CMCSS has communicated with families since last year that schools cannot eliminate the spread of COVID-19 during in-person learning, but our collective actions can help mitigate the spread. The District’s COVID-19 mitigation strategy has always been about using multiple layers to improve success, sometimes referred to as the Swiss Cheese model. For the 2022-2023 school year, CMCSS is using the following mitigation layers:
- Using MERV 13 instead of MERV 9 filters in all buildings
- Increasing outdoor air ventilation
- Employing enhanced two-step cleaning throughout buildings
- Encouraging self-screening, masks, handwashing, covering sneezes, and staying home when sick for all students, employees, and visitors
- Replenishing hand sanitizing stations
- Promoting the use of personal water bottles and filling stations
- Providing and COVID-19 testing for employees and their families at Onsite Employee Health and Wellness Clinics
- Updating and implementing the Return to School/Work Flowchart
COVID-19 Exposure Response Plan
When a CMCSS student or CMCSS employee tests positive for COVID-19, they will need to notify either the school nurse (if they are a student) or their supervisor (if they are an employee). The medical office that performed the test will notify the Montgomery County Health Department for contact tracing. Click here for the CMCSS Communicable Diseases and/or Illness Management Policy.
Click here for the current CMCSS Return to Work/School Flowchart developed by the CMCSS Safety and Health Department in collaboration with the Montgomery County Health Department. For the Spanish version, click here.
Self-Screening
Employees will be expected to self-screen before entering school premises.
Self-screening protocols for students and visitors will continue. Families are strongly encouraged to engage in self-screening at home prior to each school day. Click here for updated guidance from the CDC regarding screening K-12 students for symptoms of COVID-19.
Self-Screening Protocol
Have you had any of the below symptoms as a new-onset in the past 72 hours? (This does not include chronic conditions)
- fever of 100 degrees or greater
- new onset of a cough
- new onset of shortness of breath
- new onset of sore throat
- new onset of body aches
- diarrhea
- new onset of headache
- new onset of loss of taste or smell
- nausea or vomiting
- congestion or runny nose
- chills
- fatigue
If “yes”, please consult your personal health care provider before returning to any CMCSS locations. Students, employees, and visitors who are sick must follow the CMCSS Flowchart.
Effective June 10, 2022. Subject to change based on updated guidance and local, state, or national recommendations or mandates.
If you have any questions or feedback on the plan, please email [email protected].
