Back-To-School In Barnstable: 5 Things To Know

BARNSTABLE, MA — The bell is about to ring to start the Barnstable school year, and because of the coronavirus pandemic, huge changes were necessary. Some schools were able to prioritize in-person learning, while others across the district needed to start with hybrid models.

Here are five things to keep in mind as students begin classes this week:

1. When is the first day of school? School will start Wednesday, Sept. 16. Under the plan, all students will begin classes on fully remote basis.

2. When does in-person learning begin? Classes will shift to the hybrid model in which students will begin to return to the classroom in various cohorts for four hours a day beginning Sept. 28th. Full-day, hybrid learning starts on Oct. 13, with parents having the option of keeping their students learning from home.

At Hyannis West, Centerville, West Villages, Barnstable Community Innovation School and Barnstable West Barnstable Elementary, students will get four days of in-person classes and one remote day on Wednesdays. Because of space, Barnstable High School, Barnstable Intermediate School and Barnstable United Elementary School required hybrid models with two days of in-person learning and three days of remote learning. Students on individual learning plans and others that may require more in-person learning will attend in-person four-to-five days per week regardless of school.

3. What will be expected of students during remote learning? Students are expected to treat online classes as if they are in a classroom.

4. What are some health and safety guidelines for in-school learning? Masks/face coverings required for all staff and students at all times, except during scheduled masks breaks, Students must also be at least 6 feet apart. Extensive cleaning protocols were also put in place at all school buildings.

5. What is the protocol for if a students or staff member becomes sick at school?

• If a student or staff member becomes ill at school, it is important to isolate them as quickly as possible to reduce the chance of transmission of illness to others.
• The staff member who suspects a student is ill should call the nurses' office immediately and the nurse will determine whether they will go to the classroom or have the student go to the nurse’s office. The student should have a face covering/mask on.
• The student with suspected COVID-19 should wear a mask and be brought by a nurse to the COVID-19 Medical Waiting room (sick/isolation) room for assessment, or outside as per nurse’s judgement (weather dependent).
• The nurse will don required PPE as needed. The ill student or staff member will be assessed in the sick/isolation room.
• A nurse will complete an assessment of illness to determine if isolation or an immediate call to 911 is required. A nurse will stay with the student or staff member providing support until EMS arrives.
• If a child exhibits symptoms of illness the nurse will call the parent to inform of assessment findings and ask the parent if there has been any known exposure to illness.
• The parent/guardian or designee will need to pick up the child immediately.
• The ill student’s parent/guardian or staff member should call their healthcare provider for further directions.
• Custodial staff should wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting to minimize potential for other employees being exposed to respiratory droplets. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible. During this waiting period, open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in these areas. Custodial staff should follow the CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations for cleaning the exposed area.
• The School Nurse will call the local public health to determine close contacts within the school as needed for contact tracing for strongly suspected cases of COVID-19. She will work with them regarding any other guidance regarding possible exposures and who may need to self-quarantine within the building.
• Students or staff member will need a medical note stating they are cleared to return to school if they test positive for COVID-19 or if they are strongly suspected of having it.
• BPS nursing and administration should follow the Public Health Recommendations for Community-Related Exposure.
• Parents/Guardians should follow CDC-recommended steps for return to school. Students should not return to school until they have met the criteria to discontinue home isolation and have consulted with a healthcare provider and state or local health department. 61
• If a student or staff member is confirmed to have COVID-19, BPS nursing and administration should inform close contacts of their possible exposure to COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• If a student or staff member calls out ill and notifies the school that they are ill at home and have COVID-19 symptoms, the nurse will instruct them to call their health care provider and take guidance from the local public health department.