FAQs
Who gets quarantined when a positive case occurs in a classroom?
Particularly at the younger grades, if a student or teacher tests positive, the entire class may be quarantined as our default response. If contact tracing indicates a student was not within 6 feet of the positive individual within the last 48 hours, they may not need to quarantine. At secondary, contact tracing determines the individuals quarantined. This may include the entire class. The campus nurse, campus administrator, and district administrator makes the final determination.
How is "close contact" with an infectious individual defined?
This document refers to “close contact” with an individual who is test-confirmed to have COVID-19. The definition of close contact is evolving with our understanding of COVID-19, and individual scenarios should be determined by an appropriate public health agency. In general, close contact is defined as:
- being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on); or
- being within 6 feet for a largely uninterrupted or sustained extended contact period throughout the course of a day of approximately 15 minutes; however, additional factors like case/contact masking (i.e., both the infectious individual and the potential close contact have been consistently and properly masked), ventilation, presence of dividers, and case symptomology may affect this determination.
Either (a) or (b) defines close contact if it occurred during the infectious period of the case, defined as two days prior to symptom onset to 10 days after symptom onset. In the case of asymptomatic individuals who are test-confirmed with COVID-19, the infectious period is defined as two days prior to the confirming test and continuing for 10 days following the confirming test.
How will schools protect staff and students from COVID-19 risks?
Schools will ensure maximum social distancing possible in common areas and classrooms to avoid quarantines due to exposure. Adjustments to lunch seating will be necessary. Additionally, masks and hand sanitizing will be enforced throughout the school day.
Will the district require the use of masks for on-campus instruction?
If someone already had COVID-19 and was exposed to another individual with a positive case, do they need to quarantine?
What happens if the family member of a teacher or student tests positive?
If a family member tests positive, members of the household must be quarantined for 14 days. This is a reduction from the previous 24 day rule.
How will schools screen for student and staff wellness before they enter school?
- Fever of 100F or above,
- cough
- sore throat,
- shortness of breath/trouble breathing,
- chills,
- muscle aches,
- loss of taste or smell,
- nausea, vomiting or diarrhea,
- and new headache.
If you or your student are symptomatic, please stay home.
If I am vaccinated and exposed to a positive case, do I still need to quarantine?
- Are fully vaccinated by being at least two weeks since the date of their 2nd vaccination dose.
- Are within three months following the last dose.
- Have remained asymptomatic.
Can I bring my student's lunch to school if they forget it?
How long does someone need to be quarantined?
If a teacher/staff member is quarantined, are they required to use personal/sick leave?
If the principal determines a staff member can reasonably perform their essential job duties from home that do not require the use of a sub, the use of sick/personal leave may be avoided. Staff members should place their personal health and the health of their family as a priority when deciding to teach from home.
Taylor ISD is continuing to engage in conversations to address the needs of staff members during this challenging year for educators.
When can a parent change their learning setting (online vs. in-person)?
A student in online learning may choose to be in person at the conclusion of the grading period. A student that is in-person may choose to be in online learning at any time, provided the student has successfully maintained passing performance. Students that are unengaged in learning or underperforming academically may be required to attend in-person. This is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that if a student switches between on campus learning and online learning, then that student may not have the same teacher(s) or course schedule, as teachers may or may not be teaching both an online and an on campus class.
Will Taylor ISD provide technology for students participating in remote learning?
Taylor ISD plans to provide devices specifically for families who do not have access to a device to access online instruction in grades 4-12. Alternative options will be provided for families in grades PK-3. For students in Grades PreK-3, an electronic means, such as a personal mobile phone with a camera, video, and email capability, will be sufficient to return daily assignments to the school.
Upon need and request, the district will issue electronic devices to students in Grades 4-12. Parents and students will be required to sign a lending agreement which may require a deposit. Students who are issued such devices must adhere to the district’s acceptable use policy throughout the period of use.
Will the teachers of online learning and on campus classrooms be the same?
This will be based on several variables to include how many students select remote or in person instruction .
How will teachers address any potential learning needs from the school closure last spring?
An ongoing effort by the district and campus will be needed to address the learning needs of children throughout the district. Parents with concerns about their child's learning should contact their campus teacher or principal for responses. Please allow 24-48 hours for an adequate response time during this incredibly challenging time for our teachers.