- Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
- 2020-21 School Year
2020-21 School Start
- Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
- 2020-21 School Year
- Risk Level Information
- Return Planning Process
- Resources for Families
Safety Protocols FAQ
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How will schools be equipped to increase cleanliness and sanitation? What will daily sanitation procedures look like?
All schools and classrooms will be provided with cleaning and disinfecting supplies to enable staff to clean and disinfect as needed. Additionally, the District will provide hand sanitizer in every classroom. The District’s Facilities department has a robust, daily cleaning program, and that program will be sustained.
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Why must everyone wear a mask or face covering while in an FNSBSD building? How long will students and staff be required to wear a mask? Will masks be provided?
The District is requiring the wearing of masks, face shields, or other forms of face coverings in schools, buses, and administrative buildings to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Medical experts indicate in addition to social distancing and frequent hand washing, masks are an effective method to mitigate spread. There is no time frame, and it’s highly likely that this requirement will be maintained until the COVID-19 threat is largely reduced. The District anticipates parents will provide masks for their students and staff will provide masks for their own personal use. Schools will have emergency supplies available for use as needed.
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My student has trouble wearing a mask. Are there other options (face shield, etc)?
If you think your child qualifies for a medical exemption, please contact your healthcare provider to schedule a medical evaluation.
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Will students and staff be screened for COVID-19 before returning to school?
Testing for COVID-19 will not be required in order to return to school. Parents must ensure the daily health of their students. Children showing any signs of COVID-19 symptoms or a fever (100 degrees or higher) must stay home and cannot be sent to school.
Nurses and trained staff will screen students and staff if they begin showing COVID-19 symptoms during the school day. Proper isolation protocols will be followed in the event of positive cases in schools or administrative buildings. Isolation rooms have been identified in schools and administrative buildings.
COVID-19 Cleaning & Disinfecting
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All recommended preventative building cleaning measures are what Facilities does on a daily basis to combat the spread of colds and flu. However, in response to increased concern, we are coordinating resources and supplies for additional preventive cleaning.
Disease Prevention Supplemental Facilities Cleaning Plan
Purpose: To set forth the district plan for cleaning buildings to prevent the spread of disease.Objective: Prevent the spread of disease to staff, students, volunteers and community members through frequent, effective and safe cleaning and disinfecting procedures in district buildings.
Scope: Applies to all schools, offices, and auxiliary service buildings.
Routine cleaning is performed on a regularly scheduled basis by district custodial staff assigned to that building or area. Routine cleaning includes daily cleaning and disinfecting of all restrooms; cleaning of classrooms, offices, and common areas; cleaning of floors; and emptying trash along with other building based tasks.
Supplemental cleaning is performed by the Day Custodian, or an assigned staff member to perform cleaning over and above what is considered routine. Supplemental cleaning is focused on cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces, specifically for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease.
Personal area cleaning is performed by all employees in their personal workspace, which may include their desk, the front counter, telephone, keyboard, chair or any other items they use in performing their duties.
Emergency cleaning is performed by a select group of custodial staff, with direction from the Custodial & Grounds Manager, using specific procedures and personal protective equipment.
Definition: High touch surfaces to focus on may include the following (not all apply in every building):
Supplemental high touch cleaning:
- Restroom stalls and dispensers
- Toilets, sinks, and faucets
- Drinking Fountains
- Cafeteria Tables
- Door handles and knobs
- Elevator Buttons
- Hand Rails
- Vending machines
- Light switches
- Copiers
Personal area cleaning:- Desks
- Computer keyboards and mouse
- Phones
- Chair arms
- Remote controls
- Cabinet and drawer handles
- Microwave, refrigerator, appliances
Frequency:Green
Yellow
Red
Routine Cleaning
Daily
Daily
Daily
Supplemental Cleaning
As Needed
3x Daily
3x Daily
Personal Area Cleaning
As Needed
As Needed
As Needed
Emergency Cleaning
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As Needed
As Needed
Personal Area Cleaning will be performed using district supplied cleaning products. A combination cleaning/disinfecting wipe will be available along with disposable gloves. Disposable gloves shall be worn for all cleaning and disinfecting. Surfaces should be cleaned/disinfected with the wipe and left to air dry. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately after removing gloves or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly soiled.
Emergency Cleaning will be performed after a positive case has been identified in a School District Facility. Areas of contact will be determined and closed for 24 hours prior to cleaning and disinfecting. Signs will be placed identifying areas that are closed, and advising that no entry is allowed. Emergency Cleaning will include cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces, including washing of walls. All furniture and items in the room/area will be cleaned and disinfected using CDC approved cleaning products for COVID-19. Minimum PPE to be worn by cleaning staff will include face shields, masks, disposable gowns, and disposable gloves. Signage will be removed after the room/area has been cleaned and disinfected.
Summary: The overriding purpose for these processes is to protect the health of school district staff, our students and the public.
Important Documents
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- Initial Student Phase In Plan - August 28, 2020
Cleaning & Disinfecting
Daily Decision Trees
- Daily Decision Tree (Students) - Oct. 20
- Daily Decision Tree (Staff) - Oct. 20
Protocols
- Building Rentals - Facility Use Guidelines
- Nursing Services - Health & Safety Protocols
- Nursing Services - Daily COVID-19 Screening Tool
- Nursing Services - Managing Sick Students Flowchart
- Response Plan for a Confirmed COVID-19 Case in District Building
General
- Initial Student Phase In Plan - August 28, 2020