COVID-19 Safety Protocols for the Spring Semester (December 2021)

Brian Bauer

December 14, 2021

Dear Granada Hills Charter Families,

A much-deserved winter break after an action-packed fall semester is fast approaching. Thank you for your support and continued efforts to keep the Granada Hills Charter (“GHC”) community safe and healthy. The purpose of this communication is to provide information about the COVID-19 safety protocols in place on GHC campuses for the spring semester.

I am pleased to share that over 99 percent of our age-eligible students (12 years of age and older) are in compliance with the GHC COVID-19 Student Vaccination Policy. The spring semester will begin with over 99 percent of our students on the high school campus and nearly 40 percent of students on the TK-8 campus fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (Grades TK-8 students under age 12 are not required to vaccinate against COVID-19.) These high vaccination rates are a tremendous step forward in ensuring that our campuses are safe and that we are doing our part to reduce the community transmission of COVID-19.

Given the rise in the number of cases in the community, the uncertainty of the impact of new COVID-19 variants, and the anticipated travel over the break, many of the health and safety protocols in place for the fall semester will continue into the spring semester. GHC continues to work closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (“LACDPH”) and will follow local health guidelines on COVID health and safety protocols and will update them as necessary. Any such changes will be communicated with the school community in a timely manner.

COVID-19 Testing

All students and staff will test for COVID-19 on their first day back to campus. Students will test on campus beginning Tuesday, January 11, 2022. The School will continue weekly testing for all staff and students at least through the end of January 2022.

Although baseline testing before the start of the spring semester is not required for staff and students, COVID testing on the Zelzah campus will be available on Friday, January 7, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for those who wish to be tested.

Facial Masks

In accordance with the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) and LACDPH Guidance, all individuals on a GHC campus (regardless of vaccination status) must wear a facial covering at all times while on campus, both indoors and outdoors.

Daily Health Screening

If a student or staff member feels sick or has any symptoms of COVID-19, they should not come to campus. Students should contact the attendance office who will promptly notify teachers that the student is absent. Academic supports, such as class broadcasting and online tutoring, will remain in place for the spring semester. Students will continue to complete the daily health screener on the Parent Locker app.

Visitor Policy

Visitors to any GHC campus must have a confirmed appointment or a valid event admission ticket. All visitors to campus, including parents, family members, and spectators at events, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination must be shown prior to entering campus.

COVID-19 Case on Campus

In the event of a case of COVID-19, the individual diagnosed with COVID-19 must follow LACDPH guidelines for quarantine. The School will notify all individuals who shared classes or were potentially exposed to COVID-19 and individuals who are identified as close contacts will follow LACDPH modified quarantine guidelines. Fully vaccinated individuals will continue to attend school with no limitations as long as they remain symptom free. Unvaccinated students who are identified as close contacts may return to campus for classes, but must test twice weekly and may not participate in extracurricular activities until the end of the modified quarantine period.

Cleaning, PPE, and Air Filtration

Granada Hills Charter will continue to follow the comprehensive cleaning procedures used in the fall semester, including the daily cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization of all classrooms, restrooms, offices, and other common areas. Additionally, frequently touched objects in those areas are disinfected frequently throughout the day and nightly. HVAC systems (all equipped with MERV-13 filter or equivalent) and portable air purification units (available in all classrooms and offices) will continue to be used when students or staff are present.

Travel Advisory

When considering travel, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health asks that you continue to take precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 such as masking, physical distancing, and hand hygiene. Furthermore, strongly consider delaying domestic travel until you and all of your traveling companions are fully vaccinated. For more information, please review the CDC domestic and/or international travel guidance. Additionally, it is also highly recommended that individuals take a COVID-19 viral test after traveling.

Thank you for your continued support of GHC and the necessary actions you are taking to keep the GHC community safe. Here’s to a safe and healthy holiday break.

Sincerely,