Will students and staff be required to wear masks when school begins on August 30?
Yes. All students and staff are required to follow masking guidelines in all UCFSD buildings dependent upon transmission levels in Chester County. Additionally, in accordance with federal mandate, students and staff are required to wear masks while riding a school bus.

Are masks required for the full school year?
We will continue to monitor the rate of community transmission. As it improves, mitigation strategies (like face masks) will be reviewed. The Chester County Health Department provides weekly COVID-19 Monitoring reports.
 

What happens if my child forgets a mask or refuses to wear one in school?
If a student forgets to bring a mask, the student will be provided with a disposable mask. A student who arrives at school without wearing a mask will also be provided with a disposable mask. If the student refuses the mask, the staff member will remind the student about the school rules for wearing a mask. If the student continues to refuse to wear a mask, the building administration will intervene and parents will be notified. In all cases, a student who refuses to wear a mask will not be permitted to remain in the classroom or school.
 

Are there any exceptions to the mask requirement?
Yes. Mask exceptions may be granted for a medical condition and/or disability.  A completed Face Mask Exemption Request Form may be required.
 

Will students be provided with mask breaks?
Yes, students will be provided with mask breaks throughout the school day.
 

Are masks required outside?
Masks are optional outside.
 

What is the current definition of “close contact?”
Close contact is still within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more, or if there is household contact. However, per the Chester County Health Department, students who were within 3 to 6 feet of a student with COVID-19 are excluded if both students were properly masked.
 

Will the District still conduct contact tracing? How will this work if students are masked?
Yes. Per the Chester County Health Department and the CDC, contact tracing is still required in the event of a positive case with the following exceptions:

• Proof of Vaccination
    OR

• If both the infected student AND the close contact(s) were wearing masks
   

This exception does not apply to adults in the indoor classroom setting. Fully vaccinated individuals or those who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 within the prior three months are not required to quarantine.
 

If only my child has to quarantine, will they be able to access instruction online?
Asynchronous work will be provided to elementary students who need to quarantine as we have done in the past when a student misses days of instruction due to illness.  Secondary students will be allowed to remote into class for COVID-19 Quarantine or COVID-19 illness only.

 

At what point would we close a classroom due to COVID-19?
If there is linked transmission that can be traced back to classroom, we will work with the Chester County Health Department to evaluate the need to close/quarantine the entire class and follow to their recommendation.  This would be the same procedure for linked transmission on a school bus. 

 

At what point would we close the school?
If we have linked transmissions throughout multiple classrooms in the school, we will work with the Chester County Health Department to evaluate the need to close/quarantine the school and follow to their recommendation. 

If a quarantined student/staff member receives a negative COVID-19 test result after Day 5, when will they be allowed to return to school?
If someone is not exhibiting symptoms, and receives a negative test after Day 5 of quarantine, they can return to school after Day 7 (may return on Day 8.)

Will the district be conducting rapid testing for students and staff?
On-site COVID-19 testing will be available for students and teachers who come to school feeling healthy, but develop symptoms during the school day. Students will NOT be tested without parent permission.

Will the District require self-screening for COVID symptoms?
We ask that staff and students to use the COVID-19 Daily Home Screening checklist. If your child exhibits symptoms of COVID-19,  please keep your child at home.

Are teachers required to be fully vaccinated?
No, teachers are not required to be vaccinated. However, over 90% of our staff have been vaccinated.

What are the District's cleaning procedures?
Routine cleaning of any utilized spaces will be performed each evening.  Additional cleaning will be implemented on an as-needed basis.

Will hand sanitizer be available in classrooms?
Yes. Hand sanitizer will be available in classrooms and throughout school buildings.

Are water fountains/water filling stations available?
Filling stations are available for students who bring their own water bottles. Water fountains are currently disabled.
 

What considerations have been given to the District's ventilation systems concerning COVID-19?
We have increased air exchanges to improve ventilation, increased operating run times of our HVAC equipment, and have placed HEPA air filtration units in every classroom. 

 

How much Physical distance will you be able to accommodate between students? 
3 feet of social distancing will be maintained in classrooms to the greatest extent possible.
 

If I am not comfortable sending my child back to school at a reduced distance, what are my options?
Virtual learning is available through UCFVA and is open to students in grades K-12. 

 

How will social distancing be maintained during lunch?
Students will be seated 3 feet apart to the greatest extent possible. Additional spaces may be used to accommodate social distancing. Some schools will use alternate locations such as an auxiliary gym and/or outdoor tented areas. At the high school, eating outdoors in tented areas/courtyards will be encouraged, weather permitting.

 

How will social distancing be maintained in the hallways during class transitions?
It may not be feasible to maintain 3 feet of distance between students in the hallway, but they will only be in close proximity for a short period of time, which will not result in the need to quarantine as long as students are wearing masks.

Are students and bus drivers required to wear masks on school buses?
Yes, this is a federal mandate.

Will seating assignments be required on school buses?
Yes, students will be assigned seats. 

 

Will there be physical distancing in place on the buses? 
Social distancing will be encouraged on the bus to the greatest extent possible.
 

Do we have enough buses/drivers to accommodate all of our students returning to school?
A school bus driver shortage is still very much impacting school districts across the country. Our team has spent the summer working hard to reroute and consolidate some of our buses. We believe that most of our students and families will enjoy a smooth and seamless school bus experience. However, it is realistic to expect that periodically there may be some delays, as well as higher capacity buses.

Are there any changes to Special Education Services for the 2021-22 school year?
No, services will remain the same.
 

What is the District doing to support students who are struggling socially and emotionally?
We have several Behavioral Health specialists in the district who provide support to students individually and in small groups. School counselors have extensive counseling resources for parents, students, and staff. Families can contact their school counselor or principal for help. 
 

Will breakfast/lunch be provided during this school year?
Yes. Through an extension of the SSO Meal Program, all K-12 students have the opportunity to take one breakfast and one lunch daily free of charge.