Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year

This will be a challenging year as we continue to navigate through the Coronavirus pandemic, but we are prepared and working together to make this a safe and productive year for our students.

All the school nurses have been working with Catawba County Public Health in the Covid-19 Response since the beginning of the pandemic, and are prepared to coordinate the response activities in each school. Please don't hesitate to contact your school nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

October 1, 2021

HICKORY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

COVID-19 Updates for the 2021 - 2022 School Year

The purpose of this document is to share information regarding the safety precautions and safety procedures for Hickory Public Schools. With the support of our parents / guardians, students, staff, and community members, we will continue to have an exciting year filled with academic and social/emotional growth.

“Hickory Public Schools is continuing to work very hard to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and families and provide the best educational experience possible. “

-Dr. Bryan Taylor, Superintendent

Face Coverings:

Face coverings are required for all K—12 students and staff on each campus and school bus. Limited exceptions as stated in the Strong Schools Tool Kit. Hickory Public Schools Board of Education will review the face covering policy each month. Please visit the CDC website for additional information regarding proper wear, fit and washing of face coverings. Please review the Hickory Public Schools board policy 4231/5021/7263 for face covering requirements.


When To Keep Your Child At Home

Parents are requested to keep their students home and contact the school if they are experiencing any symptoms or have been exposed to a positive case. If a student shows any of the following symptoms, please remain at home and contact your child’s school nurse.

* Fever or Chills *Sore throat *Cough *Difficulty breathing/Shortness of Breath

*New loss of taste or smell *Diarrhea *Nausea/Vomiting *Headache.

*Muscle or body aches *Congestión *Runny Nose *Fatigue

Quarantine Guidelines Students and staff who are wearing face coverings appropriately and/or are vaccinated for COVID-19 may not be quarantined based on guidelines in the StrongSchools ToolKit. Anyone experiencing symptoms will be sent home and required to follow the guidelines for return. Your school nurse will conduct contact tracing to determine exposures to positive cases and you will be notified if your child is a close contact. Your school nurse will advise you of the date to return to school. If your child does not return on that date, please contact your school nurse to advise of the reason.

School Bus Information

Students will be required to wear face coverings on all school buses. If students are experiencing any symptoms listed above or quarantined, the students will not be allowed to ride the school bus to or from school.

Physical Distancing: Physical Distancing guidelines will be followed throughout each school as required in the Strong Schools Tool Kit. Modified seating arrangements will be used to promote physical distancing.

Visitor Information : Only visitors directly connected to teaching and learning will be allowed beyond the office area. Face Coverings are required for all adults including visitors. There are designated waiting areas at each school for visitors.

Vaccine Information: If you would like your child to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit www.catawbavaccine.org or contact Catawba County Public Health.


If you have any additional questions, please contact your child’s school nurse.


A little about Nurse June:

June J. Sisti, BSHM, RN, NCSN

A graduate from Gardner-Webb University, I have been a Registered Nurse since 1979, and am also a Nationally Certified School Nurse. I have been working in the HPS school system since 2008. Sylva, NC is my home town, but with my husband, Charlie and our son, Matthew, I have lived and worked in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. We moved back to the Tar Heel State in 2004 from Charleston, SC where I also worked as a School Nurse. I love being the School Nurse at Jenkins!

Call or email me if I can help you and your child(ren) with school health matters.

Contact Information: 828-327-3491 (Jenkins); 828-308-8121 (Mobile); ​sistiju@hickoryschools.net

School Health Services Include:

  • Communicable Disease Control

  • Health Screenings and Referrals

  • Immunization Compliance

  • Referrals for Health Problems

  • Health Education and Counseling

  • Community Resource Information

  • Management of Children with Special Needs and Chronic Health Problems

  • Case Management

  • Illness/Injury care and consultation