Safe Learning Plan
Throughout the school year, Owatonna Public Schools’ Safe Learning Plan will use guidance from state and local health department officials, local medical experts and Minnesota Department of Education to advise our practices. Our goal is to maintain a normalized environment where students can learn and teachers can teach. Our plan includes information regarding health and safety, face coverings/masks, cleaning/sanitizing procedures, transportation on school buses, and visitors and volunteers. Owatonna Public Schools prioritizes student/staff safety and health, data-driven decision-making and the importance of local school districts to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of their students, families and communities. We continue to work closely with local, county and state partners to educate, promote and encourage the community of Owatonna to help us provide a safe and healthy learning environment.
Commitment to Health and Safety
The safety of our students and staff is a priority.
- Face coverings optional
- Cleaning and sanitation protocols continue
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention protocols are followed
- Soap and water or hand sanitizer available and used throughout the school day
Handling Confirmed Cases
We are required to report known cases of COVID-19. If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please contact the school office where they attend. If a student is not fully vaccinated and has close contact with someone with COVID-19, please monitor closely for symptoms and stay home if feeling ill. Students or staff who were within 6 feet of an infected person for more than 15 minutes are considered a potential exposure. Testing 4-6 days after exposure or upon symptom onset is recommended.
Mitigation Protocol
In the event multiple cases of illness are reported in a building, we use the recommended 5% threshold to put additional mitigation measures in place. This means that 5% of our students/staff have reported flu or COVID-like symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19. In this case, the district may close the building for a minimum of one day to fully disinfect the building. Upon return to the building, masks may be required by all staff and students in that respective building for a period of 10 days. If cases are still being reported after the 10-day period, a longer masking requirement may be put in place.
Health and Wellness Procedures
All families are asked to perform health checks on students before coming to school each day. If a student has an elevated temperature or any other sign of potential illness, they should stay home. Parents and guardians need to pick up from school any students found to have a fever or to be exhibiting signs of illness during the school day in a timely manner.
Follow MN Department of Health guidance if you are sick or test positive for COVID.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidelines
Regular housekeeping practices are currently in place, including routine cleaning and disinfecting of general areas of the school environment, classrooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, etc. School district custodial staff frequently clean and disinfect high-touch areas such as door handles, elevator panels, railings, phones, keyboards, touch screens, etc.
Transportation
Face coverings are no longer required for students and staff riding in buses or vans operated by school systems, including early care and education/childcare programs, per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We continue to monitor guidance provided by the CDC. Visitors/Volunteers Visitors or volunteers are welcome in our buildings. This may be re-evaluated based on the latest COVID-19 data in our community.