HUSTON ACADEMY HEALTH AND SAFETY PRINCIPLES

We are excited to welcome everyone back for the 2021-2022 school year! All instruction will take place in-person at our schools. Per Governor Abbott’s executive order, face coverings (masks) are optional for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. There is no COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students, staff, or visitors.

FACE COVERINGS

Huston Academy will not require staff, students, or visitors to wear face coverings. An individual may choose to wear a mask if desired and additional masks will be available.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend that individuals two and older who are not fully vaccinated to wear mask indoors.

VACCINATIONS

Huston Academy will not require students or staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The state of Texas has not added the COVID-19 vaccination to the required immunization list for students. School districts cannot require students or staff to report vaccination status (Per Governor Abbott’s executive order).

COVID-19 REPORTING/TRACKING

As partners working together to maintain a healthy school environment, we ask parents and employees to report confirmed cases of COVID-19 to Huston Academy administration personnel. Parents should report positive cases to the Principal and/or school nurse; employees should report to the Superintendent and/or Principal. Huston Academy staff will not conduct close contract tracing and reviews. Huston Academy will not require students and staff to quarantine due to exposure. Huston Academy is still required, however, to report positive cases to the Erath County Public Health Department and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

COVID-19 POSITIVE CASES

If a student has a confirmed case of COVID-19, please contact the Principal and/or school nurse as soon as possible. Parents should not send students to school who have tested positive or who are symptomatic.

When Huston Academy receives confirmation that a student or staff member who has been on campus or at school activities during his/her infectious period has tested positive for COVID-19, a notification will be sent out to the entire school campus (staff and parents).

Per the CDC, those who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test. Those who suspect they could possibly have COVID-19 should isolate at least 10 days since the symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-inducing medication and other symptoms are improving.

If an individual tests positive for COVID-19 and believes the test was a false positive and wants to return to school before complete the above stay at home period, the individual must either (a) obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis, though for health privacy reasons the note does not need to indicate what the alternative diagnosis is, or (b) take a subsequent COVID-19 PCR acute infection test (at a physician’s office or approved testing location) at least 24 hours after the positive test and provide a negative test result on that subsequent test.

ABSENCES

If a student must isolate after testing positive for COVID-19, the school/teacher will provide makeup work in a similar manner as for students absent for other reasons.

Employees will have to use personal leave while they are isolating.

VISITORS & MEETINGS

Visitors will be allowed on campus according to standard rules and procedures and as capacity allows. Meetings will be allowed on campus and face coverings will not be required.

CLEANING/SANITATION PROTOCOLS

Frequent cleaning and sanitation will support a healthy learning environment for students and staff. Huston Academy will continue with cleaning and sanitation protocols in its buildings and campus. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout buildings along with opportunities to wash hand frequently.

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

For social-emotional support, please contact the school counselor.

If a student has a health-related issue, please contact the Principal and/or school nurse.

Employees should contact the Superintendent.