It’s hard to believe we have less than 3 weeks of school left!  It’s been quite a year with the Omicron variants and now, with your help, we’re navigating another COVID surge as the school year ends.

All schools have a supply of rapid antigen test kits.  Please pick one up from the school office or make arrangements to obtain one if needed.

NUSD is seeing an increase in cases in both students and staff.  Marin Public Health updated their guidelines earlier this month in response to high community transmission.

Those updated guidelines include:

• If an exposed student or staff is symptomatic and tests negative, it is recommended that they remain at home and test for COVID-19 with an antigen test on day 3 after the start of symptoms OR immediately seek PCR testing.
• • • Once a negative COVID-19 antigen test on day 3 after symptoms or a negative PCR result is received, the student/staff may return to school/work if without fever for 24 hrs. and symptoms have significantly improved.
• Recommendation that exposed individuals mask for 10 days from exposure.
• Recommendation to wear a mask at school while indoors.
• Out of state or international travel: Test on Day 5 after returning home. Staff are advised to follow CDC travel guidance, which includes quarantine of persons who are not up to date on their COVID vaccinations.

If you’re feeling ill, please stay home, take care of yourself, and get tested.

Here is a link to the Isolation, Quarantine, and Travel Guidance that was updated on May 23, 2022, for your information.

Please feel free to reach out to your principal or supervisor with any questions.  We’re also happy to answer any questions. 12 school days and counting!

Thank you.

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Leslie Benjamin

Director, Communications &

Community Engagement

Marin Public Health updated the Isolation and Quarantine Guidance yesterday and it now contains this notice:

COVID-19 community transmission is high (case rate > 200/100,000); Marin County Public Health recommends wearing a mask at schools indoors.  Wear the most protective mask that fits well and will be worn consistently. Properly fitted respirators (e.g., KN95 or N95) provide the highest level of protection. Face masks are not required outdoors as the risk of transmission is low in most outdoor settings.

NUSD recommends following Marin County Public Health’s recommendation on wearing a mask indoors at schools.

Thank you.

Jan La Torre-Derby

Superintendent

Leslie Benjamin

Director, Communications

& Community Engagement

NUSD has been fortunate to receive another shipment of COVID rapid antigen tests thanks to the Marin Office of Education and the state of California.

To follow up on Marin Public Health’s announcement last week that COVID transmission in Marin County is high, NUSD schools will be distributing COVID rapid antigen tests to all students and staff this week.

Please use these test kits for close contact or symptomatic situations.  There is no requirement to use the kit now (unless needed of course).

However, when the test is used, please report the result on Primary.Health.  Reporting the results on Primary.Health helps us continue to receive free test kits.

Already registered?

https://my.primary.health/appointment_recoveries

To register for Primary.Health:

https://my.primary.health/l/novatounified

If you have any questions, please contact your school office manager or principal.

Thank you.

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Leslie Benjamin

Director, Communications &

Community Engagement

C OV I D – 19 C OMMU NI T Y T R ANS MI S S I ON I N MAR I N C OU NTY I S HI GH

Dear Marin County school community:

Marin County Public Health is monitoring a significant increase in school-related COVID-19 cases, including multiple outbreaks related to post-Spring Break exposures and attendance at indoor events and gatherings without masks.

End-of-year school events and gatherings, including proms and graduation ceremonies, are significant and important life events for students and their families and friends. But attending a large event or gathering (> 50 persons), especially indoors and unmasked, increases the risk of COVID-19 exposure. When COVID-19 community transmission levels are high, there is a 50% chance that at least 1 COVID-19 positive individual will be present at the event.

Marin County Public Health recommends the following personal protective measures to decrease the risk of COVID-19 exposure and outbreaks.

• Students and staff should complete a same-day, rapid antigen COVID-19 test prior to attending a large indoor event or gathering. If they test positive (regardless of symptoms), they should stay home and isolate.
• Students and staff who attend a large indoor event or gathering should monitor for symptoms and test for COVID-19 5 days after the event or sooner if they develop
  • They should limit their contact with and wear a mask around persons who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness until they test negative 5 days after attending the event.
• All eligible students and staff should get vaccinated and boosted (if eligible) before attending a higher risk event or gathering.
  • Parents / guardians should consider getting a 2^nd booster for adolescents 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
  • Household members who are over 50 years old and immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness should get a 2^nd booster.

Additionally, Marin County Public Health advises schools and event organizers that are hosting large indoor events and gatherings (> 50 persons) to consider:

• Requiring proof of a negative same-day antigen test to attend
• Requiring vaccine verification to attend
• Requiring masks indoors

Thank you for your ongoing support in creating safer environments where students thrive.

Sincerely,

Matt Willis, MD, MPH                                                                                     Lisa M. Santora, MD, MPH

Health Officer                                                                                                Deputy Public Health Officer

This week NUSD is seeing an increase in COVID positive cases across our district, and we’d like to share a couple of reminders:

• If your child has been exposed or considered a close contact to a COVID positive person either at school or in the community, please have them wear a mask for 5 days in public and at school until a negative test result is received.
• Test your child if they become symptomatic. Rapid antigen tests are readily available at all NUSD schools.
• If your child tests positive, isolate for 5 days, a negative test on Day 5 is required to return to school on Day 6 or later if symptoms are resolving and without fever for 24 hours (without the use of medication).
• NUSD is seeing that children that are exposed are testing positive 3-5 days after becoming symptomatic.

• Positive person: Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 with either an antigen or PCR test within the past 10 days.
• Infectious period: 48 hours prior to and including the day symptoms began and 5-10 subsequent days. If the positive person has no symptoms, the infectious period is 48 hours prior to and including the day that the positive test was taken and 5-10 days afterwards.
• Close Contact: Anyone who has shared indoor airspace for a duration of 15 minutes or more.
• High Risk Exposures: Certain exposures may be deemed higher risk for transmission, such as, in a household with longer periods of exposure, or while performing unmasked activities with increased exertion and/or voice projection or during prolonged close face-face contact (e, g., during contact sports like wrestling, during indoor group singing, during crowded events where cheering occurs like games, concerts or rallies, particularly if indoors). In such cases, exposed persons should be extra vigilant in undertaking recommended mitigation measures.

More information can be found in the Marin County Public Health and Marin County Office of Education Isolation, Quarantine, and Travel Guidance for TK-12 Schools can be found here.

We appreciate your help in keeping our schools safe for everyone.

Respectfully,

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D., Superintendent

Leslie Benjamin, Director, Communications  & Community Engagement

As we head into Spring Break and then into the remaining weeks of the 2021-2022 school year, we want to thank everyone for their cooperation and patience as we returned to full in-person school this year, navigated the Delta and Omicron variants, and shifted from required masking to masks being strongly recommended and a choice.

We want to let you know of the final Marin County Public Health webinar for Parents and Guardians (unless the need arises).  This webinar will take place on Monday, April 11, 6-7 pm.

The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83721748772?pwd=KzRpMG5LNlQ2U243Njd3a2xJbklIUT09#success

Webinar ID:  837 2174 8772, Passcode:  704122, Dial In:  (408) 638-0968

On March 24, 2022, Marin County Public Health and the Marin Office of Education issued the Marin County SMARTER Schools Plan which can be found here to prepare Marin Schools for the next phase of the COVID-19 response.

Thank you and have a safe spring break.

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D., Superintendent

Leslie Benjamin, Director, Communications  & Community Engagement

Tomorrow, we welcome our staff and students to our school campuses under new guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Marin Public Health.  Masks, or face coverings, are now strongly recommended indoors, but no longer required regardless of vaccination status.

We appreciate and acknowledge that the state lifting the mask requirement may cause anxiety for some people, especially those who are at higher risk for COVID or live with someone who is at higher risk. While mask wearing is strongly recommended by the state, it is an option for every student or staff member who wishes to wear one, or not wear one, at any time.

We realize that all families have different circumstances and therefore differing levels of comfort regarding mask usage.  Respect will be honored for all choices and comfort levels.

• The state is providing personal choice for masking in schools with the expectation that individual choices are respected.
• One should not make assumptions regarding someone’s beliefs or health status based upon their choice to wear or not wear a mask, nor should they comment on them.
• If your student(s) expresses any anxiety, feel free to reach out to our school counselors for additional support as needed.

With this change in masking guidance, CDPH and Marin Public Health has reinstated the practice of sending exposure notifications to families and updated exposure guidance:

Notifications:

• Elementary Schools – Classroom/Group Notifications
• Secondary Schools – Secondary schools will continue to identify and notify known or high-risk close contacts. We ask families to partner with us in identifying students in high-risk activities who are close contacts, i.e., carpools, lunch time, etc.
• NUSD Staff – Notifications are met through AB 685 notices.

Exposures:

• Students and staff should stay home when sick.
• Students who are exposed to a positive person can remain in school and monitor symptoms for 14 days. It is strongly recommended they wear a mask for at least 5 days and test on Day 5 after exposure or if symptomatic (unless they had a COVID infection in the past 90 days).
• Staff who are exposed to a positive person should wear a mask or face covering for 10 days, especially in indoor settings, per Cal/OSHA, and test on Day 5.
• Students and staff are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test if exhibiting symptoms and/or if they have a known exposure to COVID-19. NUSD has test kits available if needed.

*March 12, 2022, CDPH Group-Tracing Approach to Students Exposed to COVID-19 in a K-12 Setting

We will continue following the plan we are all familiar with – monitoring symptoms, testing, high-quality ventilation systems, etc. – with a great deal of focus on personal responsibility and respect.

I truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we take every step to preserve the health of our students and staff while keeping our community as safe and healthy as possible.

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Leslie Benjamin

Director, Communications

& Community Engagement

Over the last school year, NUSD has followed California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Marin Public Health guidance and mandates to allow for full in-person instruction in the safest way possible. At no point in time have we created stricter guidance than our county and state, nor have we gone outside of the guidelines and requirements to implement our own less-strict district policies.

This morning Governor Newsom announced that with declining case rates and hospitalizations across the west, California, Oregon and Washington are moving together to update their masking guidance. After 11:59 p.m. on March 11, California, Oregon and Washington will adopt new indoor mask policies and move from mask requirements to mask recommendations in schools. In California, starting March 1, masks will no longer be required for unvaccinated individuals, but will be strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. CDPH will be updating K-12 Schools Guidance to reflect that after 11:59 p.m. on March 11, 2022, students and staff members in K-12 settings will be strongly recommended, not required to mask while indoors.

Please note that this change to statewide guidelines does not take effect until after 11:59 p.m. on March 11, 2022, effectively, Saturday, March 12. Masking is still required by all while indoors on school grounds until that date.

According to CDPH, in California, masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities.

We appreciate and acknowledge that the state lifting the mask requirement may cause anxiety for some people, especially those who are at higher risk for COVID or live with someone who is at higher risk. Please note that mask wearing is still strongly recommended by the state and is an option for every student or staff member who wishes to wear one at any time.

We also appreciate and recognize that others who do not support masking in schools will continue to share their opinion that masking should end immediately. As stated above, our decision to adhere strictly to state guidelines – not more, not less – has enabled us to continue in-person learning while weathering the COVID-19 storm. We are aware other districts in California have passed resolutions to not enforce state masking mandates, however our district will continue to follow the guidance as stated.

Thanks to the commitment and resilience of our NUSD community doing our part, we now have the tools to turn the page and begin a new chapter. Throughout the pandemic, we have displayed resilience and found common ground. Because of this, we are where we are today – in a place where we are able to more safely enjoy the things we love. As we begin to transition from pandemic response into a new chapter where we can use more routine disease control tactics, we will not only be ready for if and when something changes, but we have built stronger and more flexible systems for the future.

This new chapter is focused on continuing the mitigation strategies we are all familiar with – monitoring symptoms, testing, high-quality ventilation systems, etc. – with a great deal of focus on personal responsibility and respect.

Respecting Personal Choice

• The state is providing personal choice for masking in schools with the expectation that individual choices are respected.
• One should not make assumptions regarding someone’s beliefs or health status based upon their choice to wear or not wear a mask, nor should they comment on them.
• If your child(ren) expresses any anxiety, feel free to reach out to our school counselors for additional support as needed.

Responsibility

• Students and staff should continue to remain home when sick.
• Students and staff are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test if exhibiting symptoms and/or if they have a known exposure to COVID-19. NUSD has test kits available if needed.

Thank you for your collaboration as we continue to navigate what is hopefully, the move toward an endemic state. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we take every step to preserve the health of our students and staff while keeping our community as safe and healthy as possible. Please have a safe and healthy week ahead.

Sincerely,

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Leslie Benjamin

Director, Communications

& Community Engagement

Yesterday, California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly provided a statewide update on the progress of combating COVID-19 and introduced the state’s pathway for relaxing school masking mandates. On Feb. 28, the state will announce the timeline to lift the school masking mandate, as long as COVID-19 health metrics continue to improve.

As COVID-19 cases are rapidly declining in our state, Dr. Ghaly stated, “Masking requirements will expire as conditions improve. Masks are not intended to be in place in perpetuity. The question is when, not if.” As of today, there is, “no change to the CDPH school masking requirement,” but, “on February 28, 2022, CDPH will reassess data/conditions for a future change to the statewide school masking requirement.”

Although the statewide indoor masking mandate lifts on February 15 for vaccinated individuals, the current statewide mandate requiring masking in schools for students and educators will remain in place.

NUSD will continue to follow all other CDPH mitigation strategies such as frequent handwashing, improving indoor ventilation, monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms, etc.

Outdoor Masking:  Marin Public Health’s guidelines for outdoor masking includes “consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.” (#24 in the 32-Point Marin County School Guidelines)  As such, students and staff have the option to wear a mask outdoors.

We understand that staff, families, and students may have differing opinions and questions about the CDPH COVID-19 safety requirements and measures, including California’s state masking requirement for schools. People may disagree about the methods schools are required to follow, but I hope we can all agree that keeping our schools safe and open is what is best for our students.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Respectfully,

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D

Superintendent

Leslie Benjamin

Director, Communications & Community Engagement

Yesterday, Marin Public Health shared a letter with the Marin school community that they are seeing a downward trend in case rates, including cases among students and staff, and that their assessment is that the crest of the Omicron wave is behind us. Our NUSD data reflects this downward trend as well. You can find that letter here.

Protocol Updates

Effective today, January 25, Marin Public Health has issued relaxed guidance and harm-reduction strategies that align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH).  These recommendations address outdoor masking and spectators at mega-events.  They have also strengthened their recommendation for all persons in the school setting to wear the most protective mask that fits well and be worn consistently.

These updates address #18 Large Gatherings, #24 Face Coverings, and #31 School Related Youth Activities of the Marin County School Guidelines which you can find here.  The updated sections are below:

18. Applicable: Large gatherings (i.e., school assemblies) are allowed indoors and outdoors. Participants and attendees must follow current CDPH Guidance for Face Coverings. For indoor mega-events with 500 or more people, schools and event operators using school facilities must follow CDPH requirements for mega-events. Attendees must verify fully vaccinated status or pre-entry negative test result is required of all attendees. Testing must be conducted within one day for an antigen test and within two days for a PCR test prior to entry into an event. Attendees cannot self-attest to verify vaccination status or a negative test result.
19. Updated: All staff as well as all students are required to wear face coverings indoors, unless there is a medical or behavioral contraindication or exemption. Staff, students, and visitors should wear the most protective mask that fits well and will be worn consistently. Properly fitted respirators (e.g., KN95 or N95) provide the highest level of protection. Double masking with a cloth face covering worn over a surgical mask also offers enhanced protection. Students from grades TK – 2 should be supported and taught how to wear them properly. Staff and students should follow CDPH face covering guidance. They should consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
20. Updated: Other School related youth activities (i.e., student transportation, sports, music, drama, after school care, etc.) will follow updated CDPH and Marin County Public Health guidance, includes CDPH requirements for mega-events. Spectators will be able to attend all indoor events. Marin County Public Health encourages all spectators to get vaccinated or boosted (if eligible).

Public Health Updates

Monday, February 7, 2022 – 6 pm:  Parents and Guardians

A public health update for Parents and Guardians is scheduled for Monday, February 7, 2022, 6-7 pm with a question and answer to follow. Please submit questions to:  rapidresponse@marinschools.org.

Zoom Link  Webinar ID: 834 8966 2839, Passcode: 571127, Dial In: 408-638-0968

Spanish Translation available

Wednesday, February 9, 2022:  School Community

A public health update for the School Community is scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 3-4 pm with a question and answer to follow. Please submit questions to:  rapidresponse@marinschools.org.

Zoom Link  Webinar ID: 812 9212 8992, Passcode: 010145, Dial In: 408-638-0968    Spanish Translation available

Marin Public Health webinars are recorded and posted within 24 hours. The recordings and presentation slides can be found here if you miss them on the Rethinking Schools Website.

Isolation & Quarantine Guidance

While the guidance has not changed for individuals in our schools who test positive for COVID, the graphic below helps illustrate the protocols for students or staff who test positive, and when and how they can return to school or work. You can find the latest Isolation & Quarantine Guidance from Marin Public Health here. 

Student Vaccination Rates

As a reminder, please inform your child’s school if there’s a change in their vaccination status.  Below are ‘Covid’ emails to help facilitate this information and have been established so families can easily take a photo of the vaccination card and email to applicable school.  Below are the email addresses for NUSD schools:

CovidHamilton@nusd.org
CovidLomaVerde@nusd.org
CovidLuSutton@nusd.org

CovidLynwood@nusd.org

CovidOlive@nusd.org

CovidPleasantValley@nusd.org

CovidRancho@nusd.org

CovidSanRamon@nusd.org

CovidSanJose@nusd.org

CovidSinaloa@nusd.org

CovidNovatoHigh@nusd.org

CovidSanMarin@nusd.org

CovidMarinOaks@nusd.org

CovidNova@nusd.org

Novato Charter:  jhealy@nusd.org

These are confidential email addresses that can only be access by the school staff.

*If you have already submitted your child’s status, you do not need to submit it again. The school will follow up if needed.*

**These email addresses can also be used to send in a photo of a student’s results from a rapid antigen test or PCR test.**

You can find NUSD Vaccination Rates here. It’s updated monthly near the end of the month.

Reminder:  Please Do Not Send Children to School If They’re Not Feeling Well

Below is a list of common COVID-19 symptoms that usually start 2 to 14 days after a person is exposed to the virus.

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste and/or smell
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea

If your child is symptomatic, please keep them at home until you have the results of a PCR or rapid antigen test.  If you need a rapid antigen test, please let the principal or office manager at your child’s school know as they do have a supply on hand for symptomatic individuals. Rapid antigen tests are also available www.CovidTests.gov.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership to keep schools open and to create safer environments for our students and staff.

Respectfully,

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D

Superintendent

Leslie Benjamin

Director, Communications & Community Engagement