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COVID-19 FAQs



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COVID-19 OVERVIEW

What is the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, which was first detected in China. Learn more on the CDC website.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, and may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Who is at risk?

For most people in the United States, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. Those in a community where the virus has spread are at a relatively low risk. Those at an elevated risk include: healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19, those in close contact with a person with COVID-19, people with a weakened immune system and travelers returning from locations where community spread is occuring. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible. In fact, most confirmed cases of COVID-19 have occurred in adults. Learn more at the CDC Risk Assessment page.

Who can be tested and where?

Refer to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's website for the latest information.

Who can people call with questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Community members can contact CO-HELP with general questions about COVID-19, at 303.389.1687 or 1.877.462.2911, or email COHELP@RMPDC.org.

Should I wear a face mask?

Update April 3, 2020: Governor Polis Calls On Colorado To Adopt A ‘Strong Mask Culture’ To Fight Coronavirus

In a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus, and speed the forthcoming economic recovery, Gov. Jared Polis asked Coloradans to adopt face masks when they leave their home for essential functions allowed under the state’s ‘stay-at-home’ order.

“When you’re out of the home, you should use a mask at all times,” Polis said Friday.

Check out this infographic, How to Safely Use a Face Covering for best practices when wearing a mask.

Where can I find the most up-to-date information about COVID-19?

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST covid-19 exposure

Who do I talk to or what do I do if I have concerns about a staff member, parent, or a student being exposed?

First, let’s define exposed. Exposed means being within 6 feet and a person has coughed and/or sneezed on you, since the virus is spread through respiratory droplets of an infected person. The other person needs to present with active symptoms, including a high fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, a dry and persistent cough, feeling of heaviness on the chest and shortness of breath, fatigue, and possibly a sore, scratchy throat. At this point, if you have been exposed, you should self-isolate for 14 days and monitor your symptoms. If you begin to have the symptoms noted above, then you should call your medical provider. If you are having life-threatening symptoms like difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain, and/or pressure in the chest, change in level of consciousness, or excessively high fever, please call 911 for emergency help.

What if I have heard of a positive confirmation in my school?

Monitor both you and your family's symptoms for 14 days. Symptoms include a high fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, a dry, persistent cough, feeling of heaviness on the chest and shortness of breath, fatigue, and possibly a sore, scratchy throat. If you or your family begin to have the symptoms noted above, then you should call your medical provider. If you are having life-threatening symptoms like difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain and/or pressure in the chest, change in level of consciousness, or excessively high fever, please call 911 for emergency help.

Will I be notified if there has been a confirmed case within my school?

Update on March 23, 2020:

Our partners at JCPH share that COVID-19 is continuing to spread in Colorado and in our community. Given the now widespread nature of this virus, a confirmed diagnosis is not unexpected. JCPH investigates each positive case, and if it’s determined that a member of the Jeffco Public Schools community has been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, JCPH will notify them directly. Individuals who have not been in close contact will not be notified.

Because of this, moving forward Jeffco Public Schools will not be notifying school communities of positive test results. As JCPH advises, our assumption should be that we have all potentially been exposed in one place or another. Please be assured that the Jeffco Public Schools Health Services Director will be informed by JCPH of all positive cases of COVID-19 involving those in our community, and we will continue to take all necessary actions to protect public health.

What is social distancing and why is it important for me & my family?

Social distancing is an effective tool for preventing the spread of disease whether it’s large-scale measures or personal. Learn more critical information to keep you and your family safe during this outbreak by reading the resources below.

CDPHE: Prevention & community spread

It's Time To Get Serious About Social Distancing. Here's How

What does the Governor's Safer-At-Home Order mean?

Update May 5, 2020: Jefferson County, Colo. —

 Along with other counties in the Denver Metro region, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) will allow the county’s extension of the Stay-at-Home order to expire at midnight on May 8. This means that on May 9, Critical Businesses can remain open, and many non-Critical Businesses can begin to open with some restrictions according to the state’s Safer-at-Home order.

For further details on what this means, please visit the Safer-At-Home FAQ.

What can I do at home to stop the spread of COVID-19?

There are many things you can do to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep your home environment safe. Take a moment to review this document from our department of health services.

supporting others during this time

What can I do to help those in need within the Jeffco community?

COVID-19 SUPPORT

Jeffco Schools Foundation has established a COVID-19 Response Fund in support of our mission. Please consider donating to support our schools in this unprecedented time of crisis.

Contact Angela Baber, Executive Director for Jeffco Schools Foundation at angela.baber@jeffco.k12.co.us or 720-272-0285 with questions.

DONATE NOW

How can I support people across Colorado?

Governor Jared Polis recently announced the launch of Help Colorado Now, a joint effort of resources to volunteer and/or donate to the relief of those impacted by the coronavirus.

Are there any mental health tips for people working with the public during this time?

Check out this helpful resource from Jefferson County Colorado Public Health.

remote learning

What does the remote learning schedule look like moving forward?

Moving forward, Mondays will be designated for teacher planning/catch-up for staff and students (no remote learning between teachers and students). Each week, Tuesday through Friday remote learning will take place between teachers and students.

While the remote learning plan is put in place, what technical resources will families have access to?

Students and parents can visit our Technical Resources page to access tools and resources. Be sure to check out these Remote Learning Resources, too.

I don't have at-home internet service. What should I do?

There are options!

Xfinity has announced an Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone program. Through it, Xfinity hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free. Search for a hotspot near you.

Comcast Internet Essentials is offering two free months of their Internet Essentials package starting March 16, 2020. You have to be eligible, so read more on their website. You can also call 1-855-846-8376.

We’ve also got information about data plans with specific cell phone carriers on our Low-Cost Internet Options page. Check back from time to time as we’ll be updating that information regularly.

What if we are experiencing technical issues while engaging in remote learning?

There are several options for support when experiencing technical issues.

1.    Be sure to alert your teacher to let them know what issues you are having. Some are common and they will know the easy solutions; others are system issues (like a particular app running slowly) and they may be aware of this, as well.

2.    We also have a wide variety of documentation and support available on our Student, Family & Community Technical Resources page. Please check it out!

3.    If these don’t work, you may contact our student/family support line at 303-982-3438 Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please note that all home networks are unique and may require assistance from your internet service provider.

Do you and your family need a creative outlet outside of remote learning?

Get inspired by visiting our Jeffco Makes page and start making, baking, and shaking today with the Jeffco community!

Is voluntary homeschooling for an indefinite period of time a choice for parents during COVID-19?

We would encourage all students to continue to attend school as normal, but do understand parents’ concerns for health and safety.

When school is in session, we expect students to be in attendance. If parents choose to keep students home for more than 10 days, they should enroll their child in a homeschool program. For detailed information about homeschooling, please see https://www.cde.state.co.us/choice/homeschool.

Families are encouraged to review the following policies related to homeschooling and attendance:

Homeschooling Policy IHBG
Student Absences & Excuses JH
Student Absences & Excuses JH-R

SCHOOL BUILDING ACCESS

Will school playgrounds still be open while school buildings are closed due to COVID-19?

Due to the Stay-at-Home Order issued by Governor Polis, school playgrounds, tracks, and fields are closed to the public. School playgrounds are not disinfected during school building closures and should not be accessed by children, families, or staff. We encourage our students and families to seek alternative outdoor activities including walking, running, hiking, and biking, while still adhering to social distancing recommendations.

HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

What is the Read with Me at Home initiative? Who is it for?

In response to school closures across Colorado, Rocky Mountain Public Media in partnership with the Office of the Governor, the Colorado Department of Education, and the Colorado Education Initiative, will provide K-3 learners, their families, and caregivers with direct-to-home remote literacy learning on broadcast and online. Starting May 18, K-3 literacy lessons will be broadcast Monday-Friday from 8am-10am on Rocky Mountain PBS. Learn more here. 

Are there any online learning resources from the student perspective?

Check out the service project developed by (JVA) Jeffco Virtual Academy's National Honors Society chapter.

They have created this website with the goal of providing study tips/tricks for online learning and help for adjusting to quarantine. You can find resources on studying for all ages, parent guidance, stress management, exercise, entertainment, etc.

This is a wonderful resource made BY students FOR students!

What advice is there for families to support learning at home?

View the Colorado Department of Education's website - Best Practices for Families - to get ideas on how to support learning at home.

How do I stay connected to learn the most up to date news about Jeffco Public Schools and COVID-19?

Read the Community Updates that provide families important information about our schools, remote learning, the community, COVID-19, and more. 

What if my child or family member is struggling during this remote learning time?

Be sure to use these resources if a family member needs support during this time of isolation and uncertainty.

Additionally, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn more about daily activities and resources for you and your family to use to create a healthy mindset.

Are there any free webinars for parents and teens to take advantage of when dealing with COVID-19?

Yes. Dr. Scott Cypers from CU Denver and the Johnson Depression Center offers a weekly series of webinars for parents and teens on dealing with life during COVID-19. These meetings are free to the public. Read more about it in this NPR story and on their website. 

What fun and creative activities can families engage in when staying at home?

Visit Jeffco Makes for creativity and inspiration. New activities are shared weekly!

Is there a resource that connects families to local Jeffco programs and services and offers tips to support learning at every age?

Yes, Jeffco Families Colorado is a new one-stop resource for families and all those who care for children age 0-8 in Jefferson County. 

What is a telehealth visit or nurseline?

If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, you may consider a telehealth visit or nurseline advice first when it comes to medical care during this crisis. Learn more at CDPHE’s website.

food options available to families

Will the district serve meals at schools during a building closure?

Yes! Thanks to funding from the Jefferson County Commissioners, we will open 11 sites for the
Summer Grab-and-Go Meals Program.

Note: Current meal service program last day is Fri., May 22

 
Starts Wednesday, May 27
Who: All children 18 and under (Adult meals will not be available in the summer program)
Dates of Service: May 27 - August 14, 2020 (No meals served on Memorial Day, 5/25)
Days and Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:30am - 1pm
Meals Served: 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches per child at no charge

As COVID-19 impacts our community, we encourage families to continue to access meals at our Summer Grab-and-Go Meal sites. Measures for social distancing and reduced exposure will continue to help ensure the safety of the Jeffco community.

See a full list of the food locations and more details here.

state testing

Are tests, such as CMAS, PSAT and SAT, going to take place?

The administration of end-of-the-year assessments, including the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS), will be paused for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to extensive school closures throughout Colorado to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Colorado Education Commissioner Katy Anthes announced March 17, 2020.
 
CDE is working with The College Board to generate possible solutions for the administration of the PSAT and SAT tests, which offer unique roles in Colorado’s system in terms of scholarships and college entrance. Additional information will come from CDE as it becomes available. Learn more. 

athletics and other school-related activities

Are athletic competitions, festivals, music events, and other extracurricular events still happening?

Update May 8, 2020: Jeffco School sites remain closed to students, coaches, and sponsors through August 1, 2020. Use of facilities, fields, and courts is not allowed. There may be no congregation of teams, student-athletes, activity participants, coaches, or sponsors on or off school grounds.

Virtual instruction and workouts may be conducted beginning Monday, May 11th, per CHSAA. Use of Zoom type platforms may be utilized to meet virtually with team members. In-person congregation between athletes, coaches, activity participants, and activity sponsors is still prohibited per District and CHSAA directives.

Learn more about the latest information from CHSAA here. Check back for updates.

Update April 21, 2020:

The Spring 2020 season is cancelled due to on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Read more from the CHSAA website.

When will families receive a refund if their child was participating in a spring sport?

Families can request a refund by contacting their school’s financial secretary. Visit your school website for the appropriate contact information.

returning to school

How is it decided when to return to school?

This is an evolving situation and Jeffco Public Schools will continue to follow the guidance from the CDC and CDPHE. We will share updates when they are available.

Update April 3, 2020:

Jeffco Public Schools announced the following:

After consultation with Jefferson County Public Health and in coordination with other districts in the metro Denver area, we have made the difficult decision to suspend in-person instruction for the remainder of the school year. We will continue on our path delivering remote learning for students and remote work for staff through the end of this school year 2019-2020.

Read more of the district’s message and why they made this important decision here.

IMPORTANT END OF YEAR INFORMATION/LOGISTICS

What does the latest Jefferson County Public Health Order state about P-12 school access and sports activities in Jefferson County?

Updated April 29, 2020: Jefferson County Public Health issued Public Health Order 20-003, which limits P-12 school access and prohibits P-12 sports activities in Jefferson County. Specifically, public and private schools and school districts in Jefferson County may not use school buildings to provide in-person small group instruction; staff professional development; access to internet, devices or instructional materials; special education services; or mental health supports — unless they can ensure Social Distancing Requirements are met and the providers receive pre-approval from the Jefferson County School District R-1’s leadership team for any public school in the district, or the school leadership for any private school located in Jefferson County. Additionally, all P-12 team sports activities and events are prohibited through July 31, 2020. This order is in effect through July 31, 2020. Read the full order here.

What is the plan for 2020 graduation?

- A “graduation acknowledgment” will be created for the end of May. This acknowledgment will take a form determined by each individual school in collaboration with their seniors and staff.

- In-person graduation ceremonies scheduled for May 2020 will be postponed until the first two weekends in August. We are hopeful that social distancing guidelines will be lifted and group celebrations permitted at that time. Learn more information here.

When can students/families pick up their personal belongings at school?

With the Stay-at-Home Order lifted on May 8, allowing for more movement within our community, the district will soon be sending out information and guidance for students and families to pick up their personal belongings during the month of May. If there are critical items such as medications or materials required for successful remote learning a student needs to collect immediately, please reach out to your school principal directly.

When can I pick up my child’s medication from school?

You can pick up your child’s medication from your school during specific times/dates in May. Learn more here about the Jeffco Medication pick-up protocol for families. 

What will the grading system be during remote learning?

In a remote learning environment, there are many unknown variables that can contribute to students' ability or inability to engage. Due to this uncertainty, we have organized the following guidance to support schools with grading at each level.

- High Schools
The grade a student earned as of the grading period concluding prior to March 13, 2020 (the day before our first week of remote learning), will serve as the lowest possible grade a student can receive for this semester as long as students continue to participate (*see below for more on participation). The specific determination of this grading period will be a school-based decision (examples include quarters, trimesters, semesters). Students will be able to improve upon this grade for the remainder of this semester. Additionally, a student can work with the school principal, or designee, to move their grade to a credit/no credit indicator on the transcript. For this semester, all F grades will be transcribed as “no credit;" seniors will need to work with their principal, or designee, before May 1. All other students currently enrolled in high school can initiate the credit/no credit option up until June 5.

There are a few exceptions in high school concurrent and dual enrollment classes. Please refer to your school for more information.

- Middle Schools
Student engagement with teachers and academics during this time is the foundation of remote learning practices at the middle school level, and we know students will continue to engage in remote learning for the remainder of this school year. To that end, the grade a student earned as of the grading period concluding prior to March 13, 2020 (the day before our first week of remote learning), will serve as the lowest possible grade a student can receive for this semester as long as the student continues to participate (*see below for more on participation). The specific determination of this grading period (examples include quarters, trimesters, semesters) will be a school-based decision. Students will be able to improve upon this grade for the remainder of this semester by participating in remote learning. Definitions of participation should include demonstrating progress towards mastery of content standards.

- Elementary Schools 
For the first two trimesters, elementary students received report cards prior to shifting to remote learning. Since the shift, and for the duration of the third trimester, students and teachers have exclusively engaged in remote learning. Because of this shift, grading for the remainder of this academic year will focus on more qualitative feedback from teachers. The end of year report card will note in the comment section the progress the student has made in meeting remote learning expectations during the third trimester. Additionally, the report card will note if the student will be promoted to the next year's grade.

- Charter and Innovation Schools
Each charter school will determine its own grading policy in collaboration with their leadership teams, and information about grading will be communicated to families by each charter school.

*Regarding "participation:" While these guidelines for grading are designed to support students across Jeffco Public Schools, the definition of participation and the determination of the concluding date prior to remote learning (middle school and high school) are school-based determinations. More specific information on these two topics will be available from your school.

For more information or specific questions about your student's particular situation, please contact your child’s teacher or school.

How will attendance/student engagement be tracked during remote learning?

Student Engagement Reporting During Remote Learning

Since the implementation of remote learning, we are practicing continuous improvement to meet the needs of teachers, students, and schools. As we have moved beyond the initial transition phase of remote learning, we are now supporting schools in implementing refined attendance and engagement monitoring practices.

Because of our new learning environment, we are adjusting the metric for measuring attendance and engagement to better align with this new asynchronous learning model. This includes the following guidelines:

- Teachers are expected to monitor/track student engagement on a daily basis.
- Schools will verify each student’s engagement for the week in Infinite Campus by the following Monday.
- An absence recorded during this remote learning period indicates a student has not engaged in remote learning within the week.
- The attendance autodialer has been turned off; families will not receive attendance calls.
- Principals will be responsible for ensuring teachers are monitoring/tracking student engagement on a daily basis and ensuring student engagement is verified in Infinite Campus on a weekly basis.

Student Engagement Best Practices for Remote Learning
- Student engagement can be defined in a number of ways: online communication, completing assignments, preschool parent engagement, and others as defined by teachers and schools.
- Schools and teachers should not impose a higher standard of student participation in a remote learning environment than the seat-time requirement of being present for attendance purposes.
- Schools should communicate a consistent message on what student engagement means for their students and families, as well as remind/encourage families to check grade/engagement progress in Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
- Schools are expected to have a plan to follow up with students who are not engaged (indicated by an absence).
- Principals and community superintendents will monitor plans and engagement tracking.
- Staff in the Student Engagement Office and Student Services have partnered with school leadership to provide student engagement and attendance intervention guidance and resources for schools.
- For students who need mental health support, school staff can engage Jeffco’s Student Success Office to provide assistance.

If you have further questions about attendance and engagement tracking in your school, please contact your child’s teacher or principal.

What will summer school/programs look like this summer?

In Jeffco, our summer school options are varied and structured to meet different needs; some are academic, while others are enrichment-based. If you are interested in exploring options, talk with a principal, secretary, counselor, or teacher at your school to find out if they will have any summer programming there or nearby. Some of our elementary schools offer summer school for students who attend that school. For students in high school who need credit recovery, there are three regional options.

Note: due to the Covid-19 outbreak, all summer school opportunities will be virtual this summer. See flyer or website for more details on high school credit recovery.

Will there be district in-person summer programs or gatherings?

In-person Jeffco Public Schools-based organized activities (or supports for these activities such as practice) which create group congregations are prohibited until August 1st. Non-Jeffco Public Schools groups may be allowed after July 1, depending on changes to public health directives that would allow for those activities. As more information about the lifting of stay-at-home orders becomes known, we may update this information.
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