PART I.

Describe how the district will maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff and the extent to which it has adopted policies, and a description of any such policies, on each of the following safety recommendations established by the CDC:

(A) Universal and correct wearing of masks.

The Johnson County Board of Commissioners approved a Public Safety Order on Aug. 5 that requires any school with students in sixth grade and younger to require masks or face coverings, effective Aug. 9. Additionally, our Board of Education voted Aug. 5 to extend this health order through grade 12. For the Olathe Public Schools, this means that in any district building where students attend, all students, staff and visitors will be required to wear a mask or face covering. This applies to all students, staff and visitors in those buildings, regardless of vaccination status.

Additionally, all bus riders or students on district-provided transportation at all levels will be required to wear a mask or face covering while riding the bus, per federal mandate.

(B) Modifying facilities to allow for physical distancing (e.g., use of cohorts/podding).

Appropriate distancing is encouraged when possible. This will be especially true if it is known that the participants are not vaccinated.

(C) Handwashing and respiratory etiquette.

Individuals are encouraged to wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. Hands should be washed or sanitized before and after using shared supplies. Covering coughs and sneezes is always recommended.

(D) Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities, including improving ventilation.

District cleaning and maintenance procedures will continue to follow enhanced sanitation protocols. Increased outdoor air through the HVAC systems will continue to be used as a mitigation strategy.

(E) Contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine, in collaboration with the State, local, territorial, or Tribal health departments.

Contact tracing will be done in cooperation with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

(F) Diagnostic and screening testing.

Testing of symptomatic students may be available at school. Diagnostic and screening testing is available throughout the community.

(G) Efforts to provide vaccinations to school communities.

USD 233 is partnering with Kansas Health Systems, Children’s Mercy, and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment to provide facilities for vaccination clinics.

(H) Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to health and safety policies.

Specific student health needs are addressed through a student health plan.

(I) Coordination with State and local health officials.

USD 233 officials meet regularly with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

Part II.

Describe how the district will ensure continuity of services, including but not limited to:

(A) services to address students' academic needs

USD 233 has expanded summer offerings for 2021 and will continue to evaluate student needs throughout the 2021-22 school year. Olathe Public Schools plans to continue full time, in-person instruction beginning the fall of 2021. The Olathe Virtual School is available for students who wish to continue online learning in the 2021-22 school year. Students in the Virtual School will take all of their courses online. Additional instructional personnel have been added to supplement academic recovery efforts in core curriculum areas.

(B) students' and staff social, emotional, mental health

USD 233 has incorporated social emotional learning and interventions as part of our Multi-Tiered System of Support. Social-emotional and mental health needs of student will continue to be evaluated throughout the 2021-22 school year. The District has provided staff with opportunities for social and emotional supports through the school’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and additional supports will be provided in consultation with teachers. The district has also hired additional school counselors.

(C) other needs, which may include student health and food services

Olathe has continued the expanded summer meal service for 2021. All students will be eligible for free meals during the 2021-22 school year. The district is continuing to partner with community health organizations and will be increasing the availability of nurses to accommodate student health needs.