Return to School cleaning protocols
As our schools prepare to welcome students back to in-person learning, the Facilities Services Department is continuously working to ensure each campus has the training, materials, and resources to properly clean and disinfect their school building. These systematic protocols will help mitigate the spread of germs.
New daily checklists and procedures have been created for administrators, educators in classrooms, and our custodians. These expectations will clearly detail the importance for cleaning, documenting, and monitoring each school building. Training has been provided on the enhanced cleaning protocols including an overview on the important steps in disinfecting.
Custodial staff is using EPA approved disinfectant against SARS-CoV-2 when cleaning frequently touched services such as door handles, light switches, stair railings, desks, chairs, hand sanitizing stations, break room tables, restroom surfaces, and faucet handles. These high touch areas as well as restrooms will be cleaned and disinfected twice per day. Classroom teachers will disinfect desks daily as students transition in and out of class and at the end of the school day. In the event there is a positive COVID-19 case in a classroom, guidance has been provided by the CDC, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and the Craven County Health Department on the proper disinfection procedures.
The Facilities Services Department has been instrumental in the implementation of the district’s new signage at all school buildings and district offices. When students arrive at school, they will notice signage that clearly communicates the entrance and exit doors, floor decals spaced 6 feet apart displaying social distancing requirements, directional arrows in the halls to help minimize traffic flow, and reminders of the 3 W’s-Wear, Wait, and Wash. Each classroom also has floor markers for placement of desks, so they are properly socially distanced. Hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the school so students and have multiple opportunities to clean their hands.
The health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff remains a top priority. Our custodial teams are doing a tremendous job in their commitment to keeping our schools safe and clean for students and staff. With all of us working together, these routine cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing measures will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other sickness. As an additional safety precaution, Craven County Schools is requiring any students and staff who are not feeling well and/or experiencing any symptoms of illness to stay home.
Russell, Jeremy. “Return to School Cleaning Protocols.” New Bern Sun Journal, Sun Journal, 6 Oct. 2020, www.newbernsj.com/story/news/2020/10/06/return-school-cleaning-protocols-craven-county-schools/3635956001/.
