Dear Springfield Public Schools Community,
Yesterday afternoon, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) released updated information regarding COVID-19 isolation and quarantine timelines for settings including schools.
While we have been advised that the NJDOH will be updating specific guidance for schools shortly, in consultation with our health department, we are updating the following protocols.
Please note, the requirement to wear masks for all students will continue.
For students who test positive, our protocols will not be changing at this time.
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Due to the high transmissibility of the Omnicron variant, while the region is in the “Very High Activity” or “Red” level on the COVID-19 Activity Report, students who test positive for COVID-19 will continue on a 10-day quarantine.
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We are waiting for school-specific guidance from the NJDOH regarding shortening quarantine timelines and managing student lunch and physical education. We expect to update our protocols when that is available.
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Families will continue to be allowed to utilize virtual instruction for ten (10) days, and should consult with their health care provider if symptoms persist.
Effective Wednesday, January 12, 2022, the district will follow the following protocols:
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For unvaccinated students who are identified as a close contact due to exposure:
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Students who remain asymptomatic will be allowed to return after day 5. While we understand that testing has been challenging, we highly recommend that a student be tested before returning.
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Parents of students identified as close contacts in the school environment will receive an email notifying them of possible close contact.
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Students returning after day 5, must be sent wearing properly fitting masks.
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We will request that families closely monitor the student for symptoms, and students will be sent home if they demonstrate any symptoms in school.
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Families will continue to be allowed to utilize virtual instruction for ten (10) days.
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For students who are sent home due to symptoms, families will be asked to monitor the student, and follow up with the school nurse. As with any illness, students should demonstrate an improvement of symptoms and be fever-free for 24 hours without a fever-reducing agent (i.e. Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen) prior to returning.
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Students who are fully vaccinated or who have had confirmed COVID-19 (positive PCR test) within the last 90 days and who remain asymptomatic will not be required to quarantine.
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Athletics: While the region is in the “Very High Activity” or “Red” level on the COVID-19 Activity Report, if a student who participates in a team sport tests positive and has participated in unmasked participation in the 48 hours prior to testing positive, the team will pause activity for five (5) days while all participants monitor for symptoms, and students will be strongly recommended to participate in testing prior to returning to participation. We are reviewing the community data to make informed decisions regarding spectator guidelines and will continue to update families.
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For virtual learning, while the region is in the “Very High Activity” or “Red” level on the COVID-19 Activity Report, students who are identified as close contacts, or report symptoms will remain allowed to participate in virtual instruction. When the activity returns to the lower levels, i.e. “High” or “Orange”, the timelines relating to participating in virtual instruction will be strictly enforced.
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When a student has participated in virtual instruction beyond the identified isolation/quarantine periods, the parent will be required to follow up with the school nurse and principal to identify the timeline for the student’s return.
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Thank you for your continued support of our schools.
Sincerely,
Rachel Goldberg, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools