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CVSD 2021-2022 COVID Frequently Asked Questions

We'll add to this as more questions are shared.

The most recent update (January 2, 2022) about what to do if you test positive or are a close contact can be found on this document.

What are the most important things parents can do? Keep your child home when sick. If your child has ANY symptoms get a COVID test. Follow quarantine rules if your child is a close contact. Make smart choices about interactions with friends and family members.

My child is sick, what should I do? If your child is sick with ANY symptoms, please do not send them to school. In order to return to school, your child will need a PCR test before returning to school. While antigen tests are quick and convenient, there is a range of reliability and are not accepted at this time to clear a child with symptoms to return to school. Please let your school nurse know that your child is being tested and let them know when you get your results.

What are the symptoms that I need to have my child tested for? Fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, muscle aches, and/or headache

My child is fully vaccinated, do they still need a test? Yes, even if your child is fully vaccinated, they need to get a PCR test if they are experiencing COVID symptoms. They need to stay home until they get their negative PCR results.

What is Test to Stay? The TTS program is activated when an unvaccinated student or student(s) are identified as a close contact to a confirmed case of COVID-19. The intention of the TTS program is to allow students that would otherwise be required to quarantine to remain in school. Learn more about it on this page.

Where can I go to get a PCR test? You can get a test by calling your child's pediatrician or scheduling through the Vermont Department of Health. Most PCR tests take about 48 hours to get results when done by the Department of Health. Tests done at Fanny Allen (ordered by your pediatrician) can come back quicker but it may take longer for you to get an appointment.

What changes are being made in the cafeteria? K-8 Students will not only sit by class at tables, they will also have assigned seats to help minimize exposure. Tables are spread apart from other tables as much as space allows. Dining outdoors is always an option.

How do I know what to do if I think my child might be sick? Always contact your child's doctor! Please refer to the 2021-2022 CVSD COVID Symptomatic and Positive Cases Guide for more information. Be sure to contact your school's nurse as well.

What does it mean to quarantine? There's a page in the 2021-2022 CVSD COVID Symptomatic and Positive Cases Guide that provides good answers to this question.

Will CVSD be checking on student vaccination status? Our school nurses were recently given access to the Department of Health's registry and can view student vaccine status. It is also helpful for families to provide proof of vaccination to your school's nurse when a student is FULLY vaccinated. (after the second dose)

Is everyone wearing masks? Yes, all adults and students in our schools wear masks when indoors. This may be re-evaluated for those that are eligible for vaccines, sometime in October. Masks are also required on all school buses. They are not required when outdoors.

What about social distancing? Presently, there are no recommendations from CDC or VT Agency of Education regarding social distancing. However, we will do our best to configure classroom seating and cafeteria tables with the maximum allowable space between students.

Can a student continue to attend school if their sibling is identified as a close contact and under quarantine? When a student is identified as a close contact, but not positive themselves, siblings are still allowed to attend school if the person (parent or child) who is a close contact is able to quarantine from the rest of the family. If families are unable to keep the close-contact parent or child quarantined from all other family members, they must keep their other students at home. Each family system and setup is unique in terms of how and when they interact in their home, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. This can also vary greatly depending on the age and developmental stage of the student. If you decide to keep siblings home, please be sure to notify their teacher. (This has changed due to the implementation of Test to Stay)

What does it mean to be a close contact on the bus? If a student tests positive for COVID who rode the bus, that does NOT mean that all students who rode the bus are automatically close contacts. We are required to identify students in 2 adjacent bus benches as close contacts of the person who tested positive, including the bus bench of the person who tested positive. We will also factor in the length of the bus ride when determining close contacts. For now, we are asking families who are within walking or riding distance to school, to encourage your child(ren) to walk/ride rather than take the school bus. Similarly, if your family schedule allows you to deliver your child by personal vehicle, we encourage you to do so at this time of elevated positive cases. This will result in greater spacing between students on the bus.