LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County schools are preparing to welcome students back to class during another pandemic year, but this year’s return to school is expected to see more students back on campuses as safety protocols continue.
As the pandemic surges, local schools are using their experience and all available data to keep students and staff safe.
District superintendents are meeting regularly with each other and with interim Lake County Public Health Director Dr. Charlie Evans to stay current on ever-changing information from the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Education.
School start dates are as follows:
Wednesday, Aug. 11: Lakeport Unified, Lucerne Elementary, Upper Lake Unified.
Monday, Aug. 16: Konocti Unified, Middletown Unified.
Tuesday, Sept. 7: Kelseyville Unified.
“Possibly the only silver lining of going through last year’s challenges is that we are far better prepared for this year,” Kelseyville Unified School District Superintendent Dave McQueen said.
Middletown Unified Superintendent Michael Cox echoed McQueen’s comments and added, "Middletown USD is committed to the safety of students and staff. We will continue to follow our safety procedures and plans as we start another successful school year."
As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus gains momentum, local schools are balancing the need for safety with the need for schooling.
In Lake County, transmission rates are measured based on a combination of case rate and percentage of people vaccinated.
There are four levels of risk: minimal, moderate, substantial, widespread. Currently, Lake County is at the widespread level.
As of early August, the case rate is similar to that of January.
Konocti Unified Superintendent Becky Salato said, “Because vaccines are now widely available, this year’s safety protocols are not quite as strict as they were last year. To start the year, masks will be required indoors while on campus, but we’re pleased to be able to bring all students back into the classroom at the same time.”
The physical distancing requirements are no longer in place, though school districts are encouraged to put as much space between students as classrooms allow.
As the school year begins, Salato encouraged those who feel ill to remain home from school.
She also noted that the following protective measures will be in place in schools countywide.
— Masking requirements for staff and students will be based on transmission risk level. At the minimal level, masks are recommended indoors. At the moderate level, masks are required indoors. At the substantial level, masks are required indoors and recommended outdoors. At the widespread level, masks are required indoors and may be required outdoors, especially during group activities.
— Visitors are not allowed on school campuses without prior approval from site administration.
— Campuses will be sanitized regularly
— Students and staff will undergo daily health screening
— To keep extracurricular events available for students, visitors will be asked to wear masks when attending large group events such as sporting events.
— No-cost COVID surveillance testing will be available for staff and, with parent permission, for students.
If students or staff test positive for the virus, schools will do as they did last year: work with Public Health to complete contact tracing to inform those in close contact so they can get tested and, if appropriate, self-isolate.
Some school districts such as Upper Lake Unified and Lucerne Elementary were open to in-person instruction throughout the 2020-21 school year.
“The same safety processes and procedures that were successful in 2020-21 will continue this school year as we welcome back staff and students,” Upper Lake Superintendent Giovanni Annous.
Even with extensive safety protocols in place, some families may not want to send their students back into the classroom.
California Assembly Bill 130 outlines new requirements for schools to provide independent study options that include some live interaction between students and teachers as well as some synchronous instruction.
Districts structure their independent programs based on the needs of their students and the resources of their district.
“To minimize the spread of COVID-19, we encourage everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccines are proven safe and effective and the Pfizer vaccine is approved for students as young as 12 years old,” Salato said.
Families are encouraged to contact their student’s district with specific questions.
For a list of districts and their contact information, visit www.lakecoe.org/Districts.
Lake County school districts prepare for students’ safe return to class
- Lake County News reports
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