Mrs. Denia Reese
Superintendent’s Message April 26, 2021
On April 30, 2021, all Catoosa County Public Schools employees who wanted to receive the COVID vaccination will be considered “fully vaccinated.” The CDC considers individuals “fully vaccinated” two weeks after their final shot. Middle school employees received their final shots by April 16th.
Beginning May 3rd, the school system will recommend, but not require masks in hallways and classrooms. Social distancing is not possible in hallways during transitions and in some classrooms. In these situations, masks are highly recommended, but they will not be required.
The school system has discretion about masks in schools; however, we must follow the Department of Education’s COVID-19 Handbook, regarding transportation. Until the CDC relaxes their guidance, MASKS ARE REQUIRED ON SCHOOL BUSES.
The school system also does not have flexibility on quarantines for close contacts. Governor Kemp’s Executive Order 03.14.20.01 remains in place. Per this order, “Close contacts in private and public schools and childcare facilities MUST be quarantined and excluded from the childcare/school setting and all extracurricular activities.” The order recommends a 14-day quarantine period; however, Catoosa County Public Schools is following the relaxed guidelines of 10 days after the most recent exposure.
Superintendent’s Message April 23, 2021
The Georgia Department of Public Health released new guidelines for K-12 schools. The CDC has lifted the recommendation for on-site screenings. This means we no longer need to check students’ temperatures as they enter the buildings. We will implement the new guidelines on Monday, April 26th.
I appreciate our students’ and parents’ cooperation and patience with the guidelines we’ve had to implement this year. I am so thankful that we are ending school on a traditional schedule, and our students will have the opportunity to enjoy fun end-of-the-year activities.
