RISD continues to implement a variety of precautions and protocols for the 2022-23 school year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to slow the spread of COVID-19. Some protocols may be subject to change based on updated guidance from the state of Texas, public health authorities, or changing conditions in Dallas County.

Health Precautions

·    All adults and students are expected to self-screen and screen their children for symptoms of illness before coming to campus each day.

·    Students and parents are expected to stay home and report to their campus nurse and RISD employees are expected to report to health services and their direct supervisor if they have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19

·    Health Services will monitor positive cases within RISD schools, programs, and facilities and will collaborate with Dallas County Health Department in all decisions that could potentially require implementing a temporary mask requirement or temporarily shifting classrooms or schools to virtual only instruction.

·    Parents are encouraged to talk with their students about COVID-19, and reinforce basic safety measures and family expectations.

·    Bullying by any student directed towards a student related to any mitigation protocols will not be tolerated and will be addressed by the campus as part of the discipline procedures.

Environmental Protocols

·    Air purifier/filtration system provided in every classroom

·    Clear desk shields will be available for any student or teacher in school at their request.

·    Increased ventilation and HVAC air filtering where possible in classrooms, indoor common areas, and student transportation.

·    Cleaning of surfaces and high traffic common areas.

·    Additional time allocated for handwashing in elementary grades.

·    Beginning of year reminders for students about safety protocols, including demonstration of proper handwashing technique for elementary students.

·    Encourage frequent use of hand sanitizer.

·    Students and staff are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle for use throughout the day and take water bottles home to be cleaned on a daily basis.

·    Campuses will be encouraged to utilize outdoor learning spaces for lunch and other learning experiences when CDC community level is high and it can be done safely.

·    Teachers will be encouraged to keep doors and windows open to increase ventilation when CDC community level is high.

·    Limited visitors and volunteers are permitted on campus at the principal’s discretion, including for organized classroom activities/events. Principals should consider the current level of active cases on campus when exercising this discretion, and may consult with RISD Health Services and their learning community executive director for guidance as needed. All visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when CDC COVID-19 Community Level of HIGH for Dallas County.

Face Coverings:

·    COVID-19 Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.

·    CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels recommendations align precautions for educational settings with those for other community settings.

·    Students and staff will be provided with a mask upon request. RISD has an ample supply of mask (surgical/N95/KN95) available for students and staff.

·    Students and Staff who have been exposed to COVID-19 are recommended as a precaution to choose to wear a high quality mask indoors in public. CDC lists further precautions that individuals may consider following an exposure.