Governor Mifflin Transition Forward

The health and safety of the Governor Mifflin School District students and staff remains, as always, the top priority for the organization. The GMSD Leadership Team will continue to take critical steps and make decisions that protect the health and safety of our organization in the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to collaboratively ensure that you continue to feel safe and secure so together we can successfully navigate into the 2021-2022 school year.

In response to the expiration of statewide mitigation orders, the Organizational Standards and Expectations below outline the protocols we expect of all students and staff members as we transition forward.

Expectations are based on the latest guidance provided by the Governor’s Office, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (PDE), County of Berks Department of Emergency Services (EMS), local healthcare providers, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will continue to monitor guidelines and recommendations, in order to revise the Organizational Standards and Expectations as appropriate.

As conditions change related to COVID-19, protocols are subject to change. Thank you for your ongoing support and continued commitment to transitioning forward!

Self-Screen for COVID-19 Symptoms

Stay informed about COVID-19 symptoms and monitor your health prior to reporting to and while at the school/work.

If you are not feeling well, exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (utilize the GMSD Daily Health Screening Tool), or taking fever reducing medication, stay home and/or seek medical attention following the usual procedures for reporting off of school/work.

If you exhibit COVID-19 symptoms while at work/school, please return home and/or seek medical attention following the usual procedures for reporting off of school/work.

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, follow the guidance provided by your health care provider and/or DOH related to isolation/quarantine, contact tracing, and returning to school/work.

Positive students and staff are prohibited from reporting to campus/school for the period designated by a medical provider or DOH.

When made aware of a positive COVID-19 case, the school district will be notifying potential contacts/exposures through a letter.  The district will not be quarantining close contacts or contact tracing unless requested by the DOH. Any quarantining will be identified by healthcare providers and/or the PA DOH.

Follow the GM processes and procedures for reporting communicable diseases to report exposure or positive COVID-19 test results to the school nurse or your supervisor immediately.

Daily Health Screening
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, do not come to school/work. Symptoms should be closely monitored and if they persist, contact your healthcare provider.

Do you have any one of the following symptoms:
• fever of 100.4 or higher
• cough
• shortness of breath
• difficulty breathing

Do you have two or more of the following symptoms:
• sore throat
• runny nose/congestion
• chills
• lack of taste/smell
• nausea/vomiting
• headache
• diarrhea

In the last 14 days, have you been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who is awaiting test results and presumed positive?

Have you or someone in your home been asked to self quarantine by a federal or local agency, or physician?

Communicable Disease Reporting Procedures

The Pennsylvania DOH considers COVID-19 a communicable disease. As such, it is among DOH’s listing of reportable diseases.

  • You are required to immediately report a suspected or known case of COVID-19  to the school district. Please contact the school nurse or, for employees, contact your immediate supervisor.
  • Follow the recommendation of your healthcare provider and report the absence in accordance with standard procedures.
  • GMSD is required to contact the Pennsylvania DOH and will follow their guidance. Guidance may include the following:
    • Disease information
    • The distribution of appropriate letters and communications
    • Identification of high risk individuals
    • Appropriate action and treatment
    • Ongoing support and assistance

Practice Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your elbow. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash can and hands should be washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Again, hand sanitizer may be used if soap and water are not available.

Increase monitoring to ensure adherence among students.

Face Coverings

Through June 27, 2021 wearing a face covering is optional for fully vaccinated individuals outdoors and indoors. Individuals not vaccinated must wear a face covering indoors. If physical distancing is possible outdoors, wearing a face covering is optional in an outdoor setting for all individuals.

Beginning June 28, 2021, face coverings are optional for all individuals (staff, students, parents, visitors), regardless of vaccination status, in GMSD buildings, and sponsored events. The district will continue to monitor mandates and recommendations from CDC, DOH, and PDE regarding masks and mitigation. The district’s Transition Forward Plan will be revised as necessary based on those mandates/recommendations.

Students and staff who travel to other locations must adhere to the Health and Safety Plan of that location.

Beginning July 19, 2021 and in accordance with an updated CDC federal order, face coverings will be required on public transportation, regardless of vaccination status. This federal order includes school buses operated by public and private school systems. Therefore, effective July 19, 2021, all Governor Mifflin bus drivers, aides, and students will be required to wear a face covering when riding in Governor Mifflin School District transportation vehicles. The only exception will be when drivers are the only person in the bus/vehicle, they do not need to wear a face covering.

Clean and Disinfect Your Workspace

Ensure your desk/workspace is clean and clear of additional materials to allow for cleaning of surface areas by the custodial staff.

Custodial staff will return to daily/nightly pre-COVID classroom cleaning protocols.

Supplies will be made available if you choose to clean your telephone, computer keyboard, and office doorknob/switches, etc. if applicable, at the end of each workday.

Follow additional cleaning and disinfecting measures/protocols required within your program.

Adhere to appropriate personal protective equipment guidelines.

Maintain Physical Distancing Protocols

Refrain from physical contact (handshakes, high fives, hugs).

Be respectful of other’s personal space.

When gathering in common, shared spaces, maintain physical distancing to the maximum extent possible.

Stay Informed of CDC Guidance Relative to Travel

Adhere to CDC’s guidance relative to travel. When traveling know the rules/regulations of your travel destination

Stay especially vigilant with self- monitoring relative to COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days after travel.

Monitor and comply with state guidelines regarding travel advisories or orders.

 

Download a copy of the Transition Forward plan

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

LATEST UPDATES

Skylert reminder

Updates and alerts regarding COVID-19 will be sent using the Skylert communication system. Families should log in to your Skyward account and click the “Skylert” tab to ensure your contact information is up-to-date. For step-by-step directions, please click here.