Onalaska Elementary School Handbook Insert
2021-2022
The 2021-2022 school year will be like no other students, parents, teachers, and staff have ever experienced in the time of a pandemic year. Many things have had to have the flexibility and are rapidly changing. The student handbook is a collective document of guidance, expectations, policies, and mandated laws. While the overall handbook will not change, this insert updates specific items that pertain to the pandemic just for the 2021-2022 school year. As continued guidance from the Lewis County Health Department, State of Washington, and OSPI is provided to schools; this document may be altered to reflect mandated changes.
Social Distancing Protocols:
Masks- Required at all times on school grounds, and on the bus, but not during recess. If a student has a medical exemption, shields are provided. No masks outside.
Shields with a drape- Allowed in the classroom. Shields must have drapes.
6 ft. distancing- Must be observed when possible and when eating or drinking. The classroom settings are currently set to 3 ft distancing for academics.
Entry, exit, and hallway procedures follow social distancing protocols as well.
Attendance:
The emergency rule specifies additional reasons that a students’ absence must be excused.
• Absences related to the student’s illness, health condition, or medical appointments due to COVID-19;
• Absences associated with caring for a family member who has an illness, health condition, or medical appointment due to COVID-19;
• Absences related to the student’s employment or other family obligations* during regularly scheduled school hours that are temporarily necessary due to COVID-19 until other arrangements can be made, including placement in a more flexible education program;
• Absences due to the student’s parent’s work schedule or other obligations during regularly scheduled school hours, until other arrangements can be made;
• Absences due to the student’s lack of necessary instructional tools, including internet broadband access or connectivity, stability, reliability, outages, etc.
• Other COVID-19 related circumstances as determined between school and parent or emancipated youth.
*Note: Other family obligations include when a student must care for younger siblings. See the emergency rule Chapter 392-401A WAC for the complete list of excused reasons.
Technology: Student Chromebooks, student email, and school accounts are the property of the Onalaska School District. Misuse of OSD-provided technology will result in revoking privileges, the student may be moved to hardcopy packets if necessary, and a referral may be issued.
Food Service: Free breakfasts and lunches are available.
Fall Conferences: At this time, the format for conferences has not been established. More information will be available as we get close to November.
Class parties and treats: Unfortunately, family members are unable to participate in any class parties. All treats must be store-bought and individually wrapped.
Visitors: With the uncertainty of these times and striving to keep students and staff safe, we are allowing one visitor or volunteer per classroom a day. We look forward to the day we can invite our families back into our facilities. Thank you for your patience during this time.
