All employees in educational settings are required to be fully vaccinated or have a medical or religious exemption per Governor’s proclamation 21-14.3. 

Vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy to protect vaccine-eligible children and adults from the most severe outcomes due to COVID-19 illness.

Students and staff who have symptoms of COVID-19 are required to stay home and should get tested and see a health care provider and follow the return to work/ school protocol accordingly.   

Any student, child, or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to isolate at home following current guidelines from DOH and the CDC. This isolation guidance applies regardless of vaccination status. 

Students and staff that test positive for COVID-19 will be required to: 

Isolate for a full 5 days from symptoms onset, regardless of vaccination status.  

If the student or staff does not have symptoms, they will isolate for 5 full days from the testing date. 

An individual may return to school on day 6  if: 

• Their symptoms have improved, or they are asymptomatic, AND 
• They are without a fever for the past 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing 
• medications. 

AND IF returning to school on day 6: 

• They wear a well-fitted mask or face shield with a drape during days 6-10 of their isolation period, consistent with CDC guidance, OR 

• Test negative with an antigen or at-home test any day after day 5 before returning without a mask. Testing beyond day 10 is not necessary. 

If an individual does not test and does not wear a mask/face shield, they will isolate for the full 10 days and return to the building on day 11.  

See the What to do if a Person is Symptomatic flowchart as a reference. 

Any student or staff who reports or exhibits COVID-19-like symptoms is required to be immediately isolated from others, sent home, and referred to COVID testing as soon as feasible, regardless of vaccination status.  

While waiting to leave the school, the student or staff member with symptoms must be isolated in a designated isolation space. They must wear a well-fitting face mask, and anyone providing care to the isolated individual must wear appropriate PPE. 

Masks are required by all children, staff, and visitors in the nurse/health room, and the isolation room as these are considered health care settings.  

Staff that provides service to students and children with disabilities where distancing can not be maintained will be required to continue to wear at least a procedural mask and possibly an N95 mask (provided by KSD) following L&I guidance. 

Direct notification will be made to the primary parent/guardian of any student that is identified as immunocompromised, medically fragile, or otherwise at high risk for severe infection via phone call.  

Staff will be notified of exposure via email or phone call.  

Families will be notified by email or letter if there was a positive case in their classroom or on their KSD sports team. 

The KSD COVID Dashboard will be updated on Tuesdays and Fridays to inform students, families, and staff when there are cases or outbreaks in schools. 

There may be instances where individual contact tracing may be required (e.g., during an outbreak) as directed by public health 

Those potentially exposed to COVID-19 should be encouraged to: 

• Monitor for symptoms 
• Consider wearing a well-fitted mask for 10 days after the last date of exposure
• Get tested 3-5 days after their last exposure
• For those recently infected with COVID-19 (last 90 days), it is recommended they have an antigen test vs. a PCR test as PCR results may remain persistently positive and not be indicative of a new, active infection
• NO quarantine is required
• If symptoms develop, they are to isolate and follow the symptoms guidelines 

See the What to do if You Receive an Exposure Notification flowchart as a reference. 

K-12 schools are required to ensure access to timely diagnostic testing for students and staff with symptoms or who were potentially exposed and want to test. This can be done at the school, at a centralized site for the district, and/or in partnership with a trusted and accessible community-based testing provider and local public health.  

Molecular (PCR/NAAT), point of care (POC) antigen, and at-home tests are acceptable.  

Learn more about the KSD Covid Testing Schedule and testing options for students and staff.

All cases of COVID-19 in schools and provider facilities are required to be reported to Local Health Jurisdictions/DOH in accordance with Local Health Jurisdiction/DOH guidance and Washington State law (WAC 246-101). 

 All outbreaks of COVID-19 are required to be reported to the Local Health Jurisdiction/licensor (WAC 246- 101).  

COVID-19 test results should be reported to DOH in accordance with guidance available at the Reporting COVID-19 Test Results webpage.  

In addition, schools, providers, and the general public are required to cooperate with public health authorities in the investigation of cases and outbreaks that may be associated with the school or provider (WAC 246-101). 

Employers are required to notify L&I about outbreaks of 10 or more staff members at a facility. See the L&I guidance document Questions and Answers: Reporting and Notification Requirements of HELSA and PPE Usage. 

Successfully limiting transmission of COVID-19 and maximizing in-person instruction relies on communication between schools, providers, and local public health authorities. Some of this communication may include private information that falls under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FERPA allows schools to share personally identifiable information with local public health without consent when responding to a health emergency. 

Clusters and outbreaks represent situations in a school or provider setting where, in coordination with local public health, enhanced mitigation efforts, including some of the strategies outlined in Section 2, should be considered, and may be required by the local health jurisdiction, to prevent disease transmission.

All KSD students, staff, visitors, and volunteers have the choice to wear a mask at school and/or at provider settings, with the expectation that others’ choices will be respected.  

Some may need to wear a mask because they or a household member is at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease. 

Students and staff who are immunocompromised, medically fragile, and/or otherwise at high risk for severe disease should consult their health care provider about whether or not to continue wearing well-fitted masks.  

• If your student is immunocompromised, medically fragile, or otherwise at high risk for severe infection, please contact your school nurse to ensure that if your student is exposed to COVID-19, you will receive direct notification of the exposure.

Staff who provide for students and children with disabilities requiring close contact will wear at least a procedural mask when providing care, and KSD will provide these masks weekly.   

Please provide a mask that you child can keep in their school bag.  There are certain circumstances when wearing a mask will be required such as if they have to visit the health room.

While masks are no longer required universally in schools, there will be situations when the use of masks may be temporarily required for individuals by DOH and/or local public health.  

Masks may also be required universally during clusters and/or outbreaks in classrooms or with groups of students (e.g., a choir class or a sports team) or within provider settings to limit disease transmission and ensure in-person instruction and care. 

Individuals who choose to continue to use preventative measures to protect themselves should be supported. Assumptions regarding someone’s beliefs or health status should neither be made nor commented about. KSD will not tolerate harassment or bullying of any kind. 

KSD will continue to provide masks and other appropriate PPE to staff and students, as needed or desired.

While the correct use of well-fitting masks helps prevent the spread of COVID-19, there are specific exceptions to mask recommendations based on age, development, or disability. See DOH’s Guidance on Face Coverings and CDC Recommendation Regarding the Use of Face Coverings for more information.

Good ventilation, filtration, and indoor air quality are important in reducing airborne exposure to respiratory pathogens, including COVID-19, as well as chemicals and odors. 

HVACs have been fitted with MERV 13 filters, or if unable to handle the MERV 13, the highest level the system can handle 

All KSD fresh air intakes have been adjusted to add maximum fresh air intake into building air circulation. Windows and doors should be closed to maximize the filtration of the HVAC. 

KSD changes filters as needed, visually checks the filter for a tight fit within the frame, and ensures no rips or tears. 

Front office foyers, special needs classrooms, isolation, and health rooms have been supplied with HEPA filters.

Physical distancing should not prevent a school from offering full-time, in-person learning to all students/families. KSD Schools have selected strategies to increase physical distancing that will work for each school and program in the available space.  

Schools will continue to maximize opportunities to increase physical space between students and staff to the degree possible, including classroom desks at 3 feet, small groups maintaining at least 3-foot distancing, maximizing distancing in all other areas to the extent possible during all scheduled activities, and limiting all interactions in large group settings indoors.

Strategies to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission during school and provider transportation include:  

• Wearing well-fitting masks is optional for drivers and students. KSD will continue to make masks available on all buses.  
• Keeping riders as far apart as possible on the bus.  
• Maximizing ventilation on the bus by keeping at least 2 front and 2 rear windows open a few inches, weather permitting.  
• KSD will leave windows open to air out the bus after runs and clean as needed. 
• Students are encouraged to wash or sanitize their hands before boarding the bus when leaving their home or classroom.

• Frequent handwashing is recommended.  
• If there is 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). 

Custodians will continue to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, faucet handles, check-in counters, drinking fountains, and restrooms nightly.  

Desks will be cleaned with soap and water daily.   

KSD Staff uses only EPA and district-approved sanitizers and disinfectants.

KSD Coaches will continue to test high-risk sports participants once weekly. 

Athletes/Coaches and students may choose to wear masks during sports activities. 

Exposure notification of teams or groups may be warranted as directed by public health. 

Students will continue using bell covers for brass and wind instruments when indoors. 

All students and staff will continue the current distancing practice to the extent possible.  

Singers, woodwinds and brass, speech/debate, dance, and theater performers are considered high aerosol-producing performers, and teachers/students/families may choose to wear masks in practices and performances.    

Exposure notification of teams or groups may be warranted as directed by public health. 

Refer to the CDC guidance for information about personal travel for students, families, and staff.  

Out of state travel for student activities is approved on a case by case basis by the Executive Cabinet and in alignment with board policy and CDC travel guidance.

No assemblies or in-person all-staff meetings at this time. We will re-evaluate the COVID-19 statues at the end of April. 

Small group, staff, or family meetings, where 6-foot distancing can be maintained are permitted.  

KSD will continue contact tracing for all staff with symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. 

KSD will continue contact tracing all students that test positive for COVID-19. 

Contact tracers are available to all schools in KSD.  

Contact tracers will determine if more extensive contact tracing is needed based on clusters, outbreaks, and cases in certain high-risk groups. 

Contact tracing has been reduced but is not removed based on the guidance in effect on March 14, 2022, in KSD.  

Feeling anxious about school/provider routines changes, such as the discontinuation of masking or when disease levels rise, is normal and expected.  

The experiences of children, teens, families, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic have frequently been complicated and challenging; and have impacted bodies, minds, and emotions. As children, teens, parents, caregivers, and school staff navigate the next phase of the pandemic and what that means for schools and families, these factors may impact their emotional functioning.  

Some students will be relieved and happy, but others may feel anxious and unprepared for the changes. It will take time for everyone to adjust. It will be essential to provide support and guidance for students, allow time to adapt to new guidelines, and offer permission for youth and staff to continue to wear masks or physically distance themselves if they feel uncomfortable with the changes. 

The Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families: Supporting Children and Teens During the COVID-19 Pandemic provides general information about common emotional reactions of children, teens, and families during disasters. It also has suggestions on how to help children, teens, and families recover from disasters and grow stronger. 

The COVID-19 Back-to-Classroom THINK Toolbox provides behavioral health tips and resources for navigating some of the common emotional responses of children, teens, and adults during disasters and how these may present in the classroom and other areas of life. 

Check the DOH’s Behavioral Health Resources & Recommendations and the Washington State COVID-19 Response: Mental and emotional well-being webpages for additional resources. 

Additional resources: 

• Behavioral Health Monthly Forecasts 
• Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in Online Education Settings 
• Coping with Grief and Loss During COVID-19 
• Behavioral Health Support Guidance for Children, Youth, and Teens in Crisis

A person’s race/ethnicity or nationality does not, itself, put them at greater risk of COVID-19. However, data collected during the last two years has shown that communities of color are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. This is due to the effects of racism, and in particular, structural racism, that leaves some groups with fewer opportunities to protect themselves and their communities.  

Stigma will not help to fight the illness.  

Share accurate information with others to keep rumors and misinformation from spreading. See Stigma Reduction Resources. 

Those at high risk for health problems from COVID-19 should consult with their health care provider when considering how to participate in school, child care, youth development opportunities, or day camps. See L&I’s FAQ for Protecting High-Risk Workers for more information. 

If your student is immunocompromised, medically fragile, or otherwise at high risk for severe infection, please contact your school nurse to ensure that if your student is exposed to COVID-19, you will receive direct notification of the exposure.

When serving children or youth with disabilities, refer to the CDC guidance for Direct Service Providers for people with disabilities.

• DOH: What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
• DOH: What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19
• DOH: Handwashing to Prevent Illness at School
• DOH: Classroom Cleaning - Tips for Teachers
• DOH: Cleaning and Disinfection for Asthma Safe Programs
• L&I: Workplace Safety and Health Requirements for Employers
• L&I: Which Mask for the Task?
• CDC: Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools
• CDC: Operating Child Care Programs during COVID-19
• CDC: Small and Large Gatherings
• AAP: Cloth Face Coverings for Children during COVID-19
• OSPI: COVID-19 guidance and resources for schools
• NFHS: International Coalition of Performing Arts Aerosol Study Report 3

Stay up-to-date on the current COVID-19 situation in Washington, Governor Inslee’s proclamations, symptoms, how it spreads, and how and when people should get tested. See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. 

• WA State Department of Health 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) 
• WA State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19)
• Find Your Local Health Department or District
• CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Have more questions? Call our COVID-19 Information hotline: 1-800-525-0127 

Monday – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday and observed state holidays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For interpretative services, press # when they answer and say your language. For questions about your health, COVID-19 testing, or testing results, please contact a health care provider. 

To request this document in another format, call 1-800-525-0127. Deaf or hard of hearing customers, please call 711 (Washington Relay) or email civil.rights@doh.wa.gov. 

No, all KSD students, staff, visitors, and volunteers have the choice to wear a mask at school and/or at provider settings, with the expectation that others’ choices will be respected.  

However, masks are required for those recently (last 10 days) suspected of or confirmed with COVID-19 unless you provide a negative test taken after day 5 of isolation, this includes visitors and volunteers. 

All volunteers in KSD must complete the VIPS process, this includes uploading proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Per the directive announced by Governor Jay Inslee in Proclamation 21-14, Kent School District is legally requiring all school district volunteers to get a COVID-19 vaccination and to be fully vaccinated by October 18, 2021. There is no exemption process at this time for volunteers, please contact your principal for remote opportunities to volunteer. Find information on what kind of documentation is acceptable on the Visual Guide to Official Washington State Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination.

• People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people with severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk of developing more severe complications from COVID-19 illness. 

Effective Monday, March 14, 2022, in all KSD schools and facilities, masks are optional for all students and staff. Students, children, and staff will have the choice to wear a mask at school and/or at provider settings, with the expectation that others’ choices will be respected. Some may need to wear a mask because they or a household member is at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease. 

Students, children, and staff who are immunocompromised, medically fragile, and/or otherwise at high risk for severe disease should consult their health care provider about whether or not to continue wearing well-fitted masks.

If your student is immunocompromised, medically fragile, or otherwise at high risk for severe infection, please contact your school nurse to ensure that if your student is exposed to COVID-19, you will receive direct notification of the exposure.

Staff who provide for students and children with disabilities that require close contact should strongly consider wearing appropriate PPE when providing care.

• No, the COVID-19 vaccination is not required for students at this time.  
• Vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy available to protect vaccine-eligible children and adults from the most severe outcomes due to COVID-19 illness.  
• All employees in educational settings must be fully vaccinated or have a medical or religious exemption per Governor’s proclamation 21-14.3. 

Students, children, and staff who have symptoms of COVID-19 are required to stay home and should get tested and/or see a health care provider and follow the return to work/care/school protocol accordingly.  

A student, child, or staff who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to isolate, regardless of vaccination status. 

An individual may return to school on day 6  if: 

• Their symptoms have improved, or they are asymptomatic, AND 
• They are without a fever for the past 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medications. 

AND IF returning to school on day 6: 

• They wear a well-fitted mask or face shield with a drape during days 6-10 of their isolation period, consistent with CDC guidance, OR 
• Test negative with an antigen or at-home test any day after day 5 before returning without a mask. Testing beyond day 10 is not necessary. 

If an individual does not test and does not wear a mask/face shield, they will isolate for the full 10 days and return to the building on day 11.  

• A close contact is someone who was exposed to a COVID-19 case. CDC and DOH generally define close contact as someone who was within 6 feet of a COVID-19 case for 15 cumulative minutes or more over a 24-hour period of time during the case’s infectious period. 
• In a K-12 indoor or outdoor classroom, the close contact definition may exclude individuals who were at least three feet away from an infected individual when both were consistently and correctly wearing well-fitting face coverings/masks. 
• The definition of close contact may vary in some situations (e.g., less time spent close to an unmasked person who is coughing, direct cough/sneeze spray, or other more intense contacts like sharing drinks, eating utensils, etc.). 
• The local health jurisdiction makes the ultimate determination of close contact during its investigation; it may delegate this determination if appropriate.