STATEMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ON SAFETY PREPAREDNESS AND PROCEDURES
September 6, 2020
Cleaning, disinfecting, ventilation, screening of entrants into the building, masking, hand washing and sanitizing, and physical distancing are the primary measures shown to be effective in maintaining a safe school environment. Strafford School currently has a 30-day stock of personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies sufficient to ensure that the opening of school will be adequately resourced. We receive weekly deliveries of supplies, and our Facilities Director has trained the custodial staff on deep cleaning and disinfecting. Each classroom and other physical spaces will be provisioned, with supplies restocked after the school day. Ventilation systems have been inspected and are adequate for safely reopening the building. Administration will endeavor to continue to meet or exceed guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and other public health agencies for cleaning, disinfecting, and the provision of PPE and supplies to all classrooms and other spaces inside the school building. Only essential visitors will be permitted access to the school building.
Administration will ensure consistent adherence to the Behavioral Code with regard to masking, hand washing and sanitizing, and physical distancing, i.e, “people here should be safe.” Our School Nurse is the public health authority onsite with regard to safe practices and behaviors and will ensure that the appropriate COVID-19 screening and other protocols are publicized.
There will be two leadership administrators in the building when children are in attendance. Administration will ensure that all persons present on school premises and inside the school building observe appropriate safety procedures:
All adults and essential visitors above the age of two years will wear masks when inside the school building and outdoors on school premises when six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Arrival, dismissal, and hallway transitions will be monitored to allow for physical distancing.
Staff will wear masks
At all times when in the presence of students indoors,
When outdoors with students where six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained, and
When working indoors when students are not present in the school building where six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Pre-K students will not be required to wear masks in the classroom. If they are bus riders, they will wear masks on the buses. They will wear masks during arrival and dismissal if they are car riders, and during hallway transitions.
K-8 students will wear masks
On the school buses,
In the hallways and restrooms inside the school building,
In the classrooms when six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained and plexiglass desk shields are not in use,
In classrooms at the direction of the teacher when an activity requires it, and
Outdoors on school premises when six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Students indoors in classrooms, the gymnasium, and any other indoor spaces where instruction is delivered may remove their masks if six feet of physical distancing can be maintained. If physical distancing is maintained within three to six feet and plexiglass desk shields are used, students may remove their masks.
Students and staff may remove their masks during lunches. Plexiglass desk shields are to be used if physical distancing during lunch in the classroom is within three to six feet. Administration will ensure that lunches are delivered to classrooms. Staff will be with students during lunches. If outdoor space and weather permits, staff may take students outdoors for lunches, maintaining safe physical distancing during lunch.
Any student who refuses to comply with mask, hand washing and sanitizing, and/or physical distancing requirements will be warned and offered one opportunity to comply, then deemed to be endangering the safety of others and removed from the staff’s supervision by administration. Parents/guardians will be called to pick up the student. Chronic violation of the mask requirements by a student will be handled through progressive discipline.
If a student is deemed medically unable to wear a mask, staff who interact with that student will be provided with masks, face shields, scrubs, and gloves, and a minimum of ten feet of social distancing will be maintained between that student and any other students.
Students will wash or sanitize their hands upon direction of staff, after visiting a restroom, before lunch and snack, and before using classroom items that will be used by other students after being cleaned. Every instructional space will be provisioned with soap if sinks are available, and in all cases with hand sanitizer.
Water fountains will not be in use for drinking, and hydration will be provided by bottled water. Students will be provided with one bottle of water at lunch. Students are permitted to bring bottled water with them to school. Water fountains may be used for refilling water bottles.
There will be no more than two students in a restroom at the same time.
Monica
Monica Henson, EdD
Superintendent of Schools
SAU #44
MHenson@nhsau44.org
Current Employment Opportunities
Please apply online at edjobsnh.com
Strafford Preschool Part Time Classroom Paraprofessional
Classroom paraprofessional for part-time preschool at the Little Spartans Preschool at Strafford Elementary School. The paraprofessional will provide general classroom support for special education and general education preschool students. 4 hours per day for 4 days per week Monday through Thursday.
Strafford Preschool Part Time Child Specific Paraprofessional
Child specific paraprofessional for part-time preschool at the Little Spartans Preschool at Strafford Elementary School. The paraprofessional will provide specialized support for a student with special needs. 4 hours per day for 4 days per week Monday through Thursday.
Long-term substitute for 7th-8th grade Science
Strafford School is seeking a long term substitute Middle School Science Teacher to provide leadership, collaboration, and promote student success. Candidates must have NH certification and Science endorsement. This position will begin in August 2020 at the start of the 2020-2021 school year with an expected return date of January 4, 2021. Position is open until filled.
