NYM School Opening Plan
2022-23 School Year
This plan was created in collaboration with local area schools and the New York Mills COVID Response Team.
More information on current COVID requirements can be found at www.cdc.gov
Subject to change based upon requirements of Minnesota Department of Health,
Minnesota Department of Education.
Schedule
School will be in-person, five days per week with regular start and end times. The New York Mills Public School instructional day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:18 p.m.
Face Coverings
Face coverings are optional for students and staff.
Social Distancing
There are no social distancing requirements during the school day or during after school activities, including sports.
Vaccines
New York Mills Public School is not requiring COVID vaccinations for students, staff or visitors.
Meals
Students will eat lunch and breakfast in the cafeteria.
Specialist Classes (music, art, etc.)
These classes will be held in the specialist classrooms.
Cleaning
Cleaning protocols will continue to support mitigation of COVID. Drinking fountains and water refill stations will be open for students.
Healthy Facilities
HVAC systems will be running at maximum capacity to ensure high air flow and air quality. Bigger and better air handler units have been installed this summer as part of the HVAC Project. The new air handlers allow more frequent air exchanges and bring a greater volume of fresh air into the building, which reduces air pathogens.Health Screening and Quarantine
Self-screening for symptoms of illness will be required. If you are ill, stay home and report your symptoms to the school nurse.
As prior to Covid, the school policy remains that your child must be fever free for 24 hours with no medications prior to returning to school.
Schools are mandated to report any positive Covid cases to MDH.
Our practice regarding someone who is in close contact with a person who is Covid positive will be to notify staff and students (and parents/guardians) who are close contacts with a positive case and ask them to monitor their symptoms closely.
At this time, there is no quarantine requirement.
Good Hygiene
Students will continue to be encouraged to practice good hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water during bathroom breaks and before meals and snacks. Hand sanitizer will be provided in each classroom.
Food Service
The New York Mills Food Service Department continues to provide material and food procedures that meet the requirements of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
Accommodations for Special Education
Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to health and safety policies and procedures will be provided. Parents/guardians should contact his/her child’s case manager to inquire about accommodations.
Partnerships with Health Agencies
New York Mills Public School will continue to collaborate on issues related to COVID with Otter Tail County Public Health Care, Perham Health, MDE and MDH. Local COVID infection rates will be monitored closely in collaboration with the agencies listed above.
Subject to Change
If necessary, New York Mills Public School will make changes to ensure the health and safety of students, staff and community members, based on factors such as local conditions, state and federal mandates.
This plan was created in collaboration with local area schools
and the New York Mills COVID Response Team.