WBCSD announces new COVID protocols

Story has been edited for clarify on WBCSD not currently returning to hybrid learning.

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PRIEST RIVER — When West Bonner County School District opens for school this fall, it will be with health guidance and protocols that are in agreement with the Panhandle Health District.

Every Thursday, PHD updates the COVID risk level for each county. The category Bonner County is in each week will determine how schooling will take place in the WBCSD throughout the year.

Currently, Bonner County is in “red status,” or Category 3 the highest level of COVID threat. This is subject to change, but if the county stays in this category WBCSD could turn to a hybrid schedule.

During a hybrid schedule, students would attend school either on Mondays/Tuesdays or Wednesdays/Thursdays. Schools will do their best to ensure children from the same families attend school on the same days.

During “red status” students and staff will be required to wear masks or cloth face coverings when social distancing is not possible. Current guidelines call for 3 feet distance between persons.

“We have worked very hard to create space in classrooms to allow students to social distance,” WBCSD Superintendent Paul Anselmo said.

Once current information is provided by Panhandle Health Districts then WBCSD will adjust student learning to fit the category that Bonner County is in, said the superintendent.

Following CDC guidelines, vaccinated individuals willing and able to show proof, will not be required to wear masks, Anselmo said.

The hybrid schedule may be used in one or all schools depending on the needs, Anselmo said. Fridays would be used for teacher prep, planning and staff development and academic labs and interventions for students who need additional support.

Teachers will provide direct instruction on the days students are at school. When at home, students will work independently to practice concepts and grow mastery, he said. In general, students would not be learning new material when learning independently at home.

“This year we will focus on social distancing and hope to limit mask wearing in future,” Anselmo said.

When in “orange status”, also called Category 2, students and staff will social distance where possible and reasonable. Masks or cloth coverings are recommended for when social distancing is not possible.

If a student or staff has had close contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19 when masks are not worn or when contact is outside of school, that individual can not come to school until they've been isolated for 14 days, district officials said in the reopening policy.

If symptoms do not appear during the isolation period, follow PHD and CDDC medical guidance and possible testing for COVID-19.

WBCSD describes close contact as when persons are within 3 feet of each other for more than 15 minutes.

A student may return to school sooner than 14 days if no symptoms develop and if a negative test administered by a healthcare professional can be produced five to seven days after the direct exposure. This will not apply for those that test positive for COVID.

The district will coordinate efforts to communicate to staff, students, and parents the possible exposure to COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and the Americans with Disability Act, district officials said in the reopening policy.

Anselmo said the district will be prepared for short-term closures in the event of a positive case inside one or more schools. Those closures likely will be between one to three days, he said.

Each site will have a plan in place to allow for the immediate separation of students/staff who present COVID-19 symptoms at school.

According to the policy, in every category, sneeze guards and other protective measures will be implemented in all offices. Some school events, assemblies and gatherings may be changed or canceled to limit large gatherings, district officials said in the reopening policy.

Access to campus may be limited with new protocols for volunteers/visitors to campus. Schools may offer internet access in areas such as cafeterias, libraries, gymnasiums and parking lots.

Students will move in cohort groups where possible and reasonable to try and limit possible exposure. School schedules may be adjusted to reduce the number of students passing in hallways, district officials said.

Lunch times may be staggered to reduce the number of students in the cafeteria and allow for some social distancing. Some students may eat in other areas of the school or outside, weather permitting.

In addition there will be limited use of shared materials and supplies. Desks will be arranged to allow for cohort groups and social distancing where possible and reasonable. Staff working closely with small groups of students will be encouraged to wear face shields, district officials said.

WBCSD will follow the guidance and directives from the Idaho High School Activities Association and the governing bodies of other extracurricular activities. WBCSD schools will open but incorporate health guidance and protocols to try and mitigate risks and limit the spread of COVID-19.

All students and staff who are sick or showing symptoms should stay at home.

“We are trying to keep kids in school and have a good year,” Anselmo said.