Dear Big Sandy Cub Families,
As the summer starts to conclude and we prepare for the 2021-22 school year, we are doing so with great excitement. Given the challenges COVID put upon us this past school year, we are optimistic we will be able to have a more normal school year without the same levels of restrictions in our schools. With that, we’d like to address what is most likely on your minds:
Masks:
Masks are currently optional within the buildings and will be considered a personal choice. Please go to the website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for more information on COVID-19 guidance.
COVID-19 Vaccinations:
Big Sandy School District will NOT require students or staff to receive a COVID vaccination.
Quarantining of Students and Staff:
The final decision on quarantining of students and staff in regard to our buildings is made by the school district. Input from state and county health departments will be taken under advisement as circumstances evolve.
Cleaning:
We will continue with layered safety approach that includes: having smaller class sizes; educating and utilizing hand sanitizer and hand washing; keeping a longer lunch time so as to spread students out with more time to clean; keeping good ventilation within the building; encouraging outside activities; using multiple entrances in the morning; disinfecting by spraying down each room daily; periodically cleaning rooms during the day; periodically cleaning water fountains during the day; disinfecting by spraying down buses daily; limiting visitor access within the school; communicating with parents and guardians.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have always encouraged parents to keep their students home when sick. That idea is now more important than ever. Please keep children home if they are sick. (see also, When to keep your child at home information on the school nurse page.)
Please keep in mind guidance and mandates continually change. We feel our approach aligns with the current state and county health guidance, and also provides parents and the school district the ability to make decisions fitting to our community. As we learn more about updates to public health protocols, we will make any changes deemed necessary and communicate with our community as soon as possible.
If you have any school specific questions, please feel free to reach out to the school 719-541-2291.
See you soon,
Steve Wilson, Superintendent
Departments: Superintendent