Will the school district’s RESTART Plan change?
Possibly. The COVID-19 pandemic is a very fluid situation. We may need to modify our plan as we navigate the virus and its impact on school district operations and as health guidelines evolve and change. The district’s RESTART webpage is the best place to go for the latest draft of the RESTART plan and other news, information and updates.
When will the school district decide which Tier we will follow for the first day of school?
The district will make this announcement on or around Thursday, August 20th based on the current risk level assigned to Hamilton County, local COVID-19 conditions and the latest health guidance.
How long will we remain in a Tier before changing?
In general, if the decision is made to operate in Tier 2 or Tier 3, the school district will remain in that Tier for two weeks before considering a change to a lesser Tier.
If conditions worsen, the timeline to move up a Tier will be made as needed in collaboration with the Hamilton County Department of Health.
Announcements regarding Tier changes will typically be made on Thursdays.
Why is the school district not determining its operating model based on the Hamilton County risk level alone?
We believe that the assigned risk level to Hamilton County is a good starting point to determine how we operate. However, because of the size and density of certain areas in the county, it also makes sense to look at the COVID-19 impact specific to our local region/school district community. It is possible that we may be experiencing a much lesser impact locally; it is also possible we may be experiencing a more significant impact locally. Therefore, we will assess the current conditions both locally and across the county to determine the appropriate operating model. Health guidance is also changing frequently. This needs to be part of our decision making as well.
Is there an option for families who are not comfortable sending their child(ren) back to the school building to start the 2020-2021 school year?
Yes. The district is offering “Online Warriors,” a virtual option for students who choose not to or are unable to return to the school building. More information about this option is available on page 17 in the district’s RESTART plan.
Additionally, the district will host an information session about Online Warriors on Monday, August 10th at 7 p.m. More information about this meeting is available on the district’s RESTART webpage.
Why do students have to commit to an entire semester of participation in the Online Warriors program?
Class sections and assignments, teacher schedules and staffing will be developed based on the number of students who we know will be participating in in-person instruction and the number of students who we know will be participating in Online Warriors. In order to do this as efficiently and safely as possible, we need to have consistent participation in both settings for a full semester.
Additionally, different curriculum materials and activities compatible with online learning will often be used in Online Warriors making a transition back to the regular classroom during the semester difficult.
Will the Online Warriors option be available during the 2nd semester of the school year?
Possibly. This will be determined based on COVID-19 conditions towards the end of the 1st semester.
Can students in Online Warriors participate in extracurricular activities and athletics?
Yes. Students in Online Warriors are eligible to participate in school district extracurricular activities and athletics.
When will the “Blue-Gold” student assignments be made for Tier 2?
The district is currently working on these assignments and is taking extra effort to keep siblings on the same schedule whenever possible. These assignments will be communicated prior to the first day of school.
Why are only grades K-2 students coming to school every day and not all elementary grades when in Tier 2?
In order to get 6 feet of social distancing as is required in Tier 2, there is not enough space nor staff to bring all elementary students into the building at the same time.
Using nearly every space available in the elementary buildings and every staff member (including instructional aides, specials teachers and other support staff), we can only accommodate all grades K-2 students and half of grades 3-6 students on a daily basis while in Tier 2.
Because our youngest learners struggle the most with remote learning and need the most support at home to participate, it makes the most sense to have them in the buildings daily for instruction and support.
Will the school district provide students with masks?
Yes. Each student will be provided with 2 cloth facial coverings. Additionally, disposable masks will be available in each building should a student forget his/her mask.
Does my student have to wear the masks provided by the school district?
No. A student can provide his/her own mask as long as it adheres to the school district’s policy on face coverings. The mask must fully cover the mouth, nose and chin and fit snugly against the side of the nose, side of the face and cover the chin so that there are no gaps. The mask must be held secure through either a tie, elastic, etc. to prevent slipping.
Can my student wear a face shield instead of a face mask?
No. Per CDC guidelines, a face shield is not as effective as a face mask in preventing droplets from spreading from person to person.
Will students ever be able to remove their masks during the school day?
Yes. Teachers will provide students with periodic mask breaks when it is possible to do so safely with a minimum of 6 feet social distancing. Students will also be permitted to remove masks while eating lunch.
Will there be exemptions to the face mask requirement for students?
Exemptions may be made for students who have medically documented reasons for not being able to wear a face mask. Prior to an exemption being made, a Face Protection Exemption form and Authorization to Disclose Health Information must be filed with the school district. More information about face mask exemptions can be found on the district’s RESTART webpage.
How will I know if my child has been exposed to COVID-19 at school and/or needs to quarantine?
In collaboration with the Hamilton County Department of Health, district health staff will contact trace students who may have been exposed to COVID-19 at school. If your child has been exposed, you will be notified by a school district employee. More information about quarantine procedures is available on page 10 of the RESTART Plan.
What should I do if my child tests positive for COVID-19?
Notify the assigned health staff member in your child’s school building immediately. Contact information can be found on page 10 of the RESTART Plan.
What should I do if my child is required to quarantine because of COVID-19 exposure outside of school?
Notify the assigned health staff member in your child’s school building immediately. Contact information can be found on page 10 of the RESTART Plan.
Will my child be able to participate in school remotely if he/she is unable to be at school because he/she is quarantined?
Yes. Students can ZOOM into their regular classroom/classes during quarantine. More information about this can be found on page 17 of the RESTART plan. Elementary students will follow a remote schedule specific to their teacher. These schedules will be available on the district’s RESTART webpage. Junior high and high school students will follow their normal daily bell schedule.
Who should I contact with questions and concerns related to COVID-19 in the Mariemont City School District?
Your first point of contact should always be your child’s building principal.
Brent Wise is the district’s COVID-19 Incident Commander and can also be contacted with any issues related to the pandemic and its impact on our schools.
You will also find a RESTART Questions & Concerns submission form on this webpage to ask questions, provide feedback, etc.