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COVID-19 Health & Safety FAQ

This FAQ follows guidance set by the Washington State Department of Health.

▶︎ Who do I contact to report a COVID-19 positive case?

Please contact your school nurse via email or phone.

▶︎ Are masks required in Lake Stevens schools?

We ask everyone to be kind, respectful and sensitive to the individual needs of every member of our school district community during this transition. 
 
Students are encouraged to tell an adult if they witness or experience mistreatment related to masking. This behavior will not be tolerated.
 
It’s important to note that we don’t know if or when masks may be required again. As public health experts monitor COVID-19 in our community, the guidance may be updated in the future. We will continue to keep you updated if further changes are necessary.

▶︎ What safety measures are in place to protect students?

While masks are now optional, Lake Stevens School District is following these guidelines to protect the health and safety of our students, employees and guests:

  • Staying home when you are sick and watching for symptoms of COVID-19
  • Maintaining social distancing to the greatest extent possible
  • Continuing to enforce hand washing and sanitizing throughout the day
  • Continuing to clean and sanitize classrooms, learning spaces and cafeterias

▶︎ Are COVID-19 vaccinations still required for school district employees and volunteers?

No. Gov. Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.3 expired on Oct. 31, 2022. COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged, however. 

▶︎ Are COVID-19 vaccinations required for students to attend school?

No. If this decision is made, it would be mandated by the Washington State Department of Health. Other immunizations are required for school attendance.

▶︎ Is COVID-19 testing available?

Yes, our health room staff still have the ability to test students and staff who are at school and develop symptoms.

▶︎ What happens when a student or employee tests positive for COVID-19?

Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate at home for 5 days. Please contact your child’s school nurse to report the positive test.

  • If symptoms improve and they have had no fever for the past 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, students and staff can come back to school on day 6 or later, and are not required to test for COVID-19.

  • Students and staff returning to school after their 5 days of isolation are strongly encouraged to wear a well-fitted mask from days 6 to 10, and remain masked for sports and other extracurricular activities on days 6 to 10.

  • Students and staff who test positive after 5 days of isolation should stay at home for the full 10-day isolation period.

▶︎ How do isolated students remain engaged in school?

  • Student absences due to isolation will be excused.
  • Families of students who are isolated should contact their child’s teacher(s) and inquire as to how assignments and instruction will look. School work and assignments will be determined by the teacher in the same manner as a normal illness or absence.

▶︎ How will families receive notification that their child was exposed to COVID?

We are only required to report outbreaks or suspected outbreaks and we will communicate to families if such an occurrence happens.

▶︎ What has been done to ensure appropriate ventilation in classrooms and on school buses?

School ventilation was reviewed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our ventilation systems meet all of the necessary guidelines for safety as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control. Select windows on school buses will continue to be lowered to increase airflow.

▶︎ How are school meals served?

All students enrolled in Lake Stevens School District can receive breakfast and lunch each school day. Learn more about student meals.

Students maximize distance between students to the degree possible and reasonable and will be encouraged to wash/sanitize their hands before and after eating. Additional sneeze guards and equipment will be used when feasible to expand meal service lines and to maximize student social distancing. Students have the option to have touchless transactions with food services if they use the student ID card to scan with the cashier and if a student has money deposited on an account or is Free/Reduced eligible. 

▶︎ Will volunteers be welcomed into schools and classrooms this year?

Yes! We love our volunteers! They are an essential part of our school district community. Learn more about volunteering.