Updated KCPS COVID Protocols, Information

As we’ve started this semester, we’ve been monitoring updated guidance and protocol from both the CDC and our local health department in regard to the spread of COVID-19. We have updated information to share about how KCPS is working to keep our community safe and healthy.

Our Contact Tracing and Isolation/Quarantine Protocol:

• KCPS will continue to contact trace and isolate/quarantine students and staff
• Updated Isolation and Quarantine Protocol per CDC guidance
  • Was 10 days, is now 5 days per CDC guidance
  • Staff and students can return Day 6 if symptom-free
  • Must mask (high quality) and 6 feet social distance days 6-10
  • Staff must have a negative Antigen test
  • Pre-K and Head Start students must always quarantine/isolate 10 days

Notification of COVID-19 Events:

• KCPS will continue to directly notify staff/students/families of cases where they/their child is a case/close contact and need to isolate/quarantine.
• General notice of COVID-19 cases will no longer be sent. General COVID-19 information by school site is available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard under the “COVID-19 Info” tab on the KCPS homepage. 

Continued Strategies with No Changes:

• Social distancing of three (3) feet to the extent possible
• Frequent hand washing/sanitizing
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Ventilation and air filtration
• Continuous cleaning

With a surge in COVID cases due to the Omicron variant, we wanted to make sure you have the most up-to-date information to protect your student and your family. Vaccination is the leading public health strategy to end the pandemic. KCPS encourages all students five years and older and their families to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Vaccines are safe, effective at preventing severe disease and widely available. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for children five years and older. Nearly 90% of COVID patients in Kansas City hospitals are unvaccinated. Caring for them is straining healthcare resources throughout the city.

COVID vaccines are also widely available at retail pharmacies. Check CVS, Walgreens, HyVee and Price Chopper for appointments.

You can also schedule a COVID-19 booster if you were vaccinated six months ago. Boosters offer the best possible protection against the Omicron variant and are now approved for children and adults 12 and older.

FREE WEEKLY COVID TESTS

As we have throughout the pandemic, KCPS is working with Children’s Mercy Hospital and the Kansas City Health Department to keep our students and staff safe at school. Through our health partners, KCPS provides free weekly COVID testing in all our schools. A weekly test can provide you with peace of mind while helping us understand the spread of COVID in our community. Contact your school nurse to sign up.

Again, we hope that you will consider vaccination and free weekly testing to protect your child and your family. We want your child at school – and healthy!