Columbia Heights Public School District’s Safe Return to In-Person Learning Plan will be updated following the guidance of the Minnesota Safe Learning Plan, all executive orders, and current guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Columbia Heights Public Schools is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment. This operational plan identifies practices and protocols to help ensure a safe and healthy learning environment and to help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19.

View the CHPS Face Mask School Board Policy

CHPS has emphasized many mitigation strategies throughout this pandemic and continues to follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  

Wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator consistently and correctly reduces the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. At a high COVID-19 Community Level, universal indoor masking in schools and early childhood education programs is recommended, as it is in the community at-large. CDC also recommends masking at all times in healthcare settings, including school nurses’ offices, regardless of the current COVID-19 Community Level. People who have known or suspected exposure to COVID-19 should also wear a well-fitting mask or respirator around others for 10 days from their last exposure, regardless of vaccination status or history of prior infection.

Anyone who chooses to wear a mask or respirator should be supported in their decision to do so at any COVID-19 Community Level, including low. At a medium and high COVID-19 Community Level, people who are immunocompromised or at risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 should wear a mask or respirator that provides greater protection since wearing masks or respirators can prevent the spread of COVID-19, people who have a household or social contact with someone at risk for getting very sick with COVID-19 (for example, a student with a sibling who is at risk) may also choose to wear a mask at any COVID-19 Community Level. 

Additional Information

• CHPS will continue to follow the district’s protocol regarding isolation and quarantine for students and staff. 
• Staff with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 are handled by the CHPS Human Resources Department. 
• Students with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 are handled by school nurses. 
• If a person is sick, they should not come to school in order to limit the potential spread of the illness. 

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 data in our schools and community and consult with local health officials. CHPS encourages our students, families, staff and the community to continue to practice mitigation strategies to help us stay Healthy Hylanders!

CHPS will support proper hygiene practices to help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. These practices and protocols include:

• Hand sanitizer is available throughout the buildings. 
• A daily schedule for routine environmental cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces in classrooms and common spaces is established when staff and students are not occupying the space. 

Guidance will be updated as needed to align with federal, state, and local guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Transportation

• The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time though it is not a requirement for students or bus drivers.
• Windows will be open, as weather permits, and ventilation systems maximized to promote air flow throughout the bus.

Food Services

• Breakfast and lunch will be available to students when they are at school. 
• Free and reduced lunch applications have been mailed to district families and can also be completed online.

Facilities | Cleaning and Ventilation

• Enhanced cleaning protocols follow recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Building ventilation in our school buildings meets Indoor Air Quality standards.

Staff suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 are handled by the Department of Human Resources.

Student suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 are handled by the health aide/nurse at each school.

People who have symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should stay home. Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin. People who are at risk for getting very sick with COVID-19 who test positive should consult with a healthcare provider right away for possible treatment, even if their symptoms are mild. Staying home when sick can lower the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including COVID-19, to other people. For more information on staying home when sick with COVID-19, including recommendations for isolation and mask use for people who test positive or who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, see Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19.  

People who can wear a mask

MDH remains available to support your questions by email at health.schools.covid19@state.mn.us

People who have symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should stay home. Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin. People who are at risk for getting very sick with COVID-19 who test positive should consult with a healthcare provider right away for possible treatment, even if their symptoms are mild. Staying home when sick can lower the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including COVID-19, to other people. For more information on staying home when sick with COVID-19, including recommendations for isolation and mask use for people who test positive or who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, see Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19.

Vaccination of staff, families and students are strongly encouraged. CHPS will continue to promote local vaccination clinics to our community as they are made available. Vaccination Clinics located in Anoka County can be found here:  Anoka County Vaccination Opportunities

Accommodations for students with disabilities will be made to ensure students are receiving a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Should a student's health preclude them from accessing their classroom, the IEP team will meet to develop a plan that will ensure students health and safety and progress on their IEP goals and objectives. 

CHPS developed a Resource Hub to provide access to meal/food resources, family resources, health resources and community resources. The resources in the community area cover crisis, housing/shelter, food, mental health support and direct contact information to the CHPS Student Support Team. 

Furthermore, the CHPS Student Support Team is working with students who have a need for emotional support during the 2022-2023 school year. Additionally, the CHPS Student Support Team developed a Virtual Calm Zone that is a space for students, families, and staff to explore tools and strategies that can help manage stress and emotions.  

During the 2022-2023 school year, CHPS is partnering with Allina Health Clinic and the Prairie Care Fund to develop Change to Chill spaces to meet students' needs and to learn strategies to respond to students who may be exhibiting mental health concerns. The tools and resources taught to assist students with managing stress and anxiety will help them build greater resilience. 

CHPS confers and coordinates with Anoka County Public Health and the MN State Departments on COVID related issues and guidance.  

CHPS will work with the Minnesota Department of Health on any positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 and follow their direction for contact tracing, notification and other critical actions. 

Exposure is defined as being near a COVID-19 positive person closer than 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer. Working with MDH, school or district staff will notify students/families and/or staff if they have been exposed and need to stay home.

The District is following guidance from MDH and from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). As guidance from MDH and the CDC changes so will our policies and procedures.

CHPS conducted multiple meetings and surveys to gather stakeholder input about needs and supports. Through these meetings, CHPS developed the Heighten Up plan to address students’ academic needs and students’ and staff social emotional, mental health, and other needs including technology. View the COVID-19 resource page.