Hart Charter School Releases Updated COVID-19 Protocol

As students return to class today, they and their parents have been informed of the updated COVID-19 Protocol for the 2022-2023 school year.

In a press release issued last week, Charter school spokesman Grayson Williams listed several areas that have been updated.

First, enhanced cleaning procedures, including the use of electrostatic sprayers, will remain in place in schools and on buses.

In addition, classrooms will continue to be equipped with hand sanitizer.

COVID-19 vaccinations are not required for employees or students.

However, all staff members are encouraged to get vaccinated. Vaccinations remain available and accessible at various locations within the community.

Students/staff diagnosed with COVID-19 will quarantine for 6 calendar days from the first day of symptoms plus 5 days, and wear a mask foran additional 5 days.

School attendance is expected for the 5 masked days assuming symptoms have improved, and the individual has been fever-free, vomit-free, and diarrhea-free for 24 hours without medication.

Students choosing not to wear a mask in class will stay home in quarantine for those five days.

While at home, students will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities or school-sponsored events.

Students residing in homes containing COVID-19 positive individuals, will not be required to quarantine unless they too develop COVID-19 symptoms.

If/when students become symptomatic following exposure to COVID-19 positive individuals, they will quarantine for 6 calendar days then mask for an additional 5 day.

Students choosing not to mask for 5 days, will quarantine at home and again will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities or school-sponsored events.

When household members undergo testing for COVID-19, students within the home will not be required to quarantine. Only symptomatic individuals waiting for test results will be required to quarantine.

And finally, when students test positive for COVID-19, it is the responsibility of their parents to notify school officials.

This information can be shared with teachers via SchoolStatus.

Following quarantines, parents are to send written excuses to teachers as outlined in the student handbooks.

Quarantines will be considered school absences.