MASKING REQUIREMENTS
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
August 9, 2021
Dear Kenston Families,

I hope that you are enjoying these last precious days of summer!

Like you, I had hoped that COVID-19 would be behind us as we started back to school this fall. Unfortunately, the pandemic and Delta variant continues to evolve and spread nationally and locally.

At the July 19 Board of Education meeting, the district indicated that our plan, at the time, was to return to school with masking optional. I also shared that we would be evaluating how we would address students under the age of 12 that were not eligible for vaccination. That decision represented the information and best planning that was available at the time.

While opinions may differ, even within families, we can all agree that the health and safety of our students, their families and our staff is paramount. Kenston’s goal remains - to safely keep schools open with in-person instruction for our students.

The Kenston Schools will be requiring all students, faculty, staff and visitors to wear masks indoors and on school transportation regardless of their vaccination status. Masks are not required outdoors - including recess - for students, staff, visitors or athletic spectators. Masking requirements begin on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
The masking decision was made taking the following current facts into consideration and with the advice and partnerships of the qualified and experienced health and medical experts who have helped to guide us through the pandemic.

Here is what we know today:

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Education and the Geauga Public Health Department have all emphatically stated that they strongly recommend that people wear masks indoors. 

  • COVID-19 cases within Geauga County are on the rise and are now considered to have a “Substantial” transmission rate.

  • The Ohio Legislature has enacted legislation (HB 244) that requires school districts to treat all students and staff the same regardless of vaccination status. Public schools are not permitted to require those who are unvaccinated to take infection control measures - including masking, testing and quarantining - that are different from those who are vaccinated.

  • Under HB 244, public schools cannot require individuals (students or staff) to receive a vaccine that has not been granted full approval by the FDA.


We understand that there are differing opinions on masking; but it is crucial that we make the best possible decision to provide for the health, safety and educational needs of the entire Kenston community.  

The District will continue to monitor public health guidance and update its protocols accordingly as new information becomes available. Our plan is always subject to change based on new circumstances. We will continue to communicate updates to you as protocols change.

We are preparing for another exciting year with in-person classes, and our goal is to make sure everyone stays healthy to have a great school year.
Sincerely,
Nancy R. Santilli
Superintendent of Schools
Health and Safety Preventative Measures
Daily Health Assessments
All students and staff should be assessed for any signs of COVID-19 before leaving home - every day and stay home if you feel ill. Please use the Daily Health Screening Checklist here to track symptoms. Please call your child's school absence line (listed on the Checklist) to report any absences by 9am.
Face Masks
All PreK-12 students and all staff are required to wear a face mask anytime they are indoors or on a school bus. Masks are not required outdoors - including recess - for students, staff, visitors or athletic spectators.

Parents, please have your child bring an extra mask to school daily in case the one worn to school is lost or damaged.
Hand Washing and Hand Sanitizer Stations
Proper hand hygiene is a critical element of keeping children and staff healthy. We will continue to teach and promote hand washing and sanitizing throughout the day in all of our buildings.

Sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the campus to be used regularly throughout the day between hand washings.
Hydration Stations
Water fountains will not be accessible due to the risk of spreading germs. Bottle filling stations have been installed in every building and will be available for students to refill personal use water bottles. Please remember to send a clean bottle with your child daily.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing will be practiced when possible, with special attention given during classroom transitions, outdoor time and lunch.
Cleaning/Disinfecting
High-touch surfaces, including light switches, doorknobs, desks, chairs and computer accessories, will be cleaned regularly throughout the day. The cleaning staff will be employing the use of electrostatic sprayers to quickly and efficiently disinfect our buildings daily. Disinfecting kits have been placed in each classroom to allow staff to disinfect other surfaces as needed.
Transportation/Busing
Bus drivers and all bus riders will be required to wear masks at all times. Riders will be limited to two per seat. The bus will be filled from back to front to minimize contact. Hand sanitizer is available on all buses.
Ventilation
The District is committed to optimizing ventilation with regular maintenance and cleaning of HVAC equipment and use of MERV 13 filters where applicable per EPA recommendations.
Contact Tracing and Quarantine Guidance
Building-wide masking greatly reduces the likelihood of quarantine based on current Ohio Department of Health quarantine guidance.

Contact tracing and reporting to the Geauga County Public Health Department will continue.
Volunteers and Visitors
All visitors will be required to wear masks and complete the Daily Health Screening. In building volunteers and visitors may be limited.
Kenston Local Schools | www.kenstonlocal.org