DCA Return to School Parent Resource Guide

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

RETURN TO SCHOOL PARENT RESOURCE GUIDE

2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR

DCA Community, We all have been deeply affected by the Covid-19 global pandemic and together we have continued forward in faith. We have seen God’s hand in meeting needs in our midst through the incredible team He has assembled for such times as these. From pivoting quickly to remote instruction in the spring to pushing the limits to create memorable end-of-the-year events, the Lord has been truly gracious to lead us through each challenge and provide for our needs.

Now, as we look to begin a new school year, we are joyful that we can offer parents two great options for their child’s education: Our live, on-campus program will be offered with protocols outlined in this document.

Provided we can do this safely, we believe that it is best for students educationally, emotionally, spiritually, socially and physically. Our younger learners, grades K-5, will have a full day on-campus educational experience while our older learners, 6-12, will enjoy a hybrid experience with half day online and half day in person. Starting our 6-12 students in a hybrid program allows us to minimize the number of students on campus at a time until the COVID-19 situation changes and we are able to bring all of our students back on campus full time.

Our off-campus, distance learning option, will meet the needs of students not able to be on campus in grades 3-12. Our elementary (3-5) students will continue to receive live instruction online in order to best meet their developmental needs. While our secondary students will experience a teacher assisted independent learning format that is specifically built for online education.

When the last school year finished, our leadership team began meeting to plan for the 2021 school year. With the uncertainty of what would happen with Covid-19, our school leaders began planning for several different scenarios DCA could face in the coming school year.

While these scenarios were developed during the early summer, the protocols involved have been honed with growing information that has emerged, along with feedback from a group of medical and other professionals who have been consulted along the way. Our actions are being informed first and foremost by the Lord, but also with consideration to the recommendations emerging from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control, among other groups. Please know that what you read in this document is subject to change. We are facing ever-changing realities and must respond to them in accordance with the Spirit’s leading as well as the overarching needs of our students and our long term goals.

We can’t thank you enough for your continued support and partnership in Christian Education during this season. God’s rich blessings on you all this school year!

Sincerely in Christ, Kirk and Debbee Scott Heads of School

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

GUIDING PRINCIPLES Direction from God The very foundation of Desert Christian Academy was a step of faith taken by our founders, Dave and Julie Fulton, out of obedience to clear direction given them by God to start a Christian school in the Coachella Valley. Standing on that foundation of faith, our leadership continues to seek God’s leading and direction in all matters pertaining to DCA and is committed to faithful obedience to whatever He directs. Obviously, that conviction applies to our campus reopening plans and COVID procedures as the Lord gave clear direction to our reopening plans.

Reality of Risk Mitigating risk in regards to the health and well-being of DCA students is a foremost priority every school year.

Covid-19 certainly adds to all the risks involved of safely operating a school but it also is not entirely new either.

Every year there is a new threat to the health and safety of our community and our team has become adept in innovative planning to significantly reduce those risks. There is no way that we will eliminate risk at our school. As parents we live with risk every day. Our students do as well. The reality is that there is no way to do school without having some risk, but we can implement strategies that mitigate risk while still functioning as a school.

Good Citizenship We are likely to continue to have surges in Covid-19 in our nation and perhaps locally as well. We are dealing with a highly contagious disease that thankfully has a very high rate of recovery. That does not mean we take it lightly because it can be lethal for portions of our community, and even when non-lethal, it can be a difficult disease from which to recover. It is in this reality where we as a school community want to be good citizens. We do care about hospital bed availability and ICU capacity. Our response will seek to balance those concerns with the very real needs of our students.

Students overall health and developmental needs Young people (<18) have contracted Covid-19 at a rate less than half of what would be expected, based on their portion of the California population. Ninety percent of all California deaths have occurred in individuals age 55 and older and currently only one child under the age of 18 has died in our state. No matter where a student attends school and no matter what protocols are put in place, the real risk is that students will be asymptomatic carriers who will infect more vulnerable populations. Students' spiritual, mental and emotional health was affected by the shutdown. We saw this in our own community. This makes us more committed than ever to choosing health protocols for return to school that allow us to serve the students overall health needs while also helping contain the spread of COVID-19 to more vulnerable populations.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

LEARNING MODELS

2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR ELEMENTARY (Grades K-5) Full Day On-Campus Education (Grades K-5) Full day on-campus students will receive foundational and essential instruction in all the core subjects. Students will continue to participate in chapels and specialty classes. These activities will be adapted per new Covid protocols.

Online Education (available for Grades 3-5 only) This learning model is available for 3rd through 5th grade students only. Students will receive foundational and essential instruction in all the core subjects online and at home. Online students will continue to be a vital member of the DCA community and have the opportunity to participate in chapels and other school events.

SECONDARY (Grades 6-12) Secondary - Full Program The schedule will include half-day online and half-day in-person on campus. Our goal is to transition secondary students to full day, in-person instruction as quickly as possible.

HALF-DAY ONLINE FROM HOME This includes live, online instruction at home. Students will need to transport or be transported to campus for in-person instruction.

HALF-DAY ONLINE - SUPERVISED DCA staff will be available to supervise students during live, online instruction on campus or at remote site. Details to be determined depending on the number of students needing supervision. There is an additional cost of $15 per day.

Online Education (Grades 6-12) Students will experience a teacher assisted independent learning format that is built for online education. This model, which is available for 6th-12th grade students is specifically designed for online education with a DCA program director/ teacher providing oversight and support to students through regular check-ins. Online students will continue to be a vital member of the DCA community and have the opportunity to participate in chapels, DCA athletics, and ASB student activities (i.e. game nights) once these activities are reinstated.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

TUITION

2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR RATES FOR ONE STUDENT/ANNUAL PAYMENT

ELEMENTARY (Grades K-5) FULL PROGRAM

ONLINE PROGRAM

$9,300

$4,000

Multi-student discounts and payment plans available for FULL PROGRAM Payment plans available for ONLINE PROGRAM

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6-8) FULL PROGRAM

ONLINE PROGRAM

$9,950

$4,500

Multi-student discounts and payment plans available for FULL PROGRAM Payment plans available for ONLINE PROGRAM If choosing the supervised online option, there is an additional $15/day fee

HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9-12) FULL PROGRAM

ONLINE PROGRAM

$10,550

$4,500

Multi-student discounts and payment plans available for FULL PROGRAM Payment plans available for ONLINE PROGRAM If choosing the supervised online option, there is an additional $15/day fee

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

DIGITAL PLATFORMS RenWeb/FACTS

RenWeb/FACTS will continue to be our schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information management system for parents and guardians, tuition and incidental billing, and academic records.

Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing platform that will continue to be used to provide live (synchronous) virtual class meetings.

Padlet

Padlet is a productivity platform that allows organization of schedules. It also provides an excellent platform for creative group collaboration with students.

This platform also allows for assignment collection and organization.

Google for Education

Google Apps for Education will continue to be used by students at all grade levels at varying degrees for communication and collaboration.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

OPERATING SCENARIOS SCENARIO 1

SCENARIO 2

COVID-19 risk has significantly decreased

COVID-19 is present

COVID-19 risk is growing

Positive test ratio below 6%

Positive test ratio above 6%

School routines return to normal

CURRENT SCENARIO

ICU and hospital at or close to pre-COVID norms

Normal On-Campus Health Protocols

Proactive Measures

Schedules

Before and After School Care

Drop-Off Procedures

Lunch

2020/2021 on campus schedule

Field Trips/ Retreats

Possible modifications Online learning options (grades 3-12)

Full program available only to those in need

Full program available

Normal drop-off procedures

Normal lunch operations Conqueror Cafe open Vending machine open

Chapel

2020/2021 on campus schedule

Hospitalization and ICU numbers in problematic range Significant Proactive Measures

Secondary Hybrid Learning Model Elementary On-Campus Learning Model

Conqueror Cafe open with limited options

Conqueror Cafe closed

No restrictions

Conqueror Connect Distance Learning Model for all students grades K-12

7:30-8:00am arrival and pick up by 3:30pm

Home provided lunches only

Limited based on health & safety assessment of destination. No large group transport

Extreme Proactive Measures

No before or after school care

Modified lunch operations

Modified chapel program

On campus activities have been suspended

Online Learning Options (grades 3-12)

Modified drop-off procedures

Full chapel program

SCENARIO 4 COVID-19 risk is significant

Modified daily schedules

Modified dropoff procedures with temperature screenings and visual wellness checks

Vending machine open

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

SCENARIO 3

Campus facilities closed

Vending machine closed Live-streamed or pre-recorded chapel program No off-campus trips Virtual field trips In-house supplemental learning

Virtual Chapel

OPERATING SCENARIOS SCENARIO 1

SCENARIO 2

SCENARIO 3

SCENARIO 4

COVID-19 risk has significantly decreased

COVID-19 is present

COVID-19 risk is growing

Positive test ratio below 6%

Positive test ratio above 6%

COVID-19 risk is significant

ICU and hospital at or close to pre-COVID norms

ICU and hospital numbers in problematic range

School routines return to normal

CURRENT SCENARIO

Normal On-Campus Health Protocols

Proactive Measures

Significant Proactive Measures

Athletics

No restrictions

Operating with precautions per CIF guidelines

All sports paused until CIF clearance

Physical Distancing Requirements

No restrictions

Operating with precautions per CDC recommendations

Maximum physical distancing measures

Face coverings are optional

Face coverings required when physical distancing is not possible. Face coverings otherwise are optional

Face Covering Requirements

Grades 3-12 required

Enhanced janitorial cleaning throughout the day and after school

Expanded janitorial cleaning throughout the day and after school

Health Screening Standards

Self-regulated health screening

Mandatory home health screening

Mandatory home and on-campus health screenings

Large venue gatherings Large venue gatherings limited prohibited Limited visitors

Visitors

Standard DCA visitor check-in procedures

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

Parents Invited educational guests

All athletics suspended, per CIF requirements

Grades K-2 strongly recommended

Enhanced janitorial cleaning after school

No restrictions

Extreme Proactive Measures

Face coverings mandated by state and local authorities

Sanitation Standards

Facilities Use

On campus activities have been suspended

No visitors Only student, faculty, staff and essential vendors allowed on campus

Campus facilities closed

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL ARRIVAL More information to follow before school starts.

Drop-off times are from 7:30-8:00 AM Families with only elementary students will drop off at the bottom gate (Emerald Crest).

Families with both secondary and elementary students, will drop off on the football field.

Families with preschool students may drop off all of their students in the front parking lot.

Students who drive to school will park in the main parking lot.

DCA employees will scan students' temperatures before exiting their vehicles.

DCA employees will conduct a visual wellness check, along with asking • Did you complete your at home daily health check?

• Have you been around anyone that is displaying symptoms?

Only students who pass the temperature scan and visual wellness check will be allowed on campus.

Students displaying fever and/or symptoms will be sent home.

If a student is sent home, it will be documented in RenWeb attendance and administration will be notified. The student will not be allowed back on campus without the approval of the school nurse.

The school nurse will follow-up with the student and family.

Students who are tardy: • Parents must remain in their vehicle until their student is cleared to enter campus.

• Students must enter the front office. Please stay socially distant.

• Students will have their temperature scanned and a visual wellness check performed before they will be allowed to go to class.

• Students who pass the temperature and wellness check will be allowed to go to class.

• Students who do not pass the temperature and/or wellness check will be sent home and administration will be notified. The student will not be allowed back on campus without the approval of the school nurse.

We anticipate that car lines will take a little bit longer. Our priority will be to get your students into and out of our facility safely while maintaining physical distancing.

DISMISSAL All students need to be picked up by 3:30pm Procedures for afternoon pick-up and dismissal are still in development. We will notify you as soon as the plan is confirmed.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

CLASSROOMS ELEMENTARY (K-5) • When the freeze bell rings, students will freeze and hold until they are released to walk to their classrooms.

• Students will follow the one-way traffic patterns to their individual classrooms.

• Teachers will greet and administer hand sanitizer to students as they enter the classroom.

• Before entering the classroom, students in grades 3-5 will be wearing masks, (for students in K-2, masks are strongly encouraged) • Students will not share items such as pencils, markers, scissors, manipulatives, books, etc.

• No toys or items from home should be brought to school.

• Students’ backpacks must be hung on the hook on the student's desk.

• Students' desks will be socially distanced and facing the same direction and desk shields will be provided.

SECONDARY (6-12) • When the first bell rings, students will gather their belongings and prepare to enter the classroom.

• Students will follow the one-way traffic patterns to their individual classrooms.

• Before entering the classroom, students will be wearing masks and stay socially distanced while waiting to enter the room.

• Teachers will greet and administer hand sanitizer to students as they enter the classroom.

• Students will avoid sharing electronic devices, personal supplies, books, and other learning aids.

• Cell phones must remain in students' backpacks throughout the day.

• Students' desks will be socially distanced and facing the same direction and desk shields will be provided.

• No paper passing between students.

• An increased level of disinfecting and cleaning will take place in each classroom.

• Whenever possible, the doors will be propped open for increased air circulation.

• Our team has laid out every classroom for appropriate and comfortable distancing so students and teachers will experience a normal feel while observing safety standards.

• Student desks will be spaced approximately six feet apart.

• DCA will utilize any open rooms that can accommodate distancing, as well as allow for connected groups to gather together, all while maintaining fully-functional classrooms.

• Student movement will be more limited between classrooms.

• Classrooms will be sanitized before each new group of students arrive.

• DCA has many spacious outdoor areas, and as weather permits, some classes may be held outdoors as appropriate for the class and curriculum.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

NUTRITION/LUNCH ELEMENTARY

• Elementary students will eat their nutrition snack and lunch under the elementary pavilion.

• Students will be dismissed within their cohorts.

• Students will be spaced out appropriately.

• The water fountains will be disabled, with only the hands-free water bottle stations remaining functional. Therefore, it is imperative that students bring refillable water bottles with them each day. Please make sure that your student's name is written on the bottle. NO GLASS BOTTLES, PLEASE. • A “nut sensitive” table will be available for students with nut allergies. Students without nut allergies may sit at those tables as long as their lunch is nut-free and there is room.

• When students return from nutrition and lunch, students must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before entering the classroom.

SECONDARY

• Middle school students will eat nutrition in the Grove, and lunch at home during the hybrid schedule. Once all secondary students are on campus for full-day instruction, students will eat nutrition and lunch in the Grove.

• Students will be spaced out appropriately using distance markers.

• There will be no sharing or passing around of cell phones, iPads, or other electronic devices.

• The vending machine and water fountains will be disabled, with only the hands-free water bottle stations remaining functional. Therefore, it is imperative that students bring refillable water bottles with them each day. Please make sure that your student's name is written on the bottle. NO GLASS BOTTLES, PLEASE. • When returning from nutrition and lunch, students must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before entering the classroom.

• Sanitation of all tables will occur between groups.

• Breaks and lunches will be staggered to limit the number of students out of class.

• Hand washing stations and/or hand sanitizers will be utilized before and after each nutrition and lunch break and as students return to the classroom.

• Supervisors will encourage students to play and participate in games and activities that allow for social distancing when possible.

• Until further notice, students must bring their lunch from home.

• Microwaves may not be used.

• Water may be purchased during nutrition and lunch for one dollar per bottle.

• Students may not share food or drink items. Students should bring their own utensils and napkins.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

RESTROOMS ELEMENTARY RESTROOMS • Only three people will be allowed in the restroom at a time.

• Each student will be provided a bathroom pass that will be labeled with their student number and grade.

• There will be three hooks to hang three bathroom passes on outside of each bathroom.

• If there is an empty hook available, students must place their bathroom pass on a hook outside the restroom before entering.

• Students waiting outside the restroom will stand socially distanced apart by markers on the ground.

• Signage will be placed in restrooms encouraging students to wash their hands for 20 seconds.

• Students are expected to wash their hands after using the restroom.

• Doors will remain open so that students do not need to touch the doors and supervision can take place.

SECONDARY RESTROOMS • Only three people will be allowed in the restroom at a time.

• Each student will be provided a bathroom pass that will be personalized.

• There will be three hooks to hang three bathroom passes outside of each bathroom.

• If there is an empty hook available, students must place their bathroom pass on a hook outside the restroom before entering.

• Students waiting outside the restroom must stand socially distanced apart by markers on the ground.

• Signage will be placed in restrooms encouraging students to wash their hands for 20 seconds.

• Students are expected to wash their hands after using the restroom.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

AFTER-SCHOOL CARE To help limit our students’ exposure to others, we will not be providing after-school care at this time. Our goal is to reinstate after-school care as soon as we can more safely and fesibly do so.

ATHLETICS Our high school athletic programs are under the governance of CIF-SS. Instead of the traditional three sports seasons (fall, winter and spring), CIF-SS is moving to a twoseason model which they are calling fall and spring, though they will be played during the winter and spring months (with games starting in late December and/or early January). Please understand that our goal is to provide as many competitive sporting opportunities as possible, while taking steps to help ensure the health and safety of our student athletes. Additional information regarding sports specific COVID protocols will be provided.

CELL PHONES AND IPADS To help minimize germ transmission, students will not be allowed to use their cell phones or have them out of their backpacks during school hours Parents will need to call the front office to get an important message to their student.

Students are not allowed to share iPads or other electronic devices.

CHAPEL - SPIRITUAL LIFE Even without the ability to gather in large numbers, our students will continue to participate in virtual chapels. Our students' spiritual lives will continue to be developed in the following ways: • Every faculty member of Desert Christian Academy is a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Therefore our students’ walk with God is nurtured by these mentors.

• God’s Word will be purposefully and thoughtfully integrated across the curriculum and Bible instruction will take place in all grade levels.

• For the time being, chapel will be streamed into each classroom, allowing for a meaningful shared experience campus-wide.

• Student events and activities will be limited, but there will be plenty of opportunities to connect in meaningful and fun ways throughout the year with safety protocols.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

COHORTS All students, kindergarten through 12th grade, will be placed into a group called a cohort at the start of the year. The cohorts will be implemented as a mitigation strategy for COVID. This will help reduce the number of people that our students come in close contact with.

ELEMENTARY COHORTS • Elementary students will be placed in cohorts within their same class.

• When group learning is appropriate, students will work within their cohort.

• Students will be dismissed to nutrition and lunch within their cohorts and they will sit socially distanced, within their cohorts.

• Cohorts will have an assigned supervisor who will organize socially distanced games and activities during their play time.

SECONDARY COHORTS • Secondary students will also be placed into cohorts with students within their grade level.

• When group learning is appropriate, students will work within their cohort.

• Students will be dismissed to nutrition and lunch within their cohorts and they will sit socially distanced, within their cohorts.

ELEMENTARY RECESS Recess is an important time for our elementary students to release energy and to socialize. It is our desire that our students will enjoy the outdoor play areas which will allow for social distancing in a way that friends can gather with the freedom to play.

• Playground equipment will not be used at this time.

• Supervisors will organize socially distanced games and activities that are fun and engaging.

FIELD TRIPS & RETREATS If possible, we would like to offer grade-specific field trips this school year. However, we will follow the recommended guidelines to ensure the highest levels of health and safety.

We are exploring ways to bring enrichment opportunities either in-house or virtually to supplement learning. We will continue to evaluate the feasibility of our grade level field trips and retreats and final determinations will be made at a later date.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

PE LOCKERS Secondary students with scheduled Physical Education classes are typically assigned a locker. However, at this time, students will not be changing into PE clothes for their class. Therefore, no PE lockers will be assigned at this time.

Student-athletes may be issued a locker during their season to store athletic supplies, but those assignments will follow physical-distancing guidelines.

SCHEDULES Class and studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; schedules are being revised and will be shared once they are available.

UNIFORMS Students are to follow the Desert Christian Academy uniform requirements listed in the Conqueror Handbook whether they are in-person or participating in online learning. The only exception is students who are participating in online learning from home may wear a Conqueror spirit shirt with appropriate, modest shorts or pants instead of the full uniform.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

ENSURING A HEALTHY CAMPUS DAILY HEALTH HOME SCREENING CHECKLIST We are depending on our partnership with families as we seek to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff while on campus.

If your student is exhibiting any of the symptoms below, they should stay home from school.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

ENSURING A HEALTHY CAMPUS HAND WASHING/HAND SANITIZING PROTOCOLS Hand-sanitizing stations have been provided across campus.

Hand washing stations are available for elementary and secondary studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; use.

Students, faculty, and staff will be encouraged to wash and sanitize hands regularly.

Signage will explain proper hand washing to students, encouraging them to wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.

We will continue to educate and encourage students to wash hands after using the restroom and intermittently throughout the day.

Touchless hand dryers will be utilized in all bathrooms.

VISITORS In order to mitigate the risk of possible exposure and spread of COVID-19, DCA's campus will initially be closed to all visitors, including parents.

A Zoom meeting will need to be scheduled should a parent need to meet with a teacher, support staff or administrator.

Only essential vendors will be permitted on-campus. All vendors will be screened.

WHAT MEASURES ARE BEING INSTITUTED FACILITY-WIDE? We have purchased improved filtration for our AC units.

Plexiglass shields have been added to the front office.

In common areas, sanitation will occur between groups and our staff will be trained for frequent, thorough, and proper sanitizing of classrooms.

Desk shields will be used in every classroom.

Commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, counter tops in the reception area, and shared spaces in all the buildings will be cleaned on a regular basis throughout the day.

Each classroom and common area will be cleaned and sanitized every night.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

FACE COVERINGS & TEMPERATURE SCREENINGS FACE COVERINGS FOR STUDENTS We realize that guidelines may change. For now, we plan to take the following approach.

• Face coverings are mandatory for all adults and students in grades 3-12.

• Face coverings are strongly encouraged for students in grades K-2.

• When students are walking outside — to the gym, to classes, or during passing period face coverings must be worn.

• When working in a small-group setting or discussion group, everyone in the group must wear face coverings.

• Face coverings may be removed while eating.

• Elementary students will be provided with a lanyard and protector for their masks when not in use.

WHAT TYPE OF FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED? • Cloth face coverings that cover the nose and mouth are required.

• If a student forgets to bring a face covering, a disposable mask will be provided.

• Face coverings will also be available for purchase through our DCA Spirit Store.

• Cloth face coverings should be washed daily.

• Students’ cloth face coverings should be clearly identified with their names or initials, to avoid confusion or swapping.

• Students’ face coverings may also be labeled to indicate top/bottom and front/back.

• Students should never share or swap cloth face coverings with others.

TEMPERATURE SCREENINGS • Daily no-touch temperature checks will occur during drop-off. Students will have their temperature checked before exiting their vehicle, through either an open window or an open door.

• For those students who drive themselves to school, temperature screenings will be completed at the secondary entry point. Students cannot enter campus until they have passed their temperature screening.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

HOW WILL COVID-19 SYMPTOMS/POSITIVE CASES BE HANDLED? WHAT HAPPENS IF MY STUDENT PRESENTS WITH A FEVER AT ARRIVAL?

Students with an elevated temperature beyond 100 degrees, will need to return home until the reason for the fever can be determined. The ongoing education of those students during that waiting time can be coordinated through their classroom teacher(s). Those with a fever cannot return to school until they are fever free for 72 hours with no fever reducing medications; doctor’s note must be provided in order to return to campus.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY STUDENT DEVELOPS SYMPTOMS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY?

If a student exhibits symptoms consistent with COVID-19 while at school, the student will be evaluated by the school nurse. If it is determined that the student is running a fever, we will isolate that individual. We will then contact the parents to arrange transportation for their child from campus and encourage them to seek their doctor’s diagnosis regarding the source of the fever, as not all fevers will be COVID-19 related. A doctor’s note must be provided in order to return to campus. The appropriate action plan will be followed for that illness if it is not COVID-19.

WHAT IS THE PROTOCOL IF AND WHEN WE HAVE A CONFIRMED COVID-POSITIVE CASE ON CAMPUS?

If a DCA student, faculty, or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, our school nurse will notify all those who have been in close contact with the individual, such as classmates, teachers, and/or staff members. Those identified to be at risk of exposure (those not wearing a mask, closer than six feet, and together longer than 15 minutes,) will be asked to selfquarantine. Each family involved must quarantine for 14 days; testing will be recommended.

Those in quarantine will receive direction and resources to support learning at home from their teachers.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

HOW WILL COVID-19 SYMPTOMS/POSITIVE CASES BE HANDLED? IF A STUDENT TESTS POSITIVE, WHEN CAN THE INDIVIDUAL RETURN TO SCHOOL? In order for a student to return to campus, all of the following will be required, based on the availability of testing supplies.

• Fever free for 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

• Noted improvement in respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, for example) • A negative COVID-19 test result.

• A Letter to Return from the physician or the Public Health Department.

If a shortage of testing supplies exists or retesting is not recommended by a physician, according to the CDC Time-Based requirements, a student must meet the following requirements before returning to campus.

• Fever free for 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

• Noted improvement in respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, for example) • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

• Able to provide a Letter to Return from the physician or the Public Health Department.

MY STUDENT WAS EXPOSED TO COVID-19 -- WHAT NEXT?

If a student is exposed to COVID-19 and/or is indicated by contact tracing, please contact our school nurse immediately at nurse@desertchristianacademy.org. They will be required to quarantine for 14 days from last exposure. Testing is recommended, but be aware that results will not shorten 14-day quarantine. Those in quarantine will receive direction and resources to support learning at home from their teachers. Families will need to contact their individual teacher(s) for specific guidance.

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

TEACHER AND STAFF GUIDELINES Our teachers and staff are an integral part of the mission of DCA and it is our desire to support them to the best of our ability, especially during this time. As a team we believe that whatever this season may bring, we will continue to be positive, creative, and united in our vision to shape our students’ foundational journey with the power of the Gospel. Ours is a partnership that will endure, looking toward the very best outcomes for every student. This temporary season will only make us stronger together toward our shared goals for our children to develop into disciples who are responsible, productive, deep thinking, steadfast, honorable, sacrificial, and well equipped for a lifetime of Christian service.

Given the new demands placed on our faculty and staff, we ask that you continue to pray for them and extend grace as we move forward in the coming days. Please help keep our teachers and staff healthy by ensuring that your family follows all of our COVID protocals.

All teachers and staff will adhere to the following guidelines

FACE COVERINGS FOR TEACHERS AND STAFF • All DCA employees must wear a cloth face covering at all times.

TEMPERATURE CHECKS • At Home: Teachers and Staff will be required to complete the Daily Home Health Screening Checklist • On-campus: Before entering campus, teachers and staff will be required to have their temperature checked.

COMMUNICATION AND SERVICES COMMUNICATION Communication is vital to the partnership between families and DCA. Therefore, we have established the following forms of communication: • Weekly Digital Newsletter • Teacher Communications • DCA App • Social Media • Parent Alert • Daily Student Announcements

SERVICES COUNSELING AND DISCIPLESHIP DCA endeavors to nurture the spiritual, academic, physical, and social well being of each student. During this time, we recognize that our students may have specific needs that arise because of our unique situation we find ourselves in. Using God’s Word as our guide, our staff is equipped with the good news of the Gospel and is willing and able to discipline our students who need emotional support and encouragement. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Chaplain, Mr. James Gordon jgordon@desertchristianacademy.org or any other teacher or administrator if you desire guidance.

CONQUEROR PARENTS - VIRTUAL Conqueror Parents is a parent support group. This group meets monthly to discuss DCA programs and events and organize ways in which parents can enrich those activities with their involvement. Please contact Beth Young byoung@desertchristianacademy.org for more information.

MOMS IN PRAYER - VIRTUAL Moms in Prayer is a national organization that encourages mothers to pray for the students, families, administrators, teachers, staff and activities of the school. DCA has its own chapter of this important organization, which meets weekly. Please contact Beth Young byoung@desertchristianacademy.org for more information.

COLLEGE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR High school students with questions in regard to their classes and/or graduation requirements should contact Mrs. Lisa Johnson at Ljohnson@desertchristianacademy.org

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021

DCA LEADERSHIP TEAM KIRK SCOTT

DEBBEE SCOTT

TYLER JACOBUS

kscott@desertchristianacademy.org

dscott@desertchristianacademy.org

tjacobus@desertchristianacademy.org

Head of School

Head of School

Operations & Community

MATT GARRISON

JAMES GORDON

RENEE LOEWEN

mgarrison@desertchristianacademy.org

jgordon@desertchristianacademy.org

rloewen@desertchristianacademy.org

Athletic Director

Chaplain

CHRIS JOHNSON

BETH YOUNG

cjohnson@desertchristianacademy.org

byoung@desertchristianacademy.org

Accountability & Discipleship

Instruction & Engagement

Campus Connections

DCA BOARD OF TRUSTEES Richard Twiss - Chairperson Dave Fulton Casey Johnson Rich Mercantante Jan Morrison Duane Young

DESERT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - RETURN TO SCHOOL 2020/2021