As we head back to school with many unknowns, we must be prepared for the circumstance in which, despite our best efforts at school, students or employees test positive for COVID-19.
It is extremely important to remember that we, as public school employees, should never disclose information that would violate the privacy of individual students or Bryant OneTeam members, whether in conversation, over email or text message, or through social media posts. As employees, we will be held responsible for the disclosure of private information pertaining to other employees or students.
To protect yourself as an employee, and to protect those whose health may be affected by COVID-19, please do not participate in the following types of communications:
“We/I have a positive case in my classroom/school/team …”
“A student in my classroom tested positive …”
“A student/staff member in my building tested positive …”
“_______________ has tested positive for COVID …”
“_______________ has to quarantine due to their exposure to COVID …”
“_______________ had to go home early today due to COVID symptoms …”
Even though your communication may be well-meaning, and even though it may not directly identify a student or employee, your communication, combined with the communication of others or combined with other available information, may result in an unnecessary identification of a student or employee.
We recognize that prompt, effective communication from the district will be necessary in the case of a positive COVID-19 test result within our school community. Bryant Public Schools will work with the Arkansas Department of Health to determine who needs to be contacted regarding a COVID-19-related issue. Bryant Public Schools and the Arkansas Department of Health will contact those individuals accordingly. Bryant Public Schools designated certain staff members who will work on these notification efforts on a full time basis, even during evenings and weekends. The district will designate additional staff to assist in these efforts, if needed. Bryant Public Schools will also issue prompt public notifications, consistent with Arkansas Department of Health guidance, in a manner that does not identify individual employees or students.
When it is necessary for a state or district point of contact to contact you regarding a COVID-19-related issue, the caller will most likely call from one of the following phone numbers. Please enter these numbers into your phone so that, if called, you will be able to immediately recognize the numbers as being from a legitimate point of contact:
(501) 414-6647
(501) 414-6550
(877) 272-6819
(833) 283-2019
(501) 686-5875
For more information, contact Jeremy C. Lasiter, JD, PHR, Director of HR and Legal Affairs.