Griffith Centers is committed to maintaining learning environments that are as normal as possible this school year. In conjunction with public health, we will review and make adjustments to guidance as needed based on:
- Current COVID 19 data
- Risk of transmission and levels of community spread
- Implementation and compliance of mitigation and prevention strategies
- Any information related to the health and safety of students, staff, and the community.
In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services
Quality instruction and a commitment to equity for ALL students continue as the core of the success of our educational programs. The instructional plan for the 2020-21 school year includes details for four models:
- In-person learning: This model includes all students returning to school in-person 5 days per week with modifications to the learning environment. Schools will adjust schedules and procedures to allow for social distancing, student cohorts and regular sanitization protocols, per CDC and Health Department recommendations.
- Hybrid learning: This model would be implemented if necessary due to stricter social distancing requirements, such as rotating out day treatment and residential students throughout the day. Our residential students will start school in the morning and our day treatment students will have classes in the evening.
- Remote learning: This model would be implemented when the school needs to close for our day treatment students due to health and safety reasons, requiring day treatment students to learn remotely.
Social, emotional, mental, and other needs
A strong emphasis has been placed on supporting students’ social and emotional wellness upon returning to in-person learning.
- District-wide Needs Assessment aimed to support and respond to the resource, mental health, and social-emotional needs of our students, residents, and families.
- Regular tier-one weekly instruction in all Griffith Centers buildings
- Emphasis on community building through daily morning meetings
- Regular data analysis by the district SEL/Mental Health team of trends and patterns of behavior and mental health needs in order to further support buildings on an ongoing basis
- Provide families with information and skills to help navigate the unique pathways of youth development with confidence.
Prevention Strategies
Face Coverings (Masks)
Masks are optional in all Griffith Center facilities.
The district will honor personal and parent choices with regard to mask-wearing. Some staff or students will choose not to wear a mask while others will continue wearing one. As always, we ask that everyone respect the individual choices of others. Our facilities will continue to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Accommodations
Consistent with applicable law, accommodations are available for students and staff based on disability or medical condition.
Vaccinations
- COVID vaccinations are encouraged but are not required for anyone 5 years and older.
Quarantines/Contact Tracing
Griffith Centers reside in counties (Adams County, El Paso County, and Weld County) that have been identified by public health as low-risk communities therefore, students and staff will not be required to quarantine in the event of exposure during the school day. If a school is experiencing an outbreak, quarantines may be necessary. An outbreak is defined as five cases or more tied to the original positive case. Griffith Centers will consult with health departments when necessary regarding COVID cases and when an outbreak has occurred.
- Quarantines may be necessary following exposures that occur during certain indoor co-curricular activities and athletics.
- Vaccinated individuals will not need to quarantine in the event of an outbreak or identified exposure during co-curricular activities and athletics.
- Schools will contact trace close contacts that have been exposed to a COVID-positive person.
- While quarantines may not always be necessary, the district will notify families and staff if they are considered in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 as a result of a school-based exposure.
Other Protocols
will continue to implement layered prevention strategies including, but not limited to:
- Increased ventilation to include 6 air exchanges per hour
- Portable HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air [filter]) air purifiers in all classrooms and common areas, meeting rooms, and offices
- Frequent Hand Washing and sanitizing
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols
- Reinforcing the importance of staying home when sick
- Encouraging social distancing when possible
- Participating in the State Serial COVID Testing Program
Phased Prevention
We rely on our Public Health Departments to provide us with adequate data and information regarding COVID cases in our respective counties. We make decisions to prevent infection or spread of infection dependent on our risk levels in each county, as well as maintain quick response and follow protocol should Griffith Centers encounter exposure risk or an outbreak.
El Paso County Health Department
Adams County Health Department
The following health and safety protocols have been updated as of June 17, 2022. The plan will be reviewed every 6 months and updated if needed.