Schools and Offices
WJCC Schools custodial teams clean school buildings multiple times a day, paying particular attention to common areas and critical touchpoints such as door handles, tables, stair rails, and other hard surfaces. They use disinfectant and cleaning products recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As part of deep cleaning practices, custodial teams are now conducting electrostatic disinfecting daily, which adds another layer of cleaning to large surfaces or an entire classroom. 
In addition to cleaning surfaces, WJCC Schools performs preventative maintenance of HVAC systems more often and evaluates airflow in buildings.Â
If a student or staff member reports symptoms of COVID-19 or becomes ill, enhanced cleaning will include pressure washing areas, deep carpet cleaning, and the continued use of foggers to clean.Â
School Buses
When students return to onsite learning, social distancing and face coverings will be needed. Bus windows will be open whenever possible to increase the air intake circulation on buses. Drivers will sanitize buses between each route and thoroughly clean buses at the end of morning and afternoon runs.Â
Health & Safety FAQs
WJCC Schools staff is collaborating with local health experts now to develop a framework for decision-making that includes key data points, trends, and conditions that will be monitored. Our goal is to give families at least 3 days’ notice before a change in Paths is made. That could change in the event of an emergency.
Plexiglass partitions have been ordered and will be used for small group instruction. Partitions will not be used at each student’s desk. Classrooms will be configured to support social distancing to the greatest extent possible, maintaining 6’ of space between student desks.
WJCC Schools will all follow health and safety protocols developed with current CDC and local and state health department guidance. This includes but is not limited to enhanced cleaning and sanitization measures, self-assessments for wellness, face covering requirements, social distancing, and handwashing and other hygiene practices.
All WJCC Schools students and staff are required to wear face coverings.
Face coverings include cloth face coverings, disposable masks, and face shields worn with face masks/coverings. Students who are unable to wear a face covering due to medical concerns or certain disabilities may be considered for accommodations on a case by case basis. Details about the process to arrange for accommodation will be available before school begins.
Anyone who begins to feel unwell or presents symptoms will be immediately referred to the school nurse. The individual will be given a mask, and if determined necessary, placed in an isolation room away from others, until they are able to go home.
WJCC Schools will follow the protocols outlined in the WJCC Schools Health Services Return to School Mitigation Guidelines, which follow guidance from the CDC and VDH for reported COVID-19 cases and reported exposure to those with COVID-19.  Student absences due to COVID-19 are addressed in school attendance policies. Students will be given the opportunity to make up missing assignments due to illness.
WJCC Schools will work with local and regional health officials to initiate contract tracing and coordinate next steps. Operations staff will begin established cleaning and sanitizing procedures, as appropriate. Decisions regarding the complete or partial closure of a building will be determined by school division staff, in collaboration with local health officials.
If a student tests positive for COVID-19, they will not be permitted to return to school until they have self-quarantined per CDC and VDH guidelines and are symptom-free. Students with exposure to someone with COVID-19 can return if symptom-free for the duration of the self-quarantine. Specific considerations for returning to school are outlined in the Health Services Return to School Mitigation Guidelines.
WJCC Schools will follow the protocols outlined in the WJCC Schools Health Services Return to School Mitigation Guidelines, which follow guidance from the CDC and VDH for reported COVID-19 cases and reported exposure to those with COVID-19. Staff absences due to COVID-19 are addressed in current Human Resources policies and procedures.
WJCC Schools will work with local and regional health officials to initiate contract tracing and coordinate next steps. Operations staff will begin established cleaning and sanitizing procedures, as appropriate. Decisions regarding the complete or partial closure of a building will be determined by school division staff, in collaboration with local health officials.
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, they will not be permitted to return to work until they have self-quarantined per CDC and VDH guidelines and are symptom-free. Employees with exposure to someone with COVID-19 can return if symptom-free for the duration of the self-quarantine. Specific considerations for returning to school are outlined in the Health Services Return to School Mitigation Guidelines.
WJCC Schools have always been cleaned for health and safety. Our cleaning protocols this year include:
- Emphasizing touchpoint cleaning.
- Shifting custodial schedule to increase coverage during daytime hours.
- Conducting electrostatic disinfecting daily.
- Performing preventative maintenance of HVAC systems more often.
- Evaluating airflow in buildings to increase outside air.
- Implementing enhanced cleaning in the event of possible exposure, including fogging, carpet cleaning, and pressure washing.
