Will school open Jan. 5 as scheduled?
Yes.
What is being done to manage the Omicron variant?
We’re using the same multi-level approach that has led to having the lowest rate of COVID infections in Central Texas: Wearing masks, social distancing, partitions, advanced ventilation, vaccination and testing opportunities, and constantly collecting and using data in our decisions.
Are you using the new CDC recommendations for isolation?
Yes, we revised our protocols to reflect the new guidance. Any positive individual who is asymptomatic can return after the fifth day of isolation.
What is being done to protect students in the classroom?
We’ve put in measures to protect students in the classroom, including extra ventilation, cleaning and sanitizing high-touch areas, a mask mandate, social distancing when possible, testing opportunities, making it easy for students to wash hands, contact tracing and notifications to families, vaccination opportunities for students 5 and older, and relying on our local/state/federal health experts for further guidance.
What is test-to-stay?
If someone in your student’s class has been exposed to COVID, you will receive a notification. From there, you can choose to have your student stay in school with a mandatory test on the fifth day, or they can stay at home and test on the fifth day at an approved testing facility. If they become symptomatic, they may need to stay home longer than five days.
Can I use a home rapid test?
At-home testing is a great way to have peace of mind, but won’t work for our test-to-stay procedure. If your student tests positive at home, please keep them home per AISD protocol. They may return after the fifth day and as long as they are asymptomatic.
However, for test-to-stay protocol, or if you want to make absolutely certain of the results, please visit one of our 11 testing hubs or any approved testing provider.
Are masks mandatory?
Yes. Masks are mandatory inside all AISD buildings and schools. We recommend wearing an N95 mask if possible or double masking for extra protection. Please make sure the mask fits properly, over the nose and mouth.
Where can we get tested?
Our website is a great source of information, and we have 11 testing hub sites and a mobile van that will be operational Jan. 3. There is no registration required, but you need to fill out a consent form online (use code AISDtest). Filling out the consent form means you’re good for the whole school year. In addition, your school may ask if you want your student pool tested, meaning they’ll get an individual nose swab that will go into a group test. It’s another layered approach we’re taking to keep our classrooms safe.
What protocols are in place to keep students participating in athletics and fine arts safe?
Indoor activities are monitored closely and when students are not participating in vigorous activities they are wearing masks and distancing as much as possible. Outdoor events, per the public health department, do not require extra guidance unless that activity is causing extreme close contact.
