COVID-19 Information

CCS Reopening Plan

The information presented here is based upon guidance received from state and national authorities, including the Office of Governor Eric Holcomb, the Centers for Disease Control, the Indiana State Department of Health, Hamilton County Health Department, and the Indiana Department of Education. Please continue to refer to this page as COVID-19 information has been fluid and guidance continues to change. Due to these circumstances, the contents of this guide may be updated frequently.

Community Report

Reopening Plan Feedback

In-Person Learning - Elementary

In-Person Learning - Middle School

In-Person Learning - High School

Safety Precautions

Screening

COVD-19 questions should be directed to a family physician or the Indiana Department of Health COVID-19 call center at (877) 826-0011.

Students who are sick or displaying symptoms must stay home. All student attendance incentives K-12 are discontinued for the 2021-2022 school year.
Students/parents are to report a COVID exposure to a family physician.

Face Coverings (Masks/Face Shields)

All Carmel Clay students, staff, and visitors, grades K-12 will be required to wear a mask beginning Monday, August 16, 2021.
Face shields have been approved by the local health department
According to current federal guidelines, masks are required for all students and employees while on public transportation, including school buses.
Students at the secondary level are also expected to wear their CCS Identification Card where it can be easily seen.
Tips for wearing a mask
Mask Up 101PDF download

Social Distancing

Social distancing will be used to the greatest degree possible and areas in our buildings will be maximized for spacing, but it will be difficult to meet the recommended 3 feet of social distancing in classrooms and many learning spaces.

Hand Washing and Hand Sanitizer

Students will have frequent opportunities for hand washing and hand sanitizer stations will be located in several locations such as, the cafeteria, recess, etc.

Facility Cleaning

The district continues to utilize products confirmed by the manufacturer and EPA to kill human Coronavirus and other viruses. CCS will continue to clean and disinfect school facilities and equipment in alignment with guidance from the CDC.
Custodial staff at all schools are focusing extra attention on sanitizing high traffic areas and commonly used surfaces including counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, light switches, keyboards, and tablets.
Custodial staff will be constantly checking to make sure hand washing and hand sanitizer supplies are checked, restocked and refilled.
Custodians will work to help prevent the spread of germs by disinfecting classrooms.

Ventilation

Ventilation systems have been evaluated to ensure proper central filtration.
CCS has updated current ventilation systems to MERV 13 pre-filters as recommended.
MERV 13 filters are recommended by ASHRAE guidelines for response to COVID.
Portable equipment in classrooms is not being implemented at this time.

Exposure/Positive Cases

Per state law (IC 16-41-2-1), CCS is required to notify close contacts of exposures in school. However, because of Carmel Clay Schools mask mandate, students are not required to quarantine, but should monitor for signs or symptoms of illness. If your student shows signs or symptoms, please keep your student home and consult a physician. If your family chooses to self quarantine please contact your school attendance office and teachers. Self quarantined absences will be excused for up to 14 days from the date of exposure.

ISDH Isolation & Quarantine Calculator

Guidance

Community Close Contact

Parents may call the school to report a community contact-traced student via Attendance Line.

Schools will mark student attendance as Q through the return-to-school date reported by the parent/guardian. Student absences will be excused.
Students must quarantine 14 days from last exposure to a positive person (return on day 15). No testing is required to return on day 15.
- Students may return as early as day 8 if they have a negative PCR test performed (antigen and home tests are not accepted) on day 5 or later from a testing site. Documentation of the negative test is required. Students should continue to monitor for symptoms through day 14. Students must maintain space of 6 feet during lunch whenever possible.
- Indiana State Department of Health provides a 10-day option that will not be accepted by CCS because this option requires 6 feet of space at all times between students.

Vaccinated individuals or those who have tested positive within the past 90 days should continue to monitor for symptoms over the next 14 days. No quarantine is required.

Exposures within the family/household setting will be treated as Community Close Contacts.
Reporting to ISDH Portal (nursing) is not necessary if exposure did not take place on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event.

Reported Positive

Parents may call the school to report a positive COVID-19 test result via Attendance Line.

If the student is currently at school, pull from the classroom and send to the nurse’s office.
Mark student attendance as Q through the return-to-school date reported by parent/guardian.
Students must isolate for 10 days from the date symptoms began, or date of the positive test, whichever came first.
Note: 10-day isolation is the only option. Individual may return on day 11. No testing is required to return.
Student attendance should be marked as Q and absences will be excused.
Asymptomatic, vaccinated siblings do not need to quarantine. Unvaccinated siblings are only able to attend school if they remain asymptomatic and if the positive case is able to isolate away from family.
The school will perform contact tracing based on exposure details.
The nurse will enter the positive case and related close contacts to the IDOH Gateway Portal.

School Close Contact

A student identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case during school hours.

When both people are masked, in a school setting, a close contact is when an individual is within 3 feet of a positive person for greater than 15 minutes.
Schools will mark student attendance as Q through the return-to-school date. Student absences will be excused.
MASKED INDIVIDUALS: When positive individual and close contacts are wearing masks, no quarantine is required.
- Close contacts need to continue to self-monitor for symptoms through day 14.
- If symptoms develop, even if the individual is fully vaccinated, quarantine and obtain testing. Coordinate with your healthcare provider and local public health department.
UNMASKED INDIVIDUALS: When positive individual and/or close contacts are not wearing masks,
- Close contact(s) must quarantine 14 days from last exposure to positive individual (return on day 15). No testing is required to return on day 15.
- Students may return as early as day 8 if they have a negative PCR test performed (antigen and home tests are not accepted) on day 5 or later from a testing site. Documentation of the negative test is required. Students should continue to monitor for symptoms through day 14. Students must also social distance when possible during lunch and remain masked unless actively eating.
- Indiana State Health Department provides a 10-day option that will not be accepted by CCS because this option requires 6 feet of space at all times between students.
- Vaccinated individuals or those who have tested positive within the past 90 days should continue to monitor for symptoms over the next 14 days. No quarantine is required.
All close contacts and their families will be made aware at the building level.
Exposures within the family/household setting will be treated as Community Close Contacts.
The nurse will enter close contacts to the ISDH Gateway Portal.
Students attending school despite quarantine guidelines should be sent to the nurse’s office for isolation and clarification of the situation (vaccination status and/or COVID illness within the last 90 days or updated medical documentation on file).

General Student Illness Information

Students who are sick or displaying symptoms of COVID-19 must stay home and report daily absences to the school attendance line.
If symptomatic, consult with your physician on whether a test is recommended.
If not testing, remain home until symptoms resolve/fever-free for 24 hours.
Students awaiting test results are not required to stay home unless they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Students/parents are to report a COVID exposure to a family physician and to the school.
All student attendance incentives K-12 are discontinued for the 2021-2022 school year.

Classroom - Elementary

Classroom Management and Preparation

Based on current social distancing guidelines, and in order to accommodate more students in the classroom, teachers have the option of reconfiguring desks to reduce exposure.
All students may be asked to face forward whenever possible to prevent possible transmission of COVID virus.
Clean all work surfaces, student desks, tables and teachers' desks at the end of the day and more often as needed.
Students will have assigned seats.

Morning Arrival

Students can bring backpacks to school.
Teachers and staff will be monitoring the halls and will encourage students to drop off their items in the cubby area and proceed to class promptly.
When students enter the classroom, they will be asked to wash or sanitize their hands.

Restrooms

Teachers will limit the number of students in the restroom at one time.
Teachers will remind students to stand at a distance and educate students about the importance of effective handwashing.

Food

Students who pack their lunch will keep their lunch in their backpack or cubby until lunch time as in the past.
Students should not bring food into the classroom unless approved by the classroom teacher or an administrator.
School breakfast and lunch will be available as in the past. Students will eat in the school cafeteria.

Recess

Students will attend recess with their grade level.
Students will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer prior to recess and when returning to the classroom.

Classroom Materials

Students will be able to use class sets of books. Students will use the same book each time.
Students will be assigned to use the same computer, as much as possible.
Special programs and celebrations inviting parents into the classroom will be temporarily suspended.

Classroom - Secondary

Classroom Management and Preparation

Restrooms – students will be expected to maintain social distancing in the restrooms as much as possible.
Each student will be assigned a locker and sharing lockers will not be permitted.
Teachers have the flexibility to move classes outside to maximize distance between students.
Special programs and celebrations inviting parents into the classroom will be temporarily suspended and determined in consultation with the health department and inline with up-to-date guidance.

Instrumental Music

Students should be seated in straight rows, facing the same direction, and as distantly spaced as room sizes allow.
Sectional/split rehearsal groupings should be employed as space allows.
Participation in auditions, contests, festivals, and other events is permitted. Students are expected to be aware and follow the safety measures at these venues.

Choral Music

Students will be seated/standing in straight rows, facing the same direction, and as distantly spaced as room sizes allow. Consideration should be given to utilizing the largest spaces possible (e.g. auditoriums).
Sectional/split rehearsal groupings will be employed as space allows.
Participation in auditions, contests, festivals, and other events is permitted. Students are expected to be aware and follow the safety measures at these venues.

Visitors & Volunteers

All visitors to Carmel Clay Schools must follow safety guidelines.
At this time, all visitors must wear facial coverings.
Volunteers will be allowed in schools on an invitation-basis only.
Lunch room visits are not currently permitted at Carmel Clay Schools.
Special programs and celebrations inviting parents into the classroom will be temporarily suspended and determined in consultation with the health department and inline with up-to-date guidance.

Athletics & Extracurricular Activities

Preparing to Train - Protect Against Infections

Should an athlete or coach exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or be diagnosed with COVID-19, he/she should stay home and contact a family physician.
Arrive as close as possible to when practice begins and try to be timely when picking up your athlete. Athletes may enter 10 minutes prior to practice and will enter in a social distance manner.
Please maintain social distance while on the property for drop-off and pick-up.

Student-Athletes Should Bring

A full water bottle.
A clean beach towel to each practice to be used individually by the student-athlete for perspiration. Do not share towels.
Hand Sanitizer for individual use if possible.

During Practice

Maintain appropriate social distancing from other athletes when possible.
If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve/arm area. (Wash hands after or use hand sanitizer.)
Athletes must listen carefully and follow all coach directions.

Procedure in Case of Positive COVID-19 Test or Known Exposure

The individual should let the head coach of their sport know immediately.
Any individual with COVID-19 symptoms should remain home, contact your family physician and report absences as usual. All positive cases should be reported to the Indiana State Department of Health.
Carmel Clay Schools will continue to follow recommended social distancing guidelines as best as possible during school and extracurricular activities.
Parents are asked to closely monitor children for possible symptoms and contact your family physician if needed.

Special Education Services

COVID-19 Special Education Considerations

Students receiving special education services will adhere to the safety protocols deemed necessary in their building of attendance. Additional safety precautions may be considered by the case conference committee contingent on the individual programming needs of the student. Such additional considerations would be identified and documented in the student’s individualized education plan.

Community Based Instruction and Vocational Training

Community Based Instruction (CBI) and Vocational Training (C3/Vital 4): Bus seating procedures will follow CDC and local health department guidelines for all community experiences. According to current federal guidelines, facial coverings are required for all students and employees while on public transportation, which includes school buses. Parents will have full discretion if their student attends a community experience. If parents are uncomfortable with community-based experience or vocational training, the case conference committee will convene to discuss alternative instruction.

Students will continue to participate in transition activities, internships and jobs, as long as health and safety protocols can be followed. The school will make contact with the student’s place of employment to be aware of their COVID procedures and what protections are required of employees.

Special Transportation

Special transportation continues to be offered for students who require this related service. According to current federal guidelines, facial coverings are required for all students and employees while on public transportation, which includes school buses.

Case Conference Committee Meetings

Case conference committee meetings may continue to be held via Zoom or other virtual meeting capabilities.

If a case conference is held in a Carmel Clay school, visitor protocols must be followed.

School Nurse - Clinic

Procedures

Students and staff are expected to social distance while waiting to enter and inside the clinic.
Symptomatic students and staff will be provided with a surgical-grade mask.
Each clinic will maintain two separate areas:
- Regular care and operations space.
- Separate space for students and staff who show signs or symptoms of illness.
Nebulizer treatments will not be given in the school environment. Students with asthma should contact their physician to obtain an inhaler, spacer, and mask (if necessary) as needed for use in the school clinic.
If a student exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, parents will be contacted to pick up the student.

Tips to Protect You and Others from Illness

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow.
Throw used tissues away in the trash.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay away from people who are sick or not feeling well and avoid close contact with others through hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects such as toys and doorknobs.
Seek assistance from your doctor or a health professional if you see or experience symptoms that cause concern.
12 Tips to Keep Kids Germ-Free at School

Food Service

Cafeteria tables will be spaced out to the greatest extent possible.
Hand sanitizer stations will be placed at the front of each serving line. Students will be expected to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer prior to entering the lunch line.
Parents are encouraged to pre-pay student lunch accounts online using the EZSchoolPay system to reduce the handing of money/checks. (You will need your student’s ID number found in your Powerschool account.)
Cash will only be accepted in one serving line per cafeteria.

Transportation

Per CDC order, masks are required to be worn on public transportation, which includes school buses. Information regarding this federal CDC order can be found here.
Students will have assigned seats for contact tracing purposes.
Students will be allowed to sit 2 per seat. Siblings will be encouraged to sit together. Further spacing of students will occur as much as possible.
A regular ridership schedule is requested for each address in order to support our capacity and contact tracing efforts.
Due to restricted seating capacities as well as assigned seating to allow for contact tracing, students will only be allowed to ride their own bus to which they have been assigned for home-to-school/school-to-home transport. Students will not be permitted to ride with another student on a different bus.

Attendance

District Communication and Updates

Updates will be communicated using the district’s standard channels of communication, including phone calls, emails, text messages and the CCS website.
To ensure notifications are received, parents and guardians should verify that their phone numbers and email addresses are correct in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
For phone numbers registered within PowerSchool, CCS families can sign up to receive text alerts by texting YES to 67587.

Resources for Parents

As students head back to school, many may express feelings of anticipation and excitement related to reuniting with teachers and peers; however, it is expected that they may experience feelings of worry, nervousness, and fatigue. The following actions can assist with supporting your child as they transition back to school:
Prior to the start of the school year, establish and practice a healthy sleep and hygiene routine in order to support your child in preparation for their return to school.
Review safety protocols with your child in order to familiarize them with expectations. Reassure your child that these protocols are in place for their safety as well as the safety and health of others.
Continue to monitor your child’s exposure to social media and news sources that may provoke anxiety and fear.
Engage your child to engage in open conversations where they have the opportunity to ask questions and gain clarification about what to expect during the next school year. This will help in reducing worry and provide them the opportunity to process their feelings in a healthy and supportive manner.
Remember that sharing your feelings about COVID-19 can increase or decrease your child's fear. If your child expresses concern for their safety/health, remind your child that the school is doing everything within our power to keep students safe and well.
During conversations, carefully listen or have them draw or write out their thoughts and feelings and respond with truth and reassurance.
Recognize warning signs and symptoms of more pervasive mental health concerns, such as a change in habits, a decline in mood, withdrawal, decreased social and academic functioning, erratic or changed behavior, and increased physical complaints as well as warning signs of suicidal ideation.
Encourage your student to develop and practice coping and calming strategies that may include:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Physical exercise
- Deep breathing
- Gradual Relaxation
- Journaling
Should you have any concerns related to your child’s mental health or if you would like to request additional resources, please feel free to contact your child’s Social Worker or Counselor located at your child’s school building.

Resources

How to Talk to Your Child About COVID-19 -- A Resource For Parents
Talking With Children Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease OutbreaksPDF download
Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Social & Emotional Learning

Our Administrators and Staff recognize that social-emotional learning will be imperative as we transition into the next school year. Because of the restrictions implemented in 2020 to maintain health via social distancing, we understand that students will be coming to school with a need to connect with their peers and adults in their school building. Therefore, it is our priority to ensure that we are fostering opportunities for students to develop this crucial skill set. In order to facilitate social-emotional wellness as we plan to implement the following:

There will be a districtwide emphasis on building and establishing connections by spending increased time acclimating to routines and rituals as well as providing frequent social-emotional check-ins with students.
Social Workers, Psychologists and Counselors will be focused on provided targeted groups for students experiencing difficulties transitioning back to school.

COVID-19 Testing & Vaccinations

ESSER III Funding

What is ESSER Funding?

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds are part of the third stimulus and emergency COVID relief funding stream authorized as part of the American Rescue Plan.

How much funding did CCS receive?

All public school districts are eligible for ESSER funding. The allocation formula is based on the district's share of Title 1 allocation. Carmel Clay Schools received $2.2 million.

2020-2021 School Year

13 additional teachers

$679,200

9 additional instructional assistants

$104,000

COVID Contact Tracers

$121,904

Educare workers subsidy

$255,000

Sanitizer, masks, etc.

$30,000

Technology

$250,000

TOTAL

$1,440,104

2021-2022 School Year

Intervention Teachers

$779,646

Intervention Teachers will collaborate with staff members to determine student learning needs and provide additional, differentiated instruction to students in the areas of math and reading to address the learning loss due to the pandemic.

Information for CCS Students, Employees, and Families - Hidden

District Communication and Updates

School closures and updates will be communicated using the district’s standard channels of communication, including phone calls, emails, text messages and the CCS website.
To ensure notifications are received, parents and guardians should verify that their phone numbers and email addresses are correct in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
For phone numbers registered within PowerSchool, CCS families can sign up to receive text alerts by texting YES to 68453.

Virtual Learning

Virtual Learning for Teachers Virtual Learning for Students & Parents

IDOE Continuous Learning Plan

Virtual learning began Wednesday, March 18th. There will be no virtual learning during Spring Break (April 3 - April 10). .
Our staff will utilize Canvas and the G-Suite tools for virtual learning opportunities.
Our K-5 students will be engaged in learning activities for approximately 60-80 minutes per virtual learning day plus an additional 10-15 minutes for weekly special area classes.
Within the 6-12 grade levels, students will follow their regular scheduled classes. Secondary students will be engaged in virtual learning for approximately 30 minutes per course.
Teachers will communicate office hours to students/families via their Canvas page. During office hours, teachers will be available for real-time Canvas Inbox conversations or through integrated video conferencing calls.
Teachers will be monitoring their Canvas inbox throughout the day to answer questions and provide support for students.
If you are using a personal device at home, test for connectivity and ensure that your student can log in to their Canvas account. For frequently asked questions regarding Canvas, you can click here.
If you do not have access to a device (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) for virtual learning, we will provide a device for your family. To do so you can click here to submit the “Family Mobile Device Check-Out” form.

Internet Provider Resources for Families

Many internet providers are offering free/reduced services for families that do not have access to the internet for virtual learning.

AT&T

Comcast

Metronet

COVID-19 Response

T-Mobile/Sprint

Verizon

Meal Assistance For Students

Along with the school semester ending next week, the Carmel Clay Schools Supplemental Food Program will also be ending for this current school year. Wednesday, May 20^th will be the final food distribution day. If you need supplemental food assistance for your student, please complete the form by Monday, May 19, if you are not already signed up: https://forms.gle/McM1ro1wcwjDuToe8.
Please click here to view a list of food pantries available in Hamilton County. It is recommended that you call before visiting any of these locations.
Please contact your school's social worker or counselor if your family needs additional resources.

Indiana Department of Education Testing Information

All Travel Including Spring Break Travel

Students or staff members returning from a country with a Level 3 or higher travel advisory must self-quarantine for 14 days upon return to the US.
As this situation is rapidly evolving, health authorities may also impose international, domestic and/or regional US travel restrictions at any time. Please reference the CDC website on quarantine requirements based on your travel plans.
Students or staff members who return from ANY travel with COVID-19 symptoms may be required to self-quarantine.

School-Sponsored Student Travel

Cleaning of School Facilities and School Buses

The district continues to utilize products confirmed by the manufacturer to kill human Coronavirus and other viruses. CCS will continue to clean and disinfect schools, facilities and school buses in alignment with guidance from the CDC.
Custodial staff at all schools are focusing extra attention on sanitizing high traffic areas and commonly used surfaces including counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, light switches, keyboards, and tablets.
Custodial staff are consistently checking to make sure handwashing supplies are checked, restocked and refilled.
Custodians, teachers and staff are all working together to help prevent the spread of germs by continuously disinfecting their classrooms and reminding students about the importance of proper hygiene.

Enrollment of New Students from High Risk Areas

New families to CCS from countries with travel advisories for COVID-19, should telephone the school for instructions.

School officials will work with district and community health officials to determine the appropriate registration and attendance plan for those students.
Families arriving from high-risk areas should refrain from visiting the school or district facilities, but may interact with school officials by telephone or email.

Facility Rentals

School and District Sponsored Events

Tips to Protect You and Others from Illness

Please remember, the peak of cold and flu season is also upon us and we want to provide you with important tips on how to protect your child and family from these illnesses.

Currently, the CDC does not recommend people who are well wear a mask to protect themselves from respiratory illness, including COVID-19. Masks should only be worn if it is recommended by a health care professional.

Please know that our custodians, teachers and staff are working together to help prevent the spread of germs by continuously disinfecting their classrooms and common areas.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow.
Throw used tissues away in the trash.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay away from people who are sick or not feeling well and avoid close contact with others through hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects such as toys and doorknobs.
Seek assistance from your doctor or a health professional if you see or experience symptoms that cause concern.
Any student with a fever should remain at home until they are “fever free” for 24 hours.

How to Talk to Your Student About COVID-19

Additional Resources and Information

Hidden

Criteria for School Closure

Criteria for School Closure

All Carmel Clay Schools are closed through the remainder of the year.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jennifer McCormick, announced that all K-12 school buildings in Indiana will remain closed for the remainder of this school year in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Our plan moving forward will be to stay the course and continue our current schedule of virtual learning for the six weeks following Spring Break. We also plan to end the school year the week before Memorial Day Weekend making Thursday, May 21^st the students’ last day and Friday, May 22^nd the teachers’ last day.

While the experts confirm that COVID-19 is a very low risk for students, there is a risk that the spread of the virus is a threat to other more vulnerable members of our community. Social distancing and the elimination of public gatherings has been recommended by the Hamilton County Health Department and other health experts to help control the spread of the virus.

This is a very unusual and challenging situation, but we are confident that our staff and families will work together to meet this challenge and continue to provide our students with great experiences to learn and grow.