As we near the end of Winter Break, we hope that all staff, students, and families have had a relaxing, healthy, and enjoyable time off!
Gwinnett County Public Schools has been preparing for the return to school. Keeping schools safely open for in-person instruction remains our top priority and there is no change to our scheduled reopening for students on Thursday, Jan. 6.
Based on available staffing information, we are prepared to serve students in person this Thursday and Friday.
An important reminder for students who are attending in-person classes and all staff members
Stay home from school or work if you…
are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms;
have tested positive or been diagnosed with COVID;
are awaiting test results; or
have been in close contact in the last 14 days with someone diagnosed with COVID or someone with COVID symptoms who is waiting for test results.
District leaders will continue to monitor the current COVID situation and its impact on staffing to assess if high levels of unavailable staff might result in operational limitations that would require a move temporarily to a digital instruction model. If that change is needed, GCPS will communicate that information.
Earlier this week, GCPS shared mask guidance with families and staff members for the start of the 2nd semester. (On Nov. 18, the district announced it would implement updated mask guidance based on community transmission as determined by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).)
Community transmission of COVID in Gwinnett County remains HIGH. As a result, masks are required in all GCPS facilities as we return from Winter Break. Masks also are required on buses in compliance with federal mandates.
For the rest of the semester, families and staff will be notified via School Messenger each Monday afternoon about mask guidance for the rest of the week. Under the district’s current COVID-19 protocols, community transmission levels must be maintained at the MODERATE or LOW level for two consecutive weeks before district mask guidance transitions to “Strongly Recommended.” Click here for more on GCPS’ mask guidance.
Families can find the current mask status on the GCPS website.
In addition to masks, Gwinnett schools will continue to use a layered mitigation strategy (promoting vaccination for those who are eligible, continuing use of enhanced ventilation practices, promoting proper respiratory etiquette and encouraging regular handwashing, emphasizing the need for individuals to stay home if they are sick, continuing our Health Response Teams process, and continuing with cleaning and disinfecting practices in schools and on buses). These practices will help to promote healthy and safe practices for our students, staff, and visitors.
Please check with the Gwinnett Health Department or other healthcare provider to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccination and where you may go to receive a vaccination. In addition, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) is working with Viral Solutions to provide vaccinations to children ages 5-11. Click here to learn more about "no appointment COVID-19 vaccinations" for children and adults, including boosters.
For those who may have traveled internationally over the break:
The CDC recommends that unvaccinated international travelers get tested for COVID-19 from 3 to 5 days after returning AND self-quarantine at home for a full 7 days after their return to the U.S.
Fully vaccinated travelers do not have to quarantine. However, the CDC recommends getting a COVID-19 test from 3 to 5 days after travel and self-monitoring for symptoms.
Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of traveling do not have to quarantine or test. They should monitor for symptoms for 14 days after travel and isolate and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
Be smart. Be safe. Be responsible.
It’s important that we all do our part to keep ourselves and others healthy, especially as variants add uncertainty to the mix. The CDC recommends a combination of strategies to help slow transmission of COVID-19, including:
Getting fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (including a booster when eligible) for those in the household who are age 5 or older,
Wearing a mask indoors,
Maintaining distance from others who don’t live with you,
Avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces,
Staying home when ill,
Testing to prevent the spread to others, and
Washing your hands often.