Cambridge-Isanti Schools will accommodate the needs of students who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. This includes honoring requests of parents who may elect to continue distance learning due to an underlying medical condition of the student or others in their home.

Parents will have the option to do distance learning through Cambridge-Isanti Online. 

Staff will need to contact their direct supervisor and Human Resources Department to determine what options will be available to them.

Each morning, families and staff should screen for illness using the following symptom list:

• Fever (100.4) or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Parents should help young students who are unable to complete the screening by themselves.

If symptoms are present:

• Staff and students with symptoms are asked to not report for work using the newest exclusion guidelines
• Cambridge-Isanti Schools will request parents, guardians, and staff to self-report if they or their student have COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test, or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
• Staff or students who develop symptoms during the school day must notify school health services or another identified point of contact in the school building immediately. 
• If symptoms develop during the day, a student will be sent home and then follow the exclusion guidelines.
• The building will utilize a designated isolation space should a student or staff member need to be isolated until they can leave the building if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.
• When a student is sick, staff will walk the student to the vehicle.

Physical distancing is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of germs, disease and illness. 

When we teach children about physical distancing, we ask them to stick their arms out to visualize their personal bubble. If each student practices staying in their personal bubble, we can maintain physical distancing.

School staff will be wearing personal protective equipment, which keeps them safe and allows them to share a personal bubble with students when appropriate.

Even though we are physically distancing, we want students to know we care about them and that social interaction is important. 

Our school staff are creative when it comes to hand gestures, Air-high 5's and other creative forms of expression and encouragement!

The first few weeks of school, we will be practicing new routines like physical distancing when lining up, when working together and when playing on the playground.

As of July 25, 2020, the Governor's Executive Order 20-81, people in Minnesota are required to wear a face-covering in all public indoor spaces and businesses, unless alone. Additionally, workers are required to wear a face-covering when working outdoors in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained. Employees of Cambridge-Isanti Schools will therefore be required to adhere to this mandate and wear a face covering while at work. This may include either a cloth face mask or plastic face shield. The district will provide instructions on proper use and cleaning and will make plastic face shields available to all employees.

Students age five years and older and any visitors to school buildings will also be required to wear face-coverings. Posters at building entrances will notify all persons of the face-covering requirement.

MDH face-covering guidelines should be followed when wearing coverings. This includes: washing hands before applying, washing hands after taking off, not touching the covering repeatedly, and keeping it clean. The District will send home the CDC guidance document on how to safely wear face coverings.

Per the MDE Safe Learning Plan issued July 30, 2020, all students, staff, and other people present in school buildings and district offices or riding on school transportation vehicles are required to wear a face covering. Face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer does not know they are infected. A face shield (a clear plastic barrier that covers the face) allows visibility of facial expressions and lip movements for speech perception and may be used as an alternative to a face covering in certain situations. The State will provide face coverings for every student, educator, and staff member.

Proper hand washing practices are very important to reduce the spread of viruses and other infectious materials. Posters will be placed at all sinks to remind everyone of good hand washing practices. Teaching staff are expected to encourage proper hand washing with all students. 

Handwashing takes place at the following times:

• Upon arrival at the school building
• Before and after preparing food or drinks
• Before and after eating or handling food
• Before and after administering medication or sunscreen
• After using the toilet or helping a child in the bathroom
• After coming in contact with bodily fluid
• Before and after playing outdoors
• Before and after transitioning to a new space/area

Hand washing is more effective than hand sanitizer in reducing germs. However, in instances where handwashing is not readily available, hand sanitizer can be used. Visibly dirty or greasy hands should still be washed as soon as feasible. 

Hand sanitizer stations that use sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol will be installed outside classrooms that do not have sinks. Students will be supervised while using hand sanitizer.

Cambridge-Isanti Schools has prepared in-depth cleaning practices to prevent the exposure of COVID-19. Key elements include:

• Staff will utilize Hillyard disinfectants, such as Q.T. Plus, that are approved disinfectants on the EPA’s “List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)”. 
• The dwell time of Q.T. Plus is three (03) minutes.
• After it has been mixed, Q.T. Plus must be used within 30 days. Mixing date must be labeled on the bottle to track this.
• The SDS states that the PPE is required and includes chemical resistant gloves (e.g. nitrile or latex) and chemical splash goggles (if working with concentrate). 
• The SDS is available to staff in the district’s MSDS Online database.
• The containers are pre-labeled with GHS compliant labels.
• Staff will receive training on cleaning practices and Employee Right-to-Know.
• Teacher/Staff will wipe down all high touch areas between groups.
• The district will be cleaning every space every day.
• The district also has procured additional cleaning equipment funded through the CARES Act that will help with cleaning efficiencies.

Routine Cleaning  

MDH and CDC recommend routine cleaning and disinfection occur to assist in the prevention of the virus spread. Cambridge-Isanti Schools accomplishes this through routine cleaning of high touch points as listed below, per CDC guidelines.  In addition to the routine cleaning, our areas will be disinfected at least once a day, our high touch areas will get disinfected multiple times throughout the day.

Transportation

Vehicles and buses used to transport staff and students will be cleaned after every trip.

Technology

When technology items are needing to be cleaned, alcohol wipes will be utilized to prevent damage to the equipment. 

HVAC Systems

The HVAC systems in Cambridge-Isanti buildings are all open plenum systems. Fresh air or conditioned air is brought into spaces by Air Handlers or Roof Top Units to cool or heat the space to the desired setpoint. The existing air within the room is then forced into the cold/warm air duct which vents to the outside. These ducts are connected from each room of our buildings, once this air is captured it does not return to any of the spaces. The ductwork typically sits above the ceiling grid in each space. All of our HVAC systems bring in the required amount of CFM’s to each room to provide adequate fresh air. Our HVAC systems will start up 2 hours prior to students entering the building in an effort to flush out existing building air and bring in new air prior to the start of the school day.

MDH and CDC recommend additional cleaning measures take place should there be a known or suspected COVID-19 case within the building. This includes isolation areas where students and staff showing symptoms of COVID-19 are placed before leaving the building. Cleaning occurs in all locations where that person was present. The CDC recommends proceeding with regular cleaning if you receive this information seven days or more since the person has been in the facility. 

Cambridge-Isanti Schools custodial staff completes the cleaning sequence below should there be a suspected or confirmed case:

1. Vacate the area – Leave windows open for circulation, if feasible.
2. Allow the space to ventilate for at least 24 hours (or more if feasible) before cleaning.
3. Wear chemical resistant gloves, clothing coverings, and safety goggles.
4. If the surface is visibly dirty – Clean first using soap & water or other cleaning detergent.
5. Disinfect surfaces using disinfectant provided; the product needs to remain visibly wet on the surface for the designated dwell time. Use paper towels, scrub pads, or similar absorbents to remove chemical residue from surface.
6. Use a garbage bag for your waste. When full, place garbage in dumpster.
7. Remove gloves and then wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Clothing coverings should be removed immediately after cleaning/disinfecting and placed in an airtight plastic bag; these items can be laundered later.

In light of the Governor's recent Executive Order, effective Monday, November 23, all school offices including Education Services Center are closed to visitors and are available by appointment only.

In-Person Format

Classrooms will be limited to essential teaching tools. Limiting the number of personal items in the classroom will lighten the cleaning load of the custodial staff. During this time, rugs and all other non-standard furniture (couches, chairs, bean bag chairs, etc.), especially items made of porous materials, will not be allowed in the classroom as they present cleaning challenges.

Desks in classrooms will be spaced as far apart as feasible, and they will all face one direction. Desks will not be put together in pods that allow students to be in close proximity and facing each other. 

Additional spaces, such as the cafeteria and auditorium may be used as much as possible to increase space between individuals.

Hybrid Format

Requirements from In-Person Format apply, and in addition:

• Floors will be marked in classrooms and other learning spaces to designate six-foot distances between desks.
• Desks will be placed on floor markings and distance will be maintained throughout the day.
• If group tables, lab counters, or other surfaces are used for seating, they will be marked with six-foot distances to show where students can sit to maintain physical distancing.

It is encouraged that library books are pre-selected for elementary students. They will be placed in labeled, Ziploc bags and given to students.

When any books are returned, books will be placed in a bin and labeled with the date returned. Bins of returned books will sit for at least 24 hours prior to covers being wiped and re-shelved. 

Students will be directed to wash hands before and after using the Media Center.

At this time, the cafeterias will be utilized with maximum physical distancing possible in the space, not to exceed 50% of the intended capacity. Both breakfast and lunch will be portable, and able to be safely transported to an alternate dining area if necessary. Students will go to the cafeteria to pick up and pay for lunches.

Physical Education classes will be held outside when weather permits. 

If gym equipment is used, it will be placed in a “dirty” bin located in the gym and cleaned at the end of the day prior to putting away or between student use. 

Students will be directed to wash hands before and after Physical Education classes.

Each student will have their own Chromebook, which will eliminate the need for sharing personal computers. 

When public use printers or copiers are used, surfaces that are touched will be wiped down with a disinfectant wipe after use. A poster reminding employees of the need to clean after each use will be posted.

Beginning January 11, the pool at Cambridge-Isanti High School will be open for lap swim by registration only. Occupancy is limited to 25% of normal capacity. 9 feet of distance is required between swimmers.

Per MDH, “Districts and all childcare settings are encouraged to continue to use playground facilities for children in their care and utilize strategies to limit possible exposures”. Based upon this guidance, playgrounds at Cambridge-Isanti Schools will remain open for student use. The district will use battery-powered sprayers to disinfect our playgrounds before and after school.

Students and staff will be directed to wash hands both before and after playground use.

Playground usage will be staggered in order to keep groups as separate as possible. Staff who monitor playground use will discourage students from congregating as much as possible.

Staff should supervise locations where students might congregate to keep gathering to a minimum. Students should be informed of rules in place for before and after school and during passing times, if applicable. Students are expected to avoid gathering and go directly to classrooms, or other designated locations. Students will not be using lockers and will be allowed to have backpacks in the classroom.

Buildings will utilize designated spaces should a student or staff member need to be isolated until they can leave the building if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Nurses and principals in each building have selected a room close to the health office that can be used as an isolation room.

Drinking fountains will be turned off at this time. Bottle fillers will remain in use and will be added to the high touch list of cleaning items. Bottled water will be available at all of our buildings. Additional bottle fill stations will be added at various sites across the district.

MDH recommends students and staff bring water from home at this time.

Classes will take place outdoors as feasible. Equipment use will be limited and will be cleaned between student use. Masks are not required during indoor physical activity. The district will follow requirements as outlined in the MDE Physical Education guidelines. MDE Guidelines

After art supplies or equipment is used, teachers will be responsible for cleaning touched surfaces using approved cleaning products. Students will be assigned individual supplies as feasible. MDE Guidelines

After shop equipment is used, teachers will be responsible for disinfecting touched surfaces using wipes within the classroom. Classes will follow MDE guidelines for CTE courses. MDE Guidelines

Cooking classes may occur, but no cooking with small groups can occur. Cooking may include student demonstrations. Classes will follow MDE guidelines for CTE courses. MDE Guidelines

Choir will take place in the auditorium or outdoors when feasible. Masks are not required during singing.

Band will take place outdoors or in the auditorium when feasible. Masks are not required during play.

Julie Williams, Director of Student Support Services, will serve as the COVID-19 Coordinator for all COVID-19 related matters in the district. This person is responsible for coordinating with local health authorities regarding positive COVID-19 cases. This person will communicate concerns, challenges, and lessons learned related to COVID-19 preventive activities as needed with staff, students and their families, school and district leadership, and local health officials. School nurses will serve as the building contact for COVID-19 related matters and will report to the COVID-19 Coordinator.

Updated: 9/17/20

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has issued a clarification of the recommendation for when children need to stay home or be excluded from school or child care if someone in their household is being tested for COVID-19 or waiting for test results. Please see this memo to schools, local public health, and other stakeholders from MDH.

COVID-19 Decision Tree

• COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Care Programs English (PDF)
• COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Care Programs in Hmong (PDF)
• COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Care Programs in Somali (PDF)
• COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Care Programs in Spanish (PDF)

For Families: COVID-19 Attendance Guide for Parents and Families (PDF)

Cambridge-Isanti Schools will proceed as follows with suspected or confirmed cases during the school day:

1. When a staff member notices a student with COVID-19 symptoms (see current list from MDH), they will call the health office and report the student is on their way to the isolation room. 
2. Health office staff will meet the student at the isolation room and examine the student. Students in the isolation room will be spaced 6 feet apart. 
3. The student’s parent/guardian will be called and updated.
4. Health office staff will determine if the student needs to immediately go home or can rest and be re-examined after 10 minutes. If rest time* is determined, the parent/guardian will again be called and updated after 10 minutes. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it may be appropriate to transport the student to the nearest healthcare facility. *Rest time is used when health office staff determine the student may be overheated from recent outdoor play or gym class, or the child has a health condition i.e. asthma, in which an alternate treatment plan is warranted. 
5. Health office staff will continue to monitor the student until the parent/guardian arrives, or it is determined by health office staff that the student can return to class. Health office staff will walk the student to the vehicle.
6. After a student is sent home with COVID-19 symptoms, health office staff will notify custodial staff so cleaning procedures can begin per the cleaning and disinfecting plan established for COVID-19.
7. The School Nurse will notify the District COVID Coordinator.  The district COVID Coordinator will notify the appropriate departments if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 per state guidelines.  MDH will be notified of confirmed COVID-19 cases of students or staff.
8. Students or staff will remain in quarantine until symptom-free according to MDH Guidelines: Return after 10 days, and for 24 hours with no fever (without-fever reducing medicine) and improvement of respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) whichever is longer.

(Updated August 25, 2020)

Close Contact defined: within six feet for fifteen minutes or more.

When notified, those who have had close contact, defined as within six feet for fifteen minutes or more, with an individual that has exhibited COVID-19 symptoms and is awaiting test results should use the Distance Learning option. Parents need to notify the Attendance Office of the circumstances. 

Once the symptomatic individual has received their results the student may return to school if the testing is negative. If the test reveals a positive case the COVID-19 Positive Students protocols will be followed. (Updated August 25, 2020)

Those who have had close contact, defined as within six feet for fifteen minutes or more, with an individual that has tested positive for COVID-19 will be contacted by the district COVID Coordinator and/or MDH. They will be given further information and resources. Also, they will be required to engage in a fourteen-day quarantine while monitoring for symptoms. Students in quarantine will participate in classes utilizing the Distance Learning option.

(Updated September 18, 2020)

Students will follow the health and quarantine recommendations provided by their health care provider and the Minnesota Department of Health. Families will then actively participate in the contact tracing process. Parents must contact the Attendance Office. Students may resume their coursework using the Distance Learning option, depending on symptom severity.  Students or staff will remain in quarantine until symptom-free according to MDH Guidelines: Return after 10 days, and for 24 hours with no fever (without-fever reducing medicine) and improvement of respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) whichever is longer.

All families and staff in the school will receive communication regarding a positive test result if they were in close contact with a person with a lab-confirmed positive test; however, in compliance with HIPAA regulations the specific student will not be identified. For those not a close contact, the risk of exposure for other individuals present in the building is no greater risk than the risk of contracting the virus in the general community. 

We will work in partnership with the state and county health department to contact trace possible exposures. Individuals who have been identified as being in close contact, defined as within six feet for fifteen minutes or more, will be notified. Those individuals will then engage in a fourteen-day quarantine while monitoring for symptoms.

(Updated September 18, 2020)

If students exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19 they should stay home until symptoms have subsided. In line with the MDH recommendations, they should also contact their healthcare provider for guidance regarding further testing and/or stay at home requirements. Following healthcare guidance, families should notify the Attendance Office