LPS Returns to Learn

LPS Return to Learn Information

  • Since the beginning of the pandemic, Liberty Public Schools has held that our overarching goal has been to keep our students and staff safe and healthy while keeping our schools open. To assist us in achieving this goal, LPS has complied with public health requirements and guidance as put forth by the City of Kansas City, Missouri; the City of Liberty, Missouri; the Clay County Public Health Center and the Kansas City Health Department. When the requirements or guidance has been inconsistent between these entities, the District has adhered to the most restrictive approach. 
     
    The plan outlined in the document linked below was developed based on the guidance and recommendations put forward by public health officials and informed by our experience over these past three-and-a-half years of managing the District through COVID-19. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the District will remain connected with local public health officials and consider adjustments to this plan as might be appropriate. Please note that the Board of Education could opt for more stringent COVID-19 mitigation strategies as it deems appropriate in light of conditions in the District, and with due consideration of local public health officials. 
     
     
    CDC Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html

     

    **Last Updated Wednesday, January 4, 2023**
  • Questions and Comments
  • LPS Health Services

  • Testing

    Should an LPS student or staff member experience COVID-19 symptoms, Liberty Public Schools can provide "take-home testing kits" for personal use.

    Liberty Public Schools encourages all students and staff to consult with their personal physician for medical advice and guidance.

    Testing sites are also available throughout the community, home tests are available at most pharmacies and home tests can be provided by the U.S. government at no charge. The government-provided tests do take some time to be delivered, so anyone interested is encouraged to order them to have them on hand instead of waiting until when experiencing symptoms. 

  • COVID-19 Communications Archive

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives with the national shutdown in March 2020, Liberty Public Schools has been committed to providing our stakeholders with regular updates throughout.
     
    From the initial school closures in the spring, to our preparations for Return to Learn plans, to putting the plans in place, communication efforts have been essential. All of the various communications that have been distributed to our staff and families are archived and available for reference. These messages are listed in chronological order, beginning with the most recent, and taking us back to the middle stages of March 2020.
     

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    *Last updated August 2022*

     

    Q: If I am COVID-19 positive, to whom do I report that information?

    A: Students, please report the information to the school nurse. Staff, please report the information to a supervisor. 

     

    Q: What do I have to do once I test positive?

    A: After notifying the proper person, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 must stay home for five days after the date of their positive test or first symptoms - whichever is earlier. If the person who tested positive has no symptoms, they may return on day six but will need to wear a mask for days six through 10. If a fever develops on day five or later or other symptoms persist, continue to stay home until those symptoms resolve without the use of fever/pain-reducing medication.

    Resources:

     

    Q: Do I have to quarantine if someone in my household tests positive for COVID-19 or if I've been identified as a close contact elsewhere in the community?

    A: The CDC recommends that instead of quarantining because of exposure to a positive case, the exposed person should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested for COVID-19 on day five after exposure or any time symptoms develop.

     

    Q: Will my student be excused from school because of COVID-19?

    A: Student absences due to quarantine or isolation will be designated as Covid-related and thereby excused. Please continue to communicate student absences to the building attendance secretary. 

     

    Q: Is social distancing still a good mitigation measure to continue?

    A: Social distancing is still a good measure for protection and can help curb illnesses including colds, flu and COVID-19. It's a good idea to continue to keep social distance as an active protective measure for the time being. 

     

    Q: What happens when a student develops symptoms or is sent to school sick?

    A: Students that are sent to school ill or develop symptoms of illness while at school will be sent home as soon as symptoms are discovered. As has been previously shared, it is of the utmost importance that all staff and students stay home whenever they have symptoms of any illness, regardless of whether it is COVID-19. LPS Health Services personnel cannot differentiate outwardly between COVID-19, influenza or other contagious respiratory illnesses. Thus, anyone who has symptoms of illness must stay home and see a healthcare provider. We thank you in advance for partnering with us to keep our students and staff healthy. 

     

    Q: What guidance is there surrounding masking?

    A: Masking is not required at this time. LPS will provide access to KN95 and disposable masks to interested staff and students at each of our buildings. 

     

    Q: What are cleaning and sanitization procedures?

    A: Our custodial staff will provide a thorough cleaning and sanitizing of all occupied spaces consistent with CDC guidance and LPS custodial protocols. Throughout the day, custodial staff will clean and sanitize higher-use areas at regular intervals. Buses will be sanitized and disinfected between routes. 

     

    Q: What guidance is there surrounding handwashing?

    A: School staff are encouraged to review proper hand washing techniques with all students. Students and staff should clean and sanitize their hands on a regular basis. Foaming sanitizer dispensers are available for sanitizing hands. Students and staff should be encouraged to wash or sanitize their hands at every transition during the school day. 

    hand washing