Craft Category: Strategies

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Every student deserves an education that prepares them to reach their full and unique potential. How can we deliver on this vision while meeting the demands of COVID-19?

Maintaining distance between people reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19. School spaces will need to be reconfigured and repurposed so students and staff can maintain a safe distance from each other.

Staff members have gone through a lot of changes during the pandemic. School leaders will need to provide support to help their staff manage these changes effectively and meet their professional and social-emotional needs.

Families and caregivers are important stakeholders who need to be kept informed of school reopening decisions and adjustments to academics, operations, athletics, and other school functions. Being transparent is crucial in establishing trust with families and caregivers.

Schools need clear procedures to follow when a student or staff member has been exposed to COVID-19 and/or is showing symptoms. Following public health recommendations around screening, testing, tracing, and preparing for positive cases is crucial to prevent any spread.

With COVID-19 being transmitted via droplets in the air, it is critical that air in school spaces is ventilated and if possible filtered. Fresh air from opening windows can also keep virus particles from accumulating inside.

Vaccinating the population against COVID-19 will help stop the spread of the virus. Adults and children (when authorized) should receive the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves, their families, and their community.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly spread through respiratory droplets. Having students and staff sanitize themselves, objects in classrooms, and high-touch surfaces reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Schools have to look different and function differently to keep students and staff safe. School leaders will need to reconfigure student groupings, daily schedules, and visitor access to limit contact between individuals.