A Message from the Anser Community Board AD Hoc Communications Committee
October FAQ’s
On behalf of the Covid Response Team (CRT+) we want to thank those who were able to join the office hours with the CRT and Anser Directors on October 11. This proved to be an excellent way to answer questions from the parent community and to have discussions about Covid related protocols and communication within our school.
The CRT will continue to hold office hours for the parent community monthly. Mark your calendars for WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 10, 6:30-7:30PM for the next conversation with the CRT. A Zoom link and form for parents to ask questions in advance will be sent out in the flight plan on November 4th.
As we execute this school year navigating Covid protocols and in-person learning, we would like to continue to provide transparency and information in the following ways:
Answer frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) via monthly written communication
Hold monthly office hours with the CRT to address questions related to the Rapid Response Plan (RRP)
Clearly outline expectations and purpose when we anticipate changes in our protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How does Anser ensure that classroom environments are safe and following the protocols outlined in our Responsive Return Plan (RRP)?
Answer: Every staff member has a role to play in ensuring that protocols are implemented effectively. The protocols are reviewed regularly with staff, and Crew Leaders have set classroom norms with students to support understanding.
All staff are empowered to address appropriate mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing among students both in and out of the classroom.
The co-directors perform monthly Classroom Mitigation Audits, where they visit classrooms to observe that all layered mitigation strategies are in place, that mask use is consistent and that the classroom is set up to reduce the risk of transmission. In the event that areas for improvement are identified during these audits, the co-directors work with Crew Leaders to implement the strategies more effectively. Based on the first audits of the school year, mitigation strategies are being implemented with a great degree of success. If concerns arise between audits, the Staff Crew work together to quickly develop solutions.
Question: What evidence does the CRT+ consider when making revisions to our RRP?
Answer: The RRP has been carefully written, revised, and adopted by the Board of Directors to serve as the foundation that guides Anser’s pandemic protocols. This is a living document. As new information, research, and/or recommendations are made by the health experts cited (or by local public health officials) the Anser Board of Directors may adopt revisions presented by the CRT+.
As a public school, Anser has an obligation to base its plans on the guidance developed by entities entrusted with the health and safety of school children and personnel.
Anser’s protocols have been, and will continue to be, based upon recommendations from entities including but not limited to:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Central District Health (CDH)
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
The State Board of Education
The CRT also evaluates new studies or research on Covid in children, published by long-standing, trusted institutions that rely on a peer-review process to confirm the use of scientifically defensible research methods and valid interpretations of the data.
Primary data that has and will continue to guide decision making of the CRT include but are not limited to:
o Levels of transmission within the school
o Ability to offer continued operations with adequate staffing
o Weekly case rates of Covid-19 in Ada County
o Test positivity rates
o Levels of hospitalization
NOTE: From July 2020 through September 2021, Anser’s directors had weekly calls with the CDH held specifically for advising Idaho school administrators. As of October, these meetings continue to take place bi-monthly. Information from those calls are shared with the CRT+.
Question: When will my student be able to stop wearing a mask at school?
Answer: Research and guidance provided by the entities outlined above supports that the best defense against spread of covid in our school community is through layered mitigation strategies (more than one!).
These include but are not limited to:
Masking: universal masking for all people indoors and outdoors in high-density situations. Optional masking outdoors in low density situations
Physical distancing: Cohorting by Crew, desk spacing within classrooms, minimizing indoor overlap of Crews, staggered lunch times or lunch service area to support physical distancing
Handwashing regularly throughout the day
Sanitizing all high touch surfaces daily
Ventilation and air purification maximized throughout the building
Learning outdoors maximized whenever possible
Minimizing visitors and volunteers: All persons who enter the building are screened for Covid-19 symptoms and are required to wear a mask at all times on campus and off campus at field work when in a high density setting.
These layered mitigation defenses will remain in place while our greater community spread is high, even if spread within our school proves to be low. When Covid-19 transmission in our greater community is reduced, masking and other mitigation layers will be reconsidered.
