We have all had to make significant behavioral changes to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To remain open, we will need to continue these practices:

• Staying home when sick
• Social distancing (specifically, staying six feet away from others when feasible)
• Frequently washing hands or using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
• Wearing face coverings
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth
• Medical self-screening and reporting
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Providing instruction to students on the appropriate hygiene practices consistent with mitigating the spread of COVID-19

Extensive informational signage on both campuses and other regular reminders will support these protocols.

The Covid+ cases in our school and the Diocese among students begin starting off as mere cold and allergy symptoms including:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Stuffiness
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle aches
• Loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea
• Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
• Known close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19

Anyone experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms listed beyond normal allergies above should stay home. Contact Nikki Ramos at the Lower School and Renee Pinkston at the Upper School if your child or anyone in your household has become symptomatic after your daily survey.

• If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms, the school will contact you to come pick up your child.
• Parents are asked to come immediately when called by the school to pick up their child.
• Students with these symptoms will be immediately separated and isolated until a parent or emergency contact can pick them up.

While maintaining confidentiality, the School is required to notify the local health department, teachers, staff, and families of all students if a lab-confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among students, teachers, or staff who participate in any on-campus activities.

• In the event that temporary school closure due to positive COVID-19 cases at the school, parents should be prepared.
• While actively working to prevent positive cases through mitigation practices, in the event that STA will need to transition to an Asynchronous Learning Model for all students, we are prepared.

Currently, masks are optional at STA.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School will foster a culture where wearing face coverings and social distancing are accepted as a regular part of the school day. We will adapt quickly and make you aware if circumstances or guidelines change.