08/31/2020
I contacted Newton Health & Human Services to ask about a possible Q&A to the community regarding the newly posted protocol.
Here was the response:
"If you have specific questions regarding the protocol, please give us a call or email your questions and one of us would be happy to discuss. Similarly, please direct any parents who have questions to us. They can call the main line 617-796-1420 or send an email to [email protected]. My experience is that often people’s questions are quite specific to their own circumstances and it’s helpful to discuss them one to one."
Given that many of us share the same questions and concerns, I am transcribing them into this post. If you want answers to the following questions, you will need to reach out directly to HHS. You can email them directly to [email protected] and/or call the number listed above. Spread the word to any parent that might find this info helpful.
How will protocols be in place at elementary when students use the bathroom? Will hand sanitizer dispensers be outside classroom door or inside?
Are all HVAC and/or ventilation systems in every single school building capable of handling Merv13 filters? If not, how do you plan to remedy this issue to provide equity and safety across the district?
"Can ventilation systems ensure air is changed every 10 minutes or less?
Please confirm use of UVc lights at night (or when room is empty), and inside the HVAC and air ducts. Or plans to adopt UVc based sanitization of airflow."
I am concerned that there has been no independent validation of the air filtration and air circulation data and protocols. Given that many Newton schools are older and have numerous facility issues, I am very concerned that the air circulation will not be sufficient to keep students and teachers safe, especially in the winter, when air flow will be reduced and COVID and flu are expected to increase.
I’m concerned about the quality of our ventilation systems and would like an outside source to check them out.
I’m concerned about the use of box fans that the schools purchased. What is the purpose of those? With the virus present in aerosols, do we want to be blowing air around the room?
Since the Merv filters are on back order, how are you keep students and staff safe regarding air flow and quality of air?
The information about unit ventilators has been scant. They are in many elem classrooms in older buildings. It is not clear they are up to the job of recycling the air and cleaning it. I would like an outside evaluation of classrooms with univents.
When will the MERV-13 filters be installed and the systems tested to ensure they can support these filters? What is the contingency plan in the event that the systems do not support the new filters?
Will someone be monitoring how many air exchanges there are in each classroom?
Can a HEPA filter be used in classrooms?
Will the schools be tested for legionella (bacteria often found in stagnant water that can become airborne and cause medical issues)?
Will the schools be tested for legionella (bacteria often found in stagnant water that can become airborne and cause medical issues)?
As an adult, I need breaks. I can only imagine 8yo kids. Do we always go outside for those breaks? Seriously....can we lean out a window if needed emergently? I have some issues with containment and no one is coming to relieve me. What do I do with myself and my kids in an emergency situation?
If masks are required for students and staff, except for those who have an exemption, the said masks must be clear at ALL times. They must be inclusive to deaf and hard of hearing community who rely on lip reading. Many people also rely on facial expressions to communicate to avoid any confusion and negative interaction.
Will teachers and staff be given KN95 masks?
According to the definition of close contact as someone within 6 ft for 15+ minutes it would seem that students and teachers who have spent 3-4 hours together in a room would not be considered close contacts as long as the 6 ft spacing was maintained. Is that the correct interpretation?
Will you please inform us of the protocol that will be followed if a student tests positive for covid a day or two after their in-person learning days. Will the classroom cohort be considered close contacts and informed or their potential exposure or not?
As someone who is married to another NPS teacher, and a parent of 2 elementary school students, the fact that we don't have COVID testing is very scary to us. Can the school district implement covid testing routinely to reduce risk of spreading Covid?
How can maintaining social distancing and mask wearing be enforced? I see groups (usually teenagers) not distancing/wearing masks and have noticed various noisy gatherings. What can be done since some people are ignoring safety rules and guidelines?
I would like a comprehensive testing plan for staff and students. I’m concerned that telling people to contact their dr if they have symptoms is not enough, especially considering asymptomatic spread.
Is NPS looking for a way to implement frequent rapid testing with contact tracing into our plans?
How is one nurse at an elementary school going to be able to handle roaming? With 400 kids in a school, the nurse is used to seeing several students at a time. If there is a student in isolation and several students that need medication and also a few that have lost a tooth or wet themselves, how would that work?
"I’m concerned about what chemicals will be used to sanatize the school.
Let’s not create a new health problem by using toxic chemicals. "
Many school districts have banned the use of fans as it spreads air droplets a further distance, yet NPS has ordered hundreds and hundred to be used in classroom. Please explain
Who is monitoring the students on the bus? If a student takes off a mask on the bus what happens?
Who is monitoring students as they enter the building? How are we keeping kids socially distant and wearing a mask.
Why isn't the school doing a temp check upon entry. This plan rely on the honor system. Parents cannot be relied upon to check temps themselves each day.
How are we ensuring that only 2 students are using the bathroom at a time.
What happens during a firedrill or lockdown?
How are we ensuring students aren't using the water fountains?
Who is making the determination about facial covering exemptions determination? Does medical exemption require a physican note? Who makes the behavorial decision not to wear masks? I think it should be clear how a student becomes exempted from wearing a mask. It can't be a school-by-school decision, medical or otherwise.
Will NPS provide sanitizer for all students and staff?
This says that if staff are provided a shield by NPS, those staff members are responsible for cleaning it. Has the district considered cleaning on a larger scale--such as having clean shields delivered/soiled shields picked up and sanitized elsewhere?
How many teachers were consulted when coming up with the progressive disciplinary approach for students not able to wear a mask? It seems like it would be challenging to enforce. I want to make sure a teacher POV was considered.
