Cascia Hall Fall Planning Guide 2020

Cascia Hall

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

UPDATED AUGUST 5, 2020

INTRODUCTION & SCENARIO B - HYBRID SCHOOL

Index

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

1. Introduction 2. Summary of Our Fall Plans 3. Scenario Continuity & Flexibility 4. Scenario A - Regular School with Modifications 5. Scenario B - Hybrid School 6. Scenario C - Online Learning 7. Health Protocol for All Scenarios 8. Fostering Community 9. FAQs

COVID-19 Contact | Carla Fox cfox@casciahall.com | 918.746.2602

Introduction In a recent publication, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) strongly advocated “that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.�

Cascia Hall

While our spring semester was a success, given the circumstances, we realize that it was far from perfect, and we agree with the AAP that getting back to school and resuming some level or normalcy is best for our students.

An Augustinian education is centered around community and our core values of truth, unity, and love. With that in mind we have striven for a plan to safely reopen our school on August 20 as previously scheduled, while also being prepared and equipped to adjust and change as the health and well-being of our community and needs of our country dictate.

Cascia Hall would like to share with you its plan for starting school safely in the fall.

This plan has been a work in progress since April. We have conducted thorough research and consulted with members of the medical profession, teachers, parents, and students. We have also been in consultation with our wider Tulsa community including the city officials and other local schools.

Our plan focuses mainly around the CDC and the Tulsa Health Department (THD) guidelines with our school community needs in mind. To that end we have provided for three scenarios and it is our hope to seamlessly move between these scenarios as needed, minimizing any loss of instruction.

On August 20, we are starting with Scenario B - hybrid school.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

A

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Scenario A - Regular School with Modifications An ameliorated version of regular school which will involve health and safety modifications.

B Scenario B - Hybrid School If conditions in our city or state require we will continue on campus learning for smaller numbers to comply with stricter social distancing.

C Scenario C - Online Learning COVID-19 Contact | Carla Fox cfox@casciahall.com | 918.746.2602

If conditions dictate that we close our campus we will provide continuity of learning online.

Scenario Continuity & Flexibility

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

If there were to be a case of COVID-19 in our community we would plan to move from Scenario A or B to Scenario C, losing no more than a day of instruction.

If our school were to close because of a COVID-19 case we would take the recommended maximum of 5 days to clean the school and then return to campus unless the THD were to recommend otherwise.

The scenario we reopen with will be communicated after consultation.

Parents have the choice of going straight to Scenario C even if the school is open. We are aware that each family may have unique situations in which this would be best for them and our community.

If this is the case we ask that you reach out to our COVID-19 contact, Mrs. Fox, as soon as you can for more details as to what this learning situation may look like for your child.

COVID-19 Contact | Carla Fox cfox@casciahall.com | 918.746.2602

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

COVID-19 Contact | Carla Fox cfox@casciahall.com | 918.746.2602

Scenario A Regular School with Modifications School will commence as normal with some adjustments to our sanitation procedures and our curriculum. Our start date and calendar will remain the same. Please find more detailed information about Scenario A and what a typical school day will look like on the following pages.

The following pages contain detailed information about Scenario A including: • Arriving at School • Masks and Physical Distancing • Books, Backpacks and Lockers • Passing Periods • In Class Expectations • Dining Hall • Athletics and Activities

Arriving at School Buildings open at 7:00 am.

Scenario A

Students will use the following entrances:

• 6th grade

• 7th grade • 8th grade

• 9th grade

• 10th grade

• 11th grade

• 12th grade

MS main entrance MS main entrance MS gym ramp* US main entrance US main entrance US ramp to gym lobby US ramp to gym lobby

*This entrance will not open until 7:20 am. All 8th graders please use the MS main entrance from 7:00 am to 7:20 am.

Temperature Checks Everyone arriving at school will have their temperature taken. Students will be sent to a specific location until classrooms open at 7:45 am.

If they have a temperature above 100.3º we will require that a parent come pick them up.

Students with a car may drive themselves home, if it is deemed safe for them to do so, and an email will be sent to their parents.

If a student were to become sick and develop a fever above 100.3º during the school day they will be brought safely to our quarantine areas where they would be monitored until a parent can come take them home.

Parents will be expected to take their child to their primary care physician. At this point the family will follow CDC guidelines for when they can return to school and they will be expected to keep Mrs. Fox informed of the situation.

Students will only be allowed to return to school with their doctor’s permission.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Masks

• Masks will be worn in all common areas, including classrooms, and when six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.

• Face shields are also acceptable but are to be worn in addition to and not in place of a mask.

Scenario A

• When eating or drinking masks will not be required but in these cases physical

distancing should be observed.

• If a student or faculty member has a medical reason for not wearing a mask they must

contact Mrs. Carla Fox.

Physical Distancing Students will be expected to maintain six feet of physical distance throughout the school whenever possible. When this is not possible the wearing of masks is critically important.

There will be signs and guidance posted throughout the school to help and remind our students about the importance of this.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Books, Backpacks and Lockers

Scenario A

Students will not be using lockers during this period. Backpacks will be used instead to maintain physical distancing and reduce the potential risk for the spread of the virus. They will be carrying their notes and books from class to class. Teachers will be mindful of this when assigning work. We ask all students to consolidate their classes into one notebook.

They will be encouraged to minimize what they carry in their backpack but their backpacks should include any personal sanitary items, an extra mask, one large binder with dividers for all their classes, pens, pencils, and a water bottle. Please refer to the school supply lists in myCASCIA for all other specific supplies. • Middle School Supply List • Upper School Supply List If you forget any supplies, they cannot be borrowed or shared with another student.

If any larger material is shared like calculators or lab equipment it should be wiped down prior to and after each use.

If you do not use an online textbook a teacher may scan any relevant chapters to share digitally or keep your individual copy of the textbook in the classroom for class use or ask you to keep it at home. There will not be any class set of books or shared materials at this time.

Cell phones must be kept in their backpacks and powered off during classes.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Passing Periods

Scenario A

We ask that all students wear masks when in the hallways and go straight to their next hour.

There will be no need to loiter or linger in the hallways. Passing times may be staggered and class periods a little shorter in order to reduce numbers in the hallway.

Students are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, and to use hand sanitizer when entering each classroom.

Water fountains will not be available but contactless water refill stations will be. Students will bring their own water bottle to school; this does not need to be a specific Cascia water bottle.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

In Class Expectations

Scenario A

The CDC recommends that anyone who is together for extended periods or in close proximity wear masks. The masks are intended to protect the people around us from those of us who may have COVID-19 and not yet displaying symptoms or those of us who are asymptomatic. Therefore, we encourage all students to wear masks in the classroom.

Each teacher will strive to provide six feet of distance between themselves and each of the students in which case a mask may not be necessary. However, there are times when a teacher or fellow student may need to be closer to one another, in which case we will require that masks are worn.

Students will be provided with wipes so that they may sanitize their desk before the lesson begins. Teachers realize that this may take a little extra time so they will not begin taking attendance until 15 minutes into the lesson. After this time, a student will be considered tardy.

Doors should be propped open before and after class to increase airflow and reduce contact and these will also be wiped after contact.

The school has purchased electrostatic backpack and handheld sprayers that will be used daily.

Teachers are required to see that relevant areas in their classroom are sanitized at least twice daily. A spray or wipes will be provided for teachers.

Resources will not be shared or borrowed unless they can be sanitized before each use.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Dining Hall

Scenario A

Dining services will continue during the regular schedule or students can bring their own lunch if they choose.

In order to ensure safety while still providing opportunities to eat together as a community the following guidelines will be adhered to: • Students will wear a mask when coming into the dining hall and will keep their masks

on until they are seated.

• Students will sit with no more than four at a table. Additional seating will be

provided in the gym lobby area and outside (weather permitting) so that all students

may eat while safely distanced during this time.

• Students will line up to be served maintaining a six foot distance when at all possible.

An additional food service area will be provided for snacks and prepackaged items at

the concessions area of the gym lobby in order to reduce/minimize congregation.

• Areas that would be considered “high touch” will be wiped down/sprayed between

uses.

• When students leave the dining area after eating they will wear their masks again.

• Our catering staff will be observing CDC and THD for food preparation.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Athletics and Activities

Scenario A

We understand that athletics and activities are an essential part of our holistic Augustinian education.

To that end, athletics and other school activities will continue during Scenario A when all appropriate health and safety protocols can be adhered to.

We will continue to follow THD and CDC guidelines in regards to any illness during this time.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Scenario B Hybrid School The hybrid system of Scenario B is designed to significantly reduce the numbers of students on campus. If the prevailing conditions in Tulsa make this necessary, we will provide as much continuity and contact with our students as possible.

Under Scenario B, the School has been divided into two separate groups to accommodate the different needs of these students and their families.

• Middle School consists of 6th and 7th grades only.

• Upper School consists of 8th through 12th grades.

The curriculum will be adjusted in order to ensure that essential content is covered in the reduced face to face time teachers will have with students.

More blended learning will be incorporated.

We will follow a regular schedule Monday through Friday with no late arrival on Tuesday. Classes will begin at 8:00 am each day.

COVID-19 Contact | Carla Fox cfox@casciahall.com | 918.746.2602

The following protocols from Scenario A will also be observed in Scenario B: • Arriving at School • Masks and Physical Distancing • Books, Backpacks and Lockers • Passing Periods • In Class Expectations • Athletics and Activities

Hybrid - Upper School (Including 8th)

Scenario B

Students will be assigned as either Group A or Group B (attention has been paid to putting siblings in the same group).

• Group A will attend school Monday and Thursday and will work at home Tuesday and Friday. Classes will be synchronous online every Wednesday.

• Group B will attend school Tuesday and Friday and will work at home Monday and Thursday. Classes will be synchronous online every Wednesday.

Attendance Check-In When a student’s group is not in school they will be assigned work to complete at home. On the days students work from home, attendance will be taken once per day by the attendance office through Google Classroom. Teachers will be responsible for assigning work and monitoring engagement while online.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Hybrid - Middle School (6th and 7th)

Scenario B

We understand that it is more challenging for parents and older siblings to give a younger student the support they may need when learning from home. This scenario is designed to give these younger students as much time in school as possible while still providing for their health and safety.

The 6th and 7th grade students will attend school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Classes will be synchronous online every Wednesday.

While at school students will move through their regular schedule. Please remember that while at school students will wear masks, health checks and sanitation will be in place.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Dining Hall Modifications

Scenario B

Lunch and break will be a little different in Scenario B. Again in this scenario we are trying to reduce the numbers that come into contact with one another and so during our hybrid schedule lunch and break will be in smaller groups with limited dining service.

Dining services will continue but there will be fewer students at a table (no more than 2-3).

Similar to Scenario A, we will be providing more areas to eat and to purchase prepackaged food.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Online Learning for Scenario A & B Students Who Cannot be at School School is open but you must continue learning online during this period. This document will explain what to do and what online school will look like for you.

Scenario A&B Online Learning

It is important to note that online students will not be eligible for any activities at school during their time of online learning.

Attendance You will begin the day by checking daily announcements online. You will check your attendance twice daily with the attendance office.

Online Learning Your teachers will post your work on myCASCIA or Google Classroom daily. This may be slightly asynchronous as they continue to teach their classes in school, but your teachers will be clear about their individual deadlines and expectations. Teachers will also continue to include you in any group projects or assignments which you will work on remotely.

Online Support During this period of online learning a school counselor will be in touch. If you are having any problems with your class work the teacher should be your first point of contact but your counselor will also be available to provide advice and support and you should expect an email or call from them weekly.

Each teacher will be available to you through email or groupme chats and will have a face to face Zoom meeting with you at least once a week at a predetermined time during their planning period or shortly after school.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Online Learning for Scenario A & B Students Who Cannot be at School Communication Communication between you and the school as well as with your parents will be paramount as you learn online at home, so please be sure to reach out if you have any problems or questions. There will also be opportunities for you to communicate with your friends at school.

Scenario A&B Online Learning

A teacher may ask you to Zoom with the class “live�, to join a group in school by taking part in a Zoom breakout room, or to take part in a shared document in a synchronous fashion.

Whatever our teachers decide, there will be lots of ways we will try to keep you as much a part of the class as possible.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Scenario C Online Learning If it is deemed necessary to shelter-in-place once again due to the overwhelming numbers of COVID-19 cases in our city and/or state we will once again offer online learning for all of our students.

Online learning will continue to provide the same access to our experienced faculty and staff who know and appreciate your children.

The countries’ experience of online learning in the spring showed that it is not the ideal method of education because in many cases it does not provide routine or community. We will continue to provide both while online.

Our synchronous schedule will provide for effective learning, encourage engagement, and give the students the routine they need.

Our teachers will endeavor to be as flexible as possible while still holding our students accountable. Lessons will be created that help to foster communication between students so that relationships continue even though remote.

COVID-19 Contact | Carla Fox cfox@casciahall.com | 918.746.2602

Online Learning

Scenario C

We ask that students know the syllabus, understand what the teachers’ expectations are, and know the policy for late work online.

Be prepared for a variety of activities and different learning platforms to be utilized throughout the day. Teachers will try to give you some time away from the computer in the course of the week, but remember that during online learning you will have “Whatever Wednesday” to take a break from the screen, spend time outside, spend time with family, or to get caught up on work; make the choice that is right for you.

Classes will be synchronous; they will follow our daily schedule yet allow for some work to be completed at the end of the day.

Communication will be extremely important during online learning.

Students should always begin each day with announcements; the day you don’t will be the day you miss something pertinent to you.

Be sure to read the Cascia Bulletin and check for any Cascia emails regularly.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Student Orientation

Scenario C

Our Augustinian community is important to us and while we would not wish to begin the year online we need to be prepared for that eventuality.

We have prepared a way for all of our students to come to school in small, safe, physically distanced groups, and spend around 10 minutes with each of their teachers, visiting our facilities, and collecting any important information and supplies they may need at home.

This process will take around 2 hours. We ask that all students come wearing their masks.

If we begin the year with Scenario C, online learning, we will be sharing details with you regarding an all school student orientation.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Class Engagement

Scenario C

Connection and communication are paramount in an online learning context. Teachers will be monitoring your engagement and participation in class each and every day. This could take various forms including:

• Check in forms: “How are you feeling today?” “What do you remember about class yesterday?”

• Exit tickets: “What did you learn today?” “What do you still not understand?”

• Group comments where you can simply post “IDK” • Break out Zoom meetings where a teacher can monitor your conversation and level of engagement • Warm ups

You will be expected to participate to some level, even if it is to tell the teacher that you don’t know or more importantly that you don’t understand. This is important so that the teacher can adjust instruction to help you; gauging the depth of your understanding is harder online so you need to communicate that clearly. You must reach out to your teachers if there is something you do not understand or are having trouble with academically.

If you are having any trouble with other issues that might affect your academics please reach out to your assigned counselor. We are all here to help but we can only help if you tell us.

If a teacher does not see that you are engaged or participating after two days they will reach out to you directly and inform your parents via email. If they cannot reach you or your engagement continues to be a concern for them they will let the counselors know and they will also reach out to you.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Online Assessments and Grading

Scenario C

Teachers will be entering at least two grades per week to the gradebook while you are learning online. These grades may be for more formal written assessments or simply for completion or participation.

A teacher may tell you in advance what will be graded or they may choose one daily activity to add to the gradebook as a measure of your participation.

During online learning, traditional exams may continue but some teachers may choose to replace these with more project based or group assignments.

Each teacher will adhere to their online grading policies and late policies so please read the course description carefully. However, we do realize that online learning has unique challenges. If this happens, your first point of contact should be your teacher followed by your assigned counselor.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Education Technology

Scenario C

Teachers will be posting work on myCASCIA or Google Classroom. Any other learning sites will be posted with links to take students where they need to go.

Counselors and principals will also have access to myCASCIA and Google Classroom to monitor your work and expectations.

Keep a copy of any online logins and passwords. Also share a copy with your teacher.

Zoom will be used for “live classes”. You will be expected to Zoom with each teacher at least once a week. Please follow our Zoom etiquette guidelines for appropriate behavior while online with a teacher or with your peers in break out rooms.

Zoom Etiquette Video-conferencing is fast becoming an important medium for communication in the business and professional world so it is important that our students learn how to conduct themselves appropriately when using this form of communication.

• Turn the video on; your teachers want to see your lovely faces and so do your friends.

• Dress appropriately; you can be comfy but remember you are still in the classroom even though it is a virtual one.

• Stay on mute if you are not talking; this reduces background noise.

• Use the “raise your hand” feature if you want to say something (don’t forget to unmute yourself).

• If you are able to use the chat feature remember that this can be seen and is recorded.

• Your teachers will expect you to be actively engaged in any Zoom meeting, even if it is simply to let the teacher know you do not understand.

• Create a distraction free environment; no crazy backgrounds.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Faculty and Staff

Scenario C

Your school counselor will be available to you and will reach out to you during any period of online learning.

The counselors in both the Upper and Middle School will also assign new students a mentor(s) to check in with and to offer guidance during online learning.

Your first point of contact should always be your teachers but if you are having any difficulties your counselor is also there for you.

They will also have access to myCASCIA and your Google Classrooms so that they will be aware of your work and be able to guide you if necessary.

Over the summer our teachers have been working hard to be prepared for online teaching that best exemplifies our core values of truth, unity, and love.

They have taken countless hours of online training and shared best practices among themselves. As a school, we have invested in that training and the educational technology which supports that training.

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Health Protocol for all Scenarios

2020

In all matters related to health, it is extremely important that parents keep the school informed and take appropriate precautionary measures. The safety of our entire community will depend upon each individual doing his/her part.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and your understanding.

If you feel sick before arriving at school, please follow the CDC guidelines.

FALL PLANNING GUIDE

COVID-19 symptoms to watch out for include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

We realize that these symptoms could indicate any number of innocuous illnesses but we ask that you perform your due diligence and seek the confirmation of your medical doctor and only return to school when they recommend (in compliance with the CDC).

Students who remain at home because of COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms will be supported with online learning protocol outlined in the page titled “Online Learning for Scenarios A & B�.

If you feel you have been exposed to COVID-19 follow the CDC guidelines and contact Mrs. Fox to inform her of your status.

COVID-19 Contact | Carla Fox cfox@casciahall.com | 918.746.2602

Sanitation and Ventilation

• Regular water fountains will be closed. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle to class and if you need to refill please use one of the contactless refill fountains available.

• Hand sanitizers will be available when entering the dining hall and throughout the school.

• Our ventilation system has been reviewed. We have a beautiful and old building with some challenges. To help increase the flow of clean air in those areas where needed, air purification systems are provided for those older parts of our school.

• Sanitizing spray and wipes will be provided for students and teachers to use.

• The school has purchased electrostatic backpack and handheld sprayers that will be used daily.

• Our catering staff will be observing CDC and THD for food preparation.

• Students and teachers are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.

• The main school will be closed each evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 am. All students must vacate the buildings during this time so the school can be thoroughly cleaned.

This document was formulated based upon recommendations made by the CDC in May 2020.

Health Protocol

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Fostering Community

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

Although we are physically distancing in the school at this time we are not socially distancing in respect to our community. It is still possible to be sociable while maintaining six feet of distance and wearing a mask.

Your teachers are still available and there for you. They missed you while we were teaching online and are looking forward to seeing you all, safely, in person. Our counselors are available if you have any questions, fear, or concerns about these changes and precautions.

Campus Ministry is still available to provide you with spiritual guidance, and STUCO is working to provide activities throughout the year but with a safe, physically distanced approach.

There will be plenty of opportunities to continue our wonderful sense of community so please pay attention to announcements, your email, and our school website for opportunities for you to take part.

However during a hybrid schedule any community based activities may go online or involve 12 - 15 students physically distanced, if possible.

COVID-19 Contact | Carla Fox cfox@casciahall.com | 918.746.2602

Questions?

2020 FALL PLANNING GUIDE

COVID-19 Contact | Carla Fox cfox@casciahall.com | 918.746.2602

If you have any questions please refer to our frequently asked questions.

You may also reach out to our COVID-19 contact: Mrs. Carla Fox cfox@casciahall.com 918-746-2602 Please pay attention to announcements, email, and school bulletins for updates.

St. Augustine of Hippo “Love endures in adversity, is moderate in prosperity; brave under harsh sufferings, cheerful in good works; utterly reliable in temptation, utterly open-handed in hospitality; as happy as can be among true brothers and sisters, as patient as you can get among the false one’s.�