Coronavirus Response Information

As we have since March 2020 Natomas Charter School continues to follow the latest public health guidance from Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This page is continuously updated and our primary means of sharing COVID information with our community. If you have any questions please reach out to your academy administrator.

reporting Process

If you have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 to report to Natomas Charter School please complete the online COVID-19 Reporting Form linked below. A member of our contact tracing team will follow up within 24-48 hours on school days. If you have an immediate medical need please contact your primary care physician or other medical professional.

NCS COVID Reporting Form 2022-23 (Students and Employees)

Testing Information

In the event a parent, student, or staff member suspects they may have COVID, we encourage you to contact your primary care physician for medical treatment.

Natomas Charter School provides rapid antigen testing resources for families, students, and staff.

At-Home Test Kits: Available by contacting the Front Office on each campus.
Symptomatic Response Testing: Available through our Health Clerk and school nurse for individuals with symptoms who are on campus.
Natomas USD Ed Center Testing: All NCS students and staff may test through the Natomas Unified School District. Click here for more information regarding testing resources available at the NUSD Education Center.

reporting COVID test results

In the event your student tests positive using an at-home test we are asking families to report those results through the Primary Health website.

Similarly, anyone who needs to report a negative test result to return to campus should also upload their test results to this portal. If you cannot upload test results through the system you may also email them to covid19@natomascharter.org

Vaccination Resources

We encourage all eligible students, staff, and families to get vaccinated as soon as possible. By getting vaccinated you help to protect those in our community who are at increased risk, ensure we have a safe and healthy campus, limit learning disruptions for students, and reduce your own risk of having a significant illness.

COVid-19 Digital dashboard

Current 2022-23 On-Campus COVID Cases

The chart linked above reflects our latest confirmed cases and vaccination rates. We update the data at least once per week. There may be a delay between notifications and when this data is updated.

Response Plan

Natomas Charter School implemented the following COVID-19 Response Plan based on the latest CDPH Guidance for the 2022-23 school year and Board Policy 0470 - Health and Safety Policy for COVID-19.

As we receive new guidance for the 2022-23 school year, continue to update the plan accordingly. Generally, families should expect the 2022-23 school year to have similar policies and practices as we closed the 2021-22 school year.

These resources reflect the latest California Department of Public Health and Sacramento County Public Health guidance information.

returning to campus safely

After having COVID, it is important for families to determine with their child's doctor how to ensure student safe return to classrooms and activities, including exercise and physical activities. In alignment with AB 856 (COVID-19 Youth Health Information Act), we encourage all families to review the following guidelines regarding the safe return of students to exercise and physical activity after exhibiting signs or symptoms of, or testing positive for COVID-19. If your child needs additional supports after speaking to your doctor please contact your academy principal.

FAQs about COVID-19 School operations

Last Updated: 05/19/23

1. What should I do if my child appears to have COVID symptoms?

Families are advised to review the latest Sacramento County Public Health "Decision Tree."

2. Do students, staff members, and visitors have to wear masks while on campus?

Currently, indoor face coverings are "strongly recommended" but not required for all students, staff, and visitors regardless of vaccination status (see the latest CDPH masking requirements). Each individual can choose as to whether or not they would like to continue wearing a face covering indoors.

3. Are vaccines required for all students and staff?

Currently, vaccinations are voluntary for all students, staff, and on-campus volunteers. There was a previous public health order requiring vaccinations for weekly COVID tests for all K-12 "workers" but this order has been rescinded effective September 17, 2022. NCS strongly encourages our community to get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on boosters. This helps to ensure we have a healthy campus, as well as limits disruptions to learning and extracurricular activities. As of November 2021 all students and staff are eligible to be vaccinated and have been provided vaccination resources. The school has observed fairly high participation rates. We will continue to provide vaccination information throughout the school year.

4. Will COVID vaccines be required in the future?

This would be a decision made by the Governor and Legislature and we will inform families regarding any new requirements in the future. If you have strong opinions about this issue please contact our Assemblymember, State Senator, and Governor Newsom.

5. When someone is exposed to COVID-19 do they need to quarantine?

Students and staff members (regardless of vaccination status) exposed someone with COVID-19 may continue to take part in all aspects of K-12 schooling, including sports and extracurricular activities, unless they develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. This includes students and staff members who have continuous household exposure (live with someone who has COVID-19). It is strongly recommended that exposed students and staff with a household exposure wear a well-fitting mask indoors around others for at least 10 days following the date of last exposure. It is recommended that the individual test for COVID-19 5 days after the exposure and monitor for symptoms.

6. Will Natomas Charter School be collecting student COVID vaccination records for the 2022-23 school year?

Yes. Similar to any other immunization records, Natomas Charter School has been asking parents to voluntarily provide COVID vaccination records for their students via email (covid19@natomascharter.org) or by dropping off a physical copy. Submission of these records is voluntary, but assists with planning for any future vaccination requirements. The school will assume that all students without vaccination records are unvaccinated.

7. Will Natomas Charter School continue to offer on-campus COVID testing during the 2022-23 school year?

Yes. We plan to continue to help families access COVID-19 testing by providing over-the-counter antigen tests students/staff can access at school. This testing will be voluntary, but encouraged for anyone who believes they have been exposed to COVID-19. Students and staff may also test through the daily testing offered at the Natomas USD Education Center.

8. What happens when there is a COVID-19 case on campus?

When a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 Natomas Charter School works with Sacramento County Public Health to identify next steps based on the conditions surrounding the exposure. Our goal is to keep students on campus while at the same time ensuring our campus remains safe and healthy.

9. Will parents be notified if there is a COVID-19 case on campus?

NCS will begin the year with individual exposure notifications sent via email similar to last year. Per the latest CDPH K-12 School Guidance, the school will also provide a general notification to the entire school community during times of elevated community transmission of COVID-19. The weekly dashboard on this page will continue to be updated each week.

10. What guidance is Natomas Charter School following for its COVID response plans?

Natomas Charter School continues to follow the guidance of our public health partners. The latest CDPH K12 Schools Guidance can be found on this page. This is the guidance Sacramento County Public Health and our NCS Board Policy 0470 - Health and Safety Policy for COVID-19 requires us to follow.

11. Who should I contact if I have more questions?

We will continue to keep our students, staff and families informed as we receive guidance from public health officials. If you have any questions, please continue to visit this FAQ page or email your academy principal.

Resources