COVID Safety
This guidance will be updated as plans are refined and public health guidelines change.
The safety of our staff and our students is our priority.
As of March 14, 2022, masks are no longer required in schools by the Washington State Department of Health in most circumstances. Masks are required in some specific situations like in the health care room and instrumental and choral music.
We recognize that some students and staff may be at higher risk for illness or live with someone at higher risk. These individuals and others may wish to continue masking as an added layer of protection.
All students and staff will be treated the same whether they are masked or unmasked. A mask or lack thereof will not limit a student’s participation in school.
It is important that we respect each individual’s decision on masks; this means not questioning or criticizing another person’s choice.
Students who come to school with masks will be responsible for keeping their masks on and staff will not be expected to remind students to put on or pull up their masks.
Our safety expectations and school safety plans are based on current guidance from local, state and federal public health agencies.
- We follow state guidelines for three-foot distancing to the extent possible in classroom seating and throughout the building.
- Students and staff must stay home if they have any COVID-like symptoms.
- All staff are vaccinated (except those with a medical or religious exemption.)
- Students sanitize hands before entering school and throughout the school day.
- Rooms are ventilated to meet or exceed state and federal standards.
Student Safety
- Safety Expectations for Students
- Mask Standards
- Physical Distancing
- Bus Safety
- Physical Activity and Recess
- Vaccination
- Contact tracing, Quarantine and Isolation
Safety Expectations for Students
Mask Standards
Physical Distancing
Bus Safety
Physical Activity and Recess
Vaccination
Contact tracing, Quarantine and Isolation
School Safety
Air Quality Standards and Ventilation
Staff Safety
Reporting a Positive COVID Case
- Families must report a positive case in their household to their teacher, principal or school nurse.
- Staff will follow up with the student/family for symptom and contact information.
- A student or staff member who has been exposed will be contacted by the school.
School Safety Record
Data show that transmission in schools is the same or lower than in the community. Our experience in Highline is consistent with this. Since November when we began serving students with special needs in person, we have had no COVID transmission from classroom contacts.
Our COVID Dashboard shows all reported staff and student cases, starting January 1, 2021.