The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FNSBSD) infectious disease prevention and mitigation protocols are in place to protect the health and safety of our schools and to minimize disruption to teaching and learning.  This mitigation plan can be summarized in four levels:

• Level 1: Prevention
• Level 2: Mitigation
• Level 3: Modified Operations
• Level 4: Campus Closure

The district’s disease mitigation protocols layer on each other. For example, when a location moves into level 2: mitigation, it adds mitigation measures to the level 1: prevention measures already taking place.

For the purpose of this document and the plans outlined within, the district will not be treated as a whole. Instead, each level of district protocols will be addressed at the community level. Community refers to the school building, the staff, students, programs, and volunteers that function within the building.

FNSBSD uses a layered variety of strategies to help prevent communicable disease transmission.  

Vaccination

According to the CDC, vaccinations are currently the leading strategy to prevent communicable disease. Families may consult your primary care physician about the appropriateness of vaccinations for themselves and their family. 

Face Coverings  

Masks are not universally required to be worn by students, staff, or visitors. Masks may be required in specific circumstances for limited durations (school buses, nurses’ offices, etc).

To make informed choices about mask usage, review the CDC mask guidance. There are masks available in schools and district buildings for any students, staff, or visitors who may want one.

By Federal requirement, masks must be worn inside of school buses.

Symptom Screening 

Anyone who enters a district school or building must comply with the Symptom-Free Schools screening. This includes students, staff, families, visitors and volunteers. Please do not enter a school facility if you are sick, quarantining, and are waiting for test results.

Families and employees are expected to review the Student and Staff Wellness Check each day before entry into a district building.

Healthy Hygiene

All students and staff should frequently wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds throughout the day. Hand sanitizer will be available for use when soap and water are not available, i.e. the playground, building entrance.

Coughs and sneezes should be covered by an arm or tissue/napkin.

Testing

In partnership with the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, we are offering FREE, rapid COVID-19 testing for our students and staff to help keep schools symptom free. By using available testing, parents will be able to make informed decisions about their child’s engagement in school and activities.

 

There are two types of rapid tests available:

• Antigen Testing - best used for non-symptomatic persons as a screening tool
• PCR Testing - best used for symptomatic or close contact persons as a rapid test

 

Tests may be accessed through:

• Beacon locations: Administrative Center, North Pole High, West Valley High
• Requesting an at-home test from your school (dependent upon availability)
• School nurse (parent consent required)
  
  

Symptoms at School

Students and staff should review the Wellness Check for Students & Staff when they have any symptoms of illness.

• If a student develops symptoms while at school, they will be sent home. It’s the parent or guardian’s responsibility to have the child picked up as soon as possible.
• Staff should go home if they develop symptoms at school and contact their healthcare provider as needed.
  

COVID-19 in the Community

Updates on Fairbanks North Star Borough transmission are available at the State of Alaska’s COVID Dashboard.

Decision to Move to Modified Operations

When there is a known transmission identified within a class, team, group or school community, modified operations will involve increased communication and may include a recommendation for masking and testing. 

The following steps may be included as part of modified operations: 

1. Encouraging masking for a short period of time for a school, grade band, classroom, activity group, etc.
2. Limit large group gatherings, such as school wide assemblies
3. Increase high touch surface cleaning 
4. Limited sharing of classroom supplies
5. PE instruction outdoors as much as weather permits

Campus Closure Protocols

On rare occasions, immediate closure and subsequent reopening of FNSBSD campuses during periods of peak communicable disease transmission may be necessary throughout the school year to maintain healthy school environments for district students and staff. District administration will determine whether a campus closure is necessary and school communities will be notified as soon as possible. During school closures, all student activities for the affected school may be canceled until the campus is re-opened for in-person learning. Campus closure is defined as the entire school being closed.