that you may have had.

We look forward to reopening our schools to in-person instruction and working with our staff, students, and families to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.  Questions? Contact Dr. Larry Freise, Assistant Superintendent, Business Office at (661) 948-4661 x100 or email at freisel@lancsd.org.