Refreshed, Reimagined & Reopening: The 2021 Classroom

By: Caitlin Dimalanta  |  March 18, 2021

“Provide clear, consistent, evidence-based guidance for how communities should navigate the pandemic – and the resources for schools, small businesses, and families to make it through.” –  The White House Coronavirus Task Force 2021

Trailing the anniversary of the nationwide school campus closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, questions regarding when schools will reopen and how they will do so safely are at the forefront of many American minds. There are various ways to ensure the safety of staff and students when going back to school in person. Methods that contribute to the overall health of learning environments include: standardized cleaning procedures and staff schedules; proper training of custodial, faculty and administrative staff; and correct handwashing practices.

“We are heading in the right direction with reduced national case counts and increased vaccine supply, but that does not mean we are out of the woods.” – Devin Jopp, EdD, MS, CEO of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a multi-layered approach (like the swiss cheese model pictured below) to protect the students, teachers and staff will make in-person learning safe and possible. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 requires equipping our communities and schools with multiple, accessible tools and current information. Our WAXIE RE6: K12 Building Re-Entry Program guidelines recommend: 

• Proper usage of PPE (i.e. face masks)
• Signage promoting social distancing and healthy hygiene
• Recommended hand washing techniques
• Sufficient cleaning and disinfecting of high touch surfaces
• Improved ventilation and indoor air quality

James Reason, PhD, "Swiss Cheese Model"

Image provided by clevelandclinic.org

In addition to utilizing the above techniques to protect yourself against the virus, establishing a standardized cleaning procedure protocol and schedule plays a massive role in re-integrating students and educators back into the classroom. Important factors that contribute to an effective chemical and cleaning training program and can manage the spread of COVID-19 are:

• Include standard operating procedures for all buildings and shifts
• Outline training on processes, chemicals and use, equipment, SDSs, and safety best practices
• Understand the proper use of various cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting solution written on the product labels
• To avoid fines, potential injury or a fatal situation ensure that you are using OSHA and HSA compliant chemicals
  
  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a toolkit geared towards reducing the spread of COVID-19 in schools using proper cleaning processes and EPA approved products, which includes air purifiers with multi-stage HEPA filtration systems to improve ventilation and indoor air quality in classrooms and other indoor spaces on campus.

Schools can currently benefit from federal assistance from the CARES Act, CRRSA Act and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to purchase needed products, equipment and training in relation to facility maintenance.

For more information on the latest techniques in cleaning check out our WAXIE University Online Training courses that provide step-by-step procedural information along with video, visuals, voice-over, and interactive exercises.

Returning to the learning environment during these unprecedented times requires a lot of planning, but it is possible. Keeping our students and staff healthy and safe are top priority. The 2021 classroom may look different but with a refreshed and reimagined cleaning program and procedures, plus everyone doing their part, schools and universities can reduce the spread of COVID-19 on campus. By focusing on methods that keep students and staff safe and healthy, reopening will be attainable.

WAXIE is committed to provide cleaner, healthier, greener and safer solutions for your school. Contact your WAXIE Account Consultant today for more information on safe products that meet your needs.  

* Article was updated on April 19, 2021 to include additional info on ventilation and air purification resources.

Caitlin Dimalanta is WAXIE’s eCommerce Specialist. She enjoys researching and implementing various SEO (search engine optimization) strategies to enhance WAXIE’s eCommerce platform Web@Work. Caitlin has a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from San Diego State University.