LQPV Safe Return to School Plan 2021-2022
Status of COVID-19 Related Topics:
Lac qui Parle Valley School District (LQPV) is committed to the safety of all students and staff. The LQPV 2021-22 School Opening Plan was created using the limited number of requirements set forth by the Federal government and State of Minnesota, along with feedback collected from stakeholders over the summer. Our plan has been reviewed and approved by the LQPV School Board.
LQPV will return to typical (full-time, In-Person) school operations and programming in the fall of 2021. This includes:
- All students will be in school five days/week.
- Normal start and end times will be in place.
- Sites will return to their typical days and hours of operation.
- Students will have lunch in the lunchroom(s).
- Students will transition from class to class, following a normal schedule.
- Special area classes (music, art, PE, etc) will be held in their classrooms
- The 2021-22 calendar posted on the district’s website will be followed.
The following information will provide greater clarity:
Face coverings:
- Face coverings are optional within our school facilities. LQPV will maintain a limited supply of face coverings for students or staff who choose to wear them.
- Face coverings are still required while on a school bus.
- It is recommended that all unvaccinated people present in school buildings and district offices wear a face covering. This is a recommendation and not a requirement. The school will not require the wearing of masks unless it is a requirement of MDE, MDH or the CDC.
- The face covering recommendation does not apply to children under 2 years of age or people of any age who are unable to tolerate wearing a face covering because of a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability.
Child Nutrition – Meals:
- Meals will be available at school. Students may also bring their lunches as in the past. The USDA is continuing to offer free meals for school breakfast and lunch throughout the 2021-2022 school year.
Field Trips:
- Students may be scheduled to go on field trips throughout the 2021-2022 school year.
Transportation:
- Regular transportation routes will be used.
- Current federal regulations require face coverings to be worn while riding on buses. At this time this is a requirement, not a recommendation. If this changes from being required to becoming a recommendation, the school transportation regulations will change.
Physical Distancing:
- There are currently no physical distancing requirements.
Vaccines:
- Vaccinations for students, staff or visitors/volunteers are not required by LQPV.
Cleaning and Maintaining Healthy Facilities, including Improving Ventilation:
- HVAC systems are running to maximize air flow and monitor air quality.
- Cleaning practices continue to support mitigation of COVID 19.
- Routine cleaning is scheduled when students and teachers are not occupying the space.
- Drinking fountains and water refill stations are open with no restrictions.
Health Screening, Quarantine and Isolation:
- Self-Screening for symptoms of illness is a practice that keeps us all safe. If you are ill, stay home.
- We are mandated to report any positive cases to MDH.
- Our current practice regarding someone who is in close contact with a person who is COVID positive is to notify any staff, student or family members of a close contact with a positive case and ask them to monitor their symptoms closely.
Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette:
- Students will continue to be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water during bathroom
breaks, before meals and any time facial tissues are used.
Accommodations for Special Populations:
- Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to health and safety policies and procedures will be provided. To learn more about accommodations, parents/guardians should contact his/her child’s case manager.
Coordination with State / Local Health Officials:
- LQPV will continue to collaborate with state and local public health officials.
- We will continue to actively monitor our local COVID data to determine strategies necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Visitors/Volunteers:
- Visitors and volunteers who are ill should not enter the LQPV buildings.
- Visitors and volunteers will follow regular protocols when checking in at each school building during the day.
Final Notes:
- LQPV Schools are committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff and community members. We believe it is important that we all remember to respect the decisions and actions of others in our community while we seek the common goal of a safe environment.
Rick Ellingworth, Interim Superintendent of Schools
Revised and Posted: 8-3-2021
This document is subject to changes.