Regular cleaning will be conducted daily and high touch surfaces will be disinfected. When someone in a classroom has tested positive for COVID-19 the classroom/space will be cleaned, and all surfaces will be sprayed for disinfection.
The ventilation systems run times will be increased both prior to the start of each day and extending longer after the building occupants leave for the day, so that we can provide enough time to exchange air though out the building. We will also increase the amount of outside air that is brought into the building as well as adjusting minimum and maximum air flows to spaces while remaining within equipment design specifications. The filter changes and equipment maintenance will be completed based on established maintenance schedules currently in place.
Students will have scheduled hand washing and/or hand sanitizing within the school day including before and after recess. Students will be taught the following procedures: use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, students will use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizer will be provided at entrances to our schools, in classrooms and in common areas of our buildings. Students will also be taught to cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or inside of elbow.
Pre-kindergarten (PK) students will attend school four days per week during regular school hours. Students will attend for 3.5-hour sessions in the morning or afternoon, Monday through Thursday.
Elementary (grades K-5) and secondary (grades 6-12) students will attend five days per week during regular school hours.
Eau Claire Virtual School (ECVS) students will attend online five days per week.
It is recommended that ECASD staff and students use masks when the community is in high transmission rates.
After consultation with Western Dairyland, Prairie Ridge students, families, and staff will follow CDC and DHS guidance. This guidance will not require students to mask. Staff/adults in the school will be required to wear a mask during the weeks that community transmission is high for COVID.
Community early learning sites have their own operating policies and procedures, so please check with them for more information.
Physical distancing will be implemented to the extent possible within each building and classroom but will not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement.
Isolation: Whether vaccinated or unvaccinated -If you had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 and are fever-free without the use of medication after 5 days, you can end isolation and wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
If you had moderate or severe COVID-19 or you are immunocompromised, you should isolate through day 10.
Anyone who develops COVID-like symptoms should stay home and get tested. The District offers drive-thru testing at school sites.
As our staff and students return to school this year, we must dedicate effort and resources to social emotional learning of all district stakeholders: students, staff, and families. This is crucial due to the past two school years’ impact on our learning and teaching environment. In spite of how challenging the past two years have been, our schools, families and our community have come together to support our children’s healthy growth and development…”Every Child, Every Day.”
Through our Equitable Multi-level System of Supports Framework, we offer support for students at the universal, selected, and intensive levels. Under the PBIS framework, all staff are prepared to provide universal instruction through the Character Strong SEL program. In addition, all secondary staff have been trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid as a first step in developing relationships with students and knowing when to refer students for additional support. At the selected level, our counseling staff will be providing interventions based on student data and needs throughout the school year. At the intensive level, there will be opportunities for support such as School Based Mental Health Services and other wraparound services with the County.
We have a Mental Health Coordinator that is actively collaborating with community agencies to provide community support for students and families. This year we are collaborating with the County Department of Human Services to offer a program called System of Care (SOC).This program offers an additional level of support to secondary students who have committed a misdemeanor. Instead of a referral to juvenile intake, the student can be referred to SOC for support and restorative practices.
It’s critical that our staff remain socially and emotionally healthy to ensure the appropriate supports needed for our students. As in years past, we will continue to offer social and emotional supports to staff through the District’s Employee Achievement Program. Additionally, the District will continue to communicate with our employee groups to gain input from our staff to provide them with additional opportunities and supports regarding their social, emotional, and physical wellness.”
The ECASD has ensured 1:1 technology for its students and teachers to connect virtually and will provide internet hotspot devices to students without internet access at home. Our learning management systems of Canvas and SeeSaw are the platforms for connecting teachers and students for virtual learning.
In order to continue our efforts to keep students and staff safe and healthy, we welcome visitors and volunteers who provide operational or academic support to our students.
Testing is recommended for individuals if they exhibit COVID-19 symptoms. ECASD continues to work with Accelerated Clinical Labs to provide voluntary drive-up testing at certain times at school sites.