Kent School District October 2021
Safety First
Checking Your Child's Mental Health
During this COVID-19 pandemic, students may be experiencing increased loneliness, sadness, anxiety, and stress. Large emotions are a natural part of life, and it is important to recognize signs of when to seek help for your child. It is also important to know where to go in supporting your child.
Health and Safety
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, please read these important reminders and announcements for all families and staff.  

MASKS FOR STUDENTS 
Throughout the pandemic, KSD has provided masks and appropriate PPE to students and staff. This school year, we have distributed more than 100,000 masks to our students alone. In addition, we have recently provided an additional allotment of disposable masks to all elementary schools.  

In King County, community transmission of COVID-19 continues to be substantial. Please remind student(s) masks must be worn at all times during indoor learning and activities, and when social distancing is not possible as mandated by the Washington State Department of Health.  

While disposable masks continue to be available for students who arrive to ride the bus or at school without a mask, schools also offer reusable masks to students to use on weekends and at activities outside of school. We encourage families to use reusable masks as much as possible. Thank you for helping keep our KSD community healthy and safe.  

COVID-19 TESTING FOR KSD STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND STAFF 
We are pleased to announce a partnership with Precision Lab Management to provide COVID-19 tests at all secondary schools, multiple times each week. Testing began this week for staff only, but starting November 1 these testing sites will be open to all KSD students, families, and staff. 

The testing locations and schedules are intended to accommodate students, staff, and families who are symptomatic and/or have testing requirements for work or activities. 
 
The COVID-19 tests are free and there will be required information including a consent form and insurance information. Details about how to provide this information will be sent next week. It will be essential to complete this information before your first test, or you will not be tested. If you are tested at one of our KSD sites, you will receive a text or email about your test results. KSD will run a daily report to ensure each employee who received an approved exemption follows the seven-day negative test accommodation. KSD will also run reports for student-athletes aligned to Department of Health guidelines. 

NEW KSD COVID-19 DASHBOARD 
A new COVID-19 Dashboard is now available. Please note this data table represents COVID-19 cases for students and staff in KSD since October 1. This date coincides with the transition to the new database being used by our KSD contact tracing staff hired and trained in September. Historical case information from April 2021, when in-person student activities and hybrid learning began, through September 30, 2021, is also available on our website.  
Are You Ready for Winter Weather?
In the next couple of months, we are likely to experience winter conditions. Here are some things you can do to help keep our KSD community safe:

  • Make sure your student is dressed for cold weather. Elementary students are outside for recess almost every school day.

  • Ask your school about safe walking routes, these are the areas at your school that will be shoveled or sanded if we have snow or ice.

  • Wear bright and highly visible clothing to help drivers see you as days get shorter and darker.

  • Keep warm clothing, a blanket or sleeping bag, snacks, and water in your car in case you get stuck or cannot get home.

 
Find Out How We'll Notify You in Case of School Closures or Delays

Information will be shared through several different notification methods. Update your contact information in Skyward to ensure you receive updates.
Practice Safety Precautions
Transportation Safety Tips
Kent School District's Safety Services Assistant Director Tim Kovich shares transportation tips to help keep everyone safe when traveling to and from school. KSD is committed to safety and encourages students, staff, families, and community members to help keep our schools and communities safe by paying attention to our surroundings.
October Recognitions
Bullying Prevention Month
We are committed to keeping schools safe. Bullying or making threats against other people is entirely inappropriate. Threats, even those made as jokes or teasing, can disrupt the educational process and cause emotional stress for students.
America's Safe Schools Week
October 18-22
Thank you to our Safety Services and DARTS teams for helping our students have a safe learning environment. Kent School District welcomes two new safety officers this year. Learn more on our website.
Visiting Our Schools
All school guests and volunteers are required to register in the office and
wear a nametag. All volunteers are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This is necessary to promote safe and secure school environments. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.