This page will be updated as new information is available. Please continue to check back often.
The Puyallup School District (PSD) is committed to keeping our learning community informed. The health and well-being of our students, staff, and community are a top concern. Below are answers to some questions you may have as well as some guidance for you to consider.
COVID-19 Community Resources
Continuous Learning Plan
Special Education Communication Information
Unemployment Benefits for Substitutes
July 2, 2020
Planning continues for reopening safely in the fall
The Puyallup School District is moving forward with deep, evaluative planning for an instructional model that abides by current state guidelines and best meets the needs of families.
We will continue to explore ways to open in a traditional sense, but school will be different in the fall and the state is asking us to plan for instruction that protects health and safety. As such, we will narrow our focus on one of three instructional models recently under evaluation.
With the combined efforts of over 70+ taskforce members, and feedback submitted from nearly 12,000 parents, the recommendation was provided to the School Board to move forward in focused planning for a Hybrid A/B Schedule Instructional model. This model would allow for 2 days of in-person instruction, and 3 days of continuous (distance) learning each week. Summer planning will focus on the implementation and details of this model across grade levels, in addition to an evolution of our continuous (distance) learning model in the event we need to adapt based on the potential of future outbreaks.
We will be required to implement health and safety measures (social distancing, face coverings, symptom checks, and cleaning protocols) when school starts in September. We will continue to monitor changes and new guidance from the health department and keep you informed.
Planning will continue to be a collaborative effort among our taskforce members, labor partners, and school representatives. We want to thank our taskforce members for their hard work and families who completed our Continuous Learning and Reopening Schools survey. We will continue to use the data collected as we make decisions in the upcoming weeks.
We recognize that anything other than a traditional opening is a hardship on families and the idea of more distance learning causes concern. We want to assure you that as we narrow our focus on an instructional model our priority is to finalize on a format that provides as much face-to-face time with educators and peers in schools as much as possible with safety a priority.
Frequently asked questions:
Where can I learn more?
As new information develops, we will update you.
My child is frightened and anxious about the news of COVID-19. How can I help ease their fears?
Seattle Children’s Hospital recently published a helpful article entitled Helping Children and Teens Cope with Anxiety About COVID-19.
We know that COVID-19 is causing increased anxiety and uncertainty in our community, county, state, and nation. Puyallup School District officials will continue to partner with the TCPHD and our County Executive who have been working closely with the governor and president’s task forces. As new information develops, we will update you.
How does the Puyallup School District make decisions?
The Washington State Department of Health is the lead agency in public health crisis situations in our state and provides school districts direction on how to manage responses.
We are continuing to work closely with the Washington State Department of Health and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) so we can respond quickly to any changes in their recommendations, guidance, and direction. One of our staff members has direct contact with the TPCHD so we are in close communication with their officials.
I think I have COVID-19. What should I do?
Talk to your healthcare provider, who will be able to determine if you should be tested. Pierce County has no cases of COVID-19. If you suspect you have COVID-19 follow these steps to prevent the spread of disease:
- Stay home except to get medical care.
People who are mild cases of COVID-19 can isolate at home during their illness. Restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Don’t go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
- Separate yourself from other people in your home.
Stay in a specific room and away from other people and animals in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
- Monitor your symptoms.
Seek prompt medical attention if your illness gets worse. COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Call ahead before you visit your doctor or an emergency room.
If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider take steps to prevent exposure to other people.
The Puyallup School District has helpful guidelines for keeping your child at home if they are too sick. These are also helpful for adults to follow when they are sick. Find them here: https://www.tpchd.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=2227
https://www.tpchd.org/home/showdocument?id=6012
Stay Connected:
This guidance is likely to change as this situation evolves, so please know we are committed to providing you with timely updates and guidance aligned with the best recommendations and guidance from our public health authorities.
COVID-19 Guidance from the Washington State Department of Health-- Frequently asked questions about symptoms and testing:
What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19:
If you have fever, cough or shortness of breath and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID19, you should stay home, away from others, until 72 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms get better.
Please refer to: COVID Concerned for additional information.
What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
How do I know if I was exposed?
You generally need to be in close contact with a sick person to get infected. Close contact includes:
• Living in the same household as a sick person with COVID-19
• Caring for a sick person with COVID-19
• Being within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 10 minutes
• Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.).
If you have not been in close contact with a sick person with COVID-19, you are considered to be at low risk for infection. You can continue to go to work and school, but should monitor your health for 14 days and stay away from others if you get sick.
What should I do if I am a close contact to someone with COVID-19 but am not sick?
You should monitor your health for fever, cough and shortness of breath during the 14 days after the last day you were in close contact with the sick person with COVID-19. You should not go to work or school and should avoid public places for 14 days.
Please refer to: COVID Exposed for additional information.
What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
• Stay home except to get medical care.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor- tell them that you have or may have COVID-19.
• Wear a facemask.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Clean your hands often.
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day.
• Monitor your symptoms- seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).
• Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department to discuss your situation.
• If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or may have COVID19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you should remain under home isolation precautions for 7 days OR until 72 hours after fever is gone and symptoms get better, whichever is longer.
Please refer to: COVID Case Positive for additional information.