MASKS & HYGIENE PRACTICES (Updated 8-20-21)
Royse City ISD continues to monitor the evolving dynamics surrounding the issue of mask mandates in public schools. At this time, there are multiple lawsuits pending before state courts across Texas. At the same time that these cases proceed through the courts, the Texas Attorney General is notifying districts of the Governor’s expectation districts will refrain from implementing mask mandates. Should they fail to do so, the Texas Attorney General has threatened further legal action against non-compliant districts, including any injunctive relief, costs and attorney’s fees, penalties and sanctions (including contempt of court) against any local jurisdiction and its employees. Given the “ fast track ” these cases appear to be on, it is anticipated the District will have clarification regarding the law on this issue by the Texas Supreme Court in the coming weeks. In the interim, the District encourages, and strongly supports, all students, parents, employees and visitors that choose to wear a face mask in District facilities and/or at school-sponsored activities. Royse City ISD is committed to serving our students in-person and, to the extent possible, providing a safe learning environment. The District has put several protocols in place to assist in these efforts as outlined in this website.

COVID-19 REPORTING
Staff and students are asked to report any positive COVID-19 test result for themselves or for a household family member to your assigned campus nurse. Royse City ISD will notify guardians/staff by email if a positive case is reported on campus. Furthermore, individuals deemed as a close contact to a positive case will recieve a second notification. 

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS
Lab confirmed individuals are required to quarantine for 10 days at the onset of symptoms or the date of test administration if asymptomatic. Quarantine for 10 days will also be required for individuals with a COVID-19 positive household family member. Vaccination status and COVID-19 history can overrule this quarantine period. Please reach out to the campus nurse for details.

SCHOOL HEALTH & CONTACT TRACING (Updated 8-20-21) 
School nurses will resume normal protocols for contacting parents of ill children. As always, please remember that students must be free of fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours (without medication) before returning to school to prevent spread of illnesses. Should the campus request you to pick up a sick child, please do so as promptly as possible. Royse City ISD will conduct contact tracing and notify guardians if their child is deemed a close contact to a positive case on campus. Parents will have the choice to quarantine their child. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the determination regarding whether an individual is a “ close contact ” with a COVID positive individual will include a review of whether one or both were wearing masks at the time of the potential exposure. In many cases, proper masking may alleviate the identification of a “ close contact ” and recommended quarantine. The in-person instruction of our students and the safety of our students and staff are our top priorities. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they are available. 

COVID-19 TESTING (Updated 8-31-21)
As of September 1, 2021, Royse City ISD offers free rapid COVID-19 testing for students and staff. Nurses will recommend students for testing and parents can schedule the testing if they choose. Consent will always be asked. 

CLEANING
Custodial teams will continue to provide extra cleaning measures in areas as needed to combat germs and spreading of illnesses of any kind. Hand sanitizer stations and surface wipes will continue to be available.

AT-HOME LEARNING FOR COVID POSITIVE STUDENTS
If a student is COVID positive, campus staff will work to provide the student with learning opportunities at home. These opportunities will vary based on the grade of the child and course load. This learning from home opportunity will also extend to those students who are quarantining due to household COVID-19 exposure. Documentation for COVID-19 or household exposure will be required for excused absences.