Health & Safety Measures

Buses

  • Bus drivers will sanitize high-touch areas on the bus after dropping off students at each school on the bus run.  At the end of the run, drivers will fully sanitize all surfaces on the bus with approved sanitizer.  
  • Once per week, buses will be sprayed with vital oxide via an electrostatic sprayer
  • Assigned seating protocols will be used across all school settings as well as on the bus.
  • Face coverings will be required on the bus.
  • Students from the same household will be required to sit together and a seating chart will be in place for each bus run with buses loading from back to front.
  • Increased ventilation through opening windows and roof hatch will occur when possible.

Cleaning Protocols

The district’s Facilities & Operations department will be responsible for daily cleaning and sanitizing of the buildings. The Custodial staff have been trained in the use of all cleaning and sanitizing products and equipment.  The Facilities & Operations Supervisors and Head Custodians will perform inspections to ensure completion of all tasks. Teachers and students will wipe down desks throughout the day as well.  View the NPSD cleaning protocols.

 

Handwashing

Students and staff will be encouraged to wash their hands frequently throughout the day, especially before and after eating and after using the restroom. Hand sanitizer stations are located in each classroom and throughout the school building. Staff will reinforce good hygiene with students on a daily basis. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Students will be required to wear a mask and a supply will be available for students should they need a mask. In addition, district faculty and staff will be provided with necessary PPE. The district will maintain and monitor PPE to ensure an adequate supply to meet the needs of students and staff. View NPSD School Board Mask Policy.

Physical Changes to the Building

  • Each classroom has a “hands-free” hand sanitizing dispenser.
  • Plexiglass barriers have been provided in selected areas.
  • An isolation area has been designated in each building for those persons exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

Sanitizing

The district’s Facilities & Operations department will be responsible for daily sanitizing of the buildings following all of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines and protocols.  Multiple methods will be utilized to sanitize the high touch areas and the building including liquid spray sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and electrostatic disinfectant sprayers.  All products used are EPA approved disinfectant products.

Signage

Signs as posters developed by the CDC are being placed through NPSD buildings to encourage and remind students and staff about social distancing and handwashing.

Travel

The PA Department of Health recommends self-quarantine for 14 days upon returning from traveling to an area where there are high numbers of COVID-19 cases. A list of these states can be found on the Information for Travelers webpage along with other travel information. Please note that while the PA Department of Health is currently recommending quarantine, it may change to mandatory quarantine depending on the states’ COVID-19 cases.  Further, the listing may change.  

Ventilation

All district buildings have equipment that provides ventilation to the occupied spaces and most buildings have operable windows that can be opened. The District has an automated control system that controls the operation of all ventilation, heating and, where applicable, air conditioning systems. This provides the Facilities & Operations department with the ability to troubleshoot and monitor operations of the buildings.  In an effort to improve the space air quality ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) have provided additional guidance in a COVID-19 situation. This guidance includes operating the equipment two hours prior and two hours after occupancy. The purpose of this is to provide additional ventilation to the space when no occupants are present. All of North Penn’s buildings will be following this guidance and recommendation.