Masks will not be required when school begins

Greetings HSCSD #1 Patrons,

On August 4, I participated in a ZOOM meeting with all superintendents in the state of Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Education, and State Epidemiologist Dr. Alexia Harrist. Communities throughout Wyoming have been anxiously awaiting information regarding which precautionary measures will be in place for the 2021-2022 school year in regards to COVID- 19.

Masks: Masks will not be required as a public health order for the start of the school year. The Centers for Disease Control has again recommended masks indoors for K-12 students and staff. With no state order in place, HSCSD #1 will have masks available should any student or staff member wish to use one, but it will be a personal decision unless a state order is enacted in the future. The District is awaiting a final decision on masks for buses (a federal directive) and will communicate the directive before the first buses pick up students.

Vaccination: Similar to masking, it will remain a personal choice. Hot Springs County Public Health has vaccines available if students, staff, or patrons who have not been vaccinated would like to receive them. Hot Springs County Public Health can be reached at 864-3311.

Social Distancing: HSCSD #1 will continue to help students maintain social distancing when possible. The CDC recommends a distance of three feet be maintained, but should not exclude a child from their learning. HSCSD #1 had many successes with social distancing and will continue those measures. However, at this time, we will not separate groups of students into cohorts to begin the year.

Quarantine and Contact Tracing: Quarantines for exposed and ill individuals will be in place. The state of Wyoming will be contact tracing individuals and can provide additional support in the event a large outbreak of COVID-19 does occur.

Exposed individuals will be required to quarantine for up to 14 days as directed by the state of Wyoming. There are exceptions. If both individuals are wearing a mask, or the unaffected individual is vaccinated and does not show symptoms, they would not have to quarantine.

Staff or students may be sent home by the nurse if they are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19. The District realizes this can be difficult for families and appreciate the cooperation of parents to pick students up or keep students home if they are exhibiting any symptoms of sickness. Rapid COVID-19 tests will be available to staff and students this year. Tests will only be administered by the nurse upon permission by the staff member or the student’s parent/guardian. If a staff member or student exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 they may be asked to wear a mask while in the health office.

Activities: At this time there has been no change to the guidelines for activities since last spring from the WHSAA. For all extracurricular activities within HSCSD#1, coaches plan to use visual wellness screening of all participants that could result in dismissal from an activity. Please keep students home if they are feeling ill. We encourage our visiting and home communities to stay seated apart from one another. We encourage our coaches and parents to emphasize proper hygiene routines with students as a means to avoid all illnesses.

We are hopeful that we will be able to maintain a more normal year in 2021-2022. We appreciate the support of our community as we work through the challenges that have been unprecedented and difficult for all. Best wishes for a safe and happy rest of summer break, and we are excited to welcome your students back for a great and safe year! Go Bobcats!

Sincerely,

Dustin Hunt, Superintendent

Hot Springs County

School District #1