The Return to Learn: Forward WJCC Schools health plan was developed by a team of school nurses and student health professionals. The plan is currently being reviewed by health experts, including Peninsula Health Department staff and a local pediatrician. Please revisit this page for updated information.
WJCC Schools will implement the following mitigation strategies to reduce the spread of illness in school buildings and offices:
- Required use of face coverings by students on the bus and throughout the school day (exemptions aligned with CDC guidelines);
- Required use of face coverings by staff;
- Social distancing to the greatest extent possible;
- Daily symptom checks and self-assessment for wellness by staff before reporting to work;
- Enhanced hygiene practices that include frequent handwashing;
- Care/isolation for students and staff who exhibit symptoms; and
- Emphasis on social and emotional wellness.
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.
