The Walton County School District is excited to welcome all students, teachers, families and visitors back into schools on August 3 for another great school year. Please review the important information below and note that all plans are subject to change to ensure the safety of our students and staff as we continue to monitor local COVID-19 data.
 
Cleaning Protocols
Enhanced cleaning procedures will remain in place in all facilities. In addition, each classroom will be equipped with approved cleaners and hand sanitizer. All schools will continue to encourage simple but effective mitigation strategies including handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and wiping down high touch surfaces.
 
Masks
Masks will continue to be optional for students, staff and visitors. WCSD will provide disposable masks upon request in schools and on buses.
 
Vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccinations are not required for employees or students.
 
The Walton County Health Department has COVID-19 vaccines and appointments readily available. Click here for more details.
 
Individuals with COVID-19
Students/staff who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will be required to follow DPH guidelines. Currently, these guidelines state that individuals must stay home for 10 days from the onset of symptoms. WCSD will continue to report positive cases and close contacts to the DPH.
 
Precautionary Quarantines/Contact Tracing
Schools Under 1% Positive (Weekly)
As long as the number of positive COVID-19 cases in each school/facility remains under 1%, WCSD will not issue mandated precautionary quarantines. School officials will continue to contact trace and notify close contacts by phone to request that students/staff monitor for symptoms. Absences for students who choose to quarantine as a result of close contact exposure will be excused.
 
Schools Over 1% Positive (Weekly)
If the number of positive cases in a school rises above 1% within any seven-day period, the impacted school will reinstate additional safety measures until the number of positive cases falls below 1%. If a school experiences any additional cases during this time period, close contacts will have the option to quarantine at home or return to school and wear a mask for the duration of the quarantine period.
 
This past school year, WCSD issued 5,417 mandatory student quarantines due to close contact exposure. Less than 14 (0.26%) of those students quarantined tested positive for COVID-19 following a potential exposure at school.
 
Special Events/Visitors
Assemblies and field trips will resume as normal. Special events will be held in person and will be open to outside guests. Volunteers are welcome and permitted to work throughout the school.