Assalamualaikum Dear BHA families,
We can’t wait to see our students on the first day of school! We are looking forward to a year of joy, health and safety, communication, authentic work, and collaboration. We have many things to celebrate, alhumdulillah.
As we welcome our students back for full, in-person instruction, we know safety is top of mind for many of us right now. We recently updated our COVID-19 Safety Plan to ensure our BHA family can safely join together on the first day of school on August 30. Here’s a summary of the key safety and health measures we’ve put in place to keep everyone safe and healthy:
COVID-19 Testing
All staff, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, must submit a negative COVID-19 test result before the start of school on Monday, August 30.
Face Masks
All adults and K-12 students, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, are required to wear masks indoors. Please refer to the CDC guidance for an overview of acceptable masks for in-person learning. The use of face coverings in indoor spaces will help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and its variants, on our campuses. We also encourage staff and students to wear a face shield in addition to a mask, but not in place of one. At this time, masks are optional outdoors for everyone in K-12 school settings, but we recommend that unmasked students and staff maintain physical distancing guidelines.
Vaccination
Medical experts have shared that vaccination is the single best way to protect yourself, your family, and our community from serious illness, including the Delta variant. Vaccination is not mandatory for students at this time, but they are available, for free, for everyone 12 years and older. You can also get the latest information, and find out where to get vaccinated at the CDC website or your healthcare provider. Vaccinated students can submit proof of vaccination to the AG office, or the email saba.amber@issdweb.org, to be added to the student records.
Per the Governor’s recent order, all K-12 staff will be required to show proof of vaccination by October 15, and staff members who are unvaccinated will participate in weekly COVID-19 testing.
Cleaning & Sanitation
We will encourage all staff and students to regularly wash or sanitize their hands during the school day. Additionally, high-touch surfaces will be regularly cleaned throughout the day.
Ventilation
We will have air purifiers with HEPA filters, and air conditioners in every room, in addition to common ventilation practices.
The well-being of our staff and families is of utmost importance. As we prepare to kick-off the 2021-2022 school year, we want to make sure that our students and staff feel welcomed and embraced in a safe learning environment that encourages their success. We can’t wait to see you on the first day of school on August 30!
Jazakum Allahu khairan.
BHA Administration
