NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS, INC.

HEALTH & INFECTIOUS DISEASE PROTOCOLS

ACADEMIC YEAR 2021-22

The Board of Regents, in conjunction with the administration of Northwest Christian Schools, Inc., a faith-based
Christian educational institution, has determined the following statements and protocols to be aligned with the
faith and values we hold in common as a private Christian community. We believe these statements serve to
protect and provide a wholistic approach to the health and welfare of each of our students and staff, while
supporting our rights and freedoms as granted by our Creator through the Holy Scriptures and through the
Constitution of the Unites States of America. Therefore, because we have sincerely held religious convictions, we
present the following protocols:

➢ Northwest Christian Schools, Inc. highly recommends students and staff wear masks as outlined by both
state and regional health and governmental authorities. This is especially true for students or staff who
personally have or are in contact with those who have underlying health and immunity issues that could
make them more vulnerable to COVID-19 and other viruses.

➢ Northwest Christian Schools, Inc. holds a sincere religious conviction that parents and families maintain
the ultimate authority and responsibility to make the best decisions in regard to their own child’s health
and welfare. As a community, we hold varying opinions on the risks and protections of wearing or not
wearing a mask. Professional and scientific research on the benefits and risks of masks is also varied.
Therefore, our convictions in conjunction with these facts establish the decision to wear or not wear a
mask will be held at the parental level for each individual student with the understanding that parents
bear the sole responsibility for any potential health consequence of their decision. Northwest Christian
schools will support and uphold the decision of each family and honor and support their individual choice
for their students.

➢ Northwest Christian Schools, Inc. values the personal choice of each employee of our institution. While
we recommend that staff wear masks, we respect each employee’s personal choice regarding their own
health and welfare. Therefore, mask usage will be at the discretion and option of each employee and
each employee understands that they alone bear the responsibility for any potential health consequences
of their decision.

➢ Northwest Christian Schools, Inc. retains the right, at any time, to impose a requirement for students and
staff to wear a mask for a predetermined amount of time (minimum of 14 calendar days) based upon
known positive COVID-19 cases within our student and staff community. This mask requirement may be
implemented at a classroom level or within an entire building depending upon defined criteria of known
student COVID-19 cases. Students are requested to always have a mask with them in their backpack or
locker.

➢ Northwest Christian Schools, Inc. will also retain the right to quarantine students from access to school
facilities and activities for a defined period of time based upon if they tested positive for COVID-19 or if
they had a direct exposure to a known COVID-19 case. Such quarantines will be based upon local Health
Department recommendations.

➢ Northwest Christian Schools, Inc. requests that each family and staff member use vigilance in protecting
the health of others by cautiously monitoring their own health and staying home when not feeling well
and with symptoms including headache, fever (temperature greater than 100.4*F without the use of
Tylenol, ibuprofen or cold medication containing Tylenol, or ibuprofen), nausea, sore throat, coughing,

Northwest Christian Schools, Inc.

Health & Infectious Disease Protocols – Fall 2021
 diarrhea, excessive congestion, and/or fatigue. Students and staff are to refrain from returning to school
until symptoms have resided for at least 48 hours.

➢ In alignment with Romans chapter 14 where we are called to respect the customs and requirements of
others without passing judgement, Northwest Christian Schools, Inc. will honor the protocols and
requirements of other schools and the WIAA when engaged in all public arts and athletic events as either
the host or guest. For example, when hosting or visiting an indoor athletic game, all NWCS parents and
spectators will be expected to wear masks in honoring our guests or hosts. If any NWCS parent, student,
or guest does not want to honor the guests or hosts by wearing a mask, they will be asked to remove
themselves from the facility and to watch the event via the online streaming provided by Northwest
Christian Schools.

➢ Northwest Christian Schools, Inc. will continue to use the following protocols within each of our facilities
to help maintain the health and welfare of our students and staff:
o PRAYER: NWCS is a Christian community committed to prayer, scripture and following Christ. As
a community, we will commit ourselves to pray for the health, safety, and protection of our
students, staff and families.
o UNIFIED EFFORT: The health and safety of all our students and staff is a partnership between
NWCS faculty, staff, parents, students, and families to comply with guidelines and protocols.
o PHYSICAL DISTANCING: Whenever possible, NWCS will maintain recommended physical
distancing including, the location of desks and tables, during mealtimes and within other group
activities. Every classroom will be set up to maintain a minimum of 3’ between students when
seated.
o HAND WASHING: Research confirms hand cleanliness as one of the most effective defenses
against the transmission of infectious disease. NWCS will provide numerous hand sanitation
stations throughout each campus and will require frequent handwashing by students, teachers,
and staff.
o FACILITY CLEANING: Extra cleaning, sanitation, and wiping down of surfaces will be conducted
throughout each day.
o FRESH AIR: Research states that increased airflow assists in the reduction of the spread of
viruses. Additionally, students may spend extra time outside throughout the day as weather
permits.
o BUS TRANSPORTATION: Students will be required to wear masks whenever physical distancing of
3’ or more cannot be maintained on NWCS provided transportation, including buses and vans.

All of these statements and positions have been prayerfully and thoughtfully researched and considered. Our
perspectives are based upon our convictions and are not in any way negative towards government or health
authorities. We realize there may be some in our community who disagree with one or more of these
statements, and we respect your right to do so. However, the fabric of our community is held together by much
more than a single thread of disagreement. Let each of us choose to honor these statements and to celebrate
and rally around those things we do hold in common such as our Christian faith, the lordship of Jesus Christ in our
lives, the value of family, and the importance of instilling values, character, and a gospel-centered education into
every one of our students on a daily basis. Together, we stand united as a Christian educational community. We
are Northwest Christian.

Northwest Christian Schools, Inc.

Health & Infectious Disease Protocols – Fall 2021