By Joanne Su Chan and Elizabeth Hung
Performing arts COVID-19 changes
The district office mandated a new COVID-19 protocol that requires all members of TCHS performing arts programs to receive negative COVID-19 test results 72 hours before a performance or to provide vaccination proof.
The portal site, PRIVIT Pass, is on the TCUSD website. Students only need to register once to upload their vaccination document. If a student is not vaccinated, they must submit a COVID-19 test result before every performance.
TCUSD partnered with COVIDTesting24 and Omni Pathology to provide free COVID-19 tests for all students and staff. If a COVID-19 test is necessary for a performance, the PRIVIT Pass system will create an identification QR code for an Omnihealth provider to use in administering the test. The code matches the person to their designated test kit in order to accurately identify results.
In addition to the new COVID-19 regulation, students must still complete the daily health screener found on StudentSquare.
Bathroom 10-10 rule in effect
Administration’s new 10-10 rule, effective Oct. 20, prohibits students from leaving the classroom during the first and last 10 minutes of class.
The new rule came as administration noticed an increase in people who were using the bathroom as an excuse to exit the classroom or hang out with their friends before heading to their next class.Following the new protocol, teachers cannot send their students out of the classroom early and must keep track of those who do.
“If students are out of class and not supervised, the potential for something to go wrong heightens,” Principal Fil Lujan said. “It’s hard for anyone to get in trouble if they’re in class. When supervised, they’re safe, and we want to make sure that students are safe.”
Borrowing caps and gowns
Seniors can borrow cap and gown units for free from Jostens instead of purchasing them for $27.80 or more. Any borrowed items must be used exclusively for the graduation ceremony and returned immediately after.
To borrow a cap and gown set, students must fill out the top portion of the order form, which asks for contact info, height, weight and indication that they wish to borrow. Then, they must mail it in to the address at the bottom of the form before Dec. 10.
Each set comes with a cap, gown and tassel. Jostens will charge students a replacement fee if any part of the set is altered or damaged. Students will not receive a diploma until all borrowed items are accounted for.
Students will receive all purchased or borrowed items on cap and gown distribution day in the spring. However, they may not use them for pictures, home use or private celebrations. Students who do not mail in the order form on time may borrow from 311.