Coronavirus
The health of our children is important to all of us. Battle Ground Public Schools is working closely with Clark County Public Health and the Washington state Department of Health to continue best practices for responding to COVID-19.
COVID safety in schools
The district posts information about cases in schools on a COVID-19 dashboard.
General guidelines and requirements
- Volunteers are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Volunteers must still complete the standard clearance process.
- It is recommended that people with symptoms of an infectious disease stay home and isolate themselves from others for at least five days.
- If someone shows symptoms of an infectious disease while at school, it is recommended that they isolate away from others and be sent home.
- General masking is not mandatory in schools, including in school health rooms as of April 3, 2023.
- Anyone may choose to continue wearing a mask on school grounds. We expect our students and staff to continue to show respect for one another and the many different viewpoints that make up our community.
- Rapid test kits will continue to be available in buildings for use at home.
Parents and guardians should report positive test results to their child’s building(s). Get contact information for each school.
For staff
Staff members are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
According to the Washington state Department of Labor and Industries, employers must keep staff members who have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive out of the workplace for at least five days. Staff members should stay home if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or test positive.
L&I guidance also states that if employees must return within 10 days from becoming sick, they should mask up at work.
What families can do
Clark County Public Health advises that everyday practices to prevent colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses can help protect people against coronaviruses, including COVID-19. The agency recommends people take the following actions to keep themselves healthy:
- Please keep your child home if they are running a fever or experiencing other symptoms of illness. See our health and attendance brochure for more information.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
Talk with your family
Parents, please talk with your children about proper hand washing and hygiene techniques.
Talking With Children during infectious disease outbreaks (PDF) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a good resource for talking with your children about a disease outbreak.
Thank you
Thank you for your support as we work together to keep our students healthy.
FAQ
If you have children or family members with other medical conditions that put them at higher risk for the flu, talk to your healthcare provider about planning specific to your family.
If your child is showing a symptom of COVID-19:
- Please keep your child home.
- If your child tests positive, please report it to their building(s). Get contact information for each school.
Coronavirus information
Clark County Public Health
Novel coronavirus
Novel coronavirus fact sheet
(Spanish) (Russian)
Washington state Department of Health
Requirements for schools
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
About Coronavirus
Parent resources
Talking with children during infectious disease outbreaks (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
When and how to wash your hands (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Masks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend people wear masks to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus in areas of high community transmission
School requirements during the pandemic
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington Department of Health have issued requirements for schools: