COVID Infection Control and Mitigation Measures 2022-2023
Milwaukee Math and Science Academy
The following information is based on the recommendations of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) updated 7/27/22 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated 8/11/22.
Preventing Infectious People from Attending School
- Monitor for symptoms of illness daily (cough, fever, congestion etc…)
- Anyone who is sick may not enter the school.
- If someone is experiencing symptoms COVID testing is recommended.
- Diagnostic testing is intended to identify if symptoms are COVID.
- It is recommended to contact a medical professional if you are experiencing symptoms.
Managing Symptomatic Persons
- MMSA will only notify parents and guardians of COVID cases if there is an outbreak within a group of students.
- An outbreak is defined as at least 3 probable cases of COVID within a 14-day period within an area or group within the school.
- If an outbreak occurs, MMSA will offer COVID testing for that group of students and staff.
- Anyone who is ill will be separated until a COVID test can be given.
- Parents MUST sign a consent form either on-line (https://trackbynovir.com/login) or on paper which is available in the main office.
- If a person tests negative for COVID they may return to class.
- If a student tests negative for COVID but is too sick to return to class they will be separated from others and parents will be contacted for pick up.
- If a staff member tests negative for COVID but is too sick to return to class they will be asked to leave the building.
- If someone tests positive for COVID they will be separated from others, must wear a mask, and must leave the building as soon as possible.
- Anyone testing positive for COVID will isolate for at least 5 days.
- Students and staff may return on day 6 if they have been fever free for at least 24 hours with the use of medications, symptoms are resolving and have met one of the following criteria
- The individual wears a mask over their nose and mouth for days 6 to 10.
- On day 5 or prior to returning to the building there was a negative COVID test.
- Students and staff may return on day 6 if they have been fever free for at least 24 hours with the use of medications, symptoms are resolving and have met one of the following criteria
Notification of positive cases
- Parents and guardians will be notified through a phone message, text message, or email when a positive case of COVID is detected in a specific group of students that their student may have come in contact with.
- MMSA will no longer do contact tracing unless there is a major outbreak of 5 or more cases within a specific group of students.
Vaccinations
- All school aged children are eligible for vaccinations and this continues to be the best way to prevent serious infection.
- All students, staff, and their families are recommended to be vaccinated.
- If you need assistance with resources for vaccinations please contact the COVID Coordinator at MMSA.
- MMSA may collect and maintain data on COVID vaccination status similar to other vaccinations.
Testing
- MMSA will provide various COVID testing opportunities.
- Symptomatic testing
- Tests conducted by trained MMSA staff or NOVIR
- General testing
- Tests conducted by NOVIR
- Symptomatic testing
Ventilation
- HVAC filters changed periodically, as recommended.
- Windows opened when possible. This depends on weather conditions and factors such as pollen, allergies, asthma etc…
Cleaning and Disinfection
- Regular cleaning
- Teachers and TA’s are responsible for:
- Daily sanitizing of desks/tables, chairs, counters, sinks (lower level), light switches, door handles and other surfaces that are in regular use within their rooms
- Use the pink/purple sanitizer that is provided to us by Cintas which is available in the mop rooms on each floor. (spray, let sit 1 minute, then wipe or let it dry)
- Desks/tables will be sanitized between groups of students to reduce the spread of viruses or for K4 and K5 at least 1 time per day.
- Students can help with sanitizing.
- Daily sanitizing of desks/tables, chairs, counters, sinks (lower level), light switches, door handles and other surfaces that are in regular use within their rooms
- Teachers and TA’s are responsible for:
- Building maintenance staff is responsible for:
- Cleaning bathrooms, cafeteria, hallways, stairwells and all other common areas daily.
- Daily sanitizing of handrails of staircases, doors and door handles of hallway doors, and security door call boxes. This will be done daily.
- If there is an outbreak there will be increased cleaning in the area that it occurred.
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
- Hand washing
- Students and staff will wash their hands before and after eating, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose into their hands and as needed to remain clean.
- Anyone putting their hands into their mouth or nose will wash or sanitize their hands.
- If soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer will be used.
- Respiratory Etiquette
- Coughing or sneezing into your shoulder/elbow is recommended to lessen the spread of germs in the air.
- Masks are optional.
- Masks are required for 5 days if returning to school from being in isolation due to a positive case of COVID and no negative test results were received.
- Tests are available at school.
- Masks are required for 5 days if returning to school from being in isolation due to a positive case of COVID and no negative test results were received.
Staff Considerations
- Any staff member who has a specific concern regarding COVID can talk with administration or the COVID Coordinator.
- If a staff member is positive for COVID they will inform the administration and PTO or time off will be determined at that time.
Staff Safety
- Staff will understand the correct use of masks, gloves, gowns and other PPE as appropriate.
- All staff are recommended to receive the COVID and influenza vaccines.