Prioritizing a healthy in-person learning experience for every
PPS student and educator.
We are excited to welcome our students, families and school staff to a full, five-days a week in-person school year on September 1. As we approach the first day of school, we continue to monitor the local spreadof COVID-19, including the Delta variant, and will implement layers of health protections against COVID-19 across every school building.
PPS’ “Swiss Cheese” Model: Layered Health and Safety Measures Against COVID-19.
Firm on being guided by public health experts, PPS will use a strong
set of layered health and safety measures against COVID-19.
Vaccinations are the most effective way to end the COVID-19 pandemic.
PPS will promote and create access to COVID-19 vaccinations for families, students, staff, and partners this fall.
We will focus our efforts on increasing awareness and confidence that fully vaccinated people are at low risk of symptomatic or severe
infection from COVID-19.
We also recognize that the COVID-19 vaccination is currently approved only for
adults and children over the age of 12 and eagerly await authorization
for children under 12.
All PPS staff (and partner staff) and PreK-12 students will be required to
wear masks when indoors and around people, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks will be required on school buses.
Masks will not be required during outdoor activities; however, anyone
may choose to wear a mask in situations when it is not required.
Masks are not required if an individual is actively eating or drinking, playing an
instrument that requires using the mouth, and in some athletics events
and other instances.
Three (3) feet physical distancing for students and staff will be
maintained to the extent possible.
Our indoor air quality efforts include:
Continuing to introduce fresh outside air into the system.
Exhausting air from indoors to the outdoors.
Cleaning the air that is recirculated indoors with HEPA filters in every
classroom and school buses.
Upgrading central air filters to MERV 13 standards across our schools.
In partnership with the Oregon Health Authority, we plan to offer free COVID-19 screen testing to all PPS students and staff. Screening testing is for individuals without symptoms or exposure to COVID-19.
Children who are exhibiting COVID-19 primary symptoms must
stay home (and families should consult their primary care provider).
We will follow local public health guidance and requirements regarding
COVID-19 isolation and quarantine procedures.
If there is a case, we will follow MESD and Multnomah County Health
Department contact tracing and quarantine procedures.
PPS will continue to implement regular cleaning procedures in all
District facilities. Special attention by custodial staff will be given to high-touch
surfaces throughout the day.
Classroom outbreaks of COVID-19 will result in comprehensive
disinfection of associated areas per local and CDC guidance.
School buses will be cleaned and disinfected daily.
PPS will continue to provide ready access to soap, water and
alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Schools will prioritize handwashing with soap and water after students, educators
and partner staff use the restroom and throughout the day as appropriate.
Our schools serve as learning hubs in our community. PPS will partner with public
health agencies to educate and promote COVID-19 vaccinations and
other health and safety measures to protect against COVID-19.
All staff and partners will have access to COVID-19 health and safety trainings
that provide updated information and clear guidelines to meet the health and
safety expectations set out by the District.
We will have:
A “Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services” Plan, describing our layered mitigation strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19. (OAR 581-022-0105)An updated Communicable Disease
Management Plan, explaining our emergency operation plans in addressing infectious disease during a pandemic.
(OAR 581-022-2220)
Visitors and volunteers will be allowed into school and central office buildings during the 2021-2022 school year. All
visitors and volunteers must sign in and follow PPS health
and safety protocols while on school and central office grounds.
Elementary schools will continue to use classroom cohorts for students to the extent possible.Class cohorting will not be implemented for middle or high schools.Student contact tracing will be completed via attendance for each time a student moves to another class.
