Aloha MSOS Families,
The downward trend of new coronavirus infections is very optimistic! School protocols will be modified effect Monday, March 28; yet please rest assured knowing that careful consideration was made when updating our safety measures and returning to school (post-illness and travel) decision tree. The updates listed below follow the latest Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for schools. As always, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff are of top priority.
Physical Distancing
The school will continue to implement physical distancing to the extent possible.
Daily Health Screen
Daily health screens are no longer required beginning March 28. Parents will be required to continue to complete an ABSENT REPORT (the link is accessible from Beehively) to report an absence due to illness or personal reasons such as travel.
Masks
Students and employees may choose to wear masks outdoors, but they will no longer be required starting March 28.
At present, Hawaii Department of Health guidance continues to recommend indoor mask-wearing therefore face masks will still be required in indoor settings. MSOS, however, may make indoor mask-wearing optional if/after the Hawaii Department of Health updates this guidance for schools, but not before April 11. Please continue to send your child to school with well-fitted masks that snug the nose and wrap closely to the face and alongside the chin.
Lunch
Students will continue to sit socially distanced in the cafeteria. Middle School will transition to the cafeteria for lunch beginning Monday, March 28.
Stay Home if Sick
Please refrain from sending your child to school if they are sick or show any signs or symptoms of illness. It is recommended that if you or a family member present with any new upper respiratory symptoms (i.e., runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, etc.), do not assume that symptoms are due to an existing allergy or another virus. Please get tested promptly!
While vaccines are still our best defense (i.e., vaccines reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death), we also know that these vaccines have reduced efficacy against the COVID-19. We cannot exercise any oversight of your child’s activities outside of school, but we ask that you continue to strongly consider your unique and heightened personal responsibility, as MSOS community members.
Return to School Decision Tree
We have made a few adjustments to our decision tree. A detailed description of each scenario is located in the documents below.
- Siblings of students who are sent home due to low or high risk symptoms may now remain in school.
- Following 2 or more low risk or 1 or more high risk symptoms, students may return to school, at least 24 hours symptom free (with either a doctor clearance note or participate in the school antigen test program*
*Antigen test program – students will take a school-issued antigen test upon return to school and on the next school day. Parents must complete the school antigen testing permission form.
- What if a student or staff tests positive for COVID -19?
- Student and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days.
- Students will have the option to return to school after 5 days from the positive test result date (positive test date is counted as day 0) conditional upon a negative antigen test issued by the school nurse or diagnostic lab.
- Students who return to school after 5 days will be required to wear a mask in all school settings (indoors and out) up to day 10.
- What if the student still tests positive on day 5?
- Students will be asked to isolate for an additional 5 days should the antigen test come back positive.
- Students may return to school on the 10th calendar day from the original positive result test date. No additional documentation or testing required.
- What if my child is a close contact outside of school?
- Vaccinated students are no longer required to quarantine as long as the student takes part in the test-to-stay program or provide a negative PCR test result.
- Unvaccinated students may return to school after 5 days, conditional upon taking either a school administered antigen test or provide a negative PCR test result.
- What if a classmate tests positive for COVID-19? Students may stay in school and take part in the MSOS Test-To-Stay program.
Travel Protocol
- All students should meet the current State travel requirements
- All students must complete the MSOS Out-of-State Travel Request Form
- MSOS Travel policy provides TWO options for students returning from out-of-state travel:
- Test-to-Stay (no quarantine necessary)
- Quarantine at home for 5 days after returning from travel
As always, we will continue to be as transparent as possible, reporting on the health status of our school and sharing data to keep you informed. We will continue to follow the most up-to-date guidelines from the CDC and the Department of Health. We will also adjust our operations where necessary and ask for your continued cooperation.
Thank you for your support in following these guidelines, and we look forward to a healthy and successful final stretch of the school year.