USD 357

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January 19, 2022

Dear parents and guardians,

As you are aware, the current surge in the Omicron Variant is creating immense pressure on our schools and staff members as we work to keep classrooms staffed and in-person learning possible.

To help alleviate some of the pressure on our schools, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), along with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), support schools implementing a 30 day temporary suspension on all contact tracing activities.

What does this mean for you as parents and guardians?  Beginning today, January 19, we will not test close contacts unless they present symptoms.  For the remainder of this week, we will not be able to provide testing for any students or staff but anticipate being able to resume testing for symptomatic students and staff again Monday.

Our protocol for positive cases continues to be isolation for five days with the ability to return to school on day six if fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medication.  Students and staff may resume normal activity in school as long as they wear a well-fitting mask for days six through 10.

If you have any questions regarding this change to school contact tracing protocols, please contact Dr. Kelly Arnberger at (620) 488-2288 or karnberger@usd357.org.  To learn more about the guidance change, visit https://coronavirus.kdhe.ks.gov/283/Education-K-12.   

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this challenging time for our schools and communities.  We will continue to keep you informed as guidance changes are announced.

Sincerely,

Dr. Arnberger

Superintendent