MONROE, CT — The Board of Education recently announced it will enforce “Screen and Stay,” a protocol enacted by Governor Ned Lamont to allow more students and faculty members, who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, to remain in school after close contact with someone with COVID-19.
Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza presented the changes to the Board of Education during the board’s meeting on Nov. 15.
The protocol is only followed when the close contact happens during the school day, when both people were wearing masks, if they came into contact outdoors (whether masked or unmasked), or if those involved remain asymptomatic.
If the people in question fail to prove their case matches these guidelines or they show symptoms, they will have to quarantine for the recommended amount of time.
Screen and Stay will not go into effect if contact occurred at another school, at a sports event, at a friend’s house or during other social interactions outside school grounds.
Also taken into consideration is whether or not the people in school saw them wearing their masks incorrectly on a regular basis.
In order to remain in the protocol, the student or staff member must fill out a Google form, proving they have read the Screen and Stay guidelines, consent to a daily screening for two weeks, and affirm they will stay home if any symptoms develop.
Students in this protocol should not participate in aerosol-generating activities while in school, including physical education class, wind instrument playing and choir/singing, according to Kobza.
Another half day at Masuk
Board of Education members also discussed the school calendar during their meeting.
Masuk Students will have a half day on Dec. 13 to allow for a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) recommended teacher workshop to take place. NEASC recently conducted its statewide school evaluation, observing classrooms and interviewing students about the quality of their school.
