RETURN-TO-SCHOOL PLAN
JULY 8, 2020 - PREVIEW
Phase 1
Pre-Implementation
Phase 2
Initial Implementation
Phase 3
School Open
RETURN-TO-SCHOOL TASK FORCE
Task Force Lead: Bro. Adam Becerra, fsp, DMin
Student Support and Wellness
MS: Heather Eaton, Kate Beskid
HS: Laura Cuneo, Kathryn Howard, Shawna Sedik, Lisa Magorien
Curriculum and Instructional Delivery
MS: Carolina Gunter, Anthony Ploesch
HS: Jenn Poole, Mike Huff, Kyle W ilkerson, Mathew Judge
Extra/Co-Curricular Activities
MS: Annette Damien, Walt Stewart
HS: Bryan Cantwell, Julie Sprouse
Student Safety Protocols and Logistics
MS: Alicia Gonzalez, Jason Kertz, Yesi Rivera, Sara Shenouda
HS: Scott Grable, Pam Liceralde, Jimmy Milkovich
Employee Safety Protocols and Logistics
MS: Dorothy Kane
HS: Lisa Magorien, Mathew Judge
BO: Donna Voogt, Connie Jimenez
Enrollment Management and Admissions
MS: Mary Guerra
HS: Greg Klee
ADV: Patricia Fer nandez
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Regardless of how our Return-to School protocols are structured, Chaminade College Preparatory is committed to delivering a robust, Catholic, Marianist educational experience that is animated by our mission to love, learn, and lead.
Fully aware that the COVID-19 landscape is fluid, the school established a Task Force with the responsibility of formulating Chaminade’s Return-to-School protocols. This process leans heavily on guidance from the CA Department of Public Health: Schools and School-Based Programs, LA County Department of Public Health, and Department of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles: Starting the School Year Smart
Once established, the Task Force took a comprehensive view of the Return-to-School, with their efforts primarily directed to six areas that are most critical to a successful return.
• Student and Employee Health and Safety
• Bus Transportation
• Curriculum and Instructional Delivery
• Enrollment Management and Admissions
• Student Support and Wellness
• Extra/Co-Curricular Activities
The Task Force then formulated a 3-Phased approach to our Return-to-School plans, guiding us from the present uncertainty, to more certainty as we approach Phase 2 in mid-July, and then to Phase 3 when Return-to-School is realized in early August. The Task Force is communicating the plans in three phases:
1
June: Pre-Implementation Planning, Researching, and Developing Protocols
2
Mid-July: Initial Implementation Initial Implementation Training/Piloting Protocols
3
August: School Open Full Implementation and Monitoring Protocols
In this Phase 1 communication, you will find information on our Return-to-School plans and safety protocols for a Hybrid Model as of July 8, 2020. Please note that we are also finalizing our distance learning plans for an unpredictable environment.
STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Chaminade is committed to promoting and maintaining the health and safety of all students and employees, while adhering to the guidelines of the CA Public Health Department, LA County Public Health Department, and Department of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Health Screening (at home)
Chaminade requests that parents monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and are reminded to keep students who are sick at home until they no longer have a fever and are no longer vomiting (without medication) for 72 hours.
Health Screening (at school)
All students and employees will be screened at designated areas on campus. Such screening will include the following steps:
• Temperature check to ensure that all individuals entering campus are not exhibiting fever symptoms and are showing a measured temperature of less than 38° C or less than 100.4° F.
• COVID-19 symptoms check to ensure that those entering are not manifesting any symptoms and have not manifested symptoms in the prior 24 hours. Those entering must verify that no one in their home or in their care is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or has had a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis.
According to the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, COVID-19 symptoms are as follows:
All teachers and staff will be trained in COVID-19 specific identification. Students will be visually monitored throughout the day for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• Fever
• Cough
• Chills
• Muscle or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Congestion or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
XCOVID-19 Infection Policy
In accordance with the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, when a student or employee:
• Presents any symptom(s) of COVID-19 upon screening, the student will immediately be isolated in a designated area on campus until transportation home can be arranged. Employees must leave campus immediately and contact the HR Director.
• Tests positive for COVID-19 and has exposed others on campus:
» Local health officials will be notified for guidance.
» All area(s) used by the student or employee will be closed off for deep cleaning and disinfection.
» Contact tracing will be conducted to the best of our ability, and additional close contacts at school, in or out of the classroom, will quarantine at home.
» Incidents of a positive COVID-19 test will be communicated to the school community. Understandably and as required by law, such communication will protect the privacy of individuals, and names of those testing positive will not be released.
» Incidents of possible exposure will be documented while maintaining confidentiality as required under FERPA and state law related to the privacy of educational records. Additional guidance can be found here
» Students and employees who test positive or have been advised by a doctor that they likely have COVID-19, will not be able to return to campus until they have met LA County and CDC’s criteria of a 14-day home isolation. This includes three days with no fever without using fever-reducing medication, symptoms have improved, and ten days since symptoms first appeared. Written clearance from a Medical Doctor or a Doctor of Osteopathy will be required before a return to school is permitted.
» Students and employees that have been notified that they were in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be able to return to campus until they have met LA County and CDC’s criteria of a 14-day home quarantine. If symptoms should develop during the quarantine period, the student or employee will need to meet the 14-day home isolation guidelines above.
Considerations for Partial or Total Closures
If a student or employee tests positive for COVID-19 and has exposed others on campus, we will implement the following steps:
• Consult the LA County Public Health Department to determine if a) school closure is warranted, and b) the probable duration of the closure, based on the risk level they determine.
• If Chaminade is closed for oncampus instruction, the school will transition to distance learning for continuity of education.
Proper Hygiene
Students and employees will:
• Be required to wear a cleaned cloth face-covering except when eating or drinking
• Have opportunities to wash or sanitize their hands throughout the day.
• Be reminded to avoid contact with their eyes, nose, and mouth, and cover coughs and sneezes inside a tissue or their elbow.
• Have access to adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors such as hand sanitizers, extra masks, tissues, soap, gloves, etc.
Physical Distancing
Protective barriers will be installed where appropriate in office spaces and in high-traffic areas where physical distancing is not possible for more than 15 minutes. Signage, arrows, and barriers throughout campus will help students practice physical distancing of six feet with safe travel pathways and flow pattern.
Physical Distancing in the Classroom and Classroom Layout
A combination of signage, arrows, and other markings will be placed on doors, floors, walkways, and walls to signify the following: entry and exit doors; one-way traffic patterns for how people will move around campus and within classrooms; and where students must wait to enter a room or building.
• Each class will be configured to allow approximately six feet between occupants. Floors will be marked with tape so that desks remain distant. Art and science tables will have partitions in lieu of six feet distancing.
• The teacher station is a fixed area and cannot move. The teaching station will include one teacher desk (or table in rooms with limited space) for teachers to spread out teaching materials during class (i.e. tablet, books, etc.)
• Since our classrooms are air-conditioned, proper ventilation is assured. Windows will be opened when possible to allow better airflow into classrooms.
• Teachers will be encouraged to adopt digital collaboration in the classroom rather than side-by-side learning.
Physical Distancing Outside the Classroom
• Chaminade will reduce the congregating of students, especially in hallways, lunch areas, and outside the classrooms. This includes before and after school, break/lunch, and other transitions. Comprehensive procedures will be communicated to parents and students in Phase 2 communication.
• To avoid congregating and close contact with students, instead of using lockers, students will carry backpacks and lunches and bring them into classrooms.
• At this time, outdoor assemblies and large gatherings of any type are not allowed.
Use of Other Spaces for Instruction
If needed to maximize physical distance, Chaminade will plan to use shaded outdoor spaces, vacant classrooms, and underutilized building spaces that are not typically used for classroom instruction (i.e., gym, theatre lobby, conference room).
Physical Alterations to Campus
Chaminade will make temporary physical alterations to classrooms, lunch service, hallways, pathways, and shared spaces as appropriate to support physical distancing.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
These cleaning steps are to protect students and staff and reduce the risk of the spread of infection. Chaminade will create a plan to ensure these maintenance expectations are being met.
AREA WHEN WHO
Workspace: classrooms, offices
Electronic Equipment: computers, lab equipment, shared phones/copy/printers
Gym, locker room, weight rooms (when use is authorized by health authorities)
Common Areas: cafeterias, conference room, library, campus ministry, and chapel
Student and Teacher Restrooms
End of each use and day
End of each use and day
End of each use and day
End of each use and day
Throughout the day and end of the day
Ventilation and Air Handling
Classrooms: Teachers after each use. Janitorial at end of day. Offices: Staff after each use. Janitorial at the end of day.
Computers, lab equipment: Teachers/Staff after each use. Shared phones/copy/printers: Janitorial throughout the day and end of day.
Staff after each use. Janitorial at the end of day.
Cafeterias: Janitorial after each use and day. Conference Rooms: Janitorial throughout the day and end of day.
Janitorial through the day and end of day.
In accordance with CDC guidance, Chaminade will ensure that ventilation systems and fans are operating properly and increasing the circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors and other methods.
Given the heat in August and September, moving instruction to outdoor areas is not practical. As a result, Chaminade will be implementing changes to the operation and maintenance of our ventilation systems to reduce risks associated with airborne pathogens. Changes will include:
• Increasing the outside air mixture of our systems to raise the air change per hour rate.
• Replacing existing system filters with higher efficiency filters to provide enhanced filtration.
• Opening classroom windows (where practical) to increase air circulation.
• Installing portable Medical Grade HEPA Air Purifiers in each classroom. Single-space highefficiency filtration units can be highly effective in reducing/lowering concentrations of airborne particulates.
Bus Transportation
Guidance is still evolving on bus capacity and seating for the duration of the period of physical distancing. In Phase 1, the school operates on a “worst-case” scenario of bus seating arrangements with six feet physical distancing between riders. The feasibility of siblings sitting side-by-side on a voluntary basis, in adjoining seats, is being considered: that strategy would help increase ridership of a 56-passenger bus above the 14-rider cap for six feet of physical distancing. Efforts will be made to accommodate siblings on different campuses on the same day, but this arrangement can’t be guaranteed at this time. Parents will be required to take their student’s temperature and screen for symptoms each morning prior to arrival at the assigned bus stop.
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY
Chaminade’s curriculum is rooted in Catholic Marianist values that inspire a love of learning and develop leaders who collaborate to solve problems with compassion, creativity, and critical thinking. Following our state and local agency’s guidelines, we prepared two curriculum and instructional scenarios.
Instructional Scenarios
Based on our long-standing experience and expertise in providing a comprehensive educational experience that includes college-preparatory academics, formal and informal opportunities for socializing with peers, interactions with adult mentors, and co-curricular and extracurricular activities, the Task Force crafted the following two scenarios allowing us to open safely in August:
1 Hybrid: students are divided into two groups that alternate between learning on campus and at home
2 Distance Learning: all students learning at home
Since sheltering-in-place in March, we know that health and safety guidelines continue to evolve, causing us to shift our plans. We expect that as we get closer to the first day of school, the hybrid plan may change and we may have to pivot to our distance learning plan. However, Chaminade is well positioned to adapt to these changes quickly and effectively.
In addition to state, local, and Archdiocesan health and safety guidelines, our plans for hybrid and distance learning scenarios are informed by what we noticed and evaluated during ten weeks of distance learning. The scenarios were also informed by family and student spring survey feedback, which revealed that students and families want us to provide:
• Engaging and intentional learning experiences
• Interaction with peers
• Structure provided by a predictable learning schedule and consistent interactions with teachers and support staff
Hybrid Scenario
Chaminade plans to re-open in the fall of 2020 under the hybrid scenario. The hybrid scenario is the only way we can safely open with any form of on-campus, in-person learning if we follow guidelines set by state and local health and education agencies, as well as the Los Angeles Archdiocese Department of Catholic Schools. Simply put, we cannot accommodate all students on campus at one given time and still follow social distancing guidelines. Some families are uncomfortable sending students to learn on campus and may opt for distance learning. An option for families will be available. Details will be provided, at a later date, when it is clear how many families are interested in this option. (Survey will be released after the July 13 Town Hall meeting.)
SCENARIO 1 - HYBRID
Within the hybrid model, groups of students alternate between learning on campus and learning at home. Teachers design units that are segmented into weekly lessons that combine on-campus and off-campus learning that complement each other.
Schedule
The student body is divided into two waves, which will alternate attendance on campus. Each wave will come to campus every other day across four days of the week. The fifth day of the week is a distance learning day for all students.
On-Campus Days
• Students attend all of their classes when on campus:
» Middle school- Blocks A-H
» High school- Blocks A-G
• Student-to-student interaction allowable under physical distancing guidelines
• Teachers demonstrate skills, explain concepts, and facilitate discussions
• Teachers provide real-time feedback to students during their learning activities
• Students participate in extra/co-curricular activities
• Before and after school care (MS only)
Off-Campus Days
• Students engage in learning through online and offline learning activities, access live student academic supports, and participate in extra/co-curricular activities
• Off-campus learning activities build upon and reinforce on-campus learning
• Learning activities prepare students for the next class, provide choices for practicing skills and demonstrating knowledge, and could include opportunities to collaborate in real-time with peers through web conferencing platforms and/or collaborative productivity tools
Distance Learning Day
• Mornings: Students log into the web conferencing platform to attend all classes
• Afternoons: Students participate in extra/cocurricular activities, and access student supports
• Students in both waves attend class together, building and maintaining community for when they are all on campus again
SCENARIO 2 - DISTANCE LEARNING
In the event that the LA County Public Health Department mandates schools cannot open with students on campus, Chaminade will implement the distance learning scenario. All students learn off-campus Monday through Friday. Teachers facilitate synchronous (i.e. in-real-time) learning with students in their class. Learning includes a combination of whole group and small group/peer to peer learning activities. In addition to live classes, the schedule will include teacher office hours, extra/co-curricular activities, student supports, and time to complete assignments.
• All students learn off-campus Monday through Friday.
• Teachers facilitate synchronous (i.e. in-realtime) learning with students in their class.
• Learning includes a combination of the whole group, and small group peer-to-peer learning activities.
• Classes are scheduled in the morning while afternoons are reserved for office hours, extra/co-curricular activities, student supports, and completing assignments.
ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMISSIONS
Chaminade’s Admissions Departments are open and ready to serve your needs during this difficult time.
Both campuses have developed safe protocols to allow families to continue to tour the campus and learn about our school and what we are doing to ensure the full Chaminade experience for the fall. The Admissions Offices have also pivoted to hybrid and virtual approaches to important welcome and outreach events for our new and prospective families. More information will continue to come directly from Admissions as we progress through the summer months.
STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELLNESS
Comprehensive and coordinated student support and wellness services are critically important for the social, emotional, spiritual, and character development of our students. Chaminade is committed to students receiving appropriate services in counseling, mental health, and support in faith development.
Counseling
The Counseling Department attends to the “whole” student, assisting them in academic progress, personal concerns, health and emotional well-being, and college planning. All counseling services will be conducted virtually or on campus while following physical distancing guidelines and limiting the number of students in offices.
Counselors will conduct frequent check-ins to assess student abilities and achievement in academic progress. Counselors will also provide assistance and support to a student or small group of students during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change, or other situations impeding student success.
High School: Counselors will provide students, both virtually and in-person, with extensive college counseling to help them develop their profile needed to complete college applications that best reflect their strengths. The school therapist will continue services for a student or small group of students that may need additional support.
Campus Ministry
Since faith formation and opportunities for prayer and service are at the heart of our mission, Campus Ministry will provide students with opportunities to further develop their relationship with God.
Liturgies
Campus Ministry is working on their plans for offering Masses and prayer services on campus and/or virtually according to guidelines from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and California State Department of Public Health: Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services and Cultural Ceremonies.
Retreats
Students will participate in modified versions of Chaminade’s retreat program, based on physical distancing guidelines set by the LA County Health Department and the Department of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Apostolic Works
Opportunities for students to engage in Apostolic Works will vary by campus and will be modified to include remote service-learning options
EXTRA/CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Extra/co-curricular activities are significant for enriching students on an emotional, cognitive, physical, and social level in Chaminade’s culture of family spirit. Many activities are funded by participation fees which are based upon anticipated program expenditures. Therefore, if expenditures decline in a hybrid or distance learning environment, the fees would also decline.
Leadership Organizations
School leadership organizations will be active and available to enrich our school community. Leadership groups will meet in person and/ or virtually using Schoology (MS) / Zoom and Microsoft Teams (HS) to remain connected to advisors and plan events/programming for our student body, faculty, and community.
Co-Curricular, Academic, Service and Special Interest Clubs
A variety of clubs will be offered to our students. Information on club offerings will be included in the Chaminade This Week (CTW) newsletter beginning in August. Students may be able to participate in clubs both in person and in a virtual setting.
Campus-Wide School Events, Spirit Weeks and Character Education
Chaminade will continue to host a variety of events, both on campus, following proper health and safety guidelines, and virtually promoted through our activities’ social media. Middle school Instagram @nadesquad and high school Instagram and Twitter @nadeactivities. Events will include virtual spirit weeks, social media contests, guest speakers, workshops, and streamed events for our students. Events will be detailed in the CTW, Summer/Back to School newsletter, and posted to our master calendar on chaminade.org.
The House System at the Middle School
All students are assigned to one of the eight houses for their time at Chaminade middle school. Students will meet in houses regularly in small groups (mentor groups), in person and/or via House Schoology Conferences. The house system provides opportunities for students to engage with their peers across all three grade levels and build relationships with faculty and staff within the house. Students and parents are encouraged to access the House Schoology pages for more information and stay connected to our house system. Spirit events and character education resources will be shared through our House System.
Fine Arts
Our Fine Arts programs are currently reviewing guidelines for group gatherings relating to instrumental music, choral, dance, and drama. The goal is to create a safe environment for all of our students, while continuing to set the standard of excellence in the arts with our programs as we adhere to protocols set up by CDC guidelines, LA County Health Department, and the Educational Theatre Association Recommendations for reopening school theatre programs during the time of COVID-19.
Concerning our theater programs, we will set up clear guidelines for virtual and live: audition procedures; small group rehearsals; small group technical stagecraft training and work time; and performances.
Overall, the goal is to educate, enrich, and enjoy “live” art, music, dance and theatre, while reaching the larger community and follow through with our mission of loving, learning, and leading together.
Athletics
As of June 15, 2020, all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles have been permitted to resume athletic physical training and conditioning on-campus adhering to the guidelines from the LA County Department of Public Health and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) under Phase 1. In this phase, student-athletes can work together in the same pods of five to ten students to limit overall exposures and while keeping a minimum of six feet at all times.
Any deviation from Phase 1 activity or non-compliance of required modifications will come with restrictions including and up to an immediate shutdown of activity. Phase 1 activity does not extend permission for competition play. The state has not released guidance on the resumption of competitive athletic programs as of this time. Therefore, Chaminade is anticipating when it is permissible to move on to Phase 2 from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on or after July 20.