2021 Return to School FAQs
The following questions and answers are an attempt to clarify any concerns or questions that you may have as we look at returning to school. As we have learned with this pandemic, the following answers may change as more scientific data becomes available.
How safe is it for students to return to in-person learning when COVID-19 is still in our community?
The Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, and California Department of Public Health agree that it is safe for students to return to school for in-person learning when the right safety measures, like masks, are in place. They all support in-person learning as the best and safest place for most students to learn and engage with their peers.
Will students be required to wear masks when we return to school?
All students must wear masks indoors unless they have a medical exemption provided by a medical professional. This is required by the California Department of Public Health (and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control.) All schools must follow this CDPH direction. Students are not required to wear masks outdoors.
Do teachers and school staff have to wear masks?
While they are indoors and around students, yes. When staff are in indoor areas that are away from students, such as an office, they may remove their masks if they are fully vaccinated and alone. Learn more.
What should I do if my student cannot wear a mask?
If your student is unable to wear a mask and qualifies for an exemption, they must wear a non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge..
Will there be social distancing?
No. Students will not be required to stay 6 ft apart anymore. However, new CDPH guidelines will require students to be distanced while eating lunch.
Will Parents/Guardians be allowed on campus?
Parents will only be allowed on campus when it is essential.
What will be the school hours?
Student drop off will begin at 7:30 am
School will start at 8:00 am for all students.
TK/K will be dismissed at 11:45 am from August 16th till November 29th. Kindergarteners will then be dismissed at 1:30 starting November 29th (after Thanksgiving Break).
Grades 1-6 will be dismissed at 2:30 pm.
On Wednesdays, all students (excluding TK/K from August to November) will be dismissed at 1:30 pm.
Will there be an option for Distance Learning/Independent Study?
Yes. Families opting for Independent Study will be allowed to do so. However, Independent Study is not the same as Distance Learning, Distance Learning is no longer offered. Students choosing to enroll in Independent Study will meet with their teacher much less frequently and will be expected to do the majority of their work independently. Dunham School District will contract with a local, larger school district to provide this program. Independent Study teachers will NOT be Dunham School teachers and these students must unenroll from Dunham School and enroll in the partner district. Families living outside of Dunham School District Boundaries will have to obtain Inter District Transfer Request forms from their home school district to take to the partner district. We are currently working with Cotati-Rohnert Park School District to create this Independent Study opportunity. If you have not already, please fill out our return to school survey (click here).
Will there be After School Care?
Yes. During the first week of school (8/16 – 8/20) after school daycare will only be available for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students from 11:30-2:30. We anticipate that on August 23, the start of the second week of school, we will have secured enough staffing to be able to offer after school daycare for all students. More information on daycare registration will be coming out later next week.
Will vaccines be required for students?
Currently, the COVID-19 vaccination is under Emergency Use Authorization. Until it has full FDA approval, it cannot be required by schools. At the time that it is approved, schools will likely look to the state for direction on whether or not they can or should require the vaccine.
What safety measures will be in place to protect my student?
We will be following many of the same safety measures that were in place last year, including:
- Handwashing
- Enhanced cleaning practices
- Increased air ventilation
- Indoor masking
- Contact tracing
Will there be health checks as students enter campus?
No. Daily Health Checks are not needed at this time. Staff will, however, keep close eyes on our students and we will check temperatures for any student not feeling well. Students not feeling well will be monitored in our isolation room and parents will be called to pick up their children as quickly as possible.
What special things will my child need for the first day of school during COVID-19?
Your child should come wearing a face covering and have a backup face covering. The school will have face masks available for those that forget or lose theirs. It is also recommended that your child bring a refillable water bottle..
Can parents come onto campus for the first day of school?
Unfortunately no. As difficult as this is to hear for all involved, we have to be extra mindful of the comings and goings of those on campus in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 or any of its variants.
How can I reassure my young child about starting school?
Consider taking your child to visit the school. School grounds are open to the public during non-school hours. Touring the grounds can help your child feel more familiar and comfortable with the campus.
