Note: This document is intended as a simplified version of our Harmony Public Schools “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.” For further information or clarification on any topic, please refer to the Playbook.
When will campuses re-open?
As of August 1, 2020, campuses are scheduled to open Tuesday, September 8 for in-person learning to those students who wish to attend in person. Families may also elect to continue learning in a virtual setting from home.
Could the campus reopening date change?
Possibly. Harmony Public Schools is closely following guidance from the Texas Education Agency, public health officials, and others in determining when to reopen our campuses. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our students, team members, and communities while preserving academic continuity for our learners.
What safety measures will be in place when campuses open?
Harmony is instituting a wide variety of health protocols, which are described in detail in “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.” Among the new measures are:
- Temperature screenings for students and staff.
- Requiring all students and employees to wear a mask when on campus or in other group settings. (Students may bring their own mask, or the school will provide them.)
- Limiting average class sizes to allow for social distancing. (Exact class size will be dependent on number of students attending in-person versus online-only.)
- Spacing desks at least six feet apart to maintain proper social distancing and/or installing partitions where students cannot be kept six feet apart.
- Severely limiting classroom rotations/switches to prevent the spread of germs across campus and to limit person-to-person exchanges.
- Staggered drop off and pickup times to limit person-to-person exchanges.
- Modified drop off and pickup procedures (ex. Students going directly to class after drop off and/or waiting in classroom at the end of the day until parent arrives for pickup).
- Requesting all students wash hands frequently.
- Detailed nightly cleaning by contracted company.
- Required Coronavirus Awareness & Prevention trainings for all employees.
- Remaining flexible regarding student and team member absences due to COVID-19, as allowed by TEA guidelines and applicable employment laws.
How often will the campus and/or my student’s work station be cleaned and disinfected.
At the end of the day, custodial services will clean and sanitize all desk surfaces including seat, chair back, desk, any dividers if available with soap and water or all-purpose cleaning agents and sanitizers that meet state and local food safety regulations. Staff, including teachers, may also perform more frequent cleanings throughout the day, as needed.
What happens if a child or staff member attending school on-campus tests positive for COVID-19, is exposed to someone who is positive, or displays symptoms of COVID-19?
Anyone displaying the signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should follow below self-quarantine policy:
Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with Positive Testing
The following criteria must be met in FULL:
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at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
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the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
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at least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with Negative Testing or MD Note
If an individual has symptoms of COVID-19 and wants to return to campus before completing the above stay at home period, the following criteria must be met in FULL:
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Either obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis OR obtain a negative COVID-19 test AND
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at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications).
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Exposure (confirmed or unconfirmed) or Illness with No Testing and No U.S. Based Medical Provider’s Note
The following criteria must be met in FULL:
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at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
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the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
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at least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Readmittance will be granted when the following has been completed:
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Proof of negative COVID tests or U.S. based medical provider’s alternative diagnosis delivered to campus health staff or registrar if no health staff is available OR
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when all three of the following criteria are met:
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At least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
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The individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and
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At least 14 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
For more information on quarantine measures, including requirements for specific scenarios, see the “Back to School Playbook 2020-2021.”
Can parents visit their child at school during the school day?
Harmony is asking parents to limit visits to campus only to necessary appointments which cannot be done through virtual meetings. Harmony requests that all in-person visits be scheduled in advance. All visitors who enter the building will be required to wear a face covering and those who proceed beyond the reception area (pre-arranged and approved appointments) will follow campus guidelines for visitors.
How do I purchase uniforms for the new school year?
Uniforms can be ordered online using the Revtrak online ordering site listed on your campus website. Uniforms will be available to pick up once campuses reopen. Campuses will remain flexible with the enforcement of uniform policies until families are given an appropriate amount of time to order and pick up uniforms. Students will not be required to wear uniforms for online learning.
Will drop-off and pick-up change?
Yes. Both drop-off and pick-up times will be staggered to limit potential cross-exposure among persons.
What will lunchtime and breakfast look like?
Lunch will be served in the classrooms, however breakfast may be served either in the classrooms or in the cafeteria based on the number of students attending in-person. If eating in the cafeteria, students will be socially distanced.
Before and after meals or snacks all students and staff will also be able to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.
Can I eat lunch with my child on campus?
At this time, due to COVID-19, parents and visitors will not be permitted to visit students during mealtimes.
Can I bring lunch to my child on campus?
Parents bringing food during the school day is prohibited. Students who forget their lunch will be provided a school meal.
