The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to students, parents, and staff for social events planned by our school. For the purpose of this guidance, a social event is defined as a function or gathering that brings two or more individuals together in a group to socialize or observe a special occasion. Examples include graduation, prom, block parties, 8th grade celebrations, orientation, etc. Administrators will review event plans to ensure that capacity limits are met and that there is an effective plan for social distancing.
Event Logistics
Schools are permitted to hold school events within guidelines for social distancing. Specifically, schools must observe the following logistics when planning/administering events:
Health Screenings
Health screenings are not required but appropriate signage about self screening will be posted. By entering a WCPSS facility, all individuals are attesting that they do not have any symptoms of illness, have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 10 days, and have not been exposed to COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
Recording Attendance
Schools will keep a roster of all students, staff and guests who attend social events on campus. Further, guest lists will be created prior to each event to ensure that the maximum capacity for the event is not exceeded. The roster and guest list will be maintained by the event coordinator. This measure will facilitate contact tracing if necessary.
Event Capacity
Schools will observe the following guidelines for event capacity:
--Student participants, administrators, and advisors do not count toward the spectator capacity limits. However, student participants must remain 6 feet apart from each other at events.
--Outdoor events are strongly recommended where feasible. When in an outdoor venue, capacity is limited to a maximum of 50% of the venue capacity while maintaining 6 feet of social distancing.
--Indoor events are allowable when an outdoor event is not feasible. Indoor events are limited to a maximum of 50% of the facility capacity while maintaining 6 feet of social distancing.
--Spectators must remain seated at both indoor and outdoor facilities.
Social Distancing
When planning for and implementing a social event, schools will observe the following:
--Student participants must observe appropriate social distance (6 ft).
--Staff must implement a plan to prevent groups from gathering at arrival and dismissal times to limit crossover and contact. This includes staggering starting/ending times when feasible.
--Event organizers will develop strategies to help students maintain the 6 ft social distance expectations.
--By attending the event, students and guests agree to cooperate with school staff to ensure that all social distancing, health, cleaning, and other expectations can be effectively maintained throughout the event.
Event Equipment
Students may not share personal equipment (cell phones, cameras, etc) during the event. Further, students must report to the event in appropriate attire for the activity.
Face Coverings
All individuals are required to wear face coverings at all times when inside. This includes staff, guests, students, and any other individuals gathering for the event. Any exceptions to this must follow existing district guidelines for making those exceptions.
The district has updated guideline about face coverings based on the newest guidance issued by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) in the StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit. The guidance makes the use of masks optional while outdoors, but still requires masks for children ages 5 and older while indoors and on school transportation.
For that reason, face coverings are no longer required outdoors for recess, classes held outdoors, outdoor PE class, outdoor eating, and similar small gatherings. Face coverings will still be required indoors and on school transportation. Most of our social events will not be considered small gatherings.
NCDHHS still recommends that anyone who is not vaccinated continue to wear a face covering when they are closer than six feet to another person, even when outdoors. However, this is a NCDHHS recommendation and not a requirement.
Student Attire
Students are expected to arrive at events dressed appropriately (ex., graduation cap and gown for graduation, etc.) for the event to the degree feasible. Students and guests are not allowed to use dressing rooms, lockers, or restrooms to change clothes, do hair, or apply make-up.
Food and Beverages
Students, guests, staff, and spectators will not be permitted to consume food or beverages during the social event. Any food items that are provided will be individually wrapped and bagged for each participant. Any food items provided to participants should be consumed off campus after students leave the event.
Designated Zones and Restricted Areas
School staff will designate zones for entering and exiting the event. Students, guests, and spectators who attend the social event, agree to follow the protocols that have been established to admit and dismiss students and guests. Students and guests also agree to maintain 6ft social distance while waiting in line before, during, and after the event.
Photo Opportunities
Administrators recognize that students, guests, and spectators will want photos to capture special moments during the event. We also recognize that students may not want to wear a mask in the photo. North Carolina requires a face covering of your choice for all school staff, adult visitors, and K-12 students at all times. Students may remove masks briefly when outside only, spaced 8-10 feet from all other individuals, including employees, and stationary in the same space. Students, guests, and spectators who attend a social event on campus agree to wear a face mask during the entire event. When possible, we will secure a photographer and designate an area that will allow an individual student to be photographed while outside, and 8-10 feet from others.
