COVID-19 protocols

Our COVID-19 protocols follows CDC guidance and is outlined below:

Masking will be optional, except in the following situations:

• Anyone who tests positive must wear a well-fitting mask at all times when returning to school on days 6-10. Anyone who is unable to mask must stay home the full 10 days from positive test or symptom onset.
• 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. Testing should occur immediately if symptoms develop, or 5 days after last exposure (day 6).
• Masking is required in our School Based Health Centers.
• PPS will consider employing universal masking as recommended by the CDC as a mitigation strategy if we experience high COVID-19 community levels. 

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, must stay home and isolate for at least 5 days. Testing is not required to return. You must wear a well-fitting mask at all times you are around other people (except when eating) through day 10. Contact your school nurse if you test positive to determine your return date.

There will be no distancing or cohorting restrictions and we will not be contact tracing.

We will welcome visitors and volunteers in our buildings but they will be expected to follow the guidance in this document.

Staff will continue to promote strong hand and respiratory hygiene. Practice hand washing at home with young children. Custodial staff will continue frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces.

We have invested in upgrades to our ventilation systems and continue to expand our outdoor learning strategies.

The district will no longer be sending daily symptom check reminders, but staff and students should stay home if they are not feeling well and/or have symptoms of COVID-19. Please call your school nurse if you are unsure if you or your child should come to school.

Check here for COVID-19 testing sites. You can order free at home tests here and/or here. School nurses will have rapid testing available for students who develop symptoms while at school, but please do not come to school sick to be tested. The district will no longer provide weekly reports or classroom notifications of positive cases. 

Middle and high school athletes will continue to need a medical clearance from their healthcare provider to return to play after testing positive for COVID-19. Please contact your school nurse if your child does not have a healthcare provider and we will help you find one. Players and families are responsible for providing their coaches with “return to play” documentation from their healthcare provider.  

All staff and students are strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster if you are eligible. Talk to your healthcare provider about all recommended vaccines and keep up to date on all vaccinations to keep you and those around you healthy. Check here to find a COVID-19 vaccine site near you. Covid-19 vaccines are also available through our School Based Health Centers at King Middle School and Deering, Portland and Casco Bay High School. Students should contact the school nurse at those schools to make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.