ROCK SPRINGS — Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Superintendent Kelly McGovern and Human Resources Director Nicole Bolton wrote a letter informing the community of what to expect when returning to school this year.

This letter, which details what COVID-19 symptoms to look for, what measures are in place for students and staff safety, what to do if you are exposed to or have tested positive for the virus, and contact tracing procedures, was posted to the Parent Square app last night.

“We are very excited to begin the new year and welcome you to new opportunities as we grow together as a community,” the letter states.

“As you know, Sweetwater School District No. 1 does not have a mask mandate in place and is leaving it optional to wear a mask,” the letter states. “This is for both staff and students of Sweetwater No. 1.” This letter provides steps the District will be taking as we begin the school year so that the best personal decision for families and employees can be made.

As we embark into the 2021-2022 school year we will still take precautions and remain knowledgeable about COVID-19 and any variant that is currently circulating. We will continue to promote and model good hand washing and we will continue to promote staying home if you are sick.

Symptoms include:

• Fever or chills – (Take your temperature at home before coming to school as the temperature kiosks will not be in use.)
• 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

The letter also went on to address the safety procedures in place to help with student and staff safety.

Here are some safety measures we’ve taken to keep schools as safe as possible through the use of grant funds as applicable:

• District employees were given the option to be vaccinated. All eligible students, families and staff members are strongly encouraged to become vaccinated. The district in collaboration with public health will be offering future clinics for all vaccines, including COVID-19 to be administered.  Vaccinations are free.
• Added a full time day person for disinfecting the restroom and high contact areas during the day along with thorough cleaning of our facilities. 
• We have  improved our air quality by following ASHRAE guidelines. 
  • Ionizers were installed in all schools and building air handler units (AHUs). Ionizers positively charge particles in the air. These particles surround the protein spikes on the COVID-19 virus rendering them ineffective. This process increases the size of the virus so it can be picked up by the higher efficiency filters, which makes it effective in removing dust, pollen, bacteria, germs and viruses.
  • In schools where the rooms are tempered with convection units, we have installed portable ionizers.
  • All nurse rooms have been equipped with negative air machines. 
  • UVC lighting was installed to disinfect the air by killing bacteria, germs, and viruses by altering the DNA. 
  • Air filters (MERV 13 filters) were installed in all air handling units throughout the District.
  • Every school is outfitted with electrostatic sprayers and foggers to use as necessary. 

The letter also explains what students, parents and staff must do if they have tested positive for the virus or have been exposed to the virus.

“While COVID-19 transmissions remain active, here is the updated guidance on steps that are to be taken if an individual is positive or exposed to a positive,” the letter states.

If you are positive:
You should isolate yourself at home from others. Stay home, unless you need to seek medical attention. Do not go to work, school, or attend social gatherings or groups. You will be contacted by public health representatives with specific instructions.

If you are exposed:
If you are vaccinated:
If you have been fully vaccinated and it has been at least 14 days since your last dose of a two-dose vaccine or 14 days since a one-dose vaccine, you do not need to quarantine. It is recommended that you wear a mask after exposure and if you test three to five days after exposure and test negative, you do not need to wear a mask.

If you are not vaccinated:
You should quarantine for 14 days after your last exposure. Quarantine means staying at home and not having contact with others, except if you need medical care. Do not go to school or work, avoid public spaces, public activity, and group gatherings.

If you have tested positive in the last 90 days:
You do not need to quarantine after an exposure.

The CDC has published two options for reducing the quarantine period. These options are:

1. Ending quarantine after 10 days if you have monitored yourself daily and have not had any symptoms.  In this instance, individuals meeting these criteria could resume their usual activities beginning on day 11 after exposure.
2. Ending quarantine after seven days if you have monitored yourself daily and have not had any symptoms and you had a negative PCR test collected on day five or later. In no circumstances can quarantine be discontinued before seven full days of quarantine have passed since exposure. In this instance, individuals meeting these criteria could resume their usual activities beginning on day eigth after exposure.

Contact tracing 
Contact tracing will be conducted through the Wyoming Department of Health. Our district nurses will support our employees, students, and their families as much as possible.  

“We hope this information has been helpful for you to determine if utilizing masks or other face coverings are the best personal decision for families and employees,” the letter states.

Parents of students with medical needs should contact the school nurse with any questions.

“As we look forward to the upcoming school year, we want our students, parents, and staff to know that safety and wellness will remain our top priority. We will continue our efforts to monitor the community and school transmission of COVID-19 related illnesses throughout the school year, and work to ensure that all District stakeholders are safe while promoting protocols that aim to limit potential exposure.”

All information, procedures, and expectations are subject to change with further information the District receives.  District families and employees will be notified of any changes immediately.