Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! I hope that you and your families are well and that you have been able to enjoy the summer together. The purpose of this communication is to share with you our plans for the coming year as it relates to the ongoing pandemic.
We are excited to welcome all students back to in person learning this fall. As we have done since the very beginning of the pandemic, we will continue to follow the guidance provided to us locally by Lorain County Public Health (LCPH) and the guidelines below reflect their most current recommendations.
Masking
At this time we:
:
- Recommend that students under 12 and all other students and staff not vaccinated wear masks in our school buildings.
- Require based on a mandate from the CDC, that all students and staff wear masks while riding school buses.
- Respect the fact that families, students and staff will be making different decisions regarding masking.
Reporting
We will be reporting positive cases following LCPH guidelines.
Social Distancing
We are unable to guarantee that students will be distanced at all times throughout their day; however, we will do our best to maximize distancing where we can.
Handwashing
Handwashing will be encouraged throughout the school day. Hand sanitizing stations are available in each classroom and throughout the buildings.
Quarantines
The Ohio Department of Health has released the following protocols on when students will be quarantined after being exposed to COVID-19 in the classroom setting:
- Vaccinated students exposed to COVID-19 will not be quarantined; however, it is recommended that they wear a mask for 14 days while inside or receive a negative test 3-5 days after exposure. Students may remain in school and participate in extracurricular activities as long as they have no symptoms.
- Students exposed to COVID-19 that are not vaccinated, but wear masks will not be quarantined; however, it is recommended that they continue to wear a mask for 14 days or 7 days if they receive a negative test performed 5 days after exposure. Students may remain in school and participate in extracurricular activities as long as they have no symptoms.
- Students exposed to COVID-19 that are not vaccinated and do not mask will be quarantined. Students may return to school and extracurricular activities after 7 days if they received a negative test performed 5 days after exposure.
**Any student that tests positive should isolate for at least 10 days from the date of the positive test.
Prevention
Your help in keeping your child home when they are sick or when you suspect they might have been exposed to COVID-19 is appreciated and will help ensure the virus does not spread in the school environment.
Spectators at athletic events, concerts, and school day programs:
At this time there are no restrictions on who can attend after school activities; however, during the school day, visitors may be limited. We look forward to welcoming you back to support our students!
Communication
We will continue to monitor and follow recommendations from LCPH. While it is our intent not to vary from the procedures outlined above, should any changes be needed, we will communicate with our families through regular email updates and various social media accounts.
In closing, we are excited to welcome all of our students and our families back to school. Through our shared commitment with regard to student safety, I am confident this will be a great year. Please reach out to your child’s principal or myself with any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Mike Von Gunten
Superintendent
Michael Von Gunten
Superintendent, Firelands Local Schools
112 North Lake Street
South Amherst, OH 44001