Dear Knox County Career Center parents, students and staff:
I want to thank you for your continued support of our district, and we are all looking forward to the start of a new school year. We are very proud of the work we do in preparing students of all ages for success. We believe that educating our students is one of the most important jobs in the world, and we take it very seriously.
As we return to school on a regular schedule and in person, we recognize the threat of the COVID-19 virus and the variants to our school community. We will continue our vigilant approach to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff and the community. Our district will work closely with state and local agencies and health departments to promote the health and safety of all students and staff at the Knox County Career Center Schools (KCCC HS, KCCC Preschool and Knox Technical Center).
Anyone desiring to wear a mask while working or attending Knox County Career Center Schools may do so. Masks in schools are “strongly recommended” for anyone who has not been vaccinated. Please note that this is not a mandate at this time. However, we strongly recommend that anyone with a pre-existing health condition wear a mask at all times while at school, even if vaccinated. Parents and essential visitors to KCCC High School and Preschool will be required to wear a mask. Students should have a mask with them at all times. They may be requested to wear one when in office areas where social distancing can not take place.
The CDC requires that masks be worn on all public transportation, including school buses. This requirement is regardless of vaccination status. Please support us in making sure your student(s) are wearing a mask when riding a bus.
Any of these guidelines may be adjusted if and when there are further clarifications from ODH and/or the CDC and KPH. The guidelines for mask-wearing may also change if student attendance rates drop. A mask mandate may be reinstated district-wide if average student attendance rates fall, lack of staff, etc., or if otherwise mandated.
Quarantine rules are still in effect in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3701.23 regarding contagious diseases. Anyone who is deemed to be a close contact to someone else who tests positive for COVID may be quarantined in accordance with recommendations from KPH and/or ODH. That means any student (or adult) not vaccinated and not consistently wearing a mask may not be able to attend school in person while in quarantine status, which could last from 7-14 days.
The student code of conduct will be enforced as usual. There will be no tolerance for anyone harassing another person about whether or not they are wearing or not wearing a mask or whether they are vaccinated or not.
We will continue to utilize many of the health protocols we had in place last year. We are asking that all staff members and students conduct a daily health assessment before coming to school. Each one of us needs to continue to do our part in keeping ourselves and others healthy. One of the best ways is if you are sick, do NOT come to school or work. We will encourage social distancing and washing your hands. Classrooms and lunch tables will be sanitized before each use.
Please continue to monitor our website, your staff/student email and social media for updates.
The Knox Public Health Department will continue to provide vaccination clinics for staff and students throughout the school year. These will be posted on the district website and FB page.
We have important things to learn and accomplish this year. Thank you so much for being a part of the KCCC Schools family!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kathy Greenich
