West Forsyth High School
Back to School 20-21

Parents, students, and staff should review the Restart Forsyth County Schools 2020-21 website, which includes the Final Guidelines for opening schools on August 6, 2020.  The safety of our students and staff is priority.  Please review the following protocols for the 20-21 school year.    

Masks

• All students and staff are expected to wear a mask when feasible: classrooms, hallways, busses, etc.  Masks are to follow the guidelines set forth in the code of conduct.
  

Hands

• Students and staff will be reminded to wash and sanitize their hands throughout the day.
• Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the building.
• Students and staff are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer from home.

School Logistics

• Class Schedule

• WFHS will operate on a rotating block schedule to reduce student movement throughout the day.

• 1st day of school will be a Blue Day (Periods 1, 3, 5, & 7)
• 2nd day of school will be a Gold Day (Periods 2, 4, 5, & 6)
• 5th period is scheduled daily and will include 50 minutes for instruction and additional time for lunch and a study period.
• We will rotate between Blue and Gold days throughout the year.

• Physical Distancing

• Students will be encouraged and reminded to physically distance at all times while on campus.

• Before School

• Students can use the cafe, courtyard, media center, and upstairs hallway to physically distance.
• When possible, students should consider delaying arrival to school until 8 AM or later.
• Students should begin moving towards their 1st class after the 8:15 AM bell (1st period on Blue Day / 2nd Period on Gold Day).

• Dismissal

• Students leaving campus should report to the car rider line, bus lane, or parking lot as quickly as possible.
• Students participating in afterschool activities should report directly to their designated area.

• Lunch

• Lunch will be served over four 30 minute periods to reduce the number of students at lunch, allowing for increased physical distancing.  
• Students will be able to eat in the café, courtyard, media center, and upstairs hallway.  
• Tables will be spaced out in all eating locations and seating at each table will be limited.
• Students will be required to get their food, find a seat, and to stay in that location for the duration of their lunch period to limit movement and promote physical distancing.  
• Online meal payment in lieu of cash is encouraged.
• Microwaves will not be available for use.
• All foods will be packaged, cupped, or individually wrapped. The only exceptions would be fruits with inedible peels.
• All students will use utensil packages (napkin, fork, and spoon) and disposable trays.
• Condiments will be pre-portioned packs or cupped.  Students will not utilize pumps or bottles.

• Class Transitions

• Non-essential student movement throughout the school day will be limited.
• Students will be released from class one row at a time.
• Students will be required to walk on the right-hand side of the hallways.
• Students should report to their next class as quickly as possible.

• Classrooms

• Based upon classroom configuration and to the extent possible, student desks will face in the same direction, and students seated at tables will sit on the same side or will be positioned to maximize physical distancing.
• Students are encouraged to bring their own technology/devices and to not share school supplies. The sharing of items that are difficult to clean or disinfect will be discouraged.
• Students will be encouraged to sanitize their hands both before and after using technology or other shared tools in classroom settings.

• Parent meetings

• Parent meetings will be held virtually, when possible. This includes Curriculum Night, IEP meetings, 504 meetings, parent/teacher conferences, etc.

• Field Trips / Assemblies

• All field trips and assemblies are postponed until further notice.  Virtual options will be pursued.  

• Visitors

• Non-essential visitors to the school building will be limited. Masks and temperature checks are required for any visitor to our school.

• Athletics/Activities

• Guidance from the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) will be followed.

Cleaning / Sanitizing

• A schedule for increased cleaning and disinfection has been implemented.
• If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, in-depth sanitation of the classroom will take place.
• Traditional water fountains will be closed; water fill stations are available. Students and staff are encouraged to bring water from home.

Health

• The school nurse will be the school’s main COVID-19 point of contact.
• Staff and families are asked to do daily temperature checks prior to leaving for school/work.
• All will be reminded to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and to place the tissue in the trash and immediately wash their hands.
• Periodic health screenings of students and employees may be conducted including random temperature checks if cases of COVID-19 are present.
• Students and employees with COVID-19 symptoms or a temperature of 100.4 and above will be immediately isolated and sent home. School clinics have additional PPE (personal protective equipment).
• If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the Department of Public Health will be notified immediately for guidance on the next steps, including closures. Letters will be sent home to notify parents/guardians of positive COVID-19 cases in the classroom.
• All students and staff must stay home if they have COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19, and self-report to the school nurse. The Department of Public Health will advise them when to return.
• The Department of Public Health will inform parents/guardians directly if their student has been in close contact with a person that has tested positive COVID-19 and will advise them how long to quarantine.
• Quarantined students will have access to their education through itslearning; WFHS will not have perfect attendance awards or programs for the school year.