August 4, 2021

COVID-19 Updates for the 2021-22 School Year

COVID-19 Updates for the 2021-22 School Year

UPDATED AUGUST 12, 2021

Dear TSA Families

2021 Fall Return Update

Dear TSA Community-

The start of the year is upon us- we can’t wait to get everything going next week!

I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know of a change in our COVID-19 fall return protocols.

What has changed

As many of you know, Northwest Ohio (and specifically Lucas County) is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, especially during the past few weeks.

In Lucas County, there has been a 54.59% increase in cases over the past 7 days (according to recent CDC data).  The County was also upgraded from “Moderate” to “Substantial” level of Community Transmission, which is also consistent with many of our surrounding counties.

Further, we have a significant portion of our student body that are not yet eligible to receive a COVID vaccine.  Unlike other school districts where elementary and junior high students reside in separate buildings, all students at TSA co-exist together.

As a result, and in following the guidance and recommendations from both the CDC and Ohio Department of Health, we will now be requiring that all students, staff and visitors (regardless of vaccination status) wear masks while inside TSA.  A decision has not yet been determined regarding outdoor activities.

Exceptions include documented medical releases, as well as while eating and drinking.

We will regularly review this requirement as more data becomes available.

What remains the same

In-person instruction will continue as previously planned (face-to-face only).

Stairwells will return to two-way traffic.

The Attic Theatre will no longer be utilized as an alternative cafeteria space.

Daily cleaning of classrooms will continue.  Classrooms will also continue to be supplied with wipes and hand sanitizer.

For new families, TSA installed an ionization unit last year that has significantly improved the overall air quality of our building, further reducing the spread of germs and viruses.

The quarantine and isolation protocol also remains the same as previously communicated.  

Only those individuals who have not received a vaccine will be required to quarantine or isolate.

Moving forward

The common theme I have been hearing the most this summer is the return of the “TSA Experience”.  This of course extends beyond just artistic events, but includes everything that has served as the foundation of our school and culture such as the incredible creative energy in our hallways and classrooms, our amazing faculty and staff, and the investment of our parents and Toledo community.

This protocol change does not deter these plans, but rather puts us in a position to ensure they move forward while also looking out for the health and safety of our students.   

I would like to thank all of you for all you continue to do for our school and everyone in TSA Nation!

Doug Mead

Director, Toledo School for the Arts

Note: We will continue to include updates from the CDC, requirements of the State of Ohio and consultation with Toledo Lucas County Health Department as primary factors in the determination of COVID19 protocols at TSA. These protocols, therefore, are subject to change

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