Learning Options & Safety Protocols 21-22

Learning Options & Safety Protocols 21-22
Posted on 08/04/2021
Health and safety protocols

Citrus County Schools is finalizing plans for the 2021-22 school year and will offer two learning options for students.

  • The first option will be traditional campus learning with face-to-face instruction.
  • The second option will be our Citrus eSchool, which allows students to take classes online taught by Citrus County teachers. This option allows a more flexible schedule, so time management and self-motivation are essential for success. 

    The final date to apply for Citrus eSchool is August 9.  For more information about Citrus eSchool and how to enroll, please visit https://ces.citrusschools.org/.

     

    We also want families to be aware of recent recommendations brought forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding masks, as well as the governors executive order (EO21-175) regarding masks. 

    The CDC recommends universal indoor masking for teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

    On July 30, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order directing the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) to enter rulemaking in collaboration with the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) to protect parents’ freedom to choose whether their children wear masks. This order includes the possibility of withholding state funds from noncompliant school boards violating this order. (https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Executive-Order-21-175.pdf)

    The Citrus County School Board is NOT mandating masks be worn. However, masks will be available at all school sites and on all school buses for anyone wishing to wear one. Wearing a mask will be voluntary.

    We will continue to have Covid-19 protocols in place on all school campuses to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff to minimize the spread of infection.

  • Hand sanitizing stations will stay in place on our campuses and continue to be available for anyone who needs it.  We continue to work closely with the Citrus County Department of Health to review and update our safety measures throughout our campuses.
  • Students will be allowed to bring their own water bottles and use them throughout the day.  We are strongly encouraging water bottles to be clear. 
  • Isolation rooms are located in every school for students who are showing symptoms of the virus.
  • Screening and protocols from last school year will remain in effect.
  • Masks will be available on school campuses and school buses upon request.
  • Cleaning protocols will continue, including our Covid-19 rapid response teams which we have in partnership with the Citrus County Department of Health.
  • Students and staff should monitor their symptoms daily.  Anyone with a fever or Covid- 19 related symptoms should NOT come to school. (https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/exposure/)
  • Students and staff will be reminded throughout the day to practice proper hygiene, and signage promoting proper hygiene will be posted on campuses.   

There is no requirement for students, employees, or their families to be vaccinated. However, our partners at the Citrus County Health Department are ready and vaccinations are available at the Citrus County Health Department for ages 12 and older.  For more information, please visit http://citrus.floridahealth.gov/.

We will continue to work with our partners at the Citrus County Health Department as well as state leaders throughout the school year. The school board can reinstate student and staff requirements for face coverings/masks if it becomes necessary as determined by public health conditions, or directives issued by the state or federal government.

We will continue to release back-to-school information as the start of school approaches.  Please continue to check the district’s website (www.citrusschools.org) and social media for updates. The first day of school for students is Aug. 10.