Dear West-MEC Families,
Welcome to the spring semester. Due to our partnership with you and our business stakeholders, our students have demonstrated tremendous success this past semester including:
- 1,213 earning credentials which signals career readiness
- 99% of students earning a C or better
- 96% daily attendance rate
As we transition into the new semester, we learned that the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidelines for quarantine and isolation for K-12 schools. Our West-MEC policy will continue to follow the CDC guidelines as these procedures are for the safety and well-being of our students, teachers and staff.
Updated West-MEC Protocols based on CDC guidelines (effective 1.11.22*)
* Students who tested positive for COVID-19 prior to January 11, 2022 will continue to follow the previous protocol and remain in isolation for the full 10 days.
1. COVID-19 Exposure
Vaccinated Students –
Can continue to go to school & does not need to quarantine if they are not exhibiting any COVID symptoms. Must wear a mask for 10 days and provide proof of vaccination.
Non-vaccinated Students –
Must quarantine for 5 days from the date of exposure. May return to school after 5 days. A non-vaccinated student can choose to get tested after 72 hours (rapid test if possible) and if the test is negative they can return to school if they are symptom-free while wearing a mask for 7 days.
2. COVID-19 Positive Test
Vaccinated Students & Non-vaccinated Students –
5-day quarantine from the date of testing positive (Day 0 is the test day). May return to school after 5 days if no symptoms or symptoms are resolving. Must wear a mask for an additional 5 days.
As we continue our mission of preparing students today for tomorrow’s careers, the COVID-19 transmission rate at West-MEC remains low. This is due to mitigation strategies across campuses including:
- Social distancing when possible
- Smaller class sizes due to industry requirements/attending campus for one program in one area
- Hand sanitizing stations
- Hand washing posters displayed around campuses
- Campuses cleaned and sanitized daily
- Students wearing masks and PPE kits as part of their lab experience and program requirements (e.g., Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting)
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. We recognize and are grateful for the continued support and look forward to the new year together. Thank you.
Updates for West-MEC families
COVID-19 FAQ
What are COVID-19 symptoms?
COVID-19 symptoms vary from person to person, but please self-monitor for any of the following: Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, fatigue, congestion or runny nose, cough, vomiting, diarrhea.
What constitutes a vaccinated person?
Per Maricopa County Public Health a vaccinated person has the following:
• Documented COVID-19 vaccination
OR
• Documented COVID-19 infection within last 90 days
Can students wear masks?
Yes. This is optional for students, staff and visitors. The only time students are required to wear masks is if it is part of the lab experience and part of the PPE protocols for the students program (e.g., Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, etc.).
What are the COVID-19 mitigation procedures?
Campuses will continue to social distance when feasible, provide hand sanitizer, and encourage hand washing. All campuses will be cleaned and sanitized daily.
Do students need to be vaccinated?
Students, staff and visitors are not required to be vaccinated in order to be on campus.
❤︎ CRISIS LINES
Teen Life Line: 602.222.9444
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255
Crisis Text Line: text TALK to 741741
⚑ DIGITAL RESOURCES
Wifi Access: Library Locations
Free & Affordable Internet: High Speed Internet.com
Low Cost Internet: Cox Communications
Affordable Computers: PCs for People
West-MEC IT Help Desk: 623-877.6989
☎︎ FULL-SERVICE FAMILY CENTERS
City of Glendale Human Services: 623.930.2854
City of Tolleson Human Services: 623.936.7111
Care 1st Avondale Center: 623.333.2700
Society of St. Vincent de Paul: 602.266.4673
COMMUNITY INFORMATION & REFERRAL
Call: 211
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES