According to the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), vaccination is the leading prevention strategy to protect individuals from COVID-19 disease and end the COVID-19 pandemic.  Achieving high levels of COVID-19 vaccination among eligible students, as well as teachers, staff, and household members is critical to help schools safely resume full operations. 

Vaccination benefits not only the individual but also schools and communities by reducing transmission.

The District requests parents/guardians to submit COVID-19 vaccine documentation to the school building nurse to assist with contact tracing efforts. This standard protocol is also used to collect and secure other immunization or health status information from students and complies with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) statutory and regulatory requirements.
To find more information about vaccines as well as local availability please see the Will County Department of Public Health’s Webpage.

According to the CDC, wearing a well-fitting mask consistently and correctly reduces the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Universal indoor mask use is recommended at a high COVID-19 Community Level. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask should be supported in their decision to do so at any COVID-19 Community Level, including low.  At a medium COVID-19 Community Level, people who are immunocompromised or at risk for getting very sick with COVID-19 should talk to their healthcare provider about the need to wear a mask and take other precautions (for example, avoiding high-risk activities). Since wearing masks or respirators can prevent spread of COVID-19, people who have a household or social contact with someone at risk for getting very sick with COVID-19 (for example, a student with a sibling who is at risk) may also choose to wear a mask when the COVID-19 Community Level is medium. 

For more information about masks please visit Types of Masks and Respirators.

It is the top priority of Valley View School District to uphold the health and safety of its school community.  As such, in an effort to proactively prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the District will be offering community resources with information on on-site COVID-19 testing for its students and employees as needed.  Confirmed cases of COVID-19 will be reported to the local health department by the school nurse or designee as required by the Illinois Infectious Disease Reporting requirements issued by IDPH. 

BinaxNOW and iHealth
The District uses BinaxNOW and iHealth, antigen tests that detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 infection for the assessment of onsite symptomatic students and staff.  This testing is voluntary and will only be administered to symptomatic students with parent/guardian consent.  While BinaxNOW and iHealth are the current Testing source the District is utilizing for this purpose, this on-site Testing may expand, and other Testing options may become available to the District or within the community by other local agencies. 

The following bullet points summarize what Valley View has implemented to date, and mirrors the recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE):

Increase outdoor air ventilation.
We recommend staff have the option to open windows where available.

Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and provide acceptable indoor air quality for the current occupancy level for each space.
Our district HVAC team monitors our computerized Building Automation System that includes real-time data related to air quality and ventilation.

Increase total airflow supply to occupied spaces, when possible.
We have made adjustments to the minimum cubic feet per minute (CFM) airflow supplied to individual classrooms that are a part of a variable air volume (VAV) system; this allows for more airflow into the building's spaces.

Disable demand-controlled ventilation controls that reduce air supply based on occupancy or temperature during occupied hours.
We have input constant values that control outside air (OA) intake in place of outside air automatic resets. (For example, 40% constant OA instead of a modulating setpoint based on CO2. We are using higher values than standard to allow more fresh air into the spaces).

Further open minimum outdoor air dampers to reduce or eliminate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) air recirculation.
We have brought our minimum outside air (OA) percentages up as noted above, and we are constantly monitoring and increasing our minimum OA settings as the weather gets warmer and not in jeopardy of freezing out coils and equipment.

Improve central air filtration:
Increase air filtration to as high as possible without significantly diminishing design airflow.
The filter types have a “minimum efficiency reporting value”, or merv, of 8.  In some cases, we are using higher merv filters in areas where the system is designed to handle a thicker, denser filter. (note; higher merv values indicate a denser media that filters smaller particles out of the air).

Check filters to ensure they are within service life and appropriately installed.
Filter changes have been increased from 3 change-outs to at least 4 change-outs annually.

Consider running the HVAC system at maximum outside airflow for two hours before and after the school is occupied.
We are currently starting the building heating or cooling systems earlier than we typically do, as well as utilizing optimal start to help offset large temperature swings.

Inspect and maintain local exhaust ventilation in areas such as restrooms, kitchens, cooking areas, etc.
Ensure through routine life safety inspections.

Use portable high-efficiency particulate air fan/filtration systems to help enhance air cleaning (especially in higher-risk areas, such as the health office).
Negative pressure HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestance) fan units were added to the Nurses and Sick Rooms of all schools.  These units are equivalent to HEPA filtration systems used in hospital settings. 

Consider that ventilation is also important on school buses.
Buses utilize the operable windows, as well as rely on the opening/closing of the door to introduce fresh air and air movement while students ride the bus. Fans are mounted at the driver’s seat, and heating/ventilation is provided on all buses, with air conditioning provided on special needs buses.

As demonstrated above, Valley View has taken significant measures to improve air quality and ventilation in our buildings, to combat the Coronavirus throughout our district. These measures are sanctioned and recommended by IDPH/ISBE published guidelines, and just as important, recommended by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), the gold standard used globally by the mechanical industry.

According to the CDC, practicing appropriate hand hygiene, including the use of alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizer) or handwashing is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The District intends to encourage frequent and proper hand hygiene by implementing the following changes:
Ensuring availability of supplies such as soap and paper towels, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.

1. Alleviating the use of cloth towels.

2. Encouraging the use of handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, as much as possible and when not feasible, utilize hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

3. Requiring that hand hygiene occur upon entry and prior to dismissal from school, after blowing one’s nose, coughing or sneezing; following the use of the restroom; before food preparation; before and after eating; before/after routine care for another person; after contact with anyone that is sick; upon return from the playground/physical education; following the removal of face coverings or other PPE (i.e. gloves).

The District intends to utilize hand sanitizer throughout the day when hand washing is not feasible.  The District intends to take necessary precautions to ensure the safe use of hand sanitizer throughout the day.  In an effort to work collaboratively in this mission to maintain a safe and healthy school environment, the District asks that families immediately notify the building administration of any health or medical concerns (i.e., allergies) that may impact the student’s use of District provided hand sanitizer. Appropriate medical documentation may be required prior to the District considering any parental requests for reasonable accommodations to the District’s hand hygiene practices.  An IEP Team, 504 Plan Team or Health Care Plan Team may meet, as needed, to consider appropriate accommodations. Please know, school staff will only disseminate school-sanctioned hand sanitizer for students’ use, unless otherwise authorized by the Superintendent or designee with consent from the parent/guardian. 

The use of hand sanitizer will primarily be done under adult supervision, especially for younger students.  The Superintendent or designee will monitor the adherence to these practices.  Students found to inappropriately use hand sanitizer will be addressed in accordance with Board policy 7.190 Student Behavior.

The District has implemented several cleaning measures in addition to our normal night cleaning, to ensure our buildings are cleaned and sanitized throughout the day as needed.  Valley View has invested significantly in new cleaning technology, utilizing cleaning products that are safe for students, and safe for the environment.
Cleaning Products and Systems

1. 1. ECOLAB Facilipro Concentrated Foam Hand Soap   

   2. ECOLAB Facilipro Concentrated Foam Hand Sanitizer 

   3. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Gel Hand Sanitizer (64 oz. bottles) 

   4. PathoSans Electro-Chemically Activated Solutions (ECAS):
      - Pathocide Sanitizer/Disinfectant (Hypochlorous Acid Solution)
      - PathoClean Multi-purpose Cleaner (Sodium Hydroxide Solution)
      -    PathoCide® Effectiveness

   5. EMIST Electrostatic Sprayers

Classrooms
Each classroom has a wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispenser near the door, to allow hand sanitizing upon entering and leaving the room. The product is a safe foam hand sanitizer solution.
Each classroom also has a spray bottle with cleaning solution (blue label called “PathoClean”), and another  spray bottle with sanitizer solution (yellow/green  label called “PathoCide”), and a large roll of paper towels located at the teacher’s desk, for everyday classroom usage as needed. Pathoclean is a general cleaner (think Windex or 409)- use when a general clean only is required, such as after a meal, or a non-suspected COVID clean is required. Pathocide is a sanitizer and disinfectant (think Lysol)- use when concerned that germs/virus may be left on a surface, such as after a sick child is taken to the nurse.
Both of these products are chemical-free (unlike the Lysol and Windex/409). You can use either on any surface, depending on the need. The description below comes from the CDC:
“Cleaning” physically removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects by using soap (or detergent) and water. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
“Disinfecting” kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
The night crew is cleaning each weekday night and includes cleaning each desk surface, doorknobs, countertops, handrails, and other frequently touched surfaces. The night crew is prepared to provide deep cleaning and thorough disinfection of an area, or an entire building should that be required due to an outbreak. They will utilize electrostatic sprayers with Pathocide solution for efficient cleaning and allow for an immediate return to school for students and staff. The cleaning staff will utilize all necessary PPE such as N95 masks, gloves, and face shields when sanitizing spaces.

Common Spaces and Public Areas
Large public and common spaces have hand sanitizer dispensers in 64 oz pump bottles located at entrances and key spots. Several common spaces will also have wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensers, such as cafeterias, gyms, and media centers.

Restrooms
The restrooms have wall-mounted soap dispensers along with signage to remind everyone to wash their hands frequently.

Cleaning for Positive Cases
All areas utilized by the COVID-19 positive person will be cleaned/disinfected (bathrooms, common areas, etc.).  In many cases, the disinfecting will commence immediately after the district is informed of the positive case. Additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary if more than 24 hours have elapsed since the COVID-19 positive person visited or used the school.
Staff are encouraged to frequently clean their spaces with the sanitizing products provided by the district.   If a staff member or student exhibits ill symptoms, staff are encouraged to sanitize the spaces utilized by the individual.

• In an effort to ensure the health and safety of our school community, Valley View Community Unit School District 365U continues to seek the support of all of its community members, especially when it comes to symptom monitoring and remaining home when demonstrating COVID-like symptoms.  

• 
  What is Symptom Monitoring?
  Symptom Monitoring requires all parents/guardians to monitor their students for symptoms and to keep students home if they: 

  1. Have received a confirmed diagnosis for coronavirus (COVID-19) by a coronavirus (COVID-19) test or from a diagnosis by a healthcare professional in the past 5 days, or are awaiting test results.

  2. Are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms: Fever (100.4°F or higher), new onset of moderate to severe headache, shortness of breath, new cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, new loss of sense of taste or smell, fatigue from an unknown cause, muscle or body aches from an unknown cause. 

• If your student is COVID positive, they must remain home.  Please report the absence to the school.

• 
  Students who display COVID-like symptoms, including a fever of 100.4 or higher, are encouraged to stay home and follow CDC recommended guidelines.  Students who arrive at school demonstrating COVID-like symptoms will be assessed and may need to be picked up. 

• 
  It is the District’s expectation that parents/guardians will arrive in a timely fashion when contacted by the school due to their student’s display of COVID-like symptoms.  If emergency medical attention is needed, the District may need to utilize an emergency vehicle to transport.
  
  

• Staff Wellness Protocols
  The health and safety of our employees and school community remains our top priority. Valley View School District is committed to providing employees a safe and healthy work environment, to the greatest extent possible. Together we share a responsibility to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community. Information regarding the protocols for staff reporting of COVID-like symptoms and COVID-19 positive illness can be found on the District’s Human Resources page.
  
  

• Student Wellness Protocols
  It is the District’s utmost priority to keep the entire school community safe and healthy.  As such, the District intends to adhere to the recommended guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) with consultation from the Will County Health Department.

• 
  Attendance
  When reporting absences, parents/guardians should report whether the student is absent because of COVID-like symptoms or COVID-19 diagnosis.  Individuals monitoring attendance will be responsible for documenting the reason for absence.  Individuals monitoring attendance will then notify relevant school personnel of the reason for the absence, who will then contact relevant health officials. Prior to a student’s return to school, the parent/guardian must contact the school nurse to confirm the improvement of symptoms and/or that other criteria for return to school have been met. 

• 
  Student Isolation Expectations
  The District intends to adhere to CDC and ISBE/IDPH recommended guidance, with consultation from the Will County Health Department, as it relates to the expectation for a student to remain home due to demonstration of COVID-like symptoms or diagnosis of COVID-19.  

• A student that is confirmed positive with COVID-19 must:

  1. Complete 5 calendar days of isolation from the date of the first symptom or onset, or if asymptomatic, the date of the specimen collection; and

  2. Be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications; and

  3. Be free of vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours; and

  4. Demonstrate that other symptoms have improved.

  5. Should wear well-fitting masks indoors and outdoors days 6-10.  

  6. Return to sports/extracurriculars as long as the student is asymptomatic and can remain masked and physically distanced until day 11. 

• A student who experienced COVID-like symptoms but received an alternative non-COVID-19 diagnosis should:

  1. Meet the criteria for returning to school for the illness with which they were diagnosed.

  2. At a minimum, be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication; and

  3. Have had no diarrhea or vomiting in the previous 24 hours.

  4. Provide a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test result.  Home tests are accepted.  It is recommended by IDPH that serial antigen tests (2 to 3 tests 48 hours apart) be completed if the student is connected to a positive case.

• A student with COVID-like symptoms that did NOT get tested for COVID-19 must:  

  1. Complete 5 calendar days of isolation from the date of the first symptom onset; and

  2. Be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications; and

  3. Have had no diarrhea or vomiting in the previous 24 hours;

  4. Demonstrate that the other symptoms have improved.

  5. Should wear well-fitting masks on days 6-10. 

  6. Return to sports/extracurriculars as long as the student is asymptomatic and can remain masked and physically distanced until day 11. 

• 
  Procedures For Addressing Individuals Who Demonstrate Symptoms
  Any students within the school environment who show symptoms will be escorted to the nurse’s office or other designated space. Antigen testing will be made available and conducted with parental consent. Students being sent home will remain in the nurse’s office or other designated space until their parent/authorized individual picks them up.

• 
  Parents/guardians notified that their student is demonstrating COVID-like symptoms during the school day and are being sent home must pick their student up within a timely manner.  Students will be supervised and monitored by an adult while in the area until a parent/authorized individual arrives. Students demonstrating COVID-like symptoms will not be allowed to utilize school transportation or public transportation for their return trip home. Failure to pick a student up in a reasonable timeframe may lead school administration to call for an emergency vehicle to transport the student to a hospital for monitoring.

• Prior to entrance into a school building/facility, visitors will be expected to self-certify that they:

  1. Have not received a confirmed diagnosis for coronavirus (COVID-19) by a coronavirus (COVID-19) test or from a diagnosis by a healthcare professional in the past 5 days, nor suspect they are COVID-19 positive.

  2. Are not experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms (to include: a fever (100.4 or higher), cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, fatigue, muscle and body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or any other COVID-19 symptoms identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

• Visitors that cannot affirm the above mentioned self-certification requirements will not be permitted entrance into the building/facility.

• 
  Denial of Entrance
  The District maintains the right to deny entrance to or seek the removal from any school building/facility for failure to adhere to the aforementioned health and safety requirements.