Washington

Learning: 100 percent in-person

Face Coverings: Required for most

The Washington Community Schools has finalized its return-to-learn plan for the beginning of the year.

The schools will be returning to classes face-to-face on Aug. 24 with a variety of health precautions in place, such as hand-washing, social distancing and nightly cleaning.

For families who are not comfortable sending their kids to school, they have the option to choose virtual school taught by professionals outside of the district.

Face coverings will be required for all staff and students above second grade. Kids at the elementary level will be taught how to wear face coverings and will wear them periodically and when transitioning throughout the day.

Each student will be provided a face shield but can choose to wear their own face coverings. Periodic breaks from wearing the masks will be provided for students throughout the day with proper social distancing.

The school is requiring masks and shields – other coverings such as bandanas will not be accepted.

Some may be exempt from wearing face coverings due to a documented medical reason. This information must be shared with the school nurse and superintendent.

If the school is made aware of a positive test, their plan is to work with the Washington County Public Health to determine the proper steps. Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 will be quarantined for 10 days. In addition, the Washington schools said they must be fever free for 72 hours, free of using medication and have symptom improvement before returning to class.

The district will work with the Washington County Public health to monitor outbreaks and determine if or when schools should be canceled, moved to a hybrid model or move to remote learning.

'If Washington County has an average positive test rate of 0-14% over a 14-day period the state recommends on-site learning,” according to the school's return-to-learn.

If community transmission over a 14-day period spans 15 percent to 20 percent, a hybrid model will be considered and if it reaches more than 20 percent a waiver will be submitted to transition to remote learning for periods of two weeks.

More information on the school's plan can be found on the district website.

– Caitlin Yamada