Enhanced COVID-Safe Practices

For schools with a 5 percent positivity rate over a two week period

UPDATE (2/2/22): Enhanced COVID-safe practices that went into effect on Jan. 19 for all APS schools to help slow the spread of the virus will be relaxed on Feb. 3 except for schools that have reached a 5 percent positivity rate during a two-week period. 

When a school reaches a 3% positivity rate among students and staff during a two-week period, district personnel conduct a site visit and meet with school administration to ensure compliance with current COVID-safe practices and provide recommendations for enhanced mitigation strategies.

When a school reaches a 5% positivity rate among students and staff during a two-week period, additional precautions will be taken to help reduce the spread. These include:

• Outdoor learning when possible
• Wearing properly fitted masks indoors Your Guide to Masks (CDC)
• Wearing masks outdoors in crowded settings and for close-contact activities 
• Students facing one way in classrooms and the cafeteria as much as possible
• Eating outdoors when possible
• Keeping students in cohorts
• Allowing only essential visitors
• Allowing two spectators per student participant at indoor sporting events and other activities
• Prohibiting  large group gatherings, including assemblies
• Staggering transition times and recesses
• Closing drinking fountains (though students can still fill water bottles)
• Restricting locker use
• Students report directly into classes/cohorts upon arriving at school
• Restricting visitors to essential visitors only
• Recess times/spaces staggered to separate classes/cohorts of students for elementary schools.

APS schools are doing everything possible to keep students and staff safe, limit the spread of the virus, minimize disruptions, and continue in-person teaching and learning.

COVID Vaccines & Boosters

APS also has made it easy for students and staff to get the COVID vaccine, including the booster, by allowing our partners to host shot clinics at APS schools and facilities. Vaccines, but not boosters, are available for children ages 5-11. Students 12 and older are eligible for the booster as long as they received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine at least two months ago or the second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine five months ago. COVID Shot Clinics at APS Schools, Facilities

We All Play a Role  

Help us keep students and staff healthy and safe by wearing masks correctly, continuing to social distance, and washing hands often.

Also, please don’t send students to school or school-related activities if they are experiencing COVID symptoms which include: 

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This time of social distancing and enhanced COVID safety measures can be challenging for all. Families are encouraged to stay informed and stay in touch with their child's school.