The final day for curbside COVID-19 testing will be Tuesday, May 24 - which is the last day of the school year.

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March 8, 2022 

The school district is announcing a change in time for the voluntary curbside COVID-19 testing. 

Beginning Wednesday, March 9, curbside testing will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., weekdays when school is in session. The change in time, previously 6:30 a.m., is due to the significant decrease in requests for testing. 

Online Self-Registration  
Parents/guardians who choose the curbside testing option for their children will need to self-register their students online. This option is also available to all district employees. 

Register Online >> https://c19order.com/school/enrollment 

Curbside Test & Go: Location and Times 
The location for curbside testing is the front car loop of Cedar Trails Exploration Center, centrally located at 8201 Mize Blvd., Lenexa, KS, next to Mill Creek Middle School (83rd & Mize Blvd.).  
Times: 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., weekdays when school is in session. 

Who can participate? 
Curbside testing provides free, daily testing for all USD 232 students (PreK-12) and staff who have been exposed to COVID-19. USD 232 students and staff who are symptomatic may also test. Please register online for the voluntary testing option. 

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) will not provide contact tracing of COVID-19 cases. To that end, JCDHE is focusing efforts on infected individuals. This means the school district is not providing close contact information to the health department and JCDHE will not notify staff/students if they are considered a close contact from a school exposure. Any recommended quarantines would be through families/staff who self-identify their own individual cases of exposure.

February 27, 2022

USD 232 Families -

Effective Monday, February 28, masking on all school busses and district vehicles will now be optional for all students and staff due to recent changes in CDC guidelines.

In compliance with the mitigation protocols approved by the Board of Education, barrier face masks will be required on district transportation to match requirements in that (school) building.  At this time, masks are optional in all buildings and will be optional on all district provided transportation.  If a building exceeds the 5% COVID related absences and masks are required in a building, masks will also be required on district transportation related to that building.

Thank you for what you are doing to help keep our students in school during this challenging time.

-USD 232 Administration

February 18, 2022

USD 232 Families – 
We are writing to announce that barrier face masks will be optional (personal choice) at all buildings, including Early Childhood, elementary and middle schools, effective February 22 when classes resume. Masks are already optional at the high school level. 

This protocol coincides with action taken on Thursday, February 17, by the Johnson County Board of Commissioners, in its role as the Board of Public Health, to revoke the public health order (No. 001-21) requiring barrier face masks for elementary and middle school buildings.  

Could masks be temporarily required later in the school year? 
The Board of Education held a special meeting on Friday morning, February 18, to discuss barrier face mask protocols. The board took action and approved a threshold for when a temporary mask requirement would be necessary for a school. 

Effective February 22 and for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year, total COVID-related absences must remain below five percent (5%). In the event that an individual building (school) exceeds this threshold, that building (only that building) will temporarily return to the mask requirement and will need to drop below five percent (5%) of COVID-related absences for one week before moving to optional masking.  

Transportation – Masks are Required
Due to federal transportation regulations, masks are still required for all students and staff on school buses and district vehicles. If changes to federal regulations are made, we will notify families. 

Looking Ahead 
Families and staff are encouraged to remain diligent in conducting a personal health assessment each day. Individuals who suspect they are ill (i.e., fever, chills, cough, etc.) and are not feeling well should stay home.  

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) will not provide contact tracing of COVID-19 cases at this time. To that end, JCDHE is focusing efforts on infected individuals. This means the school district is not providing close contact information to the health department and JCDHE will not notify staff/students if they are considered a close contact due from a school exposure. Any recommended quarantines would be through families/staff who self-identify their own individual cases. 

Thank you for what you are doing to help keep our students in school during this challenging time. 
USD 232 Administration 

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The Kansas State High School Activities Association updated its COVID-19 Return to Play guidelines. Released on January 25, 2022.

USD 232 Families –  
The number of student isolations (positive cases) and exposures related to COVID-19 increased to a level that triggered the mask requirement for both high schools, De Soto and Mill Valley.  

Weekly Percentages   

• Mill Valley High School: The weekly percentage of student cases topped 5.90 percent for the week ending Friday, January 7.  
• De Soto High School: The weekly percentage of student cases topped 4.18 percent for the week ending Friday, January 7.   

This data is posted weekly to the district’s COVID-19 dashboard.  

Temporary Mask Requirement   
As of Monday, January 10, masks will be required for all students, staff, and visitors while indoors at the high schools to help slow the number of cases. The temporary mask requirement will be in place for at least two weeks and until the weekly percentage of COVID-19 isolations and recommended quarantines drops below two percent for two consecutive weeks. Approved medical mask exemptions are still valid.   

About the Decision  
The Board of Education on October 18, 2021, voted to make barrier face masks optional at the high school level. As part of that action, the Board approved metrics that would temporarily require barrier face masks to help slow the number of cases.   

High School Metrics for Barrier Face Masks   
Masks will remain optional if the weekly percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations do not exceed four percent (4%) of a high school’s student enrollment.   

If the percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations is greater than four percent (4%), barrier face masks will be required as they are in other USD 232 buildings for at least two weeks and the percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations is less than two percent (2%) for two consecutive weeks.  

Athletics and activities will continue following the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) COVID-19 Mitigation Information and COVID-19 Return to Participation Guidelines.   

Looking Ahead  
Families and staff are encouraged to remain diligent in conducting a personal health assessment each day. Individuals who suspect they are ill (i.e., fever, chills, cough, etc.) and are not feeling well should stay home.   

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) will not provide contact tracing of COVID-19 cases at this time given the elevated levels of community spread. To that end, JCDHE is focusing efforts on infected individuals. This means the school district is not currently providing close contact information to the health department and JCDHE will not notify staff/students if they are a close contact from a school exposure.  

Thank you for what you are doing to help keep our students in school during this challenging time.  

USD 232 Administration

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On December 27th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated recommendations regarding the isolation and quarantine measures for COVID-19. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) released guidance for school districts based on the changes.

Note: This information is based on guidance received on January 4, 2022, and is subject to change.

Someone who tests positive for COVID-19
The CDC shortened the recommended isolation period for infected individuals to five (5) days if they are asymptomatic (without symptoms) or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others.

An individual who was exposed to someone with COVID-19
Additionally, CDC shortened the recommended quarantine period for susceptible individuals to five (5) days, followed by strict mask use for an additional five days. However, recognizing that intensive contact tracing within schools is no longer feasible given the current situation, priority should be given to exclusion of infected individuals. JCDHE recommends that individuals known to be a close contact of a COVID-19 case wear a well-fitting mask for ten days after their exposure, including all times they remain in school and are around others. Testing on day five following exposure is strongly encouraged.

> Read more about updated protocols.

SUMMARY

If an individual tests positive for COVID-19 or is suspected of having COVID-19…
Regardless of vaccination status, individuals should:

• Stay home for 5 days.
• If symptoms have resolved or are improving after 5 days (without fever for 24 hours), students and staff can return to school and school-related activities.
• Upon return individuals should wear a mask for an additional 5 days.

If an individual was exposed to someone with COVID-19 (close contact)…
AND	THEN
Has been boosted OR Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months OR Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months	− Wear a mask around others for 10 days. − Test on day 5, if possible. − Stay home and test if symptoms develop.

If the individual:

THEN

Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine more than 6 months ago and are NOT boosted OR Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are NOT boosted OR Are unvaccinated

− Stay home for 5 days OR choose the voluntary Test to Stay & Learn option. If tests are negative each day, individuals may continue with school and school-related activities. − After 5 days, continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. − If the individual is unable to quarantine, then they must wear a mask around others for 10 days. − Test on day 5, if possible. − Stay home and test if symptoms develop.

>> Updated COVID 19 Quarantine and Isolation Quick Guide

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The Board of Education took action during its regular meeting on Monday, December 6, 2021, that updated the mask requirement currently in place for preschool, elementary, and middle school students.

The Board's action essentially ties its current mask requirement for students, staff, and visitors (at elementary and middle school facilities) to the public health order that was issued by the Johnson County Board of Health last August.

What does this change mean? 
Should the Johnson County Board of Health order (No. 001-21) be rescinded, barrier face masks will be optional for preschool, elementary, and middle school students, staff, and visitors, and would follow the same protocols currently in place for high schools.

Masks are still required at this time at elementary and middle schools, as the Johnson County Board of Health has not yet taken action to rescind the public health order.

If masks become optional, could masks be required again? 
The Board approved a mechanism to temporarily reinstate the mask requirement should it be necessary to do so. Aligning with current high school protocols, masks would remain optional if the weekly percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations does not exceed four percent (4%) of a school’s student enrollment.  If the percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations is greater than four percent (4%), barrier face masks will be required for at least two weeks and the percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations is less than two percent (2%) for two consecutive weeks.

Transportation 
Due to federal regulations, masks are still required for all students and staff on school buses and district vehicles.

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The Board of Education, at a special meeting on Monday, Oct. 18, unanimously voted to make barrier face masks optional for high school students (grades 9-12) effective Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Barrier face masks are still required for staff and students at elementary and middle schools.

Due to federal regulations, barrier face masks are still required for high school students and staff on school buses and district vehicles.

The Board made the decision to make masks optional at the high school level in light of declining community spread of COVID-19, declining spread among students, and the high rate of vaccinations among high school-aged students and adults. In an effort to respond to potential increases in COVID-19 cases, the Board voted to add metrics for when barrier face masks would be reinstated for high school students and staff.

High School Metrics for Barrier Face Masks
Masks will remain optional if the weekly percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations do not exceed four percent (4%) of a high school’s student enrollment. 

If the percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations is greater than four percent (4%), barrier face masks will be required as they are in other USD 232 buildings for at least two weeks and the percentage of recommended quarantines and isolations is less than two percent (2%) for two consecutive weeks.

Test to Stay & Learn
In an effort to provide an option to help keep all students and staff in school, the district will provide voluntary COVID-19 testing through a plan known as Test to Stay and Learn.

The Test to Stay and Learn plan provides free, daily testing for all students (PreK-12) and staff who are identified as close contacts by the county health department. A close contact is someone who, through proximity and duration, was close to a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

Daily testing will take place during the recommended quarantine period with the goal of keeping students in school.

Voluntary participation in this testing strategy effectively reduces or eliminates the need for close contacts to miss in-person school after exposure to a positive case.

> Learn more about Test to Stay & Learn

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Update: The Board of Education voted on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, to not exclude individuals identified as close contacts for outdoor COVID-19 exposures, if the only exposure is outdoors.

The Board of Education voted at its meeting on Monday, August 2, to require masks indoors for all students and staff for the start of the new school year.

Board members adopted the mask requirement in response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining in-person learning.

Masks indoors will be required for students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12, as well as visitors. Masks indoors will be required for all staff when students are present.  

Exceptions to wearing barrier masks would be made in accordance with the same protocols adopted by the Board of Education during the previous school year.  The barrier mask exceptions include persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. (link to mask exemption form)

Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, or communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, would be exempt where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

Barrier masks are not required while eating or drinking.

Students participating in indoor school sponsored sports and activities may remove their face coverings when actively participating in the sport/activity.

Note: The Board of Commissioners of Johnson County on August 5, issued a Public Health Order requiring all early childhood and K-8 students, staff and visitors to wear masks inside school buildings. The USD 232 Board of Education is requiring masks to also include all secondary schools, staff and visitors.

The Board of Education also voted to finalize the communicable disease mitigation protocols as follows:

Masks – Barrier face mask requirements on school buses should match classroom mask requirements unless there are mask regulations governing school buses that are more restrictive.

Barrier face masks may be required of any staff member while working in close proximity to students with certain medical needs.

Exclusions – Individuals who are considered contagious or are presumed to be contagious with a communicable disease will be excluded from school.

The latest information from Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) does not recommend the quarantine of an individual who is a close contact of a person infected with COVID-19 if there is universal mask wearing.

Individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 and are recommended for quarantine by JCDHE will be excluded from school. Individuals who are fully vaccinated or have a documented case of COVID-19 in the last six (6) months, are not considered exposed and will not be excluded from school unless they are symptomatic. (link to JCDHE School Guidance) 

Testing – The school district, through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will offer voluntary COVID-19 testing for symptomatic individuals, screening of non-symptomatic individuals, and for individuals who are exposed to COVID-19.

Hand Hygiene – Individuals are encouraged to wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. Hands should be washed or sanitized before and after using shared supplies.

Health Screenings – Individuals are encouraged to self-monitor for symptoms of illness. Individuals who are ill should stay home.

Vaccinations – USD 232 will continue to collect vaccination information from families in accordance with district policy and state law. If families provide verification of voluntary COVID-19 vaccination, the information will be recorded. Individuals will not be excluded based solely on COVID-19 vaccination status. As with all communicable diseases, vaccination information may be used when making exclusion decisions. The district will, at times, partner with outside agencies to provide space for voluntary vaccination clinics.

Rentals – Groups that rent USD 232 facilities will be expected to follow relevant state, county and local mitigation protocols. Capacity guidelines may be limited depending on the activity.

Remote Learning – The Board of Education under state regulations can only authorize forty hours of remote learning in a school year. The Kansas State Board of Education can authorize up to 240 hours in some circumstances. The Board of Education may approve remote learning for an individual student on a student-by-student basis for extenuating circumstances.

Voluntary Testing Program – The State of Kansas is offering a voluntary testing program for school districts with the purpose of helping keep staff and students in the classroom throughout the school year. The program is designed to guard against COVID-19 outbreaks and manage positive cases to help keep everyone in-person all year long. The district would have one staff member who would coordinate the onsite program in conjunction with KDHE and MAWD, all funded by the state. Parental consent is required for student participation.

Voluntary Symptomatic Testing – MAWD, in coordination with the state’s testing program, will offer individualized PCR testing of nasal or saliva specimens for persons who are presenting symptoms of COVID-19. The free onsite test would be voluntary and provide convenience for staff and students without having to schedule an offsite test to determine if they have the virus. PCR testing is more sensitive than Antigen testing and can identify cases in the early stages of infection prior to transmission occurring.

Voluntary Screening Testing – The screening program would test up to 15-percent of the student/staff population by PCR weekly. MAWD will work with the state and the district to establish an individualized, voluntary testing program to help keep students and staff in the classroom. Specimen collection for registered students would be scheduled around their classes to minimize disruption and would take less than two minutes per student to complete. This program will comply with the state’s reporting and compliance regulations.

Testing after Exposure – Providing access to voluntary testing is important for students and staff who are exposed to a person with COVID-19. Because COVID-19 has overlapping symptoms with many other respiratory viruses, differentiation between COVID-19 and other viruses will be more difficult if voluntary testing is not available. Access to testing after SARS-COV-2 exposure is helpful so that students and staff can stay in or return to in-person school as quickly as possible. MAWD will help implement county guidelines for post exposure testing.

The voluntary program includes test materials, trained test personnel, specimen transport and processing, safe disposal of medical waste, and fully compliant results reporting. Turnaround time for test results is 24-48 hours, with most results available in less than 24 hours.

Symptomatic Influenza – The testing program may be able to accommodate free voluntary onsite flu tests for symptomatic individuals. MAWD has access to the necessary materials that would test for flu and COVID-19. This would be an added convenience for staff and students.

Administrative Guidelines for Mitigation that were discussed at the August 2 Board of Education meeting will be reviewed and revised based on the change in masking requirements.

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