• KSD Athletic COVID Guidelines
• Spectators – for indoor athletics will need to mask and maintain 3-foot distance between households, out-doors masks are not required and physical distancing still recommended

Schools follow cleaning and disinfection guidelines developed by DOH and Public Health for school campuses, including classrooms, workspaces, outdoor spaces, and playgrounds. 

• Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected nightly after students leave. 
• Only EPA and district-approved cleaning/disinfecting products may be used.

Students benefit from in-person learning. KSD staff want to provide the best education for students. We all play a part in staying healthy all year. You can help us by keeping your student home and getting them tested for COVID-19 when they have one or more COVID-like symptoms for any duration. KSD is committed to layering safety mitigation and prevention measures aligned to Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Seattle and King County Public Health, and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.

COVID-19 Symptoms

• Keep your student home and get them tested for COVID-19 when they have one or more COVID-like symptoms.
• If they do arrive at school feeling ill, they will be sent home.

On October 4, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released updated COVID-19 requirements for K-12 schools, including “COVID-19 Symptom Decision Trees.” These documents provide guidance for families and school staff on what to do when a person is symptomatic at school and identify and care for close contacts at school.

The decision trees are similar to the return to school/workflow chart that our district used previously from public health. The most significant change is that instead of requiring people with any symptom to isolate, the decision trees now breaks down symptoms into two categories:

Category one: A student or staff member experiencing these symptoms should be isolated at home AND get tested for COVID-19. They can return to school after providing a negative COVID-19 test and if they’ve had no fever within the past 24 hours (without medication) AND symptoms have significantly improved (at this time we do not accept negative at-home COVID-19 tests):

• Fever (>100.4°F) or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Cough (new, changed, or worsening)

Category two: A student or staff member experiencing these symptoms should be isolated at home; however, they can return to school without a COVID-19 test if they only had ONE symptom, the symptom resolved within 24 hours, AND they were not a known close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat

People with COVID symptoms and/or close contacts should stay home until they have the results of their testing, see below. 

To see the COVID-19 Decision Trees, click here. (Please note: KSD does not currently have a “Test-to-Stay” protocol in place, but we are working to implement testing locations across the district to support students, families, and staff.)

We will continue to follow the guidance of our local health experts – as we have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Close Contacts, Symptoms, or Positive COVID-19 Test Results

1. Keep your student home from school.
2. Notify your school. After you notify your school, the school staff will notify the KSD contact tracing team.

• The school contact tracing team will contact the student's family with a positive COVID-19 test to collect information about the student (e.g., vaccination status or potential symptoms) and determine when the student can return to school.
• KSD contact tracing team will begin the investigation process to determine if there was potential exposure at school with any close contacts.
• Students identified as close contacts are notified.
• KSD goes beyond state recommendations and tells families when there is a positive case in their student's classroom and/or school.

3. Work with the school contact tracing team to determine the next steps.

• The KSD contact tracing team will contact the student's family directly via phone or email with confirmed COVID if the student is symptomatic or asymptomatic and determine when the student can return to school.
• On January 7, 2022, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released new school guidance for K-12 schools. 
  • Students and staff who are not fully vaccinated and who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 need to quarantine for at least 5 days after their last close contact exposure, get tested at least 5 days after having close contact with someone with COVID-19, and wear a mask at home, in school including in extracurriculars, and in public for the next 5 days.
  • Students ages 5-17 years and adults who have completed their COVID-19 vaccines, and adults who are vaccinated and have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine after exposure but should watch for symptoms until 10 days after the last contact with someone with COVID and wear a mask at home, in school including in extracurriculars, and in public.
  • Staff and students who tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, need to isolate for at least 5 days, and in some cases, longer. Isolation ends after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours or five full days after a positive test if you are symptom-free. You will need to continue to wear a mask for an additional 5 days after your quarantine is finished at home, in school including in extracurriculars, and in public.
  • For more information, please visit the DOH guidance:
    • K–12 COVID-19 Requirements for Summer 2021 and the 2021–2022 School Year.
    • Supplemental Considerations to Mitigate COVID-19 Transmission in K–12 Schools.

Who is a Close Contact?

In general, close contact is defined by:

• Been within 6 feet (2 meters) of a person confirmed to have COVID-19 for a combined total of 15 minutes or more within 24 hours.
• Live in the same household as a person with COVID-19
• Cared for a person with COVID-19
• Been in direct contact with saliva or other body secretions from a person with COVID-19 (for example: been coughed on, kissed, shared utensils, etc.)

If a student in a K-12 indoor classroom:

• In a K-12 indoor classroom setting, the close contact definition excludes students who were at least 3 feet away from an infected student when
  • Both students were wearing face coverings/masks AND
  • Other prevention strategies were in place

• Required in school buildings for all staff, students and visitors when indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

• The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has defined specific exceptions based on age, development, or disability.

• Students, staff, and visitors may remove their masks for eating and drinking.

KSD will continue to follow the guidelines put forth by clinical researchers and medical providers from the CDC, Washington State Department of Health (DOH), and Seattle King County Public Health to ensure the safest classrooms possible.  

DOH does not recommend the use of masks with exhalation valves or vents, or single layer bandanas and gaiters, therefor these are not permissable in KSD for students or staff.

Washington State is continuing its existing requirement for all K-12 students and employees to wear masks indoors because children under age 12 are not eligible for vaccination and the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant. This requirement matches CDC guidance released on July 27, 2021. "This is state law, and not following this will mean schools are not following the law. This is a legal requirement, not up to the option of the local jurisdictions," said Governor Jay Inslee on July 28, 2021. 

Indoor Mask Requirements (PDF)

All school personnel, volunteers, visitors, and students must wear cloth face coverings, or an acceptable alternative (e.g., surgical mask or clear face shield with a drape), at school when indoors in accordance with the Governor’s Mask Order. 

Buses and Transportation 

The CDC federal order requiring masks to be worn on public transportation remains in effect and applies to buses operated by Kent School District.   

Outdoor Mask Requirements

• Per the Secretary of Health's Mask Order, face coverings are not required outdoors, regardless of vaccination status.  
• Masks are strongly recommended for unvaccinated individuals when outdoors in crowded spaces or when in close contact with people from outside their household for a sustained period. This is because the risk of COVID-19 infection increases with the duration and closeness of contact between the individuals.  
• KSD schools will support students and staff who choose to wear a mask or face covering outdoors. 

Wearing a Mask Correctly 

Watch a video about student procedures for how to put on and take off a face covering.  

• Families and visitors have access to school campuses and must sign in when they enter and leave the school or KSD building.  
• All school personnel, volunteers, visitors, and students must wear cloth face coverings or an acceptable alternative (e.g., surgical mask or clear face shield with a drape) at school when indoors unless they have a medical reason not to wear one or are under 2 years old.  
• Per the Department of Health guidelines, students, staff, vendors, parents, guardians, or guests will not be allowed in school if they show symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
• At this time Family visitors, Volunteers, and Community-Based partners must follow masking and physical distancing protocols, and not have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
• Volunteers must complete the VIPS application process before volunteering in a school. On August 18, 2021, Governor Inslee announced a directive (Proclamation 21-14.1) requiring all employees working for public and private K–12 schools to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain a religious or medical exemption by October 18, 2021. "Volunteers included in this requirement include those who engage or are reasonably likely to engage in work near others while physically present at a school building or other district facilitated site for longer periods of time." (Updated August 23, 2021 by OSPI.) 

In response to increased COVID-19 in our community, all parent/family meetings with KSD staff will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams at this time. This means curricula nights, open houses, parent/teacher conferences, etc., will also be remote. Schools will share more information soon about upcoming events.

IEP meetings may also be held virtually, just like last year, depending on the student and family needs. For questions or to schedule meetings families may connect with their student’s case manager, teachers, or school staff via Microsoft Teams or phone.

• Day trips: field trips during the school day are permitted as long as all mask mandates, physical distancing protocols, and board policy and procedure are followed throughout the trip.
• Overnight trips: currently no overnight field trips are permitted. 

• Frequent handwashing is recommended. 
• If no access to a handwashing facility, then at least 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used. 
• The use of hand sanitizer needs to be monitored by school staff. 
• Coughs and sneezes should be covered with a tissue if not wearing a mask. 
• Tissue should be used when blowing nose and immediately discarded. Hands need to be washed after using tissue(s).

• No assemblies at this time per the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). DOH guidelines dictate our schools will select strategies to increase physical distancing that will work for your school and the space available. 

• All KSD schools will maximize opportunities to increase physical space between students during all scheduled activities and limit interactions in large group settings. 

KSD schools will maximize the distance between students to the degree possible for the following circumstances in alignment with DOH Guidance.

• In the classroom, 3-foot physical distancing is recommended between students as space allows.  When unable to maintain 3-foot distancing, students will need to be facing the same direction.
• When students have their masks removed at lunch, all schools will maximize the distance between students and seat students facing the same direction to the degree possible.
• In hallways, schools will continue to support physical distancing. The goal is to reduce large groups of students and close contact.
• Cohorts (keeping small groups of students together during the school day) are not required in the 2021-22 school year, except for as DOH outlines for athletics, activities, and performing arts.

Lunchtime

• KSD students and staff will maintain six feet distancing to the extent possible when masks are removed for eating and drinking.
• Because physical space and number of students vary by school, each school has a unique plan to accommodate meals.
• Mealtimes may be impacted as Principals work to provide supervision and ensure we are meet learning minute requirements.
• Some schools may use large common areas or covered outdoor areas for mealtime. However, outdoor spaces for meals are not a permanent solution for many schools.
• Schools can provide specific information for their lunchtime plan.
• Principals will be monitoring and adjusting as needed during the first few weeks of school to maximize safety. 

Staff Meetings

• KSD Staff meetings should only be in person if all attendees can be 6 feet apart. If not all attendees can be in person 6 feet apart, meetings should be held virtually using district-approved platforms.

• Shared Materials and Equipment - Materials can be shared and frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected each night after students leave
• Specialized PPE – Those staff that fall into the medium, or high will be required to use additional levels of PPE.

• Staying home when sick with COVID-19 is essential to keep COVID-19 infections out of schools and prevent spread to others. 
• Students and school employees who have symptoms of infectious illness, such as influenza (flu) or COVID-19, should stay home and seek medical evaluation, including testing for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections and contact your school for further information on when you can return to the building.
• KSD follows the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) guidelines  COVID-19 requirements for K-12 schools, including “COVID-19 Symptom Decision Trees.”
  • These documents provide guidance for families and school staff on what to do when a person is symptomatic at school and identify and care for close contacts at school. 
  • These guidelines are updated at the discretion of the Department of Health.

• COVID-19 tests are available to all KSD students and staff. Staff and students should get tested for COVID-19 if they have any symptoms or are likely exposed to the virus. 

• KSD COVID Testing Schedule. Due to the overwhelming number of COVID tests in our region results from any lab are taking 3-5 days at this time. 

• Timely testing of symptomatic students and staff helps reduce days of in-person instruction lost.  Start with your healthcare provider. If you have health insurance, schedule a test with your doctor. If you have symptoms or known exposure, your healthcare provider is required by law to get you a test.

• Full List of King County COVID-19 Testing Locations Call King County Public Health (206) 477-3977. King County-operated test sites are currently experiencing high volumes and longer than normal wait times. Advanced appointments are strongly recommended and often required. Testing Schedule:
  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Dari
  • Filipino
  • Korean
  • Marshallese
  • Russian
  • Samoan
  • Spanish
  • Tongan
  • Ukrainian
  • Vietnamese

The COVID-19 Vaccine is the strongest protective measure against COVID-19 available to individuals 12 years of age and older. 

Vaccination is not a requirement for students for in-person education at K-12 schools. The state has not mandated that students be vaccinated; however, we strongly encourage all eligible students (over the age of 12) be vaccinated for everyone's safety.

All school employees must be fully vaccinated by October 18, 2021. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated once it has been 14 days since their last dose of Pfizer or Moderna or 14 days since their only dose of Johnson & Johnson. The final dose of your COVID-19 vaccine must be received by October 4, 2021.

The Seattle King County Health Department updates vaccination rates daily on the COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard. 
 
How Can You Get Vaccinated? 
View a list of COVID-19 vaccine locations. If you need help, call the COVID-19 hotline 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Language assistance is available. Please see our COVID-19 vaccine resources for more information. In addition, Vaccines.gov is a helpful resource to find a location near you. 

Good ventilation and indoor air quality are essential in reducing airborne exposure to respiratory pathogens, chemicals, and odors.   

• All KSD fresh air intakes have been adjusted to add maximum fresh air intake into building air circulation. 
• KSD changes filters as needed, visually checks the filter for a tight fit within the frame, and ensures no rips or tears. 
• KSD inspects and cleans the entire system at least as often as the manufacturer or installer recommends and makes repairs quickly to prevent more severe issues. We have a dedicated and trained staff with expertise in HVAC. Again, this aligns with DOH guidance.  
• Currently, all our occupied spaces have at least MERV 8 filters. In addition, all the new multi-purpose rooms have MERV 11 Filters. School sites older than five years old may not have an HVAC system that can accommodate a Merv 13 filter, so we as a district use the Merv 8 in all but the new sites which use the Merv 13. MERV 13 or higher is recommended, if possible, by DOH. 
• HVAC units cannot use HEPA filters. 
• Current COVID mitigation guidance is to adjust HVAC units to allow maximum outside air to enter the program space. Reduce recirculation of air. Upgrade filters if possible. Flush buildings two hours before and two hours after occupancy and during cleaning and disinfecting. Also, run exhaust fans during this time—all of which we will do. 
• As outside air is increased, relief (exhaust air) from the space is also increased. This moves clean air throughout the area and out of the building. This is mechanically doing what opening windows across from each other (cross ventilation) would do but with the added benefit of filtration. 
• All KSD air handling units are operable and functioning appropriately. 
• All KSD fresh air intakes have been adjusted to add maximum fresh air intake into building air circulation. 
• All KSD vent airways are to remain unobstructed. 
• All KSD thermostats and actuator controls are functioning at or above the manufactured performance level. 
• Air handler maintenance and filter changes will continue to be done on an accelerated cycle. 
• KSD does not use ozone generators, electrostatic precipitators, ionizers, or negative ion air purifiers because they can produce harmful by-products.  
• KSD provides portable HEPA air cleaners to supplement ventilation and where there is a most critical need, such as in rooms with more deficient ventilation or isolation rooms. 

Yes. 

We are pleased to announce that we have finalized our partnership with Precision Lab Management to provide COVID tests in the KSD at all secondary schools multiple times each week. We began piloting the program with staff and student-athletes. Starting November 8, these testing sites will be open to all KSD students, families, and staff.

The testing locations and schedules are intended to accommodate students, staff, and family who are symptomatic and/or have testing requirements for work or activities. Testing sites are open first to the staff and students of that school, then to the entire KSD community and the public.  

The COVID-19 tests are free, though you will need to fill out the required fields, a consent form, and your insurance information as any other testing facility would. It is essential to complete this information before your first test, or you will not get tested. But, again, this is a one-time task.

If you are tested at one of our KSD sites, you will receive a text or email about your test results. In addition, KSD will run a daily report to ensure that each employee who received an approved exemption follows the 7-day negative test accommodation. KSD will also run reports for student-athletes aligned to Department of Health guidelines.

KSD Covid testing schedule and information can be found here.

DOH does not recommend the use of masks with exhalation valves or vents, or single layer bandanas and gaiters, therefor these are not permissable in KSD for students or staff. (DOH Mask Info)

A mask or face covering is anything that completely covers your mouth and nose, and fits securely on the sides of your face and under your chin. It should be made of two or more layers of tightly woven fabric with ties or straps that go around your head or behind your ears. More protective coverings, such as masks or respirators may be required in the workplace. 

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends strategies to improve mask fitting to more effectively slow the spread of COVID-19. These strategies include wearing a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask, knotting the ear loops of a medical procedure mask, using a mask fitter, or using a nylon covering over a mask.

It is important to wear a mask in all public settings, including schools and buses. combined with continued implementation of effective public health measures such as vaccination, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine.

In general, close contact is defined by:

• Been within 6 feet (2 meters) of a person confirmed to have COVID-19 for a combined total of 15 minutes or more within 24 hours.
• Live in the same household as a person with COVID-19
• Cared for a person with COVID-19
• Been in direct contact with saliva or other body secretions from a person with COVID-19 (for example: been coughed on, kissed, shared utensils, etc.)

If a student in a K-12 indoor classroom:

• In a K-12 indoor classroom setting, the close contact definition excludes students who were at least 3 feet away from an infected student when
• Both students were wearing face coverings/masks AND
• Other prevention strategies were in place

Some individual students will need instructional support if they cannot attend class because they are quarantined.

Illness, health condition, or medical appointment for the student or person for whom the student is legally responsible is an excused absence per Board Policy 3122. This includes COVID-19 related absences.

If an absence is excused, the student shall be permitted to make up all missed assignments outside of class, under reasonable conditions and time limits established by the appropriate teacher, except that in a participation-type class, a student's grade may be affected because of the student's inability to make up the activities conducted during a class period. (Board Procedure 3122). Families should work with teachers for missed assignments when an individual student is quarantined. If a class is closed due to COVID, the class will transition to remote learning.

• Staff and Families will be notified by phone, letter, and/or email of the classroom closure
• Students will shift to the 100% remote model used during the 2020-21 school year
• Schedules will mirror current 2021-22 in-person schedules
• Teachers will have two days to transition to synchronous remote learning, and learning will begin online fully by the third day for impacted classrooms
• Classroom closures will typically last 14 days

What to do if your student has a positive COVID-19 test result:

1. Keep your student home from school
2. Notify your school. After you notify your school, the school staff will notify the KSD contact tracing team.

• The school contact tracing team will contact the student's family with a positive COVID-19 test to collect information about the student (e.g., vaccination status or potential symptoms) and determine when the student can return to school.
• KSD contact tracing team will begin the investigation process to determine if there was potential exposure at school with any close contacts.
• Students identified as close contacts are notified.
• KSD goes beyond state recommendations and tells families when there is a positive case in their student's classroom and/or school.

3. Work with the school contact tracing team to determine the next steps.

• The KSD contact tracing team will contact the student's family directly via phone or email with confirmed COVID if the student is symptomatic or asymptomatic and determine when the student can return to school.
• According to January 7, 2022, DOH Guidance:
  • Any student or staff member with COVID-19 should isolate at home. This isolation guidance applies regardless of vaccination status. If a student or staff member tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a molecular or antigen test, they can return to school when the following criteria are met:
    •  5 days* have passed since symptom onset, or since positive test specimen collection date if no symptoms are present (*note: people who are severely ill or severely immunocompromised may need to isolate for up to 20 days);
    • AND No symptoms are present, or symptoms are resolving;
    • AND No fever within the past 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.
    • Students and staff should continue monitoring for symptoms and wearing a well-fitting mask around others through day 10 (days 6-10) both in and out of school, including during extracurricular and sports activities. Individuals who have been in isolation may test on day 5 of their isolation period, but only if the above criteria for completing isolation have been met. An antigen test is recommended.
    • If the test result is positive, they must continue to isolate until day 10. If the test result is negative, they may return to school and should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public until day 10.
    • Individuals who have accommodations that allow them to attend school and not wear a well-fitting mask or face shield with a drape or wrap must stay in isolation the full 10 days. Staff who test positive for COVID-19, or parents/guardians of students who test positive for COVID-19, should notify the school immediately upon receipt of the test results.
    • This enables the recommended exclusion of the staff or student from school for the duration of their isolation period, contact tracing to determine if any students or staff were exposed to the person with COVID-19, and notification of the LHJ. See K-12 Supplemental Considerations for more information.

(From King County Public Health) No. There are not currently any established metrics or thresholds upon which the state would recommend a return to remote learning. However, the Department of Health has stated that “the trajectory of disease prevalence in our state or nation may require changes in our state’s response efforts and DOH will periodically update their guidance to reflect currently accepted safety requirements.”

Positive COVID-19 cases will be supported by our principals, trained nursing team, and COVID site coordinators at each school. 

School and district leaders work together by engaging with Public Health, managing contact tracing, and providing communication to close contacts, staff, and working with our Communications Team to update our website and share with the school community as needed through our COVID-19 dashboard.

Reporting a Positive COVID Case

• Families must report a positive case in their household to their teacher, principal, or school nurse
• School nurses/contact tracer will follow up with the student/family for symptoms and contact information
• A student or staff member who has been exposed will be contacted by the school

When will you be notified of COVID Case in Your School

• Families will be notified by phone, letter, and/or email if there is a positive case in your classroom
• You will be notified by phone call if your student needs to quarantine
• Anyone can check our COVID-19 Dashboard for current classroom or school closure information. 
• The cases are not associated with one another in another setting (household, club, etc.)

Closure of a classroom after consultation with Public Health will be considered when:

• Three or more students or staff in the same room/area test positive for COVID-19
• The cases have symptoms that start within 14 days of each other
• A student or staff member has been in close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with a person who has confirmed a positive test result
• The cases are not associated with one another in another setting (household, club, etc.)

If a full class needs to quarantine or a school is directed to temporarily close in response to COVID-19 transmission, then:

• Staff and Families will be notified by phone, letter, and/or email of the classroom closure
• Students will shift to the 100% remote model used during the 2020-21 school year
• Schedules will mirror current 2021-22 in-person schedules
• Teachers will have two days to transition to synchronous remote learning, and learning will begin online fully by the third day for impacted classrooms

No, the COVID-19 vaccination is not required for students at this time. 

The COVID-19 Vaccine is the strongest protective measure against COVID-19 available to individuals 12 years of age and older. 

While vaccination is not a requirement for students for in-person education at K-12 schools, all school employees must be fully vaccinated by October 18, 2021. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated once it has been 14 days since their last dose of Pfizer or Moderna or 14 days since their only dose of Johnson & Johnson. The final dose of your COVID-19 vaccine must be received by October 4, 2021.

The Governor’s order allows staff to obtain a medical or religious exemption if necessary. OSPI is working to create forms for school districts to share with their employees to request a medical accommodation and a process for requesting a religious exemption and will have them finalized soon. 

If your child is eligible under Section 504, your child has a right to periodic re-evaluations, including re-evaluations before any significant change is made in your child’s placement. Learn more about Section 504. 

If your student has a major health concern or life-threatening disease which may require emergency care/medications or affect his/her learning abilities or school participation, please consult with your school. Learn more about Health Services. 

With Students present:

No assemblies at this time per the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). DOH guidelines dictate our Schools will select strategies to increase physical distancing that will work for your school and the space available.

All KSD schools will maximize opportunities to increase physical space between students during all scheduled activities and limit interactions in large group settings.

With No Students Present:

Yes, KSD staff will follow staff distancing recommendations from L&I directives 1.70 and 11.80. KSD Staff meetings should only be in person if all attendees can be 6 feet apart. If not all attendees can be in person 6 feet apart, meetings should be held virtually using district-approved platforms.

Please read the KSD Athletic COVID Guidelines.

Anyone with a 100.4 F or higher fever should not go to or stay at any Kent School District site. KSD staff and students with any illness must stay home. 

Do you or your child have any of the following symptoms not caused by another condition within the last day? 

• Fever (100.4 F ) or chills 
• Cough 
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
• Fatigue 
• Muscle or body aches 
• Headache 
• Recent loss of smell or taste 
• Sore throat 
• Congestion or runny nose 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Have you been in close contact with anyone with confirmed COVID-19? 
• Have you had a positive COVID-19 test for active virus in the past 10 days, or are you awaiting results of a COVID-19 test? 
• Within the past 14 days, has a public health or medical professional told you to self-monitor, self-isolate, or self-quarantine because of concerns about COVID-19 infection? 

If a KSD student or staff member answers yes to any of the above questions, they do not board the school bus or enter their school building.  

Please stay home and notify your school of your absence and contact your healthcare provider. 

On October 4, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released updated COVID-19 requirements for K-12 schools, including “COVID-19 Symptom Decision Trees.” These documents provide guidance for families and school staff on what to do when a person is symptomatic at school and identify and care for close contacts at school.

Category one: A student or staff member experiencing these symptoms should be isolated at home AND get tested for COVID-19. They can return to school after providing a negative COVID-19 test and if they’ve had no fever within the past 24 hours (without medication) AND symptoms have significantly improved (at this time we do not accept negative at-home COVID-19 tests):

• Fever (>100.4°F) or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Cough (new, changed, or worsening)

Category two: A student or staff member experiencing these symptoms should be isolated at home; however, they can return to school without a COVID-19 test if they only had ONE symptom, the symptom resolved within 24 hours, AND they were not a known close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat

People with COVID symptoms and/or close contacts should stay home until they have the results of their testing.

Indoor Mask Requirements (PDF)

All school personnel, volunteers, visitors, and students must wear cloth face coverings, or an acceptable alternative (e.g., surgical mask or clear face shield with a drape), at school when indoors in accordance with the Secretary of Health’s Mask Order.

Staff who are verified to be fully vaccinated may be indoors without masks when students are not present or expected to be present. 

Buses and Transportation 

The CDC federal order requiring masks to be worn on public transportation remains in effect and applies to buses operated by Kent School District.   

Outdoor Mask Requirements

• Per the Secretary of Health's Mask Order, face coverings are not required outdoors, regardless of vaccination status.  
• Masks are strongly recommended for unvaccinated individuals when outdoors in crowded spaces or when in close contact with people from outside their household for a sustained period. This is because the risk of COVID-19 infection increases with the duration and closeness of contact between the individuals.  
• KSD schools will support students and staff who choose to wear a mask or face covering outdoors. 

Yes. Our KSD families speak more than 130 languages. We use interpreting services and translation tools to communicate with our diverse community. 

1. We use a telephonic interpreting service.  
2. We arrange for a district interpreter upon request.  
3. We distribute information on our district and school websites which can be quickly translated into more than 100 languages. 
4. We distribute information on our district's app, which can be automatically translated into more than 70 languages. 

We recognize the limitations of the translation tools used by some of our platforms and applications. When we have time for professional translators to translate and/or review our documents and communication, we prefer this method. However, this is not always possible at the school or district level.  
Additionally, we work with our community partners to conduct listening sessions and answer frequently asked questions via interpreters upon request and special initiatives.