School Notes

NMUSD continues COVID safety protocols to keep schools open for in-person instruction

The following health and safety protocols for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) remain in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the school community. The goal is to keep schools open for in-person instruction. 

FACE MASKS

Students

–Regardless of vaccination status, students are required to wear masks while indoors, in classrooms and on the school bus.

–Student face mask exemptions are permitted with an approved mask exemption application.

Adults

–Adults must wear masks when sharing indoor spaces with students, regardless of vaccination status. 

–Vaccinated adults are not required to wear a face mask in public meetings where student attendance is voluntary.

–Vaccinated employees may remove masks indoors, when not sharing a space with students.

–Unvaccinated or unverified employees must wear masks in all indoor settings.

VOLUNTEERS

–All volunteers must be cleared and are required to be fully vaccinated. 

–Volunteers will be required to provide proof of vaccination in addition to the other requirements such as a TB test within the last 60 days.

–All volunteers are required to wear face masks whenever sharing an indoor space with students.

–Please visit the volunteer webpage for more information. 

OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS

–Organizations providing “essential services” are permitted in schools; principals have a list of approved essential service providers that include, but are not limited to childcare, enrichment providers and individual student-related services.

–Outside organization staff are required to complete the COVID-19 vaccination attestation process prior to providing services on school campuses.

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES & EVENTS

–After school events and performances are allowed.

–Events and performances during the school day (including “flag deck”) will be allowed after January 1, 2022. 

–Visitors may attend events but are asked to leave campus immediately afterwards.

–Student performers are required to wear masks indoors.

–Everyone in attendance must wear a face mask for indoor events; masks are recommended, but not required for outdoor events. 

ATHLETICS

–OUTDOOR SPORTS - Students participating in outdoor sports do not need to wear masks. 

–INDOOR SPORTS

~Students must wear masks.

~Students playing volleyball, basketball, wrestling, or competitive cheer have the option to test weekly for COVID-19 in lieu of wearing a mask per CIF and CDPH guidelines; if a student misses testing, they can still participate, but are required to wear a mask. 

~If an athletic competition is with a school district that does not test their athletes, then all players must wear masks. 

FIELD TRIPS

–Day and overnight field trips are allowed on a case-by-case basis and are approved by the Education Services Division. 

–Out of country travel is currently not allowed; however, the District continually reviews health and safety to determine this possibility in the future. 

–School Connected Organizations are asked to be aware of cancellation and refund policies, since changes in COVID-19 conditions or CDPH guidance may have an impact on field trips. 

VACCINATIONS

–There is currently no COVID-19 vaccination requirement for school employees or students; the Governor’s Office is expected to provide further direction. 

Vaccines for Children Ages 5-11

–The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that children ages 5-11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. 

–Local pharmacies are providing COVID-19 vaccines for all eligible groups at no charge. For additional questions and information, contact your child’s pediatrician or family healthcare provider.

–Visit the Orange County Health Care Agency’s COVID-19 Vaccine Resource webpageand the state’s My Turn CA webpage for more information, vaccine clinic locations and other resources.