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COVID Safety Protocols 2021-2022
This page is designed to inform parents of the plans for reopening BAMS in August. 
​These plans are fluid and could change based on changing guidelines.

BAMS is implementing numerous protocols to provide a safe and healthy environment for students and staff. Here’s a look at the measures we’re putting into place for the 2021-22 school year.

Plans and procedures are subject to change as state, local and CDC guidelines are updated.
Face coverings remain optional at this time for Polk County Public Schools and BAMS.
However, we strongly encourage the use of face coverings, which are recommended by the CDC and the Florida Department of Health.

Health & Safety Protocols

SCHOOL & CLASSROOMS
  • The CDC and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County strongly recommend wearing face coverings. Face coverings are optional at this time.
  • Students, staff, and visitors will not be required to complete temperature screening upon arrival on campuses.
  • Students and staff should monitor their symptoms daily. Anyone with a fever or COVID-related symptoms should not come to school.
  • Students and staff will be reminded throughout the day to practice proper hygiene, and signage promoting proper hygiene will be posted on campus.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout campus.
  • Social distancing will be encouraged to the greatest extent possible in school and classrooms.
  • Seating charts will be used to assist with contract tracing.
  • Students should avoid sharing  supplies. We will work with students to provide individual supplies.
  • Facilities will be cleaned thoroughly and regularly, and high-touch areas will be disinfected throughout the day.
  • Deep cleaning will take place when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19.
  • All classes and air conditioning units are equipped with air purifiers and use of high rated filters.
  • Air conditioning filters will be changed frequently.
  • Students do not "dress out" for PE or other activities.

SCHOOL CLINIC
FACE COVERINGS COVID-19 RESPONSE
  • BAMS will work closely with the Florida Department of Health in Polk County to notify school communities about a confirmed positive case.
  • A schoolwide notification will be sent when a positive case impacts a campus.
  • Individuals who have come into close contact exposure with a positive case (within six feet for 15 minutes or more) will also be notified by an automated telephone call.
  • Individuals who have come into close contact exposure with a positive case will receive specific instructions on what to do next (quarantine, isolate, monitor their symptoms, etc.).
  • Unvaccinated individuals who are asymptomatic (i.e.—has no symptoms) and identified as a close contact to a positive case will quarantine from school for a minimum of 7 days from the last date of contact. Students or staff may seek testing after 4 days and return early with proof of a medical negative test.If they develop symptoms during quarantine, they will follow the guidelines for individuals who have COVID-like symptoms outlined below.
  • Fully vaccinated individuals or individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, will not be required to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact as long as they do not develop symptoms. If the individual develops symptoms, they will follow the guidelines for individuals who have COVID-like symptoms outlined below.
  • Individuals who have COVID-like symptoms should stay home. They may return when one of the following criteria is met:
    1. 10 days have passed since the onset of symptoms or date of positive test result, the individual has no fever for 24 hours, and other symptoms are improving.
    2. The individual receives written permission to return to school from a medical doctor, osteopathic physician, or advanced registered nurse practitioner for a non-COVID related illness.
    3. The individual receives a negative diagnostic COVID-19 test and is asymptomatic (i.e.—has no symptoms). At-home tests are not accepted.
  • Students who are quarantined will be able to work while at home. Lessons and assignments will be posted online for students to complete.

Breakfast/Lunch
  • High-touch points will be frequently sanitized
  • Students will eat in designated areas on campus to keep students spread out
  • Cutlery and trays will be disposable
  • Designated entrances and exits will control traffic flow and minimize exposure.
  • All condiments will be pre-portioned. No self-serve dispensers will be used.
  • There will be no self-service bars.

ATHLETICS
  • Athletics will  be offered during the 2021-2022 school year.
  • The CDC and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County strongly recommend wearing face coverings. Face coverings are optional at this time.
  • Students and staff should check their symptoms daily. Anyone with a fever, or symptoms related to COVID-19, should not attend school or practice if they are feeling ill.
  • Outdoor event capacity will be 100%, indoor capacity will be limited to 75% at this time.
  • Middle school intramural/extramural activities will be permitted as long as athletic COVID mitigation guidelines are followed.