INFORMATION FOR FALL 2020

Click HERE for information on the 100% virtual option.

VIDEO of general information for Fall 2020. (Low-resolution video available HERE).

See this page for information regarding the in-person option.

We are grateful to be able to offer an in-person learning experience this fall, and we appreciate all of our families’ support in our effort to open 5280 High School to students. In order for us to do this, there are health and other guidelines that we all must follow to ensure safety and minimize risk of coronavirus spread. Please ensure that you and your child understand the information below.

IMPORTANT HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR IN-PERSON LEARNING

5280 HIGH SCHOOL

2020-2021

Students have the option to return to in-person learning this year.  In order to keep staff and students safe, these are the non-negotiable guidelines students must follow.  Students unable or unwilling to follow these guidelines will be served in the virtual-only option.  If you have any questions, please contact the School Leader, Melissa Mouton, at 303-525-2771. 

5280 High School will follow ALL health guidelines provided by Denver Health, the Denver Metro Health Partnership, the Colorado Department of Education, and Denver Public Schools.  A summary of these guidelines is below.

 

Guidelines for Entering the School

  • Students must be symptom-free and feeling well in order to come to school.  If a student is experiencing flu-like symptoms, they cannot come to school that day and should be in virtual classes only. It is imperative that students and parents understand that students should stay home if they are feeling ill.  Please refer to this document: Can I Go To School Today?

  • Before entering the school, all students (and staff) will have their temperature taken, and answer questions about any symptoms they are experiencing that day.  Only students with no symptoms and temperatures less than 100.4°F will be allowed to enter the school.  

  • Students will enter and leave the building at 1 door only.  Each student is in a cohort, and each cohort has their own entry/exit door that they will use.

  • Off-campus lunch is not allowed and students will not be able to leave the school to buy lunch.  Students can bring their lunch, eat the DPS-provided lunch, or have food delivered.

  • Parents and visitors will not be allowed into the school past the front office; they must remain in the front foyer.

 

Masks and Other Health Precautions

  • All students will wear masks while in the school.  We will also have face shields available for those who desire to wear one.  Masks must be worn at all times, even in bathrooms and office spaces.  Students will be allowed to remove their mask during lunch and sometimes while outdoors.  

  • Hand sanitizing stations will be set up around the school and must be used at least every two hours.

  • Students must stay at least 3 feet apart from other students, and 6 feet apart from staff.  Each student will have their own table and must use their own materials.  

  • Our custodial staff will disinfect the school every day with a CDC-approved disinfectant.

 

Cohorts

  • Students will be assigned to one of three cohorts of approximately 25 students each.  Each cohort will be assigned an area of the school where they will take all of their classes and eat lunch.  Students are not allowed to enter spaces designated for other cohorts.  

  • Each cohort will have designated bathroom break times every 30 minutes to ensure that cohorts do not mix in the bathrooms.  Students will be able to access a bathroom when needed in case of emergencies.  

  • Hallways will be designated for specific cohorts and movement throughout the building will be limited.  

 

Quarantine Scenarios

  • If a 5280 student or staff member tests positive for the coronavirus, all other members of that cohort will move to a virtual-only scenario for 14 days (the length of time may be subject to change depending on further guidelines from health officials).  If more than 4 cases of coronavirus are diagnosed in students, the entire school will move to a virtual-only environment for 14 days.

  • If a family or house member of a student tests positive for coronavirus, the student must quarantine for 14 days and cannot come to school.  It is imperative that families communicate any coronavirus cases in their family to the school by calling the School Leader, Melissa Mouton, at 303-525-2771.

  • If a student becomes ill or starts experiencing symptoms while at school, they will be immediately moved to the nursing room and remain isolated until they are able to be picked up from school (if not able to drive).  

Allowance of the In-Person Option

  • Health officials are continually monitoring the community spread and control of the novel coronavirus.  Schools are allowed to offer in-person instruction while the City and County of Denver are in the “Safer at Home” phase of re-opening.  If the virus increases in the community and Denver shifts to the “Stay at Home” scenario, schools will no longer be able to offer in-person instruction.  If this occurs, all students will be moved to a virtual-only option. 

  • These guidelines are subject to change depending on future guidance from health officials and in response to the changing landscape of the coronavirus in Denver.  

 I know that was a lot.  We will get through this!  We know that in-person learning is the best option for many of our students, and we will use these guidelines and others not listed here to maximize student safety at 5280 High School.  Please reach out to me any time at 303-525-2771.  Thank you.  

Melissa Mouton, School Leader