COVID-19

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• What happens if a student tests positive for COVID-19?

  Please complete the Positive Test Reporting form to let Office and Health Coordinator Lauren Shallop know if your student has tested positive for COVID-19, then complete and follow the protocols outlined below. The more information we have about test positivity in our community, the better equipped we are to make decisions that affect all of us.

  
  

  We ask that families follow the recommendations set forth by CDPH:

  • Students should isolate at home for five days after testing positive. Isolation begins one day following the onset of symptoms or the date of the positive test result (Day 0). 
  • Students may return to school after five days at home (on Day 6) as long as they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are mild and improving, and they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
  • A negative test is recommended but not required for students to return to school.
  • Masks are required indoors through Day 10 following the positive test unless the student has two negative tests 24 hours apart.

• What happens if a staff member tests positive for COVID-19?

  The COVID-19 protocols for staff members are governed by Cal/OSHA:

  • Employees must remain in isolation until after Day 5 following the positive test.
  • Employees may only return to work if symptoms are not present or are mild and resolving, as long as they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
  • Masks must be worn around others indoors through Day 10 following the positive test.

• Will parents/guardians be notified when there is a positive case of COVID-19 at school?

  We will no longer send group exposure notices when a singular positive case exists in a classroom. The CDC has stated that students no longer need to quarantine following exposure. We will advise parents in a particular classroom if there have been three or more confirmed cases (a sign of community transmission), which is the protocol outlined by Contra Costa County Health. Seven Hills will maintain a COVID-19 Dashboard by grade level, identifying all active, positive cases we know were on campus within 48 hours of the positive test.

• Will Seven Hills be conducting regular COVID-19 testing?

  Seven Hills will not conduct any regular testing. We encourage at-home testing to return to school after illness. Results do not need to be shared with Seven Hills. At-home test kits are available on-campus for employees on a limited basis.
  
  

  At times, Seven Hills may require additional testing, such as participating in a higher-risk activity, field trips, or overnight events, especially when required by outside institutions or agencies.

  
  Resource: Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning

• Are students required to be vaccinated?

  All students, including those under age 5, are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. Although vaccines are not required, Seven Hills highly encourages all staff and eligible students to speak with their doctor/pediatrician and be vaccinated and boosted. Everyone choosing to be vaccinated will make a difference in the safety and security of our school campuses and community.

  
  Resources: Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC); MyTurn vaccine appointments

• Are masks mandatory for the 2023-24 school year?

  Face masks will continue to be optional, not required. Limited supplies of KN95 and 3-ply surgical masks will be available at the front desk and provided to any student, staff member, or visitor when requested.

  
  We still request that all students and employees mask indoors in specific cases:

  • When required by an outside organization or the location of a specific event, trip, or activity.
  • When required on school vehicles (e.g., buses and vans) or public transportation.
  • After a COVID diagnosis, mask for ten days after the positive test or onset of symptoms unless cleared with two negative tests within 24 hours.

  In keeping with COVID-19 guidance, we encourage anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask, indoors or outdoors, to do so, no questions asked.
  
  

  Resources: Use and Care of Masks (CDC); Get the Most Out of Masking (CDPH)

• Will daily health screening be required upon school entry?

  We will rely on each family to use their best judgment and help keep our community healthy by screening their student(s) for symptoms each day. No student, employee, or guardian should enter school with symptoms enough to disrupt themselves or others in the classroom. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication to return to school after illness. Any child or adult exhibiting severe symptoms of illness (e.g., fever or chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, loss of taste or smell, appearing or behaving sick, etc.) must stay home or will be sent home.

• Will the front office and campus be open to parents and the public?

  Students and family members are welcome to enter the administration building to speak with the front desk or other office staff. Parents are welcome to park in the Equestrian Center and walk their student(s) to their classroom in the morning if desired.

• Will the school bus be running this year?

  Yes. Visit the Bus Resource Board on the JagZone for up-to-date information on stops, schedules, and rates.

• Are Extended Day (XD) and enrichment classes available?

  Yes, Extended Day will be open to students in ECE-8th grade for both morning and afternoon care. The current hours for Extended Day are 7:00-8:30am for morning XD and 1:30-6:00pm for afternoon XD. Visit the Extended Day and Enrichment Board on the JagZone for more information.

• What can we do to keep our schools safe?

  • Get vaccinated
  • Wear a mask
  • Stay home when sick
  • Wash your hands
  • Get COVID tested if you have symptoms, have been exposed, or are unvaccinated
  • Notify Seven Hills if your student tests positive
  • Resource: How to Protect Yourself & Others (CDC)