COVID-19 Safe Return to School Plan
Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for Goose Creek CISD schools, staff, students, and families as we begin the 2022-2023 school year. The safety protocols from the previous year have been modified and adjusted for this school year. Goose Creek CISD will continue to work with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), state and local health authorities, and the Texas Department of Health & Human Services (TDHHS) to take appropriate action. This plan may be expanded, modified, or eliminated based on COVID-19 activity in our community throughout the school year.

 

This plan is intended to meet the Texas Governor’s Executive Orders, TEA guidelines, University Inter-Scholastic League (UIL) and all federal, state, and local public health department orders as best possible, while still providing in-person learning and participation in student programs.

Safe Return to School Plan
  • Attendance remains a priority for Goose Creek CISD. The Daily COVID-19 Self-Health Assessment should be completed before arriving to school/work each day. Students and staff who exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will stay home and follow the guidelines in this plan. Campus nurses will continue to assess symptomatic students according to their protocols.
  • Goose Creek CISD is required to report positive COVID cases to local and state health authorities.

    Students Who Test Positive For COVID-19

    • Parents or family members should inform the campus nurse if their child has tested positive for COVID.
    • Students who are symptomatic or test positive for COVID will not attend face to face instruction until at least 5 days have passed since symptom onset, fever free, and other symptoms have improved.
    • Students who are symptomatic or test positive for COVID will be able to participate in Remote Conferencing Instruction during this time in order to be counted as present and stay up to date with their classes.
    • Students who do not participate in Remote Conferencing Instruction will be counted absent.

    Staff Who Test Positive For COVID-19

    • Staff who are symptomatic or test positive for COVID-19 should report this to their supervisor and the Director of Employee Health & Wellness.
    • Staff who test positive for COVID will be directed to isolate for at least 5 days since symptom onset.
    • Staff members may return to work once the isolation period has ended, other symptoms have improved, and fever free for 24 hours.
    • Goose Creek CISD Policy DBB (Local) permits the District to require medical documentation from an employee who exhibits symptoms of a communicable disease. Staff must provide documentation of a positive COVID test to the supervisor and Director of Employee Health & Wellness.

    Direct Exposure to COVID-19

    Students who have had close contact or exposure with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 should consider self-isolating for at least 5 days after the date of last contact as recommended by health authorities. Parents should monitor students for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and may also consider testing for COVID-19. Students who have direct exposure to COVID in the household qualify for Remote Conferencing Instruction. 

     

    Staff who have close contact or exposure with someone who tested positive for COVID are allowed to continue working as long as they are not symptomatic. The employee is asked to wear a mask for five days and monitor for symptoms. If symptoms arise, then the employee will be advised to stay home and test for COVID. Employees should notify their supervisor and the Benefits office of test results and further instructions.

    Case Reporting

    Goose Creek CISD will no longer be sending notifications regarding positive COVID cases. We will continue to implement safety protocols to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The COVID Dashboard will not be utilized unless otherwise deemed necessary.
  • Face coverings and masks are optional for the 2022-2023 school year. We encourage everyone who wishes to wear a face covering to do so, especially anyone who is not vaccinated.
  • Desk shields will be optional for the 2022-2023 school year. Desk shields will be stored at each facility for possible use. Students and families/parents may request a desk shield in the classroom(s). Teachers and other employees may utilize desk shields on their own desks.

  • Visitors are allowed on campus after passing the COVID assessment screening questionnaire. Virtual meetings may continue to be an option for parent conferences.

  • Goose Creek CISD will continue to implement safety protocols to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. These safety protocols include the following:
    • Hand sanitizers in all classrooms
    • Cleaning supplies provided in classrooms
    • Sanitize high touch surfaces throughout the day
    • Sanitize/deep clean classrooms if there has been a known COVID exposure
    • Educating students on proper use of water fountains; recommended staff monitoring of water fountains
This plan is subject to change based on revisions by state or local authorities.