Safe Return to In-Person Instruction

Blue Springs School District COVID-19 Information

The Blue Springs School District has continued to follow COVID-19 precautions to reduce the spread of the virus in our schools and facilities. During the 2020-2021 school year, thanks to our community, school spread accounted for less than 5% of all COVID-19 cases in our district. Please continue reading to learn how you and your family can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our schools so that we may keep all staff safe to stay open.

Watch for Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

How COVID-19 Spreads

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.

COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:

  • Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
  • Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
  • Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

How can you help?

One of the most important ways to reduce the spread of disease is by staying home when you are sick. If someone in your family is experiencing a new cough, difficulty breathing, or loss of taste and smell or any two symptoms listed above we ask that all non-vaccinated household members remain at home until COVID-19 is ruled out.

Protocol

Any student or staff member who is experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19 must either complete their 10-day quarantine or provide proof of a negative test. At-home tests will not be accepted. All test documents must contain the patient’s name, date, test result, and provider information.

BSSD Precautions

Good Hygiene Practices

  • Proper handwashing techniques are taught and reinforced.
  • Signs are displayed throughout buildings encouraging proper handwashing.
  • Hand sanitizer is available in every classroom.
  • Elementary students are required to wash or sanitize their hands before eating, after using the restroom, and after recess
  • Students are taught to sneeze or cough into their elbow.
  • Signs are displayed through the school to reinforce properly covering your cough or sneeze.

Facility Cleanliness

  • All custodians have been trained in cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
  • Custodians will disinfect desks, chairs, and high-touch point areas daily.
  • Custodians have been instructed to prioritize cleaning and disinfectant needs in classrooms, student and staff work areas, restrooms, and commons areas first and over other custodial duties.

Face Coverings

  • Masks are no longer mandatory but encouraged per a Jackson County mandate. At this time, when the mandate lifts, masks will be optional.

Social Distancing

  • School traffic patterns have been altered to reduce the number of students interacting during arrival, dismissal, and transition times.
  • When possible, students will be seated three feet apart.
  • Barriers have been installed throughout buildings and when appropriate.

Accommodating All Students

  • Appropriate accommodations will be made for students on Individual Education Plans.

Vaccinations

  • The district hosted a Pfizer vaccination clinic that was open to all staff. Nearly 600 staff members were vaccinated thanks to the clinic.
  • Information about vaccination availability for all individuals five and older is shared with staff and families, as well as promoted on social media.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing is available for all district staff and their immediate family members through our staff health clinic.

Stay Safe to Stay Open

Together we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and community. Please continue to do your part to keep our schools safe and healthy. Contact your school office with additional questions about COVID-19.