COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Following the expiration of the state’s mask mandate, Madison Public Schools will move to a “mask recommended” model for mask wearing. Effective Monday, February 28, 2022 mask wearing in school buildings will be optional for students and staff.   

It is important to note that district staff will not be responsible for enforcing parent choice when it comes to mask wearing. If parents would like their student(s) to continue wearing a mask, it is important they discuss that expectation with their student(s). 

The following rules regarding mask wearing still apply for all students and staff:  

• Under the “mask recommended” model, the Department of Public Health (DPH) retains the authority to impose a universal mask mandate if there is a local or state-wide need due to an outbreak. Local school districts also maintain the ability to institute mask wearing due to local conditions.   
• For the five days following the quarantine or isolation period, individuals are recommended to continue to wear a well-fitting mask in all settings. 

No, parents are asked to perform a daily health screen prior to sending their students to school each day. An at home health screening checklist for parents is included in the district’s main reopening document on page 20. 

While some districts have opted to participate in a state-sponsored weekly COVID-19 testing program for students grades K-6, Madison Public Schools will not be offering testing at this time. 

Yes. At this time everyone in your household is a contact of a contact, which means you are at minimal risk and not considered a close contact who needs to quarantine. 

Yes. At this time everyone in your household is a contact of a contact, which means you are at minimal risk and not considered a close contact who needs to quarantine.  

The Department of Public Health (DPH) has recommended we return to regular cleaning schedules for school buildings. We will continue to disinfect nurses’ offices and any locations where a student reports being ill. We will continue to monitor and update our reopening plan as additional DPH guidance is provided. 

The school nurse will notify the Covid-19 Compliance Liaison of any symptomatic or COVID-positive individuals, documenting their symptoms and dates of illness.  

The building administration, along with the Compliance Liaison, will review the case and determine a course of action. Possible courses of action may include contact tracing and quarantining a student, a group of students, a classroom, etc. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the community. 

Parents and staff will receive updates from the Superintendent of Schools and/or building principal throughout the school year regarding the most up-to-date policies and protocols. An eNotify will not be sent each time a member of the school community tests positive. Case counts will be updated regularly on the district website. In the event that increased mitigation is indicated, an eNotify would inform the public of any additional measures being taken to limit exposure. 

A close contact is generally defined as a student within three feet of another infected student for more than 15 minutes but specific parameters may vary by the nature of each case. Per CDC guidance, the close contact definition will remain at six feet for contact between staff and between staff and students.   

Effective January 2022, the District is now accepting negative COVID-19 results from a PCR and/or rapid(at home) test.