back-to-school information

Will students need to wear masks to participate in after-school activities and performing arts?

Students are required to wear masks for indoor and outdoor activities and practices.However, students are not required to wear masks while playing instruments with their mouths; students can opt to wear slitted District-provided masks, designed for this purpose, if they choose. Students also can use District-provided bell covers for instruments.

Students are not required to wear masks indoors or outdoors during a band, choir, dance or theater performance.

Note: All choir and wind-instrument activities must be outdoors through at least October 12, including practices and performances.

Will students need to socially distance?

Students are encouraged to exercise at least 3 feet of social distance, to the extent possible, from other students in classroom settings and at least 6 feet of distance in all other circumstances. Students also should maintain at least 6 feet of distance from adults, to the extent possible, at all times. 

Under what circumstances will students need to quarantine?

If a student comes in contact with another student with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 in a classroom setting, the student does not need to quarantine if they maintained at least 3 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure. 

If a student comes in contact with another student with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 outside of a classroom setting, the student does not need to quarantine if they maintained at least 6 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure.  

If a student comes in contact with an adult with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine if they had maintained at least 6 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure. 

If a student comes in contact with another student or an adult with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine if they're fully vaccinated and at least 14 days beyond completion of the vaccine series at the time of the exposure.

Even so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend fully vaccinated people who have had a known exposure to someone with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 should be tested 3 to 5 days after exposure, regardless of whether they’ve had symptoms.

School personnel in cooperation with the Washington County Public Health Department will do contact tracing and communicate with affected students and families in a timely manner.

What are the rules for audience members at performances?

Audience members are required to wear masks at all times. Audience members also are encouraged to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between families/groups, to the extent possible. 

Will students need to wear masks to participate in after-school athletics?

Students are not required to wear masks indoors or outdoors when practicing or playing a competitive sport at any level, including cheerleading and dance/drill, outside of normal school hours.

Students and coaches who are not actively participating (i.e. on the sideline during an indoor or outdoor competition) are required to wear masks. Students and coaches are required to wear masks when in the weight room.

Will referees need to wear masks?

Per the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), officials on the field actively officiating football and soccer games, plus basketball officials on the court and wrestling referees in the circle, are not required to wear masks given the high level of physical exertion required by the official. Referees in volleyball or umpires on the field in baseball/softball are required to wear masks as those roles don’t require a high level of physical exertion by the official. Football chain crews, volleyball line judges, a 4^th official in soccer, cheer/dance judges, track and field officials, score table staff, speech judges, and music adjudicators also are required to wear masks as those roles don’t require a high level of physical exertion by the official. 

Will indoor sports be allowed to occur?

Per the Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA), indoor sports like volleyball will be allowed as long as all safety precautions are followed.

Will students-athletes need to socially distance?

Students-athletes are encouraged to exercise at least 3 feet of social distance from other students and at least 6 feet of distance from adults, to the extent possible. 

Under what circumstances will students need to quarantine?

If a student comes in contact with another student with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 in a classroom setting, the student does not need to quarantine if they maintained at least 3 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure. 

If a student comes in contact with another student with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 outside of a classroom setting, the student does not need to quarantine if they maintained at least 6 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure.  

If a student comes in contact with an adult with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine if they had maintained at least 6 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure. 

If a student comes in contact with another student or an adult with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine if they're fully vaccinated and at least 14 days beyond completion of the vaccine series at the time of the exposure.

Even so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend fully vaccinated people who have had a known exposure to someone with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 should be tested 3 to 5 days after exposure, regardless of whether they’ve had symptoms.

School personnel in cooperation with the Washington County Public Health Department will do contact tracing and communicate with affected students and families in a timely manner.

What are the rules for spectators at athletic events?

Spectators are required to wear masks at all indoor and outdoor events. Spectators also are encouraged to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between families/groups, to the extent possible. We recognize that social distancing at some games may be challenging, so please only attend if you’re comfortable doing so.

Who can attend high school football games?

Because of social distancing concerns, student attendees at high school football games are limited to students of the participating schools; an option school student may attend the football games of their neighborhood high school. Other students from other schools may not attend. For example, if the Beaverton High School football team were playing Southridge, Sunset students could not attend. 

Elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Can teams hold team dinners?

Teams can have team dinners on district property if all masking and social distancing rules are followed. Food and drink must be store-bought and pre-packaged; no family-style meals or buffets will be permitted. Servers must wear gloves, and coaches/parents are responsible for cleanup.

Will concession stands be allowed?

Yes, concessions will be allowed for pre-packaged food and drinks only. Servers should be gloved and masked. They'll also need food handler cards.

How will classrooms be set up to comply with the recommended 3 feet of distancing?

To the extent possible, student chairs/desks will be arranged to accommodate a minimum of 3 feet of distancing. In addition, other mitigation strategies will be used including mask wearing and frequent handwashing. 

Will all the desks in a classroom be faced in the same direction?

Our classroom spaces vary widely in size and shape.  Some have traditional desks, and some have tables.   Our teachers, staff and principals are creatively configuring their spaces to make the environment as safe as possible.  There are times when facing the same direction does not allow for the greatest amount of spacing.  

Why is the number of students in my child's class so large?

Class sizes are still being balanced as our enrollments and staffing numbers continue to shift.  We have a team that meets weekly and reviews class size across the district. 

Will choir and band classes occur outside?

All choir and wind-instrument activities must occur outdoors through at least October 12, including practices and performances.

In case of bad weather, classes will move inside, but no singing or wind-instrument playing will be allowed during that class session.

Will P.E. classes occur outside?

All athletic activities during the school day must be occur outdoors through at least October 12.

In case of bad weather, P.E. classes will move inside, but no strenuous activities will be allowed during that class session.

Will students share supplies?

Sharing of supplies will be limited. As always, student will be encouraged to do frequent handwashing or sanitizing.

Can students drink water or eat snacks in class?

Eating snacks or drinking from a water bottle is at the discretion of the school and teacher. If allowed, students would need to take a bite or sip and then replace their masks immediately.

Can PTOs or teachers use their own money to buy plexiglass barriers?

No. Based on state guidance, the District has already provided all necessary plexiglass barriers.

Are specialists, substitutes and maintenance employees going to be moving from school to school?

Some staff members will be moving between buildings. All staff are required to wear masks and exercise 6 feet of distance from students, when possible.

How often will school spaces be cleaned?

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces will follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC advises that when no people with positive or presumptive COVID-19 cases are known to have been in a space, cleaning once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove any virus that may be on surfaces and help maintain a healthy facility. District custodians will clean and disinfect a space when a sick person or someone who tested positive for COVID-19 has been in that space within the last 24 hours.   

What products will be used to disinfect school spaces?

Custodians will use disinfection products that are on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) List N, which is a list of products that kill the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) when used according to the label directions.  

Will students be assisting with any cleaning?

No

If I believe that my student has a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, what should I do?

Please keep your student home from school. Call your school and report your suspicions. You'll be advised to have your child tested for COVID-19 and then report the results to your school nurse. Your school nurse will advise you further.

How can I find out how many COVID-19 cases have been reported in the district?

​​In an effort to be fully transparent, the District is publishing data on reported positive or presumptive COVID-19 cases among our students and staff. This data is collected by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and is published weekly in the COVID-19 Reporting Report. The reporting window for cases covers Monday of the preceding week through Sunday; the report is typically released on Wednesday. However, please know that there's often a one- to two-week lag between data collection and data publication. To protect the privacy of those involved, no names will be released. The data is provisional and subject to change as additional test results are received and public health investigations proceed.

How can I report a COVID-related protocol concern?

Parents, students and staff can anonymously report any COVID-related protocol concern by using this online form.

Will students be screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Parents/guardians should perform a daily health evaluation before sending students to school. If a student is exhibiting a fever, cough, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, a new loss of taste or smell or any of the symptoms on our Too Sick for School - Keep Ill Students Out of School flyer, the student should stay home.

A staff member will do another visual check as students arrive at school.

What happens if a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms at school?

If a student exhibits or complains of any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, a new loss of taste or smell), an adult will accompany the student to the school isolation room. A designated staff member will then take the student’s temperature. If a staff member has permission from a parent/guardian, the student will be given a diagnostic, self-administered Abbot BinaxNOW COVID-19 test.

If the COVID-19 test is positive, a parent/guardian will be called to pick up the student, and the student will need to isolate for 10 days — even if a future test indicates that the student is COVID-negative, per Washington County Public Health Department.

If the COVID-19 test is negative, a parent/guardian will still be called to pick up the student. The student would not be required to quarantine if there were no known COVID contacts and instead, would follow the Too Sick for School - Keep Ill Students Out of School rules to return to school. If there were known COVID contacts, the student would need to quarantine for 10 days.

If the student is not tested at school, a parent/guardian will be called to pick up the student. The student would not be required to quarantine if there were no known COVID contacts and the parent provided a negative test from a health care provider. The student would then follow the Too Sick for School - Keep Ill Students Out of School guidance to return to school. If there were known COVID contacts, the student would need to quarantine for typically 10 days. In some cases, the Washington County Public Health Department will direct the student to quarantine for 14 days or more.

The above applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated students.

What happens if a student exhibits non-COVID 19 symptoms (e.g. runny nose)?

The student would follow the Too Sick for School - Keep Ill Students Out of School guidance. Any absence would be handled in the traditional way.

What happens if a staff member exhibits COVID-19 symptoms at work?

The employee should notify a supervisor. The supervisor will notify the Human Resources COVID-19 Team: HR-Covid19@beaverton.k12.or.us. The employee will be instructed to leave work and encouraged to see a health care provider for evaluation.

Will COVID-19 testing be available at schools?

Here's an explanation of our testing programs:

Diagnostic Testing

BSD will continue to offer free COVID-19 diagnostic testing at each school site. This is a practice that began in the spring of 2021. The Abbot BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid test is what is used in schools. Parent/guardian consent is required for a student to participate in diagnostic testing.  Consent forms were included as part of the online student verification process this fall.

Diagnostic testing is testing for students and staff with symptoms of COVID-19 or those who have been exposed to COVID-19 through close contact with a positive or presumptive case. Diagnostic testing helps to quickly identify COVID-19 cases in K-12 schools, interrupt viral spread through households and in classrooms, and reduce the risk for students and staff returning to in-person instruction. 

Positive results are reported to the Washington County Public Health Department, contact tracing is initiated, and the student or staff member is required to isolate. Unvaccinated staff or students and vaccinated individuals demonstrating COVID-19 symptoms who came into contact with the positive or presumptive case will be required to quarantine for 10 days. Vaccinated staff or students are not required to quarantine, but they are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test 3-5 days following exposure.

Screening Testing for K-12 Staff

Screening testing is testing for individuals without symptoms of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19. It's recommended for unvaccinated individuals and will be required for BSD unvaccinated staff with approved vaccine exemptions. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) offers free COVID-19 screening testing to all unvaccinated K-12 teachers and staff. This program offers at-home weekly screening testing by mail to any unvaccinated public or private K-12 teacher or staff member, including volunteers. Vaccination status will not be verified, and all interested K-12 teachers and staff are welcome to enroll. 

BSD will require all unvaccinated staff with approved medical or religious exemptions to enroll in weekly OHA screening testing. 

If staff members register for this program, COVID-19 test kits will be mailed directly to their homes each week. The at-home COVID-19 test is performed by gently swabbing just inside the nose. The swab is then returned to the laboratory by mail, and results are returned to participants within days. 

Participation in the program and all results are confidential; however, positive COVID-19 results must be reported to the local public health authority for case investigation and contact tracing. BSD will provide K-12 staff information regarding participation in the program.

Screening Testing for Students

On September 3, all BSD schools and programs were registered with OHA to participate in screening testing for students. We're hopeful that screening testing will begin the week of September 27, but that's dependent on OHSU’s ability to begin the program that week. 

Screening testing is testing for individuals without symptoms of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19. OHA will offer free screening testing for COVID-19 to all K-12 students and students in our Community Transition Program during the 2021- 2022 academic year.  Pre-Kindergarten students are not eligible to participate in the program. OHSU will be BSD’s regional screening test provider.

All students will have access to participate in screening testing. BSD is not required to verify vaccination status, so we'll make screening available to all BSD students. Participation in the program and all results are confidential; however, positive COVID-19 results must be reported to the local public health authority for case investigation and contact tracing. Parents/guardians will be notified via phone if there's a positive test result and via email regardless of the test result.  Parent/guardian consent is required to participate in the program.

The details of the screening testing process are still being developed by OHSU. Six additional Health Assistants have been allocated to assist with the program's operation. Stay tuned for more details. 

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COVID-19 Testing Consent Forms

Will students be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine to attend in-person learning?

BSD is not requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Students' enrollment will not be impacted by whether or not they receive the vaccine. In specific circumstances, such as determining whether or not an individual needs to quarantine after a COVID-19 exposure, vaccine proof may be requested by the local public health department. Students would then have a choice to provide proof of vaccination or quarantine if proof is not provided.

BSD follows guidance from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) in regards to which vaccinations are required for students to attend our schools and what exemptions are acceptable. At this time, ODE and OHA have not required the COVID-19 vaccine for students, ages 12-17. If that changes in the coming weeks or months, we'll follow state guidance.

Where can my student get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Students ages 12 and up are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you'd like information about where to find a vaccine, visit the state's Find a COVID Vaccine in Oregon website. You also can dial 211 on your phone for more information. 

Will BSD staff be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccination is our most effective tool in building a wall between us and the virus. Per Governor Kate Brown’s recent order, BSD will now require all staff members to provide proof of vaccination; exemptions may be made for eligible medical or religious reasons. The District appreciates the support shown by our two employee associations, the Beaverton Education Association (BEA) and the Oregon School Employee Association (OSEA), for this vaccination requirement.

For those of you who need to be vaccinated, please check the state’s Get Vaccinated Oregon website or call 211 for the nearest vaccination location. According to the governor’s mandate, all employees must receive the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine OR the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine AND be at least 14 days past their final vaccine dose by October 18 or six weeks after the date that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a vaccination, whichever is later. All vaccines are free of charge. 

Will I know if my student's teacher is vaccinated before October 18?

The District will not be releasing the vaccination status of individual staff members.

Will volunteers be required to show proof of vaccination?

Per the governor's order, all volunteers will be required to show proof of vaccination to volunteer in a school, whether inside or outside. 

How can I record my student’s COVID-19 vaccination status?

On your student's Online Verification form (under Immunization Registration), you voluntarily can enter whether your child has received the COVID-19 vaccine. While the vaccine is not required, this information is useful to our school nurses in cases where quarantines are being considered. You'll be asked to provide proof of your COVID-19 vaccine if you choose to include the date(s) in the Immunization Registration section. You can either upload your COVID-19 vaccination card in ParentVUE while completing your online verification or you can take it to your school office. 

If you've already completed the Online Verification process, you can go back at any time and upload the card. Knowing students’ vaccination status will be important when considering possible quarantines.

Will the District be sponsoring any vaccine clinics?

The District is working with community partners to support vaccine clinics. We'll publicize any clinics on ParentSquare and on our social media accounts.

Will all students and staff be required to wear masks at school?

Governor Kate Brown has instructed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to require masks indoors in all K-12 schools for staff, students and visitors, regardless of whether they’re vaccinated or not. The rule applies to individuals ages 5 and older. If using public transportation (including school buses), the rule applies to individuals ages 2 and older. The governor is aligning all Oregon schools with the most recent guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Both recommend mandatory indoor masking in schools because of the recent spread of the delta variant of COVID-19.

Here are some other factors that the Governor considered in her decision:

• The vaccine is not yet approved for children ages 11 and under, meaning we have students in our elementary and middle schools who aren't protected by the COVID-19 vaccine.

• The CDC has indicated that, unlike the alpha variant in May, the highly transmissive delta variant can be spread by vaccinated individuals as well as unvaccinated individuals. Masking combined with social distancing makes spread less likely.

What kinds of masks are acceptable?

The District is following the CDC’s guidance on how to select, wear and clean masks. The district is also providing disposable masks (adult and student sizes) to all schools.

Can a student be exempted from wearing a mask?

Some students may be entitled to accommodations related to Oregon face covering requirements.  Per Oregon Department of Education direction as of September 2021, in order to be entitled to an accommodation, a student must be eligible for either a Section 504 Plan (under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) (under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). An evaluation must be conducted prior to considering a student for eligibility under Section 504 or the IDEA.  

Will masks be required on school buses?

As part of a federal mandate, passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses. Drivers do not need to wear masks if they're the only person on the bus.

What happens if students remove their masks?

Staff will insist that students correctly wear their masks.  Non-compliance and refusal will be reported to the school leadership for further intervention and support.

What should I do if I don’t want my student to wear a mask?

Students should apply to our FLEX Online School as soon as possible. FLEX is designed as a full-year online program. While taught by BSD teachers, the content and delivery are different from neighborhood schools. Students are discouraged from switching back and forth.

Will students be able to remove masks while eating or drinking?

Students will be able to remove masks while eating and drinking.

Will students be able to remove masks during outdoor recess?

Students will not be able to remove masks during outdoor recess.

Will students be able to remove masks during outdoor classes, including outdoor P.E.?

Students will not be able to remove masks during outdoor classes.

Will students be able to remove masks during band?

Students will be able to remove their masks while playing instruments that require use of their mouths (i.e. trumpet). Alternatively, they can opt to wear masks with slits designed for this purpose.

Students who don't play mouthed instruments (i.e. drums) will be required to wear a mask while in band class. 

Will students be able to remove masks during choir class?

No

Will students be able to remove masks during P.E.?

Students participating in certain indoor sports during P.E. where masks may present a strangulation hazard may remove their masks. Otherwise, masks will remain on. 

Students participating in outdoor P.E. classes will be required to wear masks. 

Is it safe to wear a mask in P.E.?

Students won't be doing overly-strenuous activities in P.E. If you have concerns, you should reach out to your student's P.E. teacher to get a better understanding of that teacher's plan.

When else are masks required?

Students and staff must wear masks when engaging in educational activities such as field trips or off-campus classes during regular school hours and when engaging in educational activities indoors but outside of regular school hours. 

Will students be able to take mask breaks?

Teachers can coordinate mask breaks outdoors with at least 6 feet of distancing.

Can students wear face shields instead of masks?

A face shield may be worn instead of a mask if an individual cannot wear a mask for medical reasons. Students must have documentation from their doctors. Masks are preferred over face shields, as they provide better containment of small aerosols that can be produced while talking.

If I’d prefer my student not to attend in-person learning, what options do I have?

Students should apply to our FLEX Online School as soon as possible. FLEX is designed as a full-year online program. While taught by BSD teachers, the content and delivery are different from neighborhood schools. Students are discouraged from switching back and forth.

Is there a cap on the number of students who can be accepted into FLEX Online School?

Currently, there is no cap.

Is there an enrollment deadline for FLEX Online School?

Enrollment for FLEX Online is rolling (no deadline), but please understand that the process to enroll or transfer usually takes three business days. At this time, you still can enroll, but your student will not be assigned to a classroom by the first day of school due to the large volume of applications and the fact that BSD offices and schools will be closed September 4 -7. Thank you for your patience.

How is FLEX Online School different from last year’s Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL)?

Please be aware that FLEX is very different from last year’s CDL. FLEX doesn't try to recreate a typical school schedule in an online format. With CDL, students spent most of the day in Zoom classes. At FLEX, students work at their own pace through the curriculum. At the elementary level, there’s short whole group instruction time daily; on some days, there’s time spent with a teacher in small groups, as well. For K-5 students, it’s critical to have an adult at home (Learning Coach) who can guide students through the curriculum, helping them manage the calendar of assignments and live meetings and encouraging learning and progress. For middle and high school students, there are blocks of time on each A and B day when teachers are available to answer questions and go over homework, giving students flexibility in how and when they complete assignments and opportunities to learn at their own pace. This system can be challenging for students who don’t manage their time well or don't feel comfortable asking their teachers for help or responding to their teachers’ communications. 

Other key points to understand:

• Seniors finishing their requirements graduate from FLEX, not their home school.

• Students enrolling in FLEX are unenrolling from their neighborhood or option school.

Can I switch from FLEX Online School to my neighborhood school later in the year?

FLEX is designed as a full-year online program. The content and sequencing are different from neighborhood schools. However, if students would like to transfer to their neighborhood schools, they’re encouraged to do so at the end of a semester to minimize disruption.

Can I switch from FLEX Online School back to an option school later in the year?

If you had a previous placement at an option school (ACMA, BASE, ISB and Rachel Carson Environmental Science Program) and then switched to FLEX, your option school spot is not saved or guaranteed. Remember, enrollment in our option schools is done by lottery; when a student leaves, that spot is then filled by a student on the waiting list. All our option schools have waiting lists.

Can I switch from FLEX Online School back to SUMMA later in the year?

Yes. Unlike the option schools and programs, SUMMA does not have a waiting list.

Can a student be enrolled in FLEX Online School if the student has an IEP?

FLEX offers special education services in a Resource Room setting. FLEX does not currently have specialized programs. If your child is in a specialized program, FLEX may not be able to provide your student with a free appropriate public education (FAPE). If your student is placed in a specialized program, and you enroll your student in FLEX, your student's IEP team will need to meet to determine if your student's needs can be met with a Resource Room level of support. If your student cannot be served in a Resource Room setting, then the IEP team may determine that your student is not able to attend FLEX.

Will FLEX Online School students have access to free meals?

FLEX students may register online to pick up a free 5-day meal bag. Pick-ups will be on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. at either Beaverton or Westview High Schools. When students register, they’ll be asked to select a location.

Where can I learn more about FLEX Online School?

Check out the FLEX webpage.

Will breakfasts and lunches be free for all students?

Yes. Nothing is required for students to access a free meal. Students can just go to the cafeteria when breakfast or lunch is served and select what they would like to eat.

Please know that students who bring lunches from home do not qualify for free milk; milk is part of the free meals. Milk by itself costs 50¢.

Are free meals available for siblings or other children not enrolled in BSD?

Unfortunately, no. Under the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) that we’ll be running for the school year, we’re unable to provide meals to children who aren’t currently enrolled in a BSD school.

Can students bring lunches from home?

Yes

Will students be able to remove masks while eating or drinking?

Students will be able to remove masks while eating and drinking.

How will breakfasts and lunches be served?

Grab-and-go breakfast will be served by distributing pre-packed food.

At lunch, all items will be individually portioned, but not all items will be wrapped. For example, fruits and vegetables will either be packaged or put in a paper boat for service. The paper boats will be on the service line behind sneeze guards but not wrapped. Students will select the items that they want, touching only the paper boats that they’ll be placing on their trays. Younger students will be helped with this process.   

Nutrition Services may use salad bars but only for packaged items or whole fruit. Serviceware on salad bars will be changed between lunch periods.

How will cafeterias be set up to comply with the recommended distancing?

Students will be spaced to accommodate a minimum of 6 feet of distancing during mealtimes, to the extent possible. However, depending on the school building, that may be difficult; school cafeteria configurations vary greatly. Administrators have the option of using other indoor spaces, like hallways and classrooms, for meal service. In addition, administrators may give students the option of eating outside, depending on the weather. 

If you have specific questions about how your student's mealtime will be handled, reach out to your school directly.

Will students have assigned seats in the cafeteria?

At the elementary level, students will have assigned seats to help with possible contact tracing. Older students will be responsible for remembering where and with whom they ate.

Can I pick my student up for lunch?

As a parent/guardian, you're always able to pick up your child at school. However, keep in mind, lunch periods are short.

Can high school students eat in their cars or leave campus on their own for lunch?

No, students need to remain on campus and eat in areas designated by staff.

Will FLEX students have access to free meals?

FLEX students may register online to pick up a free 5-day meal bag. Pick-ups will be on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. at either Beaverton or Westview High Schools. When students register, they’ll be asked to select a location.

Will students in quarantine have access to free meals?

Due to supply chain and staffing issues, a school may or may not be able to provide free meals to students who are quarantined. If schools are able to provide meals, it would only be for one to two days at a time. Parents/guardians should check with their school principals regarding the situation at their particular schools.

What is the difference between a positive or presumptive COVID-19 case? What constituents close contact?

• Positive (Confirmed) COVID-19 Case: Report of a person with COVID-19 and meeting confirmatory laboratory evidence.
• Presumptive COVID-19 Case: The individual has at least two of the following COVID-19 symptoms: shortness of breath, cough, fever, new loss of smell or taste; has not had a positive COVID-19 viral test; AND had close contact with a confirmed case in the past 14 days.
• Close Contact: Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

What happens if a student is diagnosed with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19?

The student will have to isolate at home for 10 days and is encouraged to seek medical care.

Will students need to quarantine if a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 is reported in school?

If a student comes in contact with another student with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 in a classroom setting, the student does not need to quarantine if they maintained at least 3 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure. 

If a student comes in contact with another student with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 outside of a classroom setting, the student does not need to quarantine if they maintained at least 6 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure.  

If a student comes in contact with an adult with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine if they had maintained at least 6 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure. 

If a student comes in contact with another student or an adult with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine if they're fully vaccinated and at least 14 days beyond completion of the vaccine series at the time of the exposure.

Even so, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend fully vaccinated people who have had a known exposure to someone with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 should be tested 3 to 5 days after exposure, regardless of whether they’ve had symptoms.

School personnel in cooperation with the Washington County Public Health Department will do contact tracing and communicate with affected students and families in a timely manner.

Will students need to quarantine if a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 is reported on the bus?

A school administrator and/or secretary will review the bus route to determine if the student who is positive or presumptive for COVID-19 rides a bus to/from school for more than 15 minutes. If the rider does, the administrator will request a bus video from Transportation of the route. If riders were unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance, any unvaccinated students on the bus will need to quarantine. Students who are vaccinated and are not showing COVID-19 symptoms will not have to quarantine.  

If a student is quarantined because of a positive or presumptive COVID-19 exposure on the bus, will that student's class also have to quarantine?

Only the bus-riding student (unvaccinated, or vaccinated and showing symptoms) would need to quarantine; that's considered to be a primary exposure. The bus-riding student's class would not have to quarantine.

However, in the case of the student who actually is positive or presumptive for COVID-19, that student's classmates would be evaluated to determine close contact (see above) and may be subject to quarantine.

How will parents be notified if a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 is reported at school or on the bus?

School nurses in coordination with the Washington County Public Health Department will identify any close contacts. The principal will then send a letter via ParentSquare to those close contacts, notifying them of the need to quarantine and to be tested for COVID-19. (The COVID-positive student or staff member will not be identified.)

The same procedure will be followed for positive or presumptive cases involving a bus rider. Parents of close contacts will receive a notification letter.

Will the entire school be notified if there is a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 reported?

Yes, as of September 14, the school's principal will send a letter to the entire school community, notifying them of a positive or presumptive case. However, the identity of the impacted student or teacher will not be released.

How long does a student who's identified as a close contact to a positive or presumptive COVID-19 case have to quarantine?

In the event of close contact with a positive or presumptive COVID-19 case, students in most cases will be required to quarantine for up to 10 days unless instructed otherwise by Washington County Public Health Department. In some cases, the Washington County Public Health Department will require students to quarantine for at least 14 days and sometimes longer. 

When a student is required to quarantine, the school will notify them when the quarantine will end. The quarantine start date is based on the last day of contact between the individual and the positive or presumptive case.

If a teacher tests positive for COVID-19, do all of the teacher’s students have to quarantine?

If a school cannot confirm that 6 feet of distancing was consistently maintained during the school day, any unvaccinated students and vaccinated students showing COVID-19 symptoms will have to quarantine.

If a student’s parent/guardian, sibling or immediate family member tests positive for COVID-19 and that student quarantines, will other students who’ve been around that student need to quarantine? 

No. Only unvaccinated students who are in close contact with a positive or presumptive positive case need to quarantine. 

If a student is quarantined because of a positive or presumptive COVID-19 exposure, can the student get a COVID-19 test, test negative and return to school before the quarantine ends?

No.  Per Washington County Public Health Department, a student cannot test out of quarantine. If a student is quarantined, that student will need to stay home for the full length of quarantine.

When can students who tested positive for COVID-19 return to school?

Students can return after 10 days of isolation if their symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for 24 hours.

Will students in quarantine have access to free meals?

Due to supply chain and staffing issues, a school may or may not be able to provide free meals to students who are quarantined. If schools are able to provide meals, it would only be for one to two days at a time. Parents/guardians should check with their school principals regarding the situation at their particular schools.

How will students continue to learn in quarantine?

The health and safety of our students is our number one priority. Students should be monitored for symptoms of COVID-19 while they are in quarantine. Students will have the opportunity to do schoolwork from home if they feel well enough.  They'll have access to online learning resources (e.g. SeeSaw and Canvas) and access to an educator for support. A student's grade cannot be negatively impacted due to time in quarantine. 

Students will be able to be marked present for attendance purposes for each day that they complete online learning tasks and have two-way communication with the assigned educator (e.g. email, phone, Zoom call, etc.). 

The specific details of this program are currently being negotiated with our labor association and will be shared when they're finalized. 

 

Will students be required to maintain at least 6 feet of distance during recess?

To the extent possible, students will be required to maintain at least 6 feet of distance during recess.

Will students be discipline for getting too close?

Our students understand the need for safety protocols. We're confident that through positive reinforcement and reminders, our students will comply with masking and social distancing rules. Students, however, will not be disciplined for inadvertently getting closer than required distances.

Will masks be required?

Students are required to wear masks during outdoor recess.

Will equipment be cleaned after each use?

There will be no touch-point cleaning of playground equipment after use. Students will be encouraged to wash their hands upon re-entering school.

Why is the District not offering a Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) model this year?

The Oregon Department of Education is requiring all school district to offer full-time in-person instruction; that is what we are doing. We do not have the staff to run an additional CDL program. If, at some point, ODE instructs districts to move to remote learning, we will shift to CDL.

Does the District have a Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) plan ready, if needed?

Yes

How many COVID-19 cases will the District need to see before switching from in-person instruction to Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL)?

There is no threshold. We will take direction from the Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Health Authority and Washington County Public Health Department.

If I’d prefer my student not to attend in-person learning, what options do I have?

Students should apply to our FLEX Online School as soon as possible. FLEX is designed as a full-year online program. While taught by BSD teachers, the content and delivery are different from neighborhood schools. Students are discouraged from switching back and forth.

BSD is currently not offering a Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) or Hybrid choice.

To learn more, visit the FLEX Online School webpage.

When is the first day of school?

Pre-Kindergarten (Aloha-Huber, Barnes, Bonny Slope, Fir Grove, Greenway, McKay, McKinley, Vose, William Walker): Monday, September 20 

Preschool Promise (Merlo Station Campus): Monday, September 13

Grades 1-5: Wednesday, September 8

K-8

• Grade 6: Wednesday, September 8
• Grade 7-8: Thursday, September 9

Kindergarten

• Half Class on Friday, September 10

• Half Class on Monday, September 13

Middle School

• Grade 6: Wednesday, September 8

• Grades 7-8: Thursday, September 9

Comprehensive High School

• Grade 9: Wednesday, September 8

• Grades 10-12: Thursday, September 9

ACMA

• New ACMA students: Wednesday, September 8

• All others: Thursday, September 9

BASE & ISB

• Grades 6 & 9: Wednesday, September 8

• All others: Thursday, September 9

Community School: Wednesday, September 8

FLEX Online School 

• New FLEX students, Kindergarten, Grades 6 & 9: Wednesday, September 8

• All others: Thursday, September 9

What time does school start and end?

Early Start Elementary (Barnes, Bethany, Errol Hassell, Fir Grove, Hiteon, Oak Hills, Raleigh Park, Vose West TV): 8 a.m - 2:35 p.m.

Late Start Elementary (All others including Aloha-Huber Park): 8:30 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.

Middle School: 9:15 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.

Cedar Park & Rachel Carson: 9:25 a.m. - 4 p.m.

High School: 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Option Schools (ACMA, BASE, Community School, ISB): 7:30 a.m. - 2:05 p.m.  

FLEX Online School: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

What will the Pre-kindergarten schedule be?

Pre-kindergarten at our nine district sites begins on September 20. The programs run Monday through Thursday with no school on Friday. There are two half-day sessions at each site. 

Programs at Barnes, Fir Grove and Vose

• Morning session: 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
• Afternoon session: 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Programs at Aloha-Huber Park, Bonny Slope, Greenway, McKay, McKinley & William Walker

• Morning session: 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
• Afternoon session: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

What will the Preschool Promise schedule be?

Preschool Promise at Merlo Station Campus: Monday - Thursday, 7:45 a.m.- 2:15 p.m.

Will students be required to socially distance?

In accordance with the recommendations from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), classrooms will be set up to maintain 3 feet of social distancing, to the extent possible. When it's not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least 3 feet, it will be especially important to layer multiple prevention strategies, such as mask wearing and frequent handwashing.

Students are encouraged to exercise at least 6 feet of social distance from other students on the bus, in the cafeteria, in other indoor spaces and on the playground, to the extent possible.

Students are encouraged to exercise at least 6 feet of social distance from adults at all times, to the extent possible.

How is my student's teacher supposed to assist my student if they have to maintain 6 feet of distance?

There may be times when a staff member needs to get closer than 6 feet to assist a student. However, as long as that staff member doesn't spend more than 15 minutes (cumulative total per day), the interaction does not constitute a close contact. In addition, all staff are required to wear masks.

Will middle school students be in cohorts?

In most cases, students will not attend their courses in cohorts. Schools will emphasize face coverings and distancing as strategies to support student health and safety.

Will high school and option students be in cohorts?

Students will not attend their courses in cohorts. Schools will emphasize face coverings and distancing as strategies to support student health and safety.

How will middle and high school students move between classes?

Students will move from one class to another as they have in the past. Schools will emphasize face coverings and distancing as strategies to support student health and safety.

 

Will masks be required on school buses?

As part of a federal mandate, passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses. Drivers do not need to wear masks if they're the only person on the bus.

What about physical distancing on the bus?

Spacing on buses will be dependent on how many students are present during a given ride. There will be no mandatory 3-foot or 6-foot distancing requirement.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recognize that many parents are asking why there are differences between buses and school facilities with respect to distancing. There are important public health distinctions in these environments, and these distinctions require diverse solutions:

• Time spent: While students ride the bus for different amounts of time, generally, these trips are shorter than time spent inside school buildings, making bus rides safer.
• High seat backs act as barrier. Like plexiglass or other dividers, seat backs offer some protection from droplet transmissions.
• Frequent door opening/closing and open windows help fresh air circulate in the buses, which lowers the risk of infection.

What other safety measures will be in place on the bus?

• Hand sanitizer and masks will be available from the driver

• A minimum of four windows per side will be kept open to ensure ample airflow. Roof hatches also may be opened depending upon weather conditions.

• High-touch areas on buses will be disinfected each day between the morning and afternoon routes with EPA-approved products. 

• Buses which have transported a student with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 will be deep cleaned and disinfected prior to returning to service.

Will students have assigned seats on the bus?

At the elementary level, students will have assigned seats to help with possible contact tracing. Older students will be responsible for remembering where and with whom they sat.

Will students be able to ride home on another bus if they have a parent note?

Because of the challenges around contact tracing, students will not be able to ride a bus that's not assigned to them.

Will students need to quarantine if a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 is reported on the bus?

The current exemption rule of 3 feet and mask-wearing does not apply to busing. If there's a positive or presumptive positive case on the bus, all students who are within 6 feet and unvaccinated will have to quarantine. If close contacts cannot be determined, the entire bus cohort may be required to quarantine for the safety of all students. 

Students who are vaccinated and are not showing COVID-19 symptoms will not have to quarantine.  

 

Will contractors, vendors and school-based programs be allowed on district property, including schools, during school and non-school hours?

Before October 18: Contractors, vendors and school-based programs will be allowed on district property, including schools, during school and non-school hours.

Starting October 18: Contractors, vendors and school-based programs will be allowed on district property, including schools, during school and non-school hours.

However, to comply with the governor’s Temporary Administrative Order PH 39-2021, all contractors, vendors and school-based programs will need to verify with the District that their employees or volunteers have been vaccinated. This includes after-school programs and on-site child care programs. The District is currently developing a process for verifying proof of vaccination from contractors, vendors and school-based programs.

A school-based program is defined as “a program serving children or students that takes place at or in school facilities”; the program may have “direct or indirect contact with children or students.” 

Will contractors, vendors and school-based programs employees or volunteers need to wear masks?

Everyone will need to wear masks, both inside and outside school facilities.

How does a contractor, vendor or school-based program employee or volunteer claim a medical exemption for mask wearing?

The District is currently considering a process for accepting a medical exemption for mask wearing.

How is the District addressing proper ventilation for classrooms?

• In early 2021, the district analyzed all HVAC systems in schools and how they performed. All schools have mechanical ventilation which means air is circulated into all occupied spaces within every building. Based on recommendations from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the District is doing at least five air changes per hour (ACH) for all of our classrooms, even the ones without windows. An ACH is the result of a calculation that factors in the amount of outside air being brought into the building and the quality of the filtration happening in the ventilation system. The goal is to continuously replace the air in the building with clean air.
• Additionally, the district replaced all MERV 8 filters with MERV 13 filters in the spring of 2021. The current set of MERV 13 filters will be replaced with new MERV 13 filters around the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.
• The district extended the operation times of all HVAC systems to further purge air before students arrive and after students leave.
• Areas that do not meet the recommended guidance are being addressed as quickly as possible. Other areas may be modified (such as adding air cleaners) at the discretion of district technical experts.

Where can I learn more about the HVAC system at my student's school?

Take a look at this memorandum that provides a summary of HVAC operations and modifications around the district.

Can PTOs or teachers use their own money to purchase classroom air purifiers?

No. The District has analyzed air quality and air changes per hour in all buildings and is meeting recommended guidance from ASHRAE and other resources. 

 

 

Will visitors be allowed on district property, including schools, during school hours?

Visitors will be allowed in a school’s front office for 15 minutes or less during the school day. For example, parents can drop off paperwork in the office or pick up a child.

Visitors will not be allowed at school — either inside or outside — for periods longer than 15 minutes. This includes arrival and dismissal times. All visitors — inside or outside, vaccinated or non-vaccinated — must be masked.

People visiting other district facilities only will be allowed to remain for 15 minutes or less inside or outside a building.

Do visitors have to wear masks?

Visitors must be masked. Unmasked visitors will not be allowed for any length of time.

Will visitors have to provide proof of vaccination?

No

What about parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings or 504 meetings?

Meetings will be conducted virtually or by phone. Meetings will not occur in person at this time.

Will visitors be allowed to have lunch in the cafeteria with students?

No

Will parents/guardians and student be able to attend open houses and welcome events prior to September 8?

Visitors will be allowed to attend open houses and welcome events prior to September 8. All visitors should be masked and practice social distancing between family groups. 

Will parents/guardians be able to walk their students to class on the first day?

Parents/guardians will be allowed to walk their students to the door of the school but will not be allowed to enter the building. If you have a specific need as it relates to your student, feel free to reach out to your school directly.

Will parents/guardians and students be able to attend Back-to-School Nights?

Schools will not be holding in-person Back-to-School Nights or similar events at this time. Schools may choose to hold events virtually.

Will parents/guardians and students be able to attend Fun Runs?

Schools will not be holding Fun Runs at this time.

What about other outdoor events during school hours?

Visitors will not be allowed to attend any outdoor events during school hours.

What about athletic competitions, drama performances or other indoor or outdoor events during non-school hours?

Visitors are required to wear masks at all indoor and outdoor events during non-school hours. Visitors also are encouraged to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between families/groups, to the extent possible. We recognize that social distancing at some athletic competitions may be challenging, so please only attend if you’re comfortable doing so.

How does a visitor claim a medical exemption for mask wearing?

The District is currently considering a process for accepting a medical exemption for mask wearing.

Will volunteers be allowed on district property, including schools, during regular school hours?

Due to limited space and the need for adult volunteers to exercise 6 feet of distance from students, volunteers generally will not be allowed to volunteer on district property, including inside and outside of schools, during school hours. However, the district has approved a limited list of activities that a school principal can allow; it's up to the discretion of the school principal. While a volunteer opportunity may be allowed at one school, another school principal may decide not to allow the volunteer activity because of conditions specific to that school. 

Here's a list of possible volunteer opportunities, pending school principal approval:

All Schools:

• Meal support, including breakfast and lunch
• Free food pantries and food distribution 
• Hearing & vision testing (elementary only)
• Community Transition Program (CTP)
• Dorian photos sessions

District Central Office:

• Clothes for Kids 

The district values the enormous contributions of our thousands of volunteers, we believe that this decision is in the best interest of our students, staff and volunteers in terms of safety. As the year progresses, we will continue to re-evaluate the situation based on the COVID-19 infection trajectory.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of infectious illness, such as flu or COVID-19, should stay home and seek testing and care, regardless of vaccination status.

Before October 18: Volunteers will be allowed to volunteer during school hours in support of the functions mentioned above. There will be no verification of vaccination for any volunteer.  

Starting October 18: Volunteers will be allowed to volunteer during school hours in support of the functions above. However, to comply with the governor’s Temporary Administrative Order PH 39-2021, all volunteers will need to provide proof of vaccination — either by uploading their vaccination card or print-out from the Oregon Health Authority’s Immunization Registry — or submit a form for exemption based on medical or religious reasons.

Will volunteers be allowed on district property, including schools, during non-school hours?

Before October 18: Volunteers will be allowed to volunteer during non-school hours at all levels — elementary, middle and high school. This includes but is not limited to athletic and performing arts practices, performances and competitions. There will be no verification of vaccination for any volunteer.  

Starting October 18: Volunteers will be allowed to volunteer during non-school hours at all levels — elementary, middle and high school. This includes but is not limited to athletic and performing arts practices, performances and competitions. However, to comply with the governor’s Temporary Administrative Order PH 39-2021, all volunteers will need to provide proof of vaccination — either by uploading their vaccination card or print-out from the Oregon Health Authority’s Immunization Registry — or submit a form for exemption based on medical or religious reasons.

How does a volunteer provide proof of vaccination? How does a volunteer apply for a medical or religious vaccination exemption?

Per Governor Kate Brown's recent order, all volunteers — whether inside or outside, whether during the school day or after-school hours — must receive the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine OR the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine AND be at least 14 days past their final vaccine dose, starting October 18.

You must upload your vaccination card or your immunization record. Volunteers who are unable to be vaccinated due to a documented medical condition (including pregnancy) or due to a sincerely held religious belief must submit the required Oregon Health Authority (OHA) form.

To upload your vaccination card or to access an exemption form, log onto your myimpactpage.com account. Go to the "My Profile" tab on the upper right, click on "Additional Information" and then select "Beaverton School District." Scroll to the bottom of the screen to find the COVID-19 Vaccination section. From here, you can upload your vaccination card. If you need an exemption form, click on the "i" icon and download the form. After it's completed, it can be uploaded in this same area.

Once you've uploaded your information, it will be reviewed by District staff; other volunteers will not have access to these documents.

As always, you're required to sign in to the myimpactpage.com timeclock when you arrive at the front office. The office staff will ensure that the vaccination or exemption requirement has been met before you're allowed to begin your volunteer activity.

What qualifies as a medical or religious vaccination exemption?

Under the governor’s Temporary Administrative Order PH 39-2021, a medical exception must be corroborated by a document signed by a medical provider, who is not the individual seeking the exception, certifying that the individual has a physical or mental impairment that limits the individual’s ability to receive a COVID-19 vaccination based on a specified medical diagnosis, and that specifies whether the impairment is temporary in nature or permanent.

A religious exception must be corroborated by a document, on a form prescribed by the Oregon Health Authority, signed by the individual stating that the individual is requesting an exception from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief and include a statement describing the way in which the vaccination requirement conflicts with the religious observance, practice or belief of the individual.

Does the vaccination rule apply to students who volunteer?

Yes, student-volunteers (ages 16 and older) would need to provide proof of vaccination.

Will volunteers need to wear masks?

All volunteers will need to wear masks, both inside and outside school facilities including athletic fields.

How does a volunteer apply for a medical exemption for mask wearing?

The District is currently considering a process for submitting a medical exemption for mask wearing.

Can volunteers go on a school field trip?

If the field trip is during school hours, volunteers will not be allowed to participate. If the school field trip is during non-school hours, volunteers will be allowed to participate.

Can school PTOs, PTCs or other parent-teacher organizations hold evening meetings inside of school buildings?

To allow for proper cleaning by the custodial staff, parent-teacher organizations cannot hold meetings after 6 p.m. inside school buildings at this time. We encourage these groups to meet virtually. They can choose to meet outdoors on school grounds but may not utilize custodial services to set up or break down their meetings.