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    News

    FUSD Schools Return from Winter Break FAQs
    Posted 1/10/22

    Was there an increase in student absences following the return from winter break?

    FUSD saw an increase in absences amongst students over a typical school day in the days following our return from winter break.

    Approximately 13% of our students were out of school on Monday - whether due to concerns about virus transmission, having a positive test result, being exposed to COVID-19, or any other reason. This is 7% higher than the average student absence rate for recent Mondays.

    Below is the approximate and unreconciled absence rate for students for the week following winter break:

     

    Date

    Approx. Percent of Students Absent

    Average of previous four Mondays (Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20)

    6%

    January 10, 2022

    13%

    January 11, 2022

    14%

    January 12, 2022

    14%

    January 13, 2022

    14%

    January 14, 2022

    16%

     

    Is Fremont Unified School District opening for in-person instruction?

    Yes. Students and staff will continue with in-person instruction, except those enrolled in the elementary or Vista Virtual Academy programs. 
    As a reminder, all students and staff must continue to complete the student COVID-19 screening or self-check for staff every day before entering campus.

    Below are some key considerations FUSD is taking into account:

    • We are better prepared to limit transmission in our classrooms than when we transitioned to distance learning at the outset of the pandemic.

    • With vaccines, testing, and improved air filtration, we have better tools at our disposal.

    • FUSD, along with all other school districts in the state, does not have a mechanism to move all students to distance learning under current State regulations. Temporary, targeted closures, specific to any class or site level outbreaks connected to virus spread at school are possible in conjunction and consultation with Alameda County Public Health. 

    • School remains a safe, structured, and critically important part of the academic and social development of students. 

    • Through a layered approach and multiple strategies being implemented, we have demonstrated a strong ability to mitigate the impacts of COVID in our schools. These same methods and practices will be critical in responding to this new variant as we navigate the next month of the Omicron surge.

     

    Is a negative COVID-19 test result required before returning to school?

    FUSD will not require proof of a negative test for returning students. However, students with a positive test result, any COVID-19 symptoms, and/or a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 must follow our student flowchart before returning to campus.

    All students and staff must continue to complete the student COVID-19 self screening or self-check for staff every day before entering campus.

    If you traveled over the winter break, please review these recommendations from the California Department of Public Health.

    At-home COVID-19 testing kits provided by the California Department of Education should be used before returning to school from break. Staff and parents/guardians of FUSD students opting in to this program are asked by CDPH to report the results of their tests through an online portal or by phone, see the instructions for use and result reporting, and information on our symptom and positive test protocols. 

     

    How can I get a COVID-19 test for an FUSD student or employee?

    PCR testing for students and staff resumes on January 10, 2022, and is available each week at each school site in FUSD, and every school day at the District Office. 

    To find alternate testing sites for students or staff, or for another member of our community, please check the Alameda County Public Health Department’s COVID-19 testing information.

    FUSD has no additional at-home rapid test kits to distribute. Those kits were intended for use before returning from break, and FUSD hosted multiple distribution events to ensure tests were available before students and staff returned on January 10, 2022. 

     

    What health and safety protocols are in place in FUSD?

    As part of our return to in-person instruction in August, we established health and safety protocols at the district and site level. These protocols, combined with personal responsibility from each individual, have helped to mitigate the impact of COVID in our schools throughout this school year. 

    The following health and safety provisions will remain in effect for FUSD as they remain aligned with ACPH/CDPH: 

    • All students and staff must continue to complete the student COVID-19 screening or self-check for staff every day before entering campus

    • Face coverings remain mandatory at school facilities/campuses

    • PCR testing for students and staff is available weekly at each school site, and available at the District Office every school day

    • Air purification units in all classrooms and auxiliary rooms

    • Weekly testing for student athletes per ACPH/CDPH guidance

    • Contact tracing and case reporting via FUSD website

    FUSD will remain responsive to new information, requirements and recommendations to keep our sites as safe as possible. If and when we change any of our protocols, notice will be provided to staff, students, and families. 

     

    What is the current isolation and quarantine guidance for students?

    Isolation guidance for students who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status:

    • Stay home for at least 5 days.

    • Isolation can end after day 5 if symptoms are not present or are resolving AND a diagnostic specimen collected on day 5 or later tests negative.

    • If unable to test, or choosing not to test, and symptoms are not present or resolving isolation can end after day 10.

    • If fever is present, isolation should be continued until fever is resolved.

    • If symptoms, other than fever, are not resolving continue to isolate until symptoms are resolved or until day 10

    • Wear a well fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings. 

    We expect changes to the current student quarantine guidance for close contacts, and will provide an update with any changes to our protocols. Until that guidance is provided the existing protocols remain in place, see the COVID-19 Flowchart and Modified & Shortened Quarantine Protocols for more information.