January 19, 2022
Dear students, parents and guardians,
As you are aware, the current surge in the omicron variant is creating immense pressure on our schools and staff members as we work to keep classrooms staffed and in-person learning possible.
To help alleviate some of the pressure on our schools, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), along with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), support schools implementing a 30-day temporary suspension on all contact tracing activities.
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 20, our district will no longer notify families whose child may have been in contact, through classroom or extracurricular settings, with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
What does this mean for you as students, parents and/or guardians?
- If you are sick, stay home
- If you test positive for COVID – 19, you must stay home for 5 days, inform the school nurse, and if your symptoms are abating and you are fever-free for 24 hours without medication, you may return to school with a mask through day 10.
- If a household contact is positive, your child must stay home for 5 days and you will need to call the school nurse to discuss next options.
If you have any questions regarding this change to school contact tracing protocols, please contact Lee Schmidt or Jeri Tegtmeier at the school. To learn more about this change, visit https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/283/Education-K-12.
Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this challenging time for our schools and communities. We will continue to keep you informed as guidance changes are announced.
Sincerely,
Lee Schmidt
Superintendent
Barnes – Hanover – Linn