The information listed below is a brief explanation of our back to school plan for health and safety based on the latest information we have received from the Texas Education Agency. We are planning for all instruction to take place in person this year.
FACE COVERINGS
Face coverings are not required for staff, students, or visitors. Any individual may choose to wear a mask if they so desire.
VACCINATIONS
There is no requirement for the COVID-19 vaccination for students, staff, or visitors. Per Governor Abbott’s executive order, school districts may not require students or staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The state of Texas has not added the COVID-19 vaccination to the required immunization list for students. School districts cannot require students or staff to report vaccination status.
COVID-19 REPORTING/TRACKING
As partners working together to maintain a healthy school environment, we ask parents and employees to report confirmed cases of COVID-19 to the school district. Parents are responsible for reporting positive cases to the school nurse; employees must report to their direct supervisor. Rains ISD is still required to report positive cases to the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETHEALTH) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Rains ISD will follow public health authorities directions about who should quarantine due to exposure and how long quarantine should last based on local conditions and needs.
COVID-19 POSITIVE CASES
When the school district receives confirmation that a student or staff member who has been on campus or at school activities during his/her infectious period has tested positive for COVID-19, the online dashboard located at the COVID-19 button on www.rainsisd.org will be updated. The district will continue to make grade level notifications to parents of students in grades PK-5.
If a student has a confirmed case of COVID-19, please contact the school nurse/nurse aide as soon as possible. Per TEA guidelines, any individual (staff or student) who tests positive for COVID-19 must isolate for 10 calendar days from the onset of symptoms. In order to return to school, the individual must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and have a significant improvement in symptoms. Those who suspect they could possibly have COVID-19 should take a COVID-19 test as soon as possible and isolate until test results are received.
Rains ISD nursing staff will once again be providing COVID-19 rapid tests on each campus during the school day for students and staff members who need testing. Any student under age 18 must have a permission letter on file to be tested.
ABSENCES
If a student must isolate after testing positive for COVID-19, the school/teacher will provide makeup work in a similar manner as for students absent for other reasons.
VISITORS & MEETINGS
Only visitors with administrative approval to attend scheduled meetings will be allowed during the regular school day. Masks are optional for visitors but recommended. Visitors are welcome to school events outside of the regular school day.
CLEANING/SANITATION PROTOCOLS & MITIGATION
Rains ISD will continue its cleaning and sanitizing protocols in an effort to support a healthy learning environment. We will continue to have hand sanitizing stations located throughout buildings as well as in all classrooms. Classrooms will continue to be sanitized daily. Students and staff will be encouraged to wash hands frequently throughout the day.
EXTRACURRICULAR AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All extracurricular and co-curricular activities will resume at full capacity at this time. UIL has issued no capacity restrictions. There will be no requirement to wear face coverings.
Rains ISD is here to work in partnership with our parents and community to provide a safe and healthy learning environment. We have partnered with the Andrews Center to provide counseling services for students and staff. If a student or staff member is in need of social-emotional support, please feel free to reach out to the school counselors, as well as our Communities in Schools partners located on the campuses. They can help you get in contact with the appropriate services. For health-related issues, please contact the school nurse/nurse aide or the campus principal.