Operations
In consultation with local public health authorities, districts and charter schools should develop plans to respond to the three identified categories of disease transmission contained in the Idaho Back to School Framework. Plans must enable continued instruction and educational services for students. Schools must be prepared to transition between traditional, hybrid, online and distance learning for all or a portion of their students at any time.
Emergency Operations Protocol
Essential Critical Infrastructure Worker Guidance
Mental Health Support Plan
Resources
Screening Procedures
Athletics, Activities & Mass Gatherings
Athletics
For grades 8 and under, use CDC Guidelines for Youth Sports Programs. Pursue options to convene sporting events and participation in sports activities in ways that minimizes the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to players, families, coaches, and communities.
Activities (Clubs, Proms, Dances, etc.)
Use the guidelines on the Rebound Idaho website for activities based on the level of community spread in your area, and if safe physical distancing and precautionary measures can be met. For Districts or Schools operating in {{Category Red}}, it is recommended to suspend in-person activities. Ensure plan for activities includes a communication component if it must be moved to a digital platform or be cancelled upon immediate notification.
Mass Gatherings (Graduations, Awards Ceremonies, etc.)
Use the Safe Gatherings and Public Events web page. Correspond with your District or School’s {{CATEGORY}} about knowing when to cancel, postpone, or move the mass gathering to a digital setting.
Infection Control Plan Recommendations
Student & Staff Vulnerability
Students
Offer options for students at higher risk of severe illness that limit their exposure risk, or for those who just do not feel comfortable returning to an in-person setting (e.g., virtual learning opportunities).
Student-Related Resources
- Do's & Don'ts when Providing Educational Services to Students with Disabilities during COVID-19 School Closures
- Five Formative Assessment Strategies to Improve Distance Learning Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
- Idaho SESTA Educator Resources to Support Remote Learning
- Key Considerations for Special Educators and the Infants, Children, and Youth They Serve as Schools Re-open
Staff
Offer options staff at higher risk for severe illness (including older adults and people of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions) that limit their exposure risk (e.g., telework, modified job responsibilities that limit exposure risk).
Leave (Time Off) Policies and Excused Absence Policies
Leave policies should be flexible and not punish people for taking time off, and should allow sick employees to stay home and away from co-workers. Leave policies should also account for employees who need to stay home with their children if there are school or childcare closures, or to care for sick family members.
- Leave policies should be flexible and not punish people for taking time off, and should allow sick employees to stay home and away from co-workers. Leave policies should also account for employees who need to stay home with their children if there are school or childcare closures, or to care for sick family members
Develop policies for return-to-school after COVID-19 illness. The CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation and quarantine can inform these policies.
Backup-Staffing Plan
Monitor absenteeism of students and employees, cross-train staff, and create a roster of trained back-up staff.