Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District, Director & Agent
Kansas State University provides you with research-based information through many avenues. Locally, your contact is the Southwind Extension District in Erie, Ft. Scott, Yates Center and Iola. Hundreds of publications and fact sheets, written by K-State researchers and specialists, are available through the university’s Publications Library, www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/ Another alternative is to research the information provided on the Southwind website, www.southwind.k-state.edu/ In 2021, we are working toward making more information and resources available to you in a digital format – but that initiative is a work in progress!
Not all of our services can be found on the internet. One of the most utilized resources is soil testing. K-State Research & Extension can test soil for $13 per sample or $11 apiece for two or more. Soil testing is recommended for gardeners, farmers, testing for lawn & turf problems, or pasture management. Feed and forage testing is also offered. The only way to know for certain the quality of the feed is to get a lab analysis of it, to take a forage test. A forage test may run from $12-24 per sample, depending on what you want the sample tested for. Other tests that are available include Radon Test Kits ($7) and Water Quality Testing resources.
The 2021 Chemical Weed Control Guide arrived in our offices last week and provides suggestions for chemical weed control in most major row crops and pastures. It offers recommendations, and guidelines for crop specific chemicals to ensure you are using the best product for the situation.
This time of the year, we sell quite a few Farm and Family Account Books ($4.50 – $8.50). If you haven’t made the transition to computerized record keeping, this resource allows for an accurate accounting of your finances in a form that makes completing taxes easier.
Have you ever wondered what that unidentified pest or plant lurking around your home may be, or even how you can get rid of it? The Extension Office has expertise and resources available to identify pests that are common to our area and in Kansas. This includes home and crop insects, weeds, and various plants. We can also provide information on how to remove or control the pest, depending on your situation.
One of our “best kept secret” products that we offer for sale are odor neutralizers. Ecosorb ($28) is used in numerous homes, farm and industrial/commercial applications. Most of our clients seek this product to control the odor from fuel spills, mold smell, or skunk sprays. Neutroleum Alpha ($38) is a concentrated product utilized in a similar fashion to control strong odors. Because it is a concentrate, it can be used in a larger area.
Extension publications are very accessible to the public, and most are free if you pick them up in the Extension Office. The Kansas Garden Guide is a popular publication that is available for only $6. If you are looking for resources on planning a garden, seeding & planting, or details about a specific crop, this publication is a must-have. Extension offers many, many publications on home gardening so please stop by if you are looking for something specific.
Area farmers and ranchers often utilize the Kansas Performance Tests for various crops to determine which varieties will grow best in this area of the state. Next month, the 2021 Hybrid Reports for Corn, Soybeans, and Grain Sorghum will become available in the Extension Office. This is in addition to the Wheat Seed Book that is always available in late summer after wheat has been harvested and data collected.
As a consumer, you have many options for finding the answers to your questions. By choosing to use the Extension Service, you can be sure you are getting research-based, unbiased information. We encourage you to use the Southwind Extension District Offices in Erie, Ft. Scott, Yates Center and Iola to help answer your questions. For the latest information, please like our Facebook page, ‘Southwind Extension District’ or you can find us on the web, www.southwind.k-state.edu/
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent [email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749
Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.
Jayhawk Wind, the wind energy project in Bourbon County, is in the final stages of development, according to Apex Clean Energy Inc., the developer and owner.
“As contemplated, Apex will need to secure a project sponsor to build Jayhawk Wind, and we believe the project is very well-positioned to do so,” Apex Public Engagement Manager Patrick Chilton said ” We are currently progressing discussions with a potential project sponsor, and we know that Jayhawk Wind is a strong project with proven positive attributes for investors. Apex Clean Energy has a long track record of successfully commercializing its projects, and we look forward to adding Jayhawk Wind to that list.”
“If we are able to secure this partnership, it will allow us to begin project construction in the coming months,” Chilton said.
Jayhawk Wind is located in southwestern Bourbon County and northwestern Crawford County, he said, with about 80% of the project facilities located in Bourbon County, between the areas of Porterville and Hiattville.
“Once construction begins, we will establish a construction laydown yard off the highway and begin upgrading county roads that will be used during the construction phase,” Chilton said. ” We expect that foundations will be excavated later this year, and turbines will begin arriving late summer or early fall. We hope that construction will be complete by the end of the year.”
Maps of the current draft of the project’s design are located in the Girard office at 124 E. Forest Ave.
“Final maps will also be shared with the public when they are ready,” Chilton said. “Once project construction begins, we expect it will take about nine months to reach commercial operation.”
History of the project in Bourbon County
“Apex started developing Jayhawk Wind in 2016 and have continued to develop the project since,” Chilton said. ” In March 2020, the project entered into agreements with Bourbon County, which were updated in the fall of 2020. Since then, we have been working diligently to finalize the required approvals and complete all necessary research and surveys to inform the final project.”
“Despite the challenges of the past year, we made substantial progress in 2020 at Jayhawk Wind,” said Julianna Pianelli, development manager for Jayhawk Wind. “I’m excited about what 2021 will bring, and I am looking forward to completing the final steps to bring this important economic development opportunity to Bourbon and Crawford counties.”
Joy Miller, RD, LD Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Adult Development and Aging Family Resource Management K-State Research and Extension Southwind Extension District 210 S. National Fort Scott, KS 66701 Office: 620-223-3720 Fax: 620-223-0332 [email protected]
Are you eligible for Medicare because you are turning 65 years old or reaching the 25th month of long-term disability? Figuring out when to enroll in Medicare and which parts to enroll in can be daunting.There’s Part A, Part B, Part D, medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. And what the heck is a doughnut hole, anyway? A virtual New to Medicare workshop will be held January 27th to help you get the answers to all of these and more, but where else can you find reliable information about Medicare?
The ‘Medicare and You’ handbook is the official U.S. government Medicare handbook. The handbook is a summary of Medicare benefits, coverage options, rights and protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions. You can order a paper or Braille handbook by calling 1-800-633-4227. Other electronic versions of the handbook include PDF, e-book, and audio, all are available at medicare.gov under resources.
Another reliable resource is the Kansas Insurance Department. On the website, insurance.kansas.gov/medicare/, you will find a Medicare Supplement Shopper’s Guide in PDF format and an online Medicare supplement comparison tool. This is a great way to price compare a variety of Medigap plans, companies, and estimated prices to narrow down decisions.
Social Security handles enrollment for Original Medicare (Parts A and B). There is a variety of publications online to help guide you through Medicare Benefits at ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/.
Each state has a health insurance assistance program to provide free help to Medicare beneficiaries who have question. The Kansas program is administered through the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability and is called SHICK, Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas. Certified volunteers provide free one-to-one counseling and educational programs to help Medicare beneficaries gain the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about health insurance.SHICK does not sell insurance or endorse any insurance company, product, or agent. To find a counselor near you, call 1-800-860-5260.
New to Medicare workshop through Zoom will be held Wednesday, January 27th at 6 p.m. The program is free, registration required: http://bit.ly/SouthwindMedicare. The program will walk you through the basics of Medicare to provide a foundation of information to help you navigate the decision making process. The workshop is taught by Joy Miller, Certified SHICK Counselor. For more information, call 620-223-3720 or e-mail [email protected].
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
9:00 – 9:30 Eric Bailey, Road & Bridge
9:30 – 9:45 Jim Harris, Executive Session, Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
10:15 – 10:20 Nancy VanEtten, wants Interlocal Agreement Update on Sewer District #1
10:20 – 10:40 Dave Bruner, EMS Service Contract/Medical Director Contract/New EMS Unit Update
10:40 – 10:55 Lynne Oharah, Executive Session, Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
10:55 – 11:10 Lynne Oharah, Budget Director Discussion
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
10:00 K.O.M.A.
10:20 Jody Hoener, Executive Session, Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC-SEK) and the local county health department have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Krista Postai. Submitted photo.
“Each of our clinics did receive the vaccine to immunize medical personnel….our own and any others in the community not covered by the local health department,” said Krista Postai, President and CEO of CHC/SEK. “It is our understanding that staff and residents in long term care (facilities) are being immunized through a federal contract with Walgreens who has received their own allocation of the vaccine.”
“We have exhausted our first shipment of 100 vaccines and are awaiting word on the next shipment,” she said. “We used (these) for our Fort Scott, Pleasanton and Mound City employees along with some other non-CHC/SEK medical personnel.”
“As you may have seen in the media, Kansas does not appear to be faring well in getting their vaccine distributed….although the state says that’s not accurate….it’s a problem, they say, with the reporting system,” Postai said.
“That said, we do anticipate receiving additional vaccine in the communities we serve and will coordinate/collaborate with local health departments, who are also receiving the vaccine,” Postai said.
Postai said she received the following email from KDHE.
“ALL healthcare associated workers, hospital staff and local health dept staff are eligible to receive vaccine right now. This includes dentists, ophthalmologists, EMS workers, home health workers, school nurses, pharmacists, etc.
“If a county has more vaccine and has vaccinated all health care workers in the county, please contact the Kansas Immunization Program at [email protected] and KDHE will help redistribute your extra vaccine doses to another county who still needs more for health care workers.
“KDHE anticipates that additional vaccine doses will arrive weekly in the state. Facilities that received vaccine will automatically receive a separate delivery/shipment for the second dose.
“The Governor’s office and KDHE are working on priorities beyond healthcare workers and long-term care and those will be shared soon. For now, we are asking the whole state to stay in phase 1 and we will move on to phase 2 after all healthcare workers that want to be vaccinated are vaccinated with the first dose.”
“We received 60 doses and have given them all,” Rebecca Johnson, Southeast Kansas Multi-Health Department Administrator said.
“When we know how many more we’ll be getting and when, we’ll be reaching out to whom KDHE instructs us to vaccinate next,” she said. “When we are able to vaccinate the public, we will advertise this in the paper, radio, Facebook and on our website. From the availability chart, it says high-risk individuals are looking at late winter 2021 and all other adults are looking at spring 2021.”
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has instructed local health departments to vaccinate Emergency Medical Service personnel, healthcare and public health workers, she said.
“That’s who we’ve administered to,” Johnson said. ” We received 60 doses and have given them all.”
“In the first category, KDHE has listed Healthcare Personnel, Long Term Care Facility Staff/Residents, and EMS/Frontline Public Health Workers,” she said. “This chart can be found on the KDHE website or folks can go to our updated website: www.sekmchd.com.
From the sekmchd website:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Active Cases | January 6, 2021
Allen County 96
Anderson County 71
Bourbon County 83
Woodson County 27
Please call your local health department if you would like a further breakdown of cases at 620-223-4464.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available?
Currently, the vaccine is only available to healthcare workers and long-term care residents. As more vaccine is made available it will be offered to additional groups.
Please see the Expected Vaccine Availability Status to Population Group (pg 3) put out by the Governor’s office. SEKMCHD receives instructions directly from KDHE about which groups are eligible for vaccination with the vaccine they send to us.
Is vaccination mandatory?
Public Health officials are not mandating vaccination at this time. Your employer may require you to be vaccinated.
Will there be enough vaccine for everyone?
The Federal government has indicated that there will be enough for everyone who wants to be vaccinated.
How much will the vaccine cost?
The vaccine itself is being paid for by the federal government. SEKMCHD won’t be charging a fee. Other places giving vaccinations may charge a fee to administer the vaccine.
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?
Right now vaccine is only available for healthcare workers and long-term care residents. Vaccine will be made available to the public in the spring/summer of 2021. At that time it may be available through the health department, pharmacies, and physician offices. Check this website for further updates.
Do I need to make an appointment to get the vaccine?
No. When the health department receives enough vaccine to give to the public we will host a large event. No appointment will be required for that event.
I already had COVID-19. Do I need to get the vaccine?
It is suggested that you get vaccinated even if you have previously had COVID-19.
How long after I get my vaccine do I need to wear my mask?
You should wear your mask even after being vaccinated. Public health officials will advise when it is safe to go back to not wearing a mask.
I want to get a specific vaccine. How do I do that?
The health department is unable to honor requests for specific vaccines. The health department cannot request specific vaccines at this time. When we are ready to begin vaccination of the public we will let the public know which specific vaccine is available.
Welcome: Sixteen members participated in the meeting. New board members Patty Simpson, Director, Fort Scott Housing Authority, and David Gillen, Director, The Beacon, were recognized. Billie Jo reminded members that the Board does have funds available; people in need just need to make application through The Beacon.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Allen Schelleck, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, reminded members that he still has some funds from the FSACF grant. He also noted that the Red Bucket campaign was not quite so successful as 2019; therefore, he will have about $1,000 less to assist Bourbon County families this year.
Sandy Haggard, RSVP, mentioned that she is continuing to develop the calling program for senior citizens in Bourbon County. She needs seniors who wish to receive calls as well as volunteers to make the calls.
Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Feeding Families, shared that Feeding Families is currently serving about 300 people each week; the program also has some good used high chairs to donate to families in need.
Ty Harnden, Aunt Bertha, reminded members that the organization can help find food assistance, help pay bills, and locate other free or reduced cost programs. Ty’s phone number is 913-717-5751.
Cinda Reynolds and Nancy Van Etten, American Red Cross, shared that they are continuing virtual responses when called to a crisis. There is virtual training available for those wishing to volunteer with the Red Cross.
Michelle Worsley and Shanett Jones, SEK-CAP Head Start, are still seeking applications for their programs.
Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, has two handicapped accessible apartments available – one three bedroom and one two bedroom. She will have a couple of others available soon. Contact the Housing Authority office for more information.
Celia Ruiz, United Health Care, mentioned that she is still available to assist with health care needs even though there are no health fairs being held during the pandemic. She also noted that clients should not have to be recertifying during this time.
Mandi Woods, Healthy Families, shared that she is able to continue family meetings virtually; she recently conducted a very successful family read-along event.
Christine Abbott, SEK Works, will continue working from home for another week. Virtual appointments are available on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. She still has funds available for those who qualify. She also mentioned that she can provide computer loans for up to five days. The statewide job fair continues to be available online. Christine is also available to help those who have been victims of unemployment fraud.
Dena Kemp, DCCCA, emphasized that prevention information has been sent to the Coalition email list; Dena can be reached at 620-218-2878 for more information. She is also working on a committee to form a statewide suicide coalition.
Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department, noted that she is having good participation and outcomes from her Teen Pregnancy program. She also reminded members about the Healthy Beginnings Pre-Natal classes on the Zoom format that are available to any pregnant woman; contact Tammy to register. Car seats are available free of charge to parents who receive WIC or are on KanCare; others may be able to access car seats through the local police department or the Kansas Troopers in Chanute.
LIEAP applications have been mailed to those who received LIEAP last year; others may now access the application on the DCF website. Applications will be available through March.
Program (no programs for Zoom meetings)
Open Forum: Following some discussion, consensus was to continue Zoom meetings. John, Thrive Allen County, will continue to act as host; Billie Jo will send information to join the meeting to members prior to February 3.
Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be February 3, 2021.
Union Station is located just west of Uniontown in western Bourbon County.
Union Station Convenience Store, 684 Maple Road, Uniontown, is ready to receive staple grocery items to provide western Bourbon County residents with an option for food closer to home.
“We had already purchased the shed that we intended to eventually turn into climate-controlled storage, prior in the year,” said Ronni Clayton, who along with her husband, Dane, are the owners. “Our goal was to make one purchase at a time as the funds became available.”
Ronni and Dane Clayton are the owners of Union Station, Uniontown. The store will stock some groceries soon.
But then the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, and the federal government gave funds to each state government and the Kansas government distributed funds to local entities. In Bourbon County, it was the county commission. The Clayton’s applied for a SPARK grant through the county.
“Once we received the SPARK funds in September we were able to really get things moving,” Clayton said.
The couple created another cold storage unit to accommodate the food that will be coming.
Aryn Jefferis, an employee of Union Station, opens the cold storage unit that was added to the store.The inside of the cold storage unit at Union Station.
“We plan to sell staple grocery items such as bread, cheese, eggs, lunchmeat, hamburger, etc,” Clayton said.
The Claytons created climate-controlled storage outside of the main building, to free up space for additional coolers and shelving inside the convenience store, she said in a previous interview.
Coolers inside Union Station stand empty in preparation for the grocery items that will be coming, according to Aryn Jefferis, an employee.
”The increased product space will be used for discounted grocery items as well as locally produced meats,” she said.
“Everything is done except getting the groceries in the store,” Clayton said. ” We are still working out some details on that, but hope to start regular grocery deliveries soon. The holidays slowed everything a bit.”
” We are working with Nichols Hitching Post and Bronson Locker so far, with some other local businesses possibly in the works as well,” she said.
Learn more about Nichols Hitching Post from their Facebook page:
In the election question of shall charter ordinance No. 31 take effect, the no’s have it.
A CHARTER ORDINANCE EXEMPTING THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS FROM THE PROVISIONS OF K.S.A. 12-631p RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF SEWER AND STORM SEWER RESERVE FUNDS had 396 no votes to 139 yes votes.
See the Bourbon County Clerks report on the election here:
USD235 Superintendent Brett Howard. From the district website.
The COVID-19 pandemic mitigation policies of the Uniontown school district were approved by the board of education on November 24, 2020.
“We will not be changing any of our policies/regulations regarding COVID-19 for the second semester,” USD 235 Superintendent Bret Howard said. “Masks are required. We are still doing temp checks at the doors and will be social distancing as much as we can. “
USD 235 returned to in-person classes today, January 5.
The following is the policy the board approved:
USD 235 Board of Education Reopening Plan
(Approved November 24, 2020)
This is a working document and a fluid situation that can change with little warning or notice. For that reason, adjustments to the model of instruction, the requirements for personal protective equipment, and the suggestions listed within this document may change.
Winter Activities Students who choose the Remote Learning option will not be eligible to participate in KSHSAA or School-sponsored
extra-curricular activities.
USD #235 is planning on having all students who feel comfortable using the in-person model.
For those who feel concerned about that context, we are offering the Remote Partnership.
Students in this partnership would be able to transition to the In-Person model with ease.
The Hybrid model will only be used as deemed necessary by the Bourbon County Health Department.
Furthermore, using the Remote Partnership for all students will only be used in extreme cases where students are not allowed to come to the buildings. We hope to be able to provide some advanced warning of the need to transition, but we have not received a clarification on how much notice we can expect.
IN-PERSON
HEALTH
● Visitors-
○ In general, visitors will not be permitted to enter the building. The speaker connected to our door system will be utilized or someone will come to the door to address any situation needing attention from an outside party.
○ Students being picked up from school will be taken to their party at the main entry instead of the visitor entering the facility.
○ IEP meeting attendees will be required to complete the adult screening process and wearing a mask is required while in the building. Failure to pass the screening process by key stakeholders will result in a rescheduling of that meeting.
○ School Parties – At this time we will not allow outside visitors.
○ Lunch Visitors – No lunch visitors allowed.
○ TeamMates Mentoring- No mentors will be allowed.
● Masks-
○ All students and staff are required to wear a mask except when meeting the criteria listed in the executive order (20-68).
■ a. Persons age five years or under—children age two years and under in particular should not wear a face-covering because of the risk of suffocation;
■ b. Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face-covering—this includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face-covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face- covering without assistance;
■ c. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, or communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;
■ d. Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines;
■ e. Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face-covering is necessary to perform the service;
■ f. Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment thatoffers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking,provided they maintain a 6-foor distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity;
■ g. Athletes who are engaged in an organized sports activity that allows athletes to maintain a 6-foot distance from others ;
■ h. Persons engaged in any lawful activity during which wearing a mask or other face-covering is prohibited by law.
○ Mask Definition-
■ a. “Face covering” means a covering of the nose and mouth that is
secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is simply wrapped around the lower face. A face covering can be made of a variety of synthetic and nature fabrics, including cotton, silk, or linen. Ideally, a face covering has two or more layers.
○ A face shield may be worn in conjunction with a mask, but does not meet the requirements in and of itself.
● Hand-washing or Hand-sanitizing
○ Students must complete one or the other at an interval no less than 1 hour. (20-59)
● Screening- To be completed once per day before entering the building.
○ Adults
■ Affirmation that they have not been in close contact with anyone who has COVID-19.
■ Questionnaire of symptoms – Must exhibit fewer than 2.
■ Has a temperature of less than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
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○ Students
■ We would ask parents to check for symptoms and/or temperature while still at home.
● Please error on the side of caution when possible.
■ Has a temperature of less than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
● Students with a temperature between 99 and 100.4 degrees will be sent to the School Nurse for additional screening
● Social Distancing
○ All individuals are required to maintain 6 ft. of social distancing except for while during in-person instruction in a classroom or while a mask is being worn.
● Isolation of Symptomatic Students
○ Any student who is exhibiting symptoms will be sent to a specific isolation room to be held there until someone arrives to take them home.
○ Staff supervising the student/s will:
■ Maintain 6 ft of social distancing unless emergency medical attention is needed.
■ Wear gloves while touching the student or his/her belongings
■ A mask is highly recommended.
○ COVID 19 Symptoms Screening List
■ Fever (100.4 or higher)
■ Chills
■ Rigors
■ Body or Muscle Ache
■ Fatigue
■ Head-Ache
■ Sore Throat
■ Lower Respiratory Illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing)
■ New loss of taste or smell
■ Diarrhea
● Exclusion from school
○ Students exhibiting 2 or more symptoms without other obvious explanations, will be sent home.
○ Symptomatic and untested
● 10 calendar days have passed since the first date of symptoms AND
● Fever-free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication
○ Symptomatic and tested
■ Confirmed COVID Negative
● May return to school
■ Confirmed COVID Positive
● 10 calendar days have passed since the first date of symptoms AND
● Fever-free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication AND
● Released to return to school by the Multi-County Health Department.
○ Asymptomatic close-contact and untested (within 6 ft for 10 or more minutes)● 14-day required quarantine starting at last contact regardless of symptoms.
○ Asymptomatic close-contact and tested
■ Confirmed COVID Positive
● Released to return to school by the Multi-County Health Department. AND
● No less than 10 days from the date of testing.
■ Confirmed COVID Negative
● Must complete 14-day quarantine since last date of contact regardless of symptoms
○ Travel Related Quarantine- Students or staff that have traveled to a location listed on the KDHE Travel Related Quarantine List are required to quarantine for 14 days.
■ List can be found at the following link
● https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/175/Travel-Exposure-Related-Isolation-Quaran
● School Response to Isolation or Quarantine
○ Block off the area until cleaning is complete.
○ Immediately clean all desks, lockers, and workspaces of the person with disinfectant.
○ Immediately identify close contacts (within 6 ft for 10 or more minutes) and collect the following information where applicable.
■ Names
■ Email Addresses
■ Phone Numbers
○ Immediately notify guardians (the individual with COVID must not be explicitly or implicitly identified)
○ 14-day quarantine starts the day after the last contact (next calendar day)
○ Share a list of close contacts with the local health dept. (Rebecca Johnson/ Alice Maffett)
CLASSROOMS
● Use Hand-sanitizer at the beginning of class.
○ Teachers will distribute sanitizer.
● Furniture – Remove excess furniture or items of a nature that makes cleaning/disinfecting difficult.
● Arrangement-
○ Space students with as much social distancing as possible.
○ All students should face the same direction.
○ All students should have assigned seating
● Hygiene
○ Teach and model the following
■ Hand-washing
■ Mask usage and disposal
■ Coughing or sneezing into the elbow
■ No-touch celebrations (instead of high fives or handshakes)
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○ Disinfect after shared usage of spaces or items
● Breaks – We hope to be able to offer opportunities for students to go outside and remove their mask while social distancing. We hope to be mindful and empathetic to the need for students to have a break from wearing their mask.
COMMON SPACES
● Commons Area
○ All staff and students will be required to enter the building at the designated entrances for screening
○ If no screening adult is available, staff will report to the screening station at 7:30
● Hallways
○ Hand-sanitizing should be done prior to leaving.
○ Students will move through the hallways directionally in accordance with posted signs to access other spaces and limit bidirectional traffic.
○ Students will travel down the center of the hallway to limit touching of the wall/ lockers or interaction with other students.
○ Social Distancing should be maintained
● Lockers
○ Locker access will be limited as determined by the administration.
● Restrooms
○ Hand-sanitizing should be done prior to leaving the room.
○ Social distancing should be maintained
○ Students waiting to enter should not lean against the wall.
○ Custodial Staff will frequently clean handles, faucets, partition latches
● Cafeteria
○ Breakfast
■ Grab-and-go format available as students enter for those interested in participation.
■ Students will take their grab-and-go breakfast items to their homeroom/1st-hour class as they enter the building
■ Regular pricing per the Free and Reduced Lunch Application form will be applied.
○ Lunch
■ Hand-sanitizing should be done prior to entering the cafeteria.
■ Social distancing should be maintained. Students are only allowed to sit in designated seats.
■ Space in the cafeteria and commons area will be utilized.
■ Students will be served by kitchen staff instead of serving themselves.
■ Masks are not required while eating.
■ Tables should be thoroughly disinfected after each group of seated students
■ Regular pricing per the Free and Reduced Lunch Application form will be applied
● Playground-WBE
○ Hand-sanitizing should be done prior to leaving the room.
○ The playground will be divided into 4 quadrants. Students will play in their designated space during their recess.
○ Quadrants will rotate on a weekly basis.
○ Limited playground equipment will be available and be cleaned after recess sessions.
○ Hand-sanitizing should be done prior to entering the building for lunch
● Library-WBE
○ Hand-sanitizing should be done prior to entering the library and also before leaving.
○ Books must remain at school.
● Specials-WBE
○ Art, Music, Guidance
■ Staff will travel to the students or use an outside space.
■ Supplies cleaned between uses.
○ PE
■ Outside when possible, inside the gym as needed.
■ Supplies must be cleaned between uses.
TRANSITIONS
● Arrival
○ Buses and parent drop-offs will not be allowed prior to 7:40
○ Temperature screening of all students and staff
○ Must be less than 100.4 degree Fahrenheit
■ Isolation to the conference room if needed.
○ Students will go directly to class
■ Grab-and-Go Breakfast available to be consumed in the classroom
● During the day
○ Teachers will open and close the classroom doors to:
■ Aide in the supervision during transitions
■ Monitor directional hallway traffic and social distancing
■ Minimize contact spread opportunity on door knobs/handles
○ Social distancing should be employed
○ Travel directionally in hallways per posted signage
○ Hand-sanitizer upon entry of each new space
● Dismissal
○ Staggered release by cohort
FACILITIES
● Hand Sanitizing Stations
○ Main Entrances
○ Office Spaces
○ Cafeterias
● Signage
○ Directional Signs in Hallway
○ Social Distancing Markers
■ Cafeteria
■ Main Entrance
● Trash
○ Bags replaced daily by custodians wearing both gloves and a mask is highly recommended.
● Ventilation
○ Full-time use of ERV to constantly introduce outside air.
○ Ion scrubbers in HVAC systems
● Water Fountains
○ Water-bottle filling station utilized
○ Drinking fountain will be turned off and not be available
● Custodial Disinfecting
○ Fogging Disinfectant Daily
○ Touchpoint Cleaning- Daily
■ Doors/ Handles
■ Restroom Fixtures
■ Water Fountains
● Grounds and Exterior Surfaces
○ Playground Equipment (limited)- cleaning daily
○ Touchpoint cleaning on high-touch surfaces of playground structures
● Building Access/Use by Outside Group or Individuals – By Administrative Approval Only
FOOD SERVICE
● Breakfast
○ Grab-and-Go
○ Students eat in the classroom
○ Waste retrieved at 8:30 am by custodial staff
● Lunch
○ Hand-sanitizing before entering the cafeteria
○ Served lunches by the kitchen staff
○ Assigned seating that is social distanced
○ Disinfect tables/ seats between uses
● Vendors
○ All vendors must complete the screening requirements before entry.
TRANSPORTATION- BUS
● Sanitization- after each route
○ High touchpoint areas (rails, seat tops, etc.)
○ Vacuum seats
● Students
○ Assigned Seating
○ Hand-sanitizer for students entering buses
○ Social distance to the greatest extent possible
○ Masks are required.
● Drivers
○ Complete employee health screener prior to the 1st route of the day.
○ Masks are required.
● Screening
○ Daily temperature screening will be conducted when the bus arrives at school.
○ Students exhibiting symptoms of a fever of greater than 100.4 degrees will be sent home.
● Parent Drop-off/ Pick-up
○ WBE
■ Entry
● Students/ staff will enter through the East gym entrance
● Parents or other visitors will not be allowed entry unless for a pre-approved meeting.
● Staff will complete temperature screening upon entry.
● Guardians are asked to not pull away until this screening has taken place.
● Grab-and-go breakfast available
■ Exit/ Release
● All parent pickups will happen through the East gym doors.
○ UHS
■ Entry
● Students arriving who have not been transported by the bus will need to enter the East entrance (JH/ Board Office Entry).
● Temperature screening will be taken at the entry doors.
● If the student is being dropped off, please do not pull away until screening is complete.
■ Release
● Students will be released in a staggered format to limit hallway congestion.
● Students will need to abide by directional hallway rules during release.
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
