LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio — The Lucas and Wood County Health Departments have released shared general practices that will be put in place for the upcoming school year for Toledo area schools.
The schools that will follow the protocols are:
- Anthony Wayne Local Schools
- Maumee Schools
- Ottawa Hills Local Schools
- Oregon City Schools
- Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
- Rossford Schools
- Springfield Local Schools
- Sylvania Schools
- Toledo Public Schools
- Toledo School for the Arts
- Washington Local Schools
The health departments say the practices will guide each district as they move forward with the safe re-opening of schools.
Transportation
- Districts will reduce the number of students on the bus to below occupancy limits
- Students will have assigned seats
- Masks will be required
- Where practical, siblings/family members will be seated together
Entering the School
- Temperature checks for students and staff will be required either by family agreement or will be monitored at school.
- Families and Staff will be asked to complete a Family Safety Pledge
Wearing Masks at School
- Students and staff will be required to wear a mask. Conditions and frequency will be guided by the most current county health department and district data
- Each district will determine where and when masks will be required
Food Service
- All districts will serve healthy meals that are federally compliant.
- Meal times, menus, and locations may be adjusted to reduce congregating
- No outside restaurant or food deliveries will be permitted
Guests and Visitors
- The school year will begin with a “No Guests or Visitors” rule. Exceptions may be made for essential business
- Any visitors with essential business must wear a mask and have their temperature taken
- Visitors will also sign in and complete the COVID Checklist
Social Distancing
- Districts acknowledge that even with the best safety protocols, students will incur some level of risk. Districts will increase cleaning and encourage hygiene protocols.
- Schools plan to welcome all students back for a safe return. All districts will also offer a fully remote option
- Districts will strive to maintain six feet of social distancing in classrooms based on The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations
- Bell schedules may be adjusted to reduce traffic in hallways and at entrances and exits
- Band, Choir, Theatre, and Orchestra may have special restrictions
Cleaning and Hand Hygiene
- CDC Protocols for cleaning will be followed and each school district will work closely with their local Health Department to promote safe practices. Increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces
- Hand Sanitizing and Hand Washing will be practiced and reinforced
- Opportunities for increased hand-sanitizing will be provided
Meetings, Open Houses and Conferences
- Districts will make reasonable efforts to hold meetings and conferences virtually
- Check your district website for information on how Open Houses and meetings will be held
- Any face to face meetings will require masks and social distancing of six feet
Field Trips
- Field trips are canceled
- Districts will revisit this decision mid-year
Recess
- Reasonable efforts will be made to maintain safe outdoor activities
- All districts plan to continue recess but may modify schedules and activities
Shared Materials and Equipment
- Shared computers or equipment will be disinfected between student use
Staff and Student Safety Orientation
- All districts will teach, remind and encourage practices that promote a safe return to school
- Routines and procedures will be practiced and reinforced on a daily basis
Each of these practices is subject to change based on current health department data. All districts anticipate sudden and unanticipated closings throughout the year.
