BCSS Families and Stakeholders, 

I hope the holidays have been restful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. As we approach the start of second semester, I want to assure you that we are closely monitoring the current data associated with the transmission of COVID-19 within our community. At this time, we are planning for a return to in-person learning as scheduled on Thursday, January 6.

As I am sure you are aware, positive cases of COVID-19 have increased significantly across the State recently. We will  continue to implement and adhere to prevention strategies as needed. Again, please know that our approach to  mitigation measures can certainly change as circumstances evolve. We will be sure to provide you with updates as  needed. Listed below is a summary of prevention measures we will use as the second semester begins. We will continue  to be responsive to the current transmission levels and adjust procedures as conditions improve. 

• Current guidance recommends the use of a face covering that fits snugly against the face and covers the nose  and mouth while indoors. Mask with multiple layers and an adjustable metal strip along the top provide the best  protection. The use of a face covering will continue to be required on school buses and recommended while  indoors. Disposable 3-ply mask will continue to be provided for any student, staff member, or visitor who would  like to utilize one. 
• Frequent handwashing and/or the use of hand sanitizers continue to be a critical strategy for preventing the  spread of illness. Therefore, we will continue to provide sanitizing stations and require students to wash or  sanitize hands often.  
• Practicing respiratory etiquette is also a vitally important mitigation measure. We will be emphasizing and  reinforcing the importance of covering coughs and sneezes at all times.  
• We will continue to ensure surfaces and facilities are cleaned and disinfected daily as recommended.  Additionally, we will continue to have our facilities thoroughly disinfected at intervals throughout the year while  school buildings are unoccupied.  
• Water fountains will remain closed for now and we encourage students to bring water from home. We will also be providing bottled water as needed. Additionally, we have added bottle filling stations on each campus.
• We will continue to exercise caution during meal time to limit large gatherings and possible exposure. Likewise, we will structure transitional times to limit exposure whenever possible.  
• We will continue to do all that we can to maintain physical distance between students when and where possible.
• It will be necessary for us to limit large indoor gatherings over the next few weeks or until community  transmission levels subside.  
• Please continue to keep your student at home if they are sick or exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19.
• Please continue to notify your student’s school of any positive test results or exposures within your home.
• Isolation and quarantine guidance has changed since the conclusion of second semester. The current CDC  Guidelines are listed below.  

Isolation: Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status) must: 

• Isolate at home for 5 days from the date symptoms first appeared or, if asymptomatic, the date of the positive test. Stay away from others in the household as much as possible during isolation.
• After 5 days, if you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving and you have not had fever for more than 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, you may end isolation. If symptoms are not improving or fever has not resolved, you should continue isolating until these criteria are met.
• After ending isolation, you should continue to wear a mask around others for 5 days.

Quarantine: If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are: 

• Boosted, or have become fully vaccinated within the last 6 months (Moderna or Pfizer vaccine) or within the last 2 months (J&J vaccine):

o You do not need to quarantine at home. 
o You should wear a mask around others for 10 days.
o If possible, get tested on day 5.
o If you develop symptoms, get tested and isolate at home until test results are received, then proceed in accordance with the test results. 

• Unvaccinated, or became fully vaccinated more than 6 months ago (Moderna or Pfizer vaccine) or more than 2 months ago (J&J vaccine) and have not received a booster:

o You must quarantine at home for 5 days. After that, continue to wear a mask around others for 5  additional days.
o If possible, get tested on day 5. 
o If you develop symptoms, get tested and isolate at home until test results are received, then proceed in accordance with the test results. 

Our priority is to maintain a safe and successful learning environment for our students and staff throughout the school  year. While we certainly understand and share your concerns relative to the risks associated with resuming school; we  also know that our children desperately need to be in school. Therefore, we will continue to do all that we can to have a  successful school year in spite of the challenges we may encounter. It will be necessary for us to continue working  together to be responsive to any needs that may arise so that we can keep our children in school. 

As always, the health and safety of our students is of the utmost importance. Please continue to check our website www.bcssk12.org for the most up-to-date information and resources. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Todd Simpson
Superintendent