1. Will virtual learning be an option again?
Our Virtual Instructional Program (VIP) enrolls students in grades 3-12 at the beginning of each school year. The school system will follow guidance from the Department of Public Health and the Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Public Health as it relates to the need for school closures.
2. When Covid first hit, it was not fully known how the transmission happens and was later determined. What does NCSS have in place to help make sure that we are not creating a worse situation because of the lack of full knowledge on the transmission, since full info about the virus is not known?
The school system follows the guidance and direction of the Centers for Disease Control, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and the Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Public Health.
3. From my understanding only certain areas of the school have been disinfected. Why not the whole school?
The school system follows the cleaning protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and uses EPA approved cleaning solutions.
4. What is going to be the protocol if a case is found at another school?
The school system follows the guidance of the Department of Public Health and the Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Public Health. It is our intention to be transparent with our families to the extent possible. Once the school system is notified of a confirmed case, we work with Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Public Health to determine close contacts. Parents of children who are identified as close contacts will be notified.
5. Is there a plan in place should the numbers spike in school?
While we do not anticipate that numbers in our schools will “spike,” the school system will follow the guidance of the Department of Public Health and Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Public Health should we experience an elevated number of cases.
6. How are schools and buses cleaned?
The school system follows the cleaning protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and uses EPA approved cleaning solutions.
7. It seems as though we are not going to be able to quickly identify Monkeypox until we see skin lesions so what is Newton County School System doing to try to identify children that could possibly have Monkeypox?
Parents of students who are identified as close contacts are notified with instructions to observe the child and notify their health provider of signs and symptoms of illness.
8. My question is this - If a child catches the virus, will the school close and the entire school do work from zoom?
The school system follows the guidance of the Department of Public Health and Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Public Health. It is our intention to be transparent with our families to the extent it is possible. Once the school system is notified of a confirmed case, determining close contacts begins. Parents of children who are identified as close contacts will be notified.
9. Is there any risk with my child attending school after this case of Monkeypox?
Currently, the risk of Monkeypox to children and adolescents is low. This virus and its mode of transmission is different than COVID-19. COVID-19 is an airborne disease and so can be transmitted relatively easily in a school setting. By contrast, Monkeypox requires very close, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has Monkeypox. Most cases in Georgia have been associated with intimate skin-to-skin contact. For these reasons, in-school risk of transmission is extremely low.
10. Has the school been sanitized properly following this case?
The school system follows the cleaning protocols outlined by Centers for Disease Control and uses EPA approved cleaning solutions.
11. Will the students have extra opportunities for hand hygiene and will extra cleaning take place throughout the school day at the schools?
The school system will promote frequent handwashing through the use of scheduled breaks integrated into the daily schedules as practicable. The school system will ensure an adequate supply of soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizing stations will be strategically placed throughout each facility.
12. Will there be cleaning in between class changes?
Schools and other facilities will be cleaned daily, and high touch surfaces sanitized multiple times throughout the day. The school system will continue to ensure that cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitization procedures align with CDC and DPH guidelines.
13. Are we going to get weekly updates with Monkeypox cases like we did with Covid? And will the data at least identify the school in which a positive Monkeypox case was identified?
At this time, the school system will not provide a weekly update regarding monkeypox. Should there be a need to provide this level of information in the future, the school system will work with the Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Health Public Health team to determine reporting procedures.
14. If a child has to be out of school due to Monkeypox, will there be virtual learning or how will the child make up all of the work/testing during their absence, so they don't fall behind?
Each school will work with the student and family to ensure students do not fall behind on their studies.
15. Is it okay for the kids to take sanitize wipes to school to keep the desk and chairs clean they sit in?
Yes. Although school system staff will follow cleaning protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
16. Will there be a virtual option if an outbreak does occur in a school setting?
Virtual instruction is an option if school closure is necessary; however, we are taking every precaution necessary to ensure that school settings are clean and conducive to learning.
17. If an employee gets Monkeypox, are they going to have to use sick days or be compensated for days missed?
Employees diagnosed with a confirmed case of Monkeypox will not be able to be in the work setting. As a result, an employee will use “sick days” to cover his/her absence.
18. Is NCSS limiting child to child contact activities? And promoting social distance?
The school system follows the guidance of the Department of Public Health and Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Public Health. It is our intention to be transparent with our families to the extent possible.