After some parental concerns and some changes throughout the state of Nebraska, the MPS Pandemic team met on Wednesday November 11 for 2 hours to update the Pandemic Plan. Below is the most updated plan. As we have said prior to this, the plan could change as new requirements are being constantly passed down by the Governor and the state of Nebraska. Please be patient with us and please provide a little grace to our committee of volunteers. After looking at the numbers released yesterday, it appears MPS has 15 total positive cases over the past two weeks involving Hooker County residents and members of the school who do not reside in Hooker County. According to the Pandemic Plan, MPS is in new normal status but will continue to follow the DHM set forth by Governor Ricketts through November 30, 2020 and it will be reevaluated at that time.
Mullen Public Schools Pandemic Plan & Procedures
Updated November 16, 2020
Mullen Public Schools developed the following procedures in conjunction with local health departments using guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).. Mullen Public Schools is committed to slowing the spread of diseases and protecting vulnerable students and staff, to help ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments. The goal of these procedures is to limit the spread of infectious diseases and risks associated with the contact of infectious diseases for our students, staff, parents, and immediate family. These procedures serve as a general guideline and changes may need to occur quickly as conditions and information from the CDC and resident health departments warrant. Once we are moved into a new color we will stay there until reported by DHHS that cases are no longer active. Parents will be notified via the Thrillshare system.
NEW NORMAL
There is less than 3% (< 20)of Hooker County's population, approximately 682 (plus staff/students who live outside Hooker County) who have tested positive within the previous two week window as reported by West Central Health District or DHHS
Bussing and transportation will remain normal. Students will NOT be allowed in any building until 7:30 AM.
Students, Staff, and individuals entering the building need to follow CDC Guidelines for minimal-risk levels. Individuals that are exhibiting a fever of 100.4 or greater, an uncontrollable dry cough, or are visibly ill will be required to leave the building. Students needing to be picked up will be required to wear a face covering and they will remain in an isolation room until leaving the building. Parents/ guardians will be notified and will be expected to arrive within 2 hours to pick up their student. They will not be allowed to utilize school transportation. Students/Staff must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
Individuals exhibiting extreme symptoms are recommended to be tested for COVID-19. If tested, prior to returning to school, documentation must be provided from a medical professional or resident health district that they were cleared to return. If the test shows positive for COVID-19, the student/staff must provide documentation clearing the person prior to returning.
Handwashing and hand sanitizer is encouraged.
Wearing Face Coverings is optional but recommended unless:
A statewide directed health measure requiring a Six (6) Feet Separation Rule and Masking for indoor gatherings or schools is mandated. The mandate will be followed by the 6-12 students and staff. Example: When students/staff are unable to obtain six (6) feet social distance in a classroom or hallway, they will be required to wear a face covering unless they provide a mask exemption signed by an authorized medical professional.
A statewide mask mandate is issued by the Governor of Nebraska.
Breakfast and lunch will be in the cafeteria.
Students will wipe down desks and workstations prior to leaving the classrooms.
Staff will limit the use of shared supplies in each classroom.
Cleaning Logs will be required/filled out upon the completion of cleaning areas.
If a student/staff comes in direct contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended to reach out to their family physician or resident health district.
No visitors will be allowed outside of lunch. If parents need to leave something for their student, it will have to be left at the office.
Activities will follow procedures of the away school or procedures set forth by NSAA. This includes athletes, coaches, managers and spectators.
LOW RISK
There is 3% (>20) of Hooker County's population (plus staff/students who live outside Hooker County) who have tested positive within the previous two week window as reported by West Central Health District or DHHS
Transportation will still be offered. Drivers and students are required to wear face coverings.
Designated Entrances will be used: for Grades K-1 2-5, 3-4,; 6-8; 9-12.
Face coverings will be required for all 6-12 students and all staff members moving through hallways, classrooms, and in the office areas when social distancing is not an option, and face coverings are recommended not required for K-5 students.
Breakfast and lunch will be socially distanced with teammates/classmates.
Field Trips and Activities will be limited (expect postponements or cancellations).
Students facing each other while seated in a classroom will not be permitted.
An alternate schedule may be implemented along with alternate locations.
Possible modified Band or Physical Education Classes.
If a student/staff comes in direct contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended to contact your family physician and follow directives of your resident health department.
No visitors will be allowed. Anything needed can be dropped off at the office.
Activities will follow procedures of the away school or procedures set forth by NSAA. This includes athletes, coaches, managers and spectators.
MODERATE RISK
There is 5% (>34) of Hooker County's population (plus staff/students who live outside Hooker County) who have tested positive within the previous two week window as reported by West Central Health District or DHHS.
Transportation will still be offered. Drivers and students are required to wear face coverings.
Temperature checks may be done at the discretion of MPS staff members.
Face coverings will be required for all 6-12 students and all staff members moving through hallways, classrooms, and in the office areas when social distancing is not an option, and face coverings are recommended not required for K-5 students.
Field Trips and Extra-Curricular Activities could be postponed or canceled.
A modified schedule may be used.
If a student/staff comes in direct contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended to contact your family physician and follow directives of your resident health department.
Activities will follow procedures of the away school or procedures set forth by NSAA. This includes athletes, coaches, managers and spectators.
HIGH RISK
There is 10%(>68) of Hooker County's population (plus staff/students who live outside Hooker County) who have tested positive within the previous two week window as reported by West Central Health District or DHHS
Online/Remote learning will be the primary method of instructional delivery.
Students needing additional support will be allowed in the building on a restricted basis following the directed health measure. Meeting times for classes will vary from teacher to teacher attempting to follow an established schedule.