As of July 21, 2020 VOLUME 1
FALL
REOPENING PLAN 2020
“As of July 21, Far Hills plans to return to full-day on-campus learning on September 10.” Georgia S. Zaiser, Head of School
The Far Hills Country Day School Senior Leadership Team, in concert with the Board of Trustees and the Reacclimation Task Force, has developed a reopening strategy with flexibility in mind. Flexibility enables us to support the diverse needs of students and families and allows us to respond to the situation that continues to evolve due to COVID-19. I am pleased to announce that as of today, July 21, 2020, Far Hills plans to return to full-day on-campus learning on September 10. Our goal is to provide the very best educational experience possible for our students while ensuring the health and safety of all our community members. Far Hills is at its best when teachers can work as closely with students as possible; therefore, we have worked with medical professionals to address what we must do to provide in-person instruction. When that is not feasible, or we are directed to close due to government order, we will provide Distance Learning instruction for students with a commitment to fostering the health and well-being of each student. As always, we thank you for your continued support and partnership—the heart of our community. I look forward to reuniting with you in the fall. Until then, be well…
In This Edition: 3
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
6 ACADEMICS 8 FOODSERVICE ACTIVITY 9 STUDENT
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Overview Our plan promotes the safety, health, and welfare of our entire school community. This plan is subject to change as new information becomes available, and as government mandates are imposed.
Masks As long as NJ is in Phase 3 of its reopening plan, all individuals— students, faculty, staff—in the school building will be required to wear masks. The only exceptions are eating, drinking, and outside, so long as they maintain social distancing. This will mitigate exposure for all constituencies. Students may wear a mask of their choice, as long as their selections are not ripped or torn, do not contain any offensive logos, and are within the spirit of appropriateness and good taste.
Health Office, Hygiene, and Isolation This summer, we have • added and staffed an additional Health Office with a quarantine area; • purchased additional thermometers; and • increased the number of hand sanitizing stations, both inside and outside the building. This fall, we will • manage distanced traffic flow with divider tape and signage in hallways and common areas;
• • •
implement new entrance protocol for building entry/exit; ensure students will not share resources (i.e., Chromebooks, pencils, etc.); and use UVC sterilization cabinets to sanitize Chromebooks and other items.
Visitors and Campus Access Only essential visitors—architects and prospective parents, for example—will be allowed in the building. All visitors must wear a mask and complete a health screening attestation form. All meetings, including Parents Committee meetings, will be held virtually for at least the first trimester.
Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health When the COVID-19 pandemic caused a stay-at-home order, Far Hills’ students, parents, faculty, and staff moved quickly into a Distance Learning paradigm. We are proud of how the community responded during this unprecedented time; however, we recognize that the resulting isolation—coupled with potential economic distress—heightened stress and anxiety for some. At Far Hills, we believe that addressing children’s social and emotional well-being must be prioritized, in addition to inspiring their intellectual growth and development. We will implement additional social-emotional learning strategies to support our students. We will also expand Mindfulness schoolwide, enhance our advisory programs to promote wellness and modify our P.E./ Athletics program to amplify our focus on students’ social-emotional health. fhcds.org | 3
HEALTH AND WELLNESS A Community of Cohorts to Limit Exposure
Exposure Protocol Explained
To minimize the number of individuals that any student has contact with each day, we will divide the school into smaller cohorts. We will do all we can to have students in each cohort interact only with others in that cohort each day that they are at school. Each cohort will stay in specific areas of the school building. All inside classes and activities for a cohort will occur in one specified area (as much as possible), including specials, snacks, lunch, and social time. Cross-cohort interactions with teachers and other adults will also be kept to a minimum. If there is a positive case in one cohort, however, that cohort (directly exposed) will move to Distance Learning for two weeks to quarantine. Dividing the school into cohorts allows for the possibility for one cohort to go into quarantine while the rest of the school continues On-Campus Learning.
Example 1: Meet siblings Sara and David Jones and Jane and John Smith. David Jones and Jane Smith are in the Grade 6 cohort. David Jones tests positive for COVID-19.
The graphic on right illustrates how an infection within a cohort will be managed and includes examples that address cross-divisional families and faculty. While Far Hills will follow the Department of Health guidelines, this model aligns with recommendations from the CDC and international health-care communities. Primary exposure will require that the full cohort transition to Distance Learning. Primary exposure is defined as any individual who has had close contact, 6 feet or less, with the infected individual. Secondary exposure describes all others who have entered the school but have not had close contact with the infected individual. 4 | fhcds.org
The Grade 6 cohort, including all faculty and cross-over faculty, moves to Distance Learning (primary exposure.) Sara Jones also moves to Distance Learning (primary exposure.) John Smith (secondary exposure) and all other cohorts remain on campus.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Example 2: The Grade 6 cohort teacher is Mrs. Mack. Mrs. Mack has a daughter, Kayla, in Lower School. When David Jones became ill, the Grade 6 cohort, including Mrs. Mack, moved to Distance Learning. Kayla Mack remains at school (secondary exposure.) If Mrs. Mack becomes ill, Kayla will move to Distance Learning at home (primary exposure.)
Example 3: Mr. Cook is an Upper School math teacher. He also teaches several Lower School students. Mr. Cook tests positive for COVID-19. Mr. Cook and all students, faculty, and cross-over faculty members who have had direct contact with Mr. Cook will move to Distance Learning at home (primary exposure.)Â
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ACADEMICS Reacclimating from Distance Learning
Academic Schedule
We understand the concern that parents may feel for where their children are academically following Distance Learning in the spring. Every student responded to the situation differently. With this in mind, we will work closely with each student as they begin the new school year. In addition, all Far Hills teachers are highly trained and experienced in differentiating to meet all learners’ needs. Teachers will spend time at the start of the school year assessing each student to understand academic placements, learning styles, and any gaps in content or skills, so each student’s needs can be addressed.
While the schedules have been modified in all divisions to allow the school to transition more seamlessly to Distance Learning periods if/when needed, instructional time remains the same. In fact, the usable number of minutes increases because transitions at the beginning and end of each class will require less time.
Academic Support The Far Hills administration and faculty are working to continue to meet all learners’ needs, including those students who must choose a Distance Learning option and those supported by our Learning Specialists or the M.A.L.L. This summer, teachers are participating in professional development programs that address new teaching methods and technologies.
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Our schedules include extended class periods throughout the week. This is known as a block schedule. Research shows that block scheduling: • reduces student stress; • creates less of a hectic, fragmented day due to fewer transitions; • allows for deeper engagement with content; • provides students with more significant opportunities to think and engage in active learning; • offers more opportunities for project or problem-based learning; and • improves academic outcomes.
Social Distancing in the Science Lab Our newly-renovated Science labs are now configured so that the desks are spaced six feet apart. The Science labs will accommodate the appropriate number of students as outlined by social distancing guidelines.
PREPARING FOR ALL SCENARIOS
Hybrid Learning
Distance Learning Recent technology upgrades at Far Hills will provide us with the support necessary for a more robust online learning environment.
Far Hills is preparing for possible interruptions to on-campus learning in the event our area experiences a spike in COVID-19 cases, or there is a mandated government closure. In that case, a shift to full Distance Learning will happen immediately. Our schedules, specifically created with each age group’s needs in mind, will enable a seamless transition between in-person and Distance Learning.
Should the need arise, Far Hills is prepared to implement a Hybrid Learning model that features a mix of in-person and Distance Learning instruction. Although the venue is different, Hybrid Learning can include virtual activities such as field trips, assemblies, guest speakers, grade level expos, etc. If the need should arise, we will set up and send home our One to World devices for a Hybrid Learning experience. Set up would include Preschool–Grade 2 access in their Google accounts, which typically does not happen until Grade 4. Grades 3–8 will bring home their Far Hills Chromebooks. Far Hills software is specially selected to work with Google accounts/devices.
Rest assured that excellence in education for your child will continue, whether on-campus, Distance Learning, or a Hybrid Model. Far Hills is able to adapt and excel, no matter the scenario, delivering our goal of an authentic Far Hills education.
Small class sizes enable us to better accommodate all state government and CDC guidelines for distancing. If needed, we can also pivot to an odd/even grade level schedule for LS/US classes on a rotating basis.
No matter the circumstances, students can expect awesome virtual field trips and assemblies and families can expect community-building events that are fun, engaging, and virtual. Check out some of our inspiring Distance Learning stories from the spring.
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FOODSERVICE In preparation for the upcoming academic year, Brock & Co., Far Hills’ foodservice partner, is working closely with the school to meet our community’s needs. Students will participate in our meal plan unless they have a medical need documented by a note from their doctor to bring their lunch.
Food Safety Brock’s plan will include “contactless” food service and aggressive action to enhance their already robust operating standards around sanitation and food safety. Meals will be prepared in our main kitchen and delivered daily to stations around the building. Far Hills’ staff will then distribute lunches to the students. Brock will conduct detailed training to ensure compliance with all health and workplace policies that have changed due to COVID-19. Brock staff will wear face masks and further increase the use and change of gloves and disposable aprons.
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Meal Selection & Options Pre-selection of meals is an essential component of a successful “contactless” food service. Brock will provide an online ordering application for the pre-selection of meals. Brock is developing a menu that considers any limitations presented by eating outside of a typical cafeteria setting. All hot meals will be packaged individually and delivered in heated insulated containers to ensure meals remain at proper temperatures. Brock will continue to offer robust options for all dietary preferences.
Dining Areas Meals will be delivered to classrooms by Far Hills’ staff. Students can either eat in their classrooms or outside at their teachers’ discretion. Additional seating will be provided in and around our spacious campus.
Allergy Accommodations Brock will continue to prioritize allergy accommodations, working closely with Far Hills administration to determine the best course of action for individuals with more severe allergy profiles.
STUDENT ACTIVITY Physical Education All Lower and Upper School students will continue to have P.E. and organized recess time every day. Weather-permitting, this will include time outdoors. When playing outside, students will remain in cohorts. Playgrounds will be used and sanitized according to health recommendations at that time.
Recess Students will participate in recess with their respective cohorts with social distancing guidelines in place. While outside, students will be permitted to remove their masks but must maintain six feet of distance from classmates.
Athletics As a member of NJSIAA, the governing body for interscholastic sports in New Jersey, Far Hills receives regular updates as plans and guidelines unfold. In the meantime, we are exploring a variety of opportunities for students to participate in sports and activities that will be fun and provide meaningful physical activity opportunities. We do not anticipate interscholastic competition this fall.
Extended Day Program (EDP) Our morning and after-school Extended Day Program (EDP) will continue. Students participating in EDP will remain in cohorts whenever possible. Students can be dropped off to the Cafe starting at 7:30 a.m., using the appropriate point of entry, and EDP will continue to be available until 6 p.m. daily.
WHAT’S NEXT? When Will We Know More? Parents can expect another update in mid-August with specific details about procedure and protocols unless new restrictions that significantly impact this reopening plan are imposed by the state.
Where Can I Find Information? Visit the Parent Portal for updates and back-to-school information.
What Can I Do? Stay informed. Bookmark the state of New Jersey’s COVID FAQ’s. If your vacation plans take you out of state this summer, make sure you are familiar with which states New Jersey requires residents to quarantine for 14 days after visiting.
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IN-PERSON TOURS NOW AVAILABLE! Schedule one today!
Reacclimation Task Force Georgia S. Zaiser Head of School
Lori Fitzgibbon CFO and Director of Operations
Daniel Sussman Director of Lower School
Dr. Allyson Agathis School Physician
Paula Irving and Sue Georgeson School Nurses
Ed Thompson Director of Upper School
Julie Blanco Upper School Science Teacher
Jenn Monaco Chef Manager
Dr. Steven Tobias School Psychologist
Krissy Coombs Third Grade Team Leader
Maureen Papili HOS Administrative Assistant
Cathy Varga Director of Technology
Stacy Ducharme Director of Marketing & Communications
Ron Sansone Director of Athletics