YG Staff Newsletter – November 23, 2020

COVID-19 Protocols

As many of you are aware, ODE recently updated Ready Schools, Safe Learners to include new guidance and requirements. While there are other important updates coming out in the 4J COVID-19 Communicable Disease Management Plan, this will focus on essential information and changes related to face coverings.

Sharing accurate and consistent information is critical, and to avoid confusion and mixed messaging, the information below is pulled directly from sections of the district’s Communicable Disease Plan.

Face coverings decrease the spread of COVID-19 as “source control” of a contagious person’s respiratory secretions. It is now established that people without symptoms can spread the virus that causes COVID-19, and this is a significant contributor to person-to-person spread. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that airborne transmission may play a role in the spread of COVID-19, via exposure to small droplets that contain the virus and can linger in the air for minutes to hours. Face coverings reduce the spread of respiratory droplets. 

Use of face coverings does not change physical distancing requirements. (Section III, B)

Face coverings are required for all staff and for all students in grades kindergarten and up, along with all staff. Face coverings must be worn properly, covering the nose, mouth and chin. Face coverings must be worn both indoors and outdoors, including during outdoor recess.

“Face covering” means a cloth, polypropylene, paper or other face covering that covers the nose and the mouth and that rests snugly above the nose, below the mouth, and on the sides of the face. Face coverings with valves and “gaiter” type face coverings are not permitted. 

Clear face shields with hooded enclosures are an acceptable alternative to regular face coverings under limited circumstances where and when appropriate. The district will provide face coverings to staff and to students if needed. (Section III, B. 1)

Face coverings shall be worn by all staff, contractors, other service providers, visitors or volunteers following CDC guidelines for face coverings. Individuals may remove their face coverings while working alone in a private individual workspace not shared with other people. Face coverings should be worn both indoors and outdoors, including during outdoor recess. Employees should use a cleanly washed face covering each day. (Section III, B. 2. a.)

Clear plastic face shields without hooded enclosures may be worn in addition to the required face covering. Face shields without hooded enclosures may not be used instead of a face covering. The district will provide a clear plastic face shield to an employee upon request, to be worn over a face covering. The face covering under the shield may be lowered only momentarily to show the user’s mouth where there is a specific, limited need to do so. Use of an unenclosed face shield alone is not permitted, because wearing a face shield alone without a face covering or mask increases the potential for transmission of viruses to those in the same room as the individual without the face covering or mask.   (Section III, B. 2. b.)     

Staff mealtime and breaks: Since staff must remove their face coverings during eating and drinking, staff must eat snacks and meals independently, and not in staff rooms when other people are present. Schools may consider staggering times for staff breaks, to prevent congregation in shared spaces. (Section IV. B.)

Once again, thank you for your thoughtful attention to this information. I know this is quite a lot to digest. As your Physical Distancing Site Coordinator let me know if you have questions about the information.

Thanksgiving Lessons Reminder

This is an annual reminder about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Be mindful that student conceptions of Native Americans often come from classroom activities around the First Thanksgiving. These conception of Native Americans gained from such early exposure is often both inaccurate and potentially damaging. When planning activities, be aware that what most of us learned in school about the “Pilgrims” and “Squanto” and the “First Thanksgiving” is a mixture of both history and myth. Thanksgiving activities should avoid reinforcing historical myths and should also avoid stereotypes (ie. NO warbonnets!) It’s often best to shift the focus away from reenacting the “First Thanksgiving” and instead focus on items children can be thankful for in their own lives and on their families’ celebrations of Thanksgiving at home. Some resources on what to avoid and what to teach can be found at:

• Teaching Tolerance
• Education World.
• A Native American Perspective on Thanksgiving
• The True Story of the First Thanksgiving.
• Also, the 4J Natives Program is available for classroom presentations year-round and can offer an accurate picture of Native American culture. See the next items for more details on that.