(Post published 02/08/2022)
Dear parents,
We have been following the developments in COVID-19 pandemic and have updated and clarified our policies and procedures as outlined below.
COVID-19 exposure screening
Families arriving at ISSA will answer a questionnaire about whether their child has been exposed to anyone which COVID-19 or if they are experiencing systems. Children with COVID-19 exposure or who are experiencing symptoms will not be able to come to school. Children with fevers and other respiratory symptoms will not be allowed to come back to school until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours. Teachers will also stay home if they have a fever or any other illness.
Vaccinations
We strongly encourage everyone in our community who is eligible to receive the vaccine. Staff are given additional PTO for their vaccination appointments. The vast majority of our staff is vaccinated.
Testing
Weekly testing is mandatory for all unvaccinated staff and regular testing is encouraged for all staff. The International School of San Antonio has its own supply of rapid antigen tests. Staff and families may request to use one of our tests if they are experiencing symptoms.
Small groups
Compared to other schools and child care centers, we are very small. This means that we have lower risk than programs that are much larger.
Handwashing and sanitizing
We will follow the handwashing, disinfecting, and general guidance for childcare for COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Measures include disinfecting frequently touched surfaces regularly throughout the day. Our playground facilities include a bathroom with a sink. Students will always have access to a handwashing sink and hand sanitizer.
Face masks
Staff, parents and children older than 6 years old must wear face masks while at ISSA. Wearing masks for children 6 years old and younger is optional.
Positive COVID-19 Cases
If a student of staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they will be required to stay home for at least 5 days. They can end isolation if they are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and their symptoms are improving. Students will be required to wear a well-fitted mask for 10 full days when they are around others. ISSA teachers are required to mask at all times.
We are required to report COVID-19 cases in children or staff to Texas Health and Human Services as well as to our local health authority. Parents will also be notified if there is a positive case in our staff or students.
Exposure notifications
We will notify parents when a student or staff member has had a primary exposure. A primary exposure is defined as spending 15 minutes consecutively or over a 24-hour period, within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
If an unvaccinated student or faculty member is exposed to COVID, they will be required to stay home for 5 days, get tested on day 5 and, if negative, continue to wear a well-fitted mask for another 5 full days when around others.
In accordance with guidance from the CDC, a vaccinated person who is exposed to the coronavirus would not need to quarantine but should continue to mask indoors for 10 days and be tested at least 5 days after the exposure.
ISSA reserves the right to change the COVID-19 response policy at any time.
