COVID-19 Information
ILLNESS POLICY
As a small school community, it is absolutely imperative that each family and individual exercise utmost vigilance in complying with these CDC guidelines and OHA/ODE requirements:
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PRIMARY SYMPTOMS: Any person (regardless of vaccination status) exhibiting primary COVID-19 symptoms, fever of 100o or greater, new cough illness, new shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, must stay off campus for 5 days after the onset of symptoms AND 24 hours “fever-free” and cough resolved, regardless of test results.
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EXPOSURE: Any person (regardless of vaccination status) with a household member who is ill with COVID-19, must stay off campus 5 days after every exposure.
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EXPOSURE: If an unvaccinated student has been exposed to a person outside the household with confirmed or presumptive COVID-19, they must quarantine for 5 days after the date of last exposure to the COVID-19 positive contact. Testing is strongly encouraged on day 5; students who remain symptom-free may return to school on day 6.
Abiqua Academy Sick Policy:
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If your child has cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, sore throat), they must stay home 72 hours from onset of symptoms. COVID-19 testing is recommended.
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In the case of individuals who experience symptoms such as diarrhea (3 loose stools in a day OR not able to control bowel movements) or vomiting (one or more unexplained episodes), they will not come to school until such time as our office receives a note from a medical professional or 48 hours after symptoms cease.
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If your child is experiencing a chronic condition or allergies, please call the school so we understand your specific situation.
STREAMING: Abiqua Academy follows OHA/ODE guidelines to ensure the availability of in-person learning to all students. Only students who are quarantined due to COVID infection or direct COVID exposure will be offered a streaming option to attend core classes. An ill child's focus should be on recovery, so please work with your teacher to determine the best course.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
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Vaccination of all school staff and faculty is required by October 18, 2021.
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Physical distancing between people (three feet of separation) is an effective preventative measure. This is more difficult for the youngest children. Using HEART skills, staff will give positive encouragement and friendly reminders to help children develop good habits for healthy spacing.
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Minimization of time standing in lines to ensure that required distance between students is maintained, including marking spacing on the floor and one-way traffic flow in constrained spaces.
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Hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing and/or hand sanitizing is scheduled throughout the day, including before and after recess, lunch, and other activities. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout Abiqua, including in each classroom.
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Snacks and Lunch: Both should be labeled. Distancing needs to be clearly established before masks are removed for eating and maintained during snack and lunch. No sharing. We understand that it is normal to socialize while eating, but this is a time when we all need to “keep our distance.”
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Cleaning and sanitizing: Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces will occur throughout the day. Each child will use his/her own classroom supplies and materials. Any that are used by multiple individuals or groups will be regularly sanitized. If a room is used by more than one cohort, desks and tables will be sanitized between use. An electrostatic fogger will be used as needed.
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To increase the introduction of outdoor air within classrooms, windows and doors will remain open throughout the school day to the extent possible.
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Filtration methods (e.g., HEPA filters) to clean the air that is recirculated indoors and remove virus-containing particles are positioned throughout the school. Rooms without proper airflow when doors/windows are open are outfitted with a freestanding HEPA filtration air purifying system.
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Consistent with applicable federal, state, or local privacy and confidentiality laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents/caretakers/guardians should inform Abiqua if they or their child has been diagnosed with or in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
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Wear a face covering when out in public and maintain physical distancing (maintain 3-feet of separation from others) during drop-off and pick-up.
It is the responsibility of each family and individual to adhere to the strictest health and safety practices to protect our community. Thank you in advance for your conscientious cooperation.
Students and staff should be excluded from the school setting if they exhibit:
1. PRIMARY SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19: Cough, temperature of 100.4° F or higher, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell
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If no known close contact with a COVID-19 case, MAY RETURN AFTER
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COVID-19 test is negative
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OR 5-day isolation, if COVID-19 test is positive
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OR 5-day isolation, if not tested
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AND after following symptom-specific guidance, below.
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NON-PRIMARY SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19: Fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea
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Exclusion may not be required in all cases.
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If no known close contact with a COVID-19 case, MAY RETURN AFTER following symptom-specific guidance, below, AND school protocols.
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School protocols may require updates in collaboration with the LPHA, particularly during times of increased disease transmission.
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CLOSE CONTACT WITH A PERSON WITH COVID-19:
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MAY RETURN AFTER following LPHA quarantine guidance; may require
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5-day quarantine since last day of exposure
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OR 5-day quarantine after LAST exposure if exposure is continuous, such as household case
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OR 5-day isolation, if COVID-19 test is positive
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OR 5-day isolation, if symptoms fit definition of presumptive positive.
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*Fully-vaccinated individuals with symptoms of illness should follow above guidance unless otherwise advised by LPHA and OHA statewide posted notices.
*Fully-vaccinated individuals after close-contact should watch for symptoms of COVID19 for at least 14 days, and should be tested for COVID-19 per LPHA and statewide posted guidance.
HEADACHE: without fever
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MAY RETURN AFTER symptoms resolve
DIARRHEA: three or more watery or loose stools in 24 hours OR sudden onset of loose stools OR student unable to control bowel function.
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MAY RETURN AFTER 48 hours after diarrhea resolves OR after seen and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider.
VOMITING: at least 1 episode that is unexplained.
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MAY RETURN AFTER 48 hours after last episode of vomiting OR after seen and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider.
SKIN RASH OR SORES: new rash not previously diagnosed by a health care provider OR if rash is increasing in size OR if new sores or wounds are developing day-to-day OR if rash, sores, or wounds are draining and cannot be completely covered with a bandage.
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MAY RETURN AFTER rash is resolved OR until sores and wounds are dry or can be completed covered with a bandage OR after seen and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider.
EYE REDNESS AND DRAINAGE: unexplained redness of one or both eyes OR colored drainage from the eyes OR eye irritation accompanied by vision changes OR symptoms such as eye irritation, pain, redness, swelling or excessive tear production that prevent active participation in usual school activities.
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MAY RETURN AFTER symptoms resolve OR after seen by a licensed healthcare provider and indicated therapy has been started.
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Eye redness alone, with no colored drainage, may be considered for attendance per CDC guidelines and physician assessment.
JAUNDICE: yellowing of the eyes or skin that is new or uncharacteristic.
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MAY RETURN AFTER seen and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider.
BEHAVIOR CHANGE: may include uncharacteristic lethargy, decreased alertness, increased irritability, increased confusion, or a behavior change that prevents active participation in usual school activities.
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MAY RETURN AFTER symptoms resolve; return to normal behavior OR after seen and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider.
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This symptom can indicate a serious condition. Medical attention strongly recommended.
MAJOR HEALTH EVENT or STUDENT REQUIRING MORE CARE THAN SCHOOL STAFF CAN SAFELY PROVIDE: may include an illness lasting more than 2 weeks; an emergency room treatment or hospital stay; a surgical procedure with potential to affect vital signs or active participation in school activities; or a new or changed health condition for which school staff is not adequately informed, trained, or licensed to provide care.
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MAY RETURN AFTER health and safety are addressed.
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Medical attention strongly recommended. Written instructions from a licensed healthcare provider are likely to be required.
Schools must comply with state and federal regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. School staff will follow appropriate process to address reasonable accommodations and school health service provision in accordance with applicable laws.
Abiqua Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender identity in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
This ad placement is to satisfy tax code section 501(c)(3) requiring a Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students.