August 3, 2021 | Special Called Meeting

SuperintendentW. Burke Royster

Operational Protocols

2021-22

Requirements• We will begin the school year on a regular, full-time, in-person

schedule, as mandated by the General Assembly. (Act 102 – JointResolution)

• Per action of the General Assembly, masks will not be requiredfor students or staff in school buildings but may be worn bychoice. (2021-22 State Budget Proviso 1.108)

• “No school district, or any of its schools, may use any funds appropriated orauthorized pursuant to this act to require that its students and/or employees wear afacemask at any of its education facilities. This prohibition extends to theannouncement or enforcement of any such policy”

Requirements• Per action of the General Assembly, eLearning days for

schools/districts are now capped, restricting any likely use to inclement weather or other short-term condition. (2021-22 State Budget Proviso 1A.69)

• COVID-19 vaccinations are not required for students or staff.

Requirements• DHEC still requires schools to quarantine, isolate, and contact

trace per statutory authority. This is not optional.• “Students/attendees or staff members who have been identified as

close contacts of a person infectious with COVID-19 and recommended for quarantine must be excluded from school/childcare until completing the recommended quarantine period.”

• Official School and Child Care Exclusion List of Contagious or Communicable DiseasesStatutory authority: SC Code of Laws Sections 44-1-140, 44-29-200; 63-13-180SC Code of Regulations Chapter 61-20 and Chapter 114, Article 5

• https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/School-Childcare%20Exclusion%20List%202021_Final_6.10.2021.pdf

• See also https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/Interim-COVID-19-Guidance-for-K-12-School-Operations-2021-07-29.pdf

Masking • Schools will not require students/staff/visitors to wear a mask.

Exception: Masks will be required for symptomatic individuals within the health room and for nurses administering care under these circumstances (per SDE interpretation).

• Students, employees, and visitors may choose to wear masks.

• Mask opt-out forms are no longer required.

• Schools will not group students based on vaccination status or students whose parents require them to wear masks.

Social Distancing • Where possible, we will maintain three feet of distancing

between students in compliance with DHEC’s latest definition of close contact for students.• In many cases (cafeterias, guided reading groups, etc.) this will not be

possible.

• Where possible, students will be seated facing in the same direction.

• Students will not be separated/cohorted based on mask-wearing or vaccination status.

Contact Tracing, Quarantines, and IsolationsContact Tracing• Schools must be able to contact trace students at all times when

inside the building.• Arrival/Dismissal• Lunch• Classrooms

• Schools do not have to contact trace for outdoor activities during the school day. • Additional guidance regarding athletic and other event participants is

forthcoming

• Schools do not have to contact trace for spectators at after-school events or activities

Isolations• If a person tests positive, they must follow isolation guidance

whether vaccinated or unvaccinated.

• Schools will maintain their isolation rooms for symptomatic students and require masks while those students await pick-up.

Contact Tracing, Quarantines, and Isolations

Contact Tracing, Quarantines, and IsolationsQuarantines• DHEC has revised the definition of close contacts for students at

school: Those within 3 feet of a COVID-positive person at school for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period with or without a mask are considered close contacts and will be required to quarantine.

• Employees/adults within 6 feet of COVID-positive person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period with or without a mask are considered close contacts and will be required to quarantine.

• Exposed individuals are not required to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated and are asymptomatic.

10-Day Quarantine for Students• Those identified as close contacts to COVID-19-positive

individuals may still quarantine for 10 days rather than 14.• On days 11-14, they may return to school but remain

masked/socially distant and carefully monitor symptoms.• Those unable or unwilling to wear a mask will continue to

quarantine for 14 days.

Contact Tracing, Quarantines, and Isolations

7-Day Quarantine for Employees• GCS will continue implementing the 7-day quarantine option for

employees.• Requires a negative COVID test between days 5-7 and appropriate

documentation and verification.• Available for employees only due to limits on staff capacity.• All students, as well as employees who do not follow this additional

guidance, will continue to quarantine for 10 days with exception below.

• For those unable or unwilling to wear a mask, quarantine period will remain 14 days.

Contact Tracing, Quarantines, and Isolations

Food and Water Fountains

• Outside food must be commercially prepared.

• Water fountains will be turned back on.

• Meals will be served in the cafeteria.• Meals may be consumed in other locations such as in classroom or

outside, but the serving of the meal must occur in the cafeteria due to staffing limitations.

Outside Visitors • Volunteers, mentors, and visitors will be allowed into school

buildings.

• Return to normal procedures for outside groups such as mentors, Good News Clubs, PTAs, etc.

• Parents may eat with students at principal’s discretion.

• Office personnel will use updated screening questions for all visitors entering the school.

Student Assemblies and Events • Schools may host events and activities such as Family Fun

Nights, school dances, and school stores.

• Indoor assemblies/events held during the school day should be socially distanced (3’ distance between students, 6’ between adults) or set up for contact tracing.

• Large group assemblies should take place only when necessary.

• Staff professional development should be socially distanced when possible and where applicable offered via Zoom.

Facilities• We will continue to more frequently disinfect high-touch

surfaces in common areas.

• We will continue enhanced air quality practices, including extending the hours we operate in occupied status, which increases fresh air exchange.

• Plexiglass will not be employed at student seating areas; we will provide plexiglass for any employee who requests a barrier at their desk or workspace.

Athletics• Contact tracing and quarantining will remain in effect.• Social distancing and cohorting should be observed to the

extent possible.• Large teams should consider staggering parent meetings,

holding them outside, and/or holding them remotely. • Maintaining social distancing, coaches will limit the number of

athletes in the locker room at one time to the extent possible.• Enhanced sanitation and hygiene practices will continue.• There will be no capacity restrictions on spectator sports or

other events.

Protocols and plans are subject to change throughout the year in response to changing

conditions and mandates.

Number of Employees Out Due to COVID 8/3/2021

Total: 23

Isolating: 13

Quarantining: 10

QUESTIONS?