Dear Cheney Public School Families and Staff,
The Washington Department of Health released updated information for schools to coincide with the
changes to masking requirements. We understand that these changes in how our schools are operating
in regards to COVID-19 will be met with differing opinions and responses. It is important that as parents,
students and staff members we work together to ensure a positive transition. This return to greater
normalcy should have positive impacts on our school communities and on the social and emotional health
of our students.
The following updated COVID-19 information from the Washington Department of Health went into
effect on March 12, 2022.
The Guidelines listed below are a summary of DOH guidance. To view the complete guidelines please see
the resource links at the end of this document.
- Students and staff members will have the choice to wear a mask at school, with the expectation
that others’ choices will be respected. - A student or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to isolate for five (5) days,
regardless of vaccination status, and test upon return to school on day 6 or wear a well-fitted
mask or face shield with a drape for days 6-10. If choosing not to test or wear a well-fitting mask,
students and staff members are required to complete the full 10-day isolation period. - Any student or staff member who reports or exhibits COVID-19-like symptoms is required to be
immediately isolated from others, sent home, and referred to diagnostic testing as soon as
feasible, regardless of vaccination status. - Masks are required in the nurse/health room and isolation room inside our school buildings.
- Masks may also be required universally during clusters and/or outbreaks in classrooms or with
groups of students (e.g., a choir class or a sports team) to limit disease transmission and ensure
in-person instruction. - Schools will provide masks and other appropriate PPE to students and staff members as needed
or desired. - The COVID-19 Dashboard at www.cheneysd.org will continue to be updated daily.
- Families will be notified when there is an outbreak in a student’s class/cohort/team.
- Access to diagnostic testing will be available at all school buildings for students and staff members
with symptoms or who were potentially exposed and want to test.
To help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 in the school setting, we would appreciate your assistance
in monitoring your child for illness and keeping them home when they are sick.
Cheney Public Schools will also continue the following recommended strategies to help reduce the
transmission of COVID-19:
in monitoring your child for illness and keeping them home when they are sick.
Cheney Public Schools will also continue the following recommended strategies to help reduce the
transmission of COVID-19:
- Conducting rapid diagnostic testing to individuals who wish to test
- Exercising good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene
- Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces
Testing for Cheney Public School students and staff members will take place on site at the individual’s
school. Please note there are also community testing sites available from Spokane Regional Health District
- find times and locations for SRHD testing sites here.
school. Please note there are also community testing sites available from Spokane Regional Health District
- find times and locations for SRHD testing sites here.
Thank you for your continued support as we transition to an endemic situation while continuing to follow
guidance from DOH and our local health district. We will continue to communicate any updates as they
become available.