Muscle Shoals City Schools
September 1, 2023
FALL 2023 Updates to Return to Instruction Plan
Introduction
This is a modified school operations plan for the Fall 2023 semester.
Please know that MSCS will continue to implement practical health and wellness procedures in coordination with the State Department of Education and the Alabama Department of Public Health.
After battling this pandemic for over three years now, we know the types of behaviors by individuals that can slow the spread of COVID-19. It is vital that each person in the Muscle Shoals faMily take the steps necessary to protect themselves and others from infection. It is the responsibility of ALL OF US to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
This plan IS NOT intended to be comprehensive of all the precautions that MSCS will take.
As we continue to learn more about COVID-19, we acknowledge the seemingly ever-changing aspect of guidance we receive from state and federal health officials. Hence, this plan is subject to change without notice, but as always, your child's safety and wellbeing are of utmost importance as we also work to provide a high quality educational experience.
As we have done since the summer of 2020, we will continue to monitor the community spread of COVID-19 and alert you to any changes impacting school operations.
District Health Protocols (As of 9/1/2023)
Screening - Parents should continue to screen children at home for signs or symptoms of any illness. As always, a child with a temperature of 100.4 shall remain at home and will not be permitted to return to school for 24 hours after the temperature is back to normal. If the child tests positive for COVID, follow COVID positive guidelines for isolation/quarantine below.
Isolation guidance for COVID positive **AS OF May 11, 2023**
If an individual is diagnosed with COVID, he/she should isolate or quarantine for at least 5 days from the onset of symptoms or diagnosis (whichever comes first) and consistently and properly wear a mask for 5 additional days. This applies to asymptomatic and mildly ill people!
Individuals who refuse to (or cannot) mask or continue to exhibit symptoms should continue to follow the 10 day isolation guidance (and be fever free for at least 24 hours). Individuals who exhibit major symptoms of COVID should also follow the 10 day isolation guidance.
Isolation guidance for COVID exposure **AS OF May 11, 2023:
Click here
Quarantine is no longer recommended for people who are exposed to COVID-19 except in certain high-risk congregate settings such as correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and nursing homes. In schools and ECE settings, which are generally not considered high-risk congregate settings, people who were exposed to COVID-19 should follow recommendations to wear a well-fitting mask and get tested after the 5th day following the last exposure. K-12 school and ECE administrators can decide how to manage exposures based on the local context and benefits of preserving access to in-person learning.
Accommodations may be necessary for exposed people who cannot wear a mask or have difficulty wearing a well-fitting mask. Schools and ECE programs can also consider recommending masking and/or testing for a classroom in which a student was recently exposed who is unable to consistently and correctly wear a mask.
Facial Coverings (Masks) - Masks are made to contain droplets and particles that you breathe, cough, or sneeze out. A variety of masks are available. Some masks provide a higher level of protection than others.
When wearing a mask or respirator (for example, N95), it is most important to choose one that you can wear correctly, that fits closely to your face over your mouth and nose, that provides good protection, and that is comfortable for you.
Increasing Space and Distance - Small particles that people breathe out can contain virus particles. The closer you are to a greater number of people, the more likely you are to be exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. To avoid this possible exposure, you may want to avoid crowded areas, or keep distance between yourself and others. These actions also protect people who are at high risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 in settings where there are multiple risks for exposure.
Personal Hygiene - Hand sanitizer will be available in each classroom and throughout the hallways of each campus. Staff will constantly encourage hand washing and proper ways to sneeze and cough to slow the spread of germs.
Water Fountains - Will be open, but staff and students are encouraged to bring their own water to minimize use and touching of water fountains. Some water fountains are equipped with touchless bottle filling stations.
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
This message should not be interpreted that we will require any individual to prove or reveal their vaccination status.
Vaccination
From the CDC: Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
Definition of Being Fully Vaccinated
Vaccine Eligibility
Please remember that the COVID vaccine, like all vaccines, is not 100% effective. Everyone should expect to hear of breakthrough cases (i.e. fully vaccinated people who contract the virus). That does not mean that the vaccine is not effective. To the contrary, vaccinated people who test positive generally experience milder symptoms and less hospitalizations.
Information on the COVID-19 Vaccine (ADPH)
Information on the COVID-19 Vaccine (CDC)
Getting Your Vaccine (CDC)
Find A Vaccine (CDC)
After You Are Vaccinated (CDC)
This message should not be interpreted that we will require any individual to prove or reveal their vaccination status.
International Travel
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html
Limitations or enhanced health/safety protocols may be imposed at at time on
Extracurricular events
Daytime field trips
Visitors on campus
Bus transportation
Meal service
Cleaning protocols
Use of lockers
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Scheduling
SUPPORTING VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
There will be a systematic review of all current student plans (e.g., Individual Healthcare Plans, Individualized Education Plans, or 504 Plans) for accommodating students with special needs, and their plans will be updated as needed.
Dr. Chad Holden, Superintendent
Email: cholden@mscs.k12.al.us
Website: www.mscs.k12.al.us
Location: 3200 South Wilson Dam Road, Muscle Shoals, AL, USA
Phone: 256-389-2600
Twitter: @MSCSTrojans