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Polk County Public Schools is implementing numerous protocols to provide a safe and healthy environment for students and staff. Here’s a look at the measures we’re putting into place for the 2021-22 school year.

Plans and procedures are subject to change as state, local and CDC guidelines are updated.

GUÍA DE REGRESO A LA ESCUELA
GID POU RETOUNEN LEKÒL

Guidance for PCPS Students Testing Positive for COVID-19 or Experiencing COVID-like Symptoms

Given the increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, Polk County Public Schools has updated guidance for families whose students have tested positive or are experiencing COVID-like symptoms.

Learn More About Our Updated Guidance

COVID-19 Dashboard

Polk County Public Schools has developed a COVID-19 data dashboard providing the most current information available on how the pandemic is impacting our schools.

View The COVID-19 Dashboard

Health & Safety Protocols

BUSES

  • Buses will transport students at full capacity.
  • The CDC and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County strongly recommend wearing face coverings while riding the school bus. Face coverings are optional at this time.
  • Drivers will monitor their symptoms daily, and anyone with a fever or COVID-related symptoms must not report to work.
  • Parents and students are to monitor their symptoms each day. Students should not come to the bus stop if they are feeling ill.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers are available on every bus, and students will use hand sanitizer as they enter and exit.
  • To minimize exposure, students will be loaded from rear to front, and unloaded from front to rear.
  • Students will be assigned seats, which will assist with contact tracing should an individual test positive for COVID-19.
  • Weather permitting, buses will travel with several windows open to allow fresh air to circulate.
  • School buses will be sanitized multiple times a day and A/C filters will be changed every 27-30 days.

CAFETERIAS

  • High-touch points such as the tray slide, milk box and keypad will be frequently sanitized.
  • Tables will be sanitized between lunch periods.
  • Cutlery and trays will be sanitized thoroughly.
  • Designated entrances and exits will control traffic flow and minimize exposure.
  • All condiments will be pre-portioned. No self-serve dispensers will be used.
  • There will be no self-service bars.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

  • PCPS will work closely with the Florida Department of Health in Polk County to notify school communities about a confirmed positive case.
  • A schoolwide notification will be sent when a positive case impacts a campus.
  • Individuals who have come into close contact exposure with a positive case (within six feet for 15 minutes or more) will also be notified by an automated telephone call.
  • Polk County Public Schools will continue to operate under the existing state orders concerning isolation and quarantine:
      1. Students and staff who have COVID-like symptoms or have received a positive test for COVID should STAY HOME. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: runny nose, congestion, sore throat, headache, body aches, fever, diarrhea, and other cold and flu-like symptoms.
      2. Students and staff with who are positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-like symptoms can return to school when one of the following criteria are met:
        1. Five days have passed since the day symptoms started, the person is fever-free for 24 hours and all other symptoms are improving -OR-
        2. A person has a doctor’s note allowing them to return to school/work before 5 days have passed -OR-
        3. A person has a negative COVID test and is asymptomatic.
  • Students who are exposed to a positive person, either at school, in the home, or in the community, no longer need to quarantine. Students who are exposed may continue to attend school as long as they are symptom-free. Regardless of vaccination status, the CDC recommends that individuals who are in close contact with a positive case wear a mask around others for 10 days after exposure.

Note: Hazel Healthcare is a new telehealth program available to PCPS students. A private consultation with a physician can be done from your home. Participating from home does not mean that a parent has provided consent for school-based use/access. For more information, visit polkschoolsfl.com/hazelhealth.

  • Students who are quarantined will be able to work while at home. Lessons and assignments will be posted online for students to complete at their own pace.

Visit our health information page for a list of local testing sites as well as links to helpful resources.

ATHLETICS

  • Athletics will continue to be offered during the 2021-2022 school year.
  • The CDC and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County strongly recommend wearing face coverings. Face coverings are optional at this time.
  • Students and staff should check their symptoms daily. Anyone with a fever, or symptoms related to COVID-19, should not attend school or practice if they are feeling ill.
  • Outdoor event capacity will be 100%, indoor capacity will be limited to 75% at this time.
  • Middle school intramural/extramural activities will be permitted as long as athletic COVID mitigation guidelines are followed.
  • Elementary physical education will follow same protocols as last year. Face coverings are not required during PE and playground equipment can be utilized.
  • Pep rallies will not be conducted unless they can be held safely outdoors.

SCHOOLS & CLASSROOMS

  • The CDC and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County strongly recommend wearing face coverings. Face coverings are optional at this time.
  • Students, staff, and visitors will not be required to complete temperature screening upon arrival on campuses.
  • Students and staff should monitor their symptoms daily. Anyone with a fever or COVID-related symptoms should not come to school.
  • Students and staff will be reminded throughout the day to practice proper hygiene, and signage promoting proper hygiene will be posted on campuses.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout each campus.
  • Social distancing will be encouraged to the greatest extent possible in schools and classrooms.
  • Seating charts will be used to assist with social distancing as well as contact tracing efforts in the event of a positive case.
  • Students should avoid sharing devices and supplies.
  • Facilities will be cleaned thoroughly and regularly, and high-touch areas will be disinfected throughout the day.
  • Deep cleaning will take place when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19.
  • All classes and school clinics are being equipped with air purifiers featuring HEPA filtration.
  • Air conditioning filters will be changed frequently.
  • Small groups of students may be able to “dress-out” with administrative approval. These small groups of students should maintain social distance to the greatest extent possible in the locker room.

SCHOOL CLINICS

  • Clinic staff will wear personal protective equipment as appropriate when treating or screening individuals.
  • Isolation areas will be established to separate symptomatic individuals from standard clinic operations. While face coverings are optional, individuals with symptoms will be required to wear face coverings in the isolation area.

FACE COVERINGS

  • Face coverings are optional at this time. The CDC and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County strongly recommend wearing face coverings.
  • If worn, face coverings should cover both the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the face.
  • Face coverings must comply with general dress code and school uniform requirements.
  • Students and staff may wear face shields in addition to face coverings.

FIELD TRIPS & LARGE GATHERINGS

  • Given the wide range of activities, field trips and large group gatherings will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

VACCINATIONS

  • The CDC and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County recommend all eligible persons be vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • The Pfizer vaccine is available to those ages 5 and up.
  • Free vaccinations can be obtained through various entities, such as pharmacies like CVS and Publix and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County. For more information, contact DOH-Polk’s Information Center at (863) 519-7911.

VOLUNTEERS/VISITORS

  • Volunteers who provide essential services to students and staff will be allowed on campus.
  • Volunteers and visitors will be advised that while face coverings are optional, the CDC and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County strongly recommend the wearing of face coverings.
  • Volunteers and visitors will continue to follow normal check-in procedures, including being entered into Raptor, the district’s visitor and volunteer check-in system.
  • Volunteers and visitors will track and log their movements while on campus.

FINE ARTS

  • The CDC and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County strongly recommend wearing face coverings. Although face coverings are optional at this time, the use of face coverings while singing is recommended.
  • Students and staff should check their symptoms daily. Anyone with a fever or symptoms related to COVID-19 should not attend school or practice if they are feeling ill.
  • Students will be socially distanced to the greatest extent possible in rehearsal and performance spaces.
  • The sharing of instruments, equipment and supplies will be limited and/or avoided.
  • Schools may employ other strategies to reduce the spread of illness, such as holding rehearsals outdoors when space and weather permits as well as the use of bell covers for all wind instruments.
  • Outdoor event capacity will be 100%, indoor capacity will be limited to 75% at this time.