Does EPISD offer vaccines?

Yes. EPISD partnered with Immunize El Paso to provide COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at all 64 elementary and middle school campuses from Jan. 21 to Feb. 2. Vaccines are offered free of charge to students, parents and community members. Details and registration form here.

Why do the Immunize El Paso/EPISD vaccination clinics not include boosters for 12-15 year olds?

Immunize El Paso will provide boosters to all who qualify at the time of the clinic. Click here to contact Immunize El Paso if you have any questions.

What if the parent can’t attend the vaccine clinic with the student?

An immediate family member (18 years or older) may accompany the student for the vaccine, along with a note from the parent or guardian. Click here to contact Immunize El Paso for information.

Are masks required on campus?

Through Board of Trustees action, the District’s provisions were updated to include the expectation that everyone on District property use a facemask Jan. 25 and through Feb. 15. Students who cannot wear a mask or are unwilling to wear one may opt out by filling out a one-question survey that has been made available via email and the District’s website. (Updated Jan. 21, 2022) Local health experts highly encourage the use of masks. Click here for details.

Are there any exemptions to the face-mask provision?

The provision exempts students participating in athletics and fine arts from wearing a face mask during games, events, practices and performances, unless they have tested positive for COVID within the last 10 days. (Updated Jan. 21, 2022)

Can we return to virtual learning?

Current Texas Education Agency rules don’t allow for virtual learning. We continue to work with the state on options to keep students and families safe under the current allowable guidelines. Details here.

Does EPISD offer testing?

Yes, students and staff who receive a letter from their campus indicating a high-risk exposure can schedule a rapid test at the nearest participating EPISD campus. Details and availability will be outlined in the letter.  Parents may call their campus main office or school nurse for further details.

Who is eligible for testing?

Tests are not available for community members.  Tests can only be used for students and staff from EPISD.

Due to limited resources in both supply of tests and availability of staff, the following protocol will be followed when determining who gets tested and when testing is provided:

• Priority Group 1: Any student or staff member that has been determined to be a High-Risk close contact at school/work will be offered testing on day 5 from the last day of exposure to the COVID-19 Positive person.
• Priority Group 2: Students and staff who have been determined to be a Low-Risk contact to a COVID-19 Positive person at school/work can be offered testing at the same time as the High-Risk group if tests and testing team are available.
• Priority Group 3: Students and staff who have had a High-Risk exposure to a COVID-19 Positive person at home or outside of school/work can be offered testing on one of the testing days that has already been scheduled, as long as tests and testing team are available.

Random testing or-at-will testing will not be provided.  At this time, our resources are limited. El Paso City testing information here.

What do I do if my child has been exposed to someone with COVID?

EPISD conducts contact tracing and will advise parents and staff if there is a high-risk exposure. It’s important to monitor your child’s symptoms. If they feel sick, they should stay home. If your child is sick for more than 24 hours, contact your child’s physician or testing is recommended if they are symptomatic.

What do I do if my child feels sick?

Your child should stay home if they feel sick. If your child is sick for longer than 24 hours, contact your child’s physician or testing is recommended if they are symptomatic.

What do I do if my child is waiting for test results?

Your child should stay home while waiting for test results to curb the possible risk of COVID spread. If your child is asymptomatic, they may go to school pending test results. If your child is symptomatic, keep them home.

What if a student or employee tests positive?

Students or employees must isolate at home for 5 days starting from day of positive test. Student or employee may return to work or school on day 6 of home isolation:

• if they are symptom-free
• have not run a fever in more than 24 hours without fever reducing medication
• must wear a face mask for at least five days (days 6-10)

Those who cannot wear a mask or are unwilling to wear one will have to isolate the full 10 days at home. (Updated Jan. 21, 2022) Notify your physician for guidance and contact the campus or work supervisor for details on isolation and testing guidelines.

What is EPISD’s response when there are a large number of positive cases in a classroom?

If an elementary classroom reaches a 15 percent positivity rate, campus administration will initiate the Responsive Safety COVID– Classroom Bubble protocol. Students will remain in their classroom for instruction, meals and tutoring while social distancing. Instructional support such as remote conferencing as well as testing recommendations will be provided. The students will participate in PE outdoors, weather permitting. Bubble protocol will be re-evaluated every three days.

How do I keep my child safe and healthy?

El Paso health experts recommend the following steps to keep our families healthy and safe:

1. Get vaccinated.
2. Wear a face mask.
3. Wash your hands often.
4. Stay home if you’re feeling sick.

Who do I contact for more information?

Reach out to your school nurse or campus main office for further details.

What documentation needs to be provided if employee or student is out sick or in isolation at home?

If child tested positive from HOME COVID TEST:

Take a photo of the positive test with student’s full name, date of birth, and test date written on the results when applicable and email it to the school nurse.

If employee tested positive from HOME COVID TEST:

Take a photo of the positive test with your full name, date of birth and test date written on the results when applicable and email the school and HR Employee Benefits.

El Paso City testing information here.