We at Protecting Our Students are fiercely committed to improving school safety across the US. While our ultimate goal is to protect school students from gun violence, we believe it is essential that we turn our attention to the most immediate threat to student well-being as schools reopen their doors across the nation: Covid-19.
We have taken a close look at advice from experts such as WHO, DofE, and CDC to bring together some of the most important guidance for keeping our students, teachers and school staff safe as they return to their classrooms.
Knowledge about the virus in children is limited, but what we do know suggests that they generally experience only mild symptoms – and, sometimes, none. As with adults, the spread of the virus to and from children appears to predominantly happen through respiratory droplets – produced via talking, sneezing and coughing.
With that in mind, how can we prepare to limit the spread of Covid-19 in our schools?
We can talk to our students about Covid-19, so that everyone in school is well-informed during this confusing time.
Circulate guidance to staff members on talking to children about the virus. Some important points to make are that staff should talk to children in a calm way, give accurate, honest and age-appropriate information, and allow time for students to voice concerns and ask questions. The National Association of School Psychologists have provided insightful guidance on these talks here.
We can teach crucial hygiene practices to our staff and students.
Following key WHO advice, we can limit transmission of Covid-19 in our schools by ensuring that everyone:
- Regularly washes their hands with soap and water
- Social distances, keeping 6 feet away from each other
- Covers their sneezes and coughs
- Wears cloth face covers
- Avoids touching their eyes, nose and mouth
We can regularly remind everyone of these measures in staff meetings and classes, and reinforce them by displaying reminders throughout our schools. The CDC has created useful Covid-19 posters for schools to display here.
We can re-evaluate and escalate our school-wide cleaning and disinfection plans.
Given how the virus spreads – and the fact that it can remain on surfaces for up to 72 hours – it is essential that we provide a safe, hygienic space for learning to our staff and students.
We can update our school’s emergency operations and communication plans while proactively sharing information with our community partners.
By setting up efficient information-sharing processes with our partners – such as local schools and health officials – schools can be responsive to any transmissions in the community. In response to any local changes, we can quickly activate our updated and relevant school emergency and communication plans: to keep our community safe and prevent any further spread of the virus.
We can keep a close eye on absences and plan for them.
Through clear communications with staff, students and parents, schools should regularly encourage staff or students who are sick or experiencing Covid-19 symptoms – a high temperature or a new continuous cough – to stay home. Any spike in absenteeism should be reported to local health officials and plans should be put in place for this potential eventuality, to promote continuity of learning and student wellbeing: such as digital or distance learning provision or additional support for vulnerable students and families.
We can respond appropriately to the presence of Covid-19 in our schools.
While schools won’t be expected to decide on their own about school closures, important decisions will need to be made in collaboration with local health officials to temporarily dismiss schools if any attending students or staff are confirmed as having Covid-19. To keep our communities safe, schools will have to work alongside health officials to decide on action plans and next steps.
For more information and advice, please check out our Covid-19 Resource page, where you’ll find useful links and resources from the experts.
