Nazareth Academy Roadmap to Reopening

ROADMAP TO

HANDBOOK ADDENDUM

Dear Nazareth Academy Students and Parents, We welcome you to the 2020-2021 school year….but in a very new way! The last several months have taught us so much, and what we know for sure is that we want to have our students and teachers back in the classroom, and we want learning to continue. With that, we all need to follow new protocols and methods in order to operate successfully. It will take the patience and understanding of everyone to accomplish this. While we know plans may evolve, we have developed the following handbook addendum to keep our school doors open, knowledge flowing and everyone safe.

There is no one approach that works best for all schools. We called upon many resources regarding safety guidelines and best practices for teaching during a crisis. The summer has been packed with Zoom meetings, professional development sessions, and a lot of reading.

Nazareth Academy will return to school using a multi-step hybrid approach. The first week of school will look very different from other years. We have planned this week in order to help our students acclimate to what school will “look” like and to get them accustomed to the safety procedures we have put in place.

WEEK OF AUGUST 17 - AUGUST 21 SCHEDULE • Monday, August 17 will be our first day of Freshman Orientation. Students with last names that fall between Acosta and Doulas - will attend from 8:00am - 11:30am.

Students with last names that fall between Drabek and Lee - will attend from 12:00pm - 3:30pm.

• Tuesday, August 18, Freshman Orientation continues.

Students with last names that fall between Less and Rendina - will attend from 8:00am - 11:30am. Students with last names that fall between Rigan and Wutzke - will attend from 12:00pm - 3:30pm.

• Wednesday, August 19 - Sophomores only. Students with last names A-L will attend from 7:55am - 11:00am.

Students with last names M-Z will attend from 11:55am 3:00pm.

• Thursday, August 20 - Juniors only. Students with last names A-L will attend from 7:55am - 11:00am. Students with last names M-Z will attend from 11:55am - 3:00pm.

• Friday, August 21 - Seniors only. Students with last names A-L will attend from 7:55am - 11:00am. Students with last names M-Z will attend from 11:55am - 3:00pm.

August 31. It is our intention to move from Step One to Step Two of our hybrid plan on September 8 if we can safely do so.

We will continue to update you on this.

Knowing that the situation is ever-changing, it is critically important to develop strategies that can be revised and adapted depending on the health of our school community, the larger local community and the State as a whole. To be prepared for a possible school closure, we have continued to develop our extended e-learning plan and we are fully prepared to implement it if conditions or mandates warrant it.

The most important aspect of our return-to-school plan will be for anyone who is sick to stay home. This is imperative to keeping our doors open. We will be taking temperatures and asking a series of COVID related questions as students arrive each morning, but we rely on the partnership of parents to also monitor their child’s health. If a child is required to stay home due to a COVID related situation, we are able to offer synchronous learning whereby a student will use Zoom to be part of the class (if possible) while at home.

This handbook addendum is intended to cover major topics and addresses questions you may have, but we know there is still more. We continue to update guidelines as needed, as we will communicate any additions or changes as quickly as possible.

The fall semester will be a little different outside the classroom, as well. We typically welcome parents and visitors to our building on a regular basis; however we will be limiting visitors and ask that you be receptive to phone conferences and online meetings.

In addition, clubs and athletics will look a bit different this year, too. For at least the first quarter, clubs will meet virtually. We are pleased to be able to continue offering a robust selection of student clubs for our students to explore. Many of you may be aware of the IHSA’s recent announcement pertaining to high school athletics for 20202021. This Fall, we look forward to the success of our boys and girls golf teams, girls tennis team and boys and girls cross country teams. All other sports will be following a revised schedule.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, students should report to their assigned homeroom. Students should come to school in uniform on these days. Our hybrid schedule will begin on Monday, August 24 with students reporting to their first period class….and not their homeroom.

We ask for your continued prayers as we forge ahead in

We are beginning with Step One of our hybrid plan. Students will follow this schedule during the weeks of August 24 and

Therese Hawkins Deborah Tracy Principal President

our mission of educating young men and women as we have since 1900. Thank you for your continued trust and support and for helping us stay #NazStrong!

Drop off and dismissal

• Although our building is open at 7:00 am daily, it is our preference that students come to school no earlier than 7:45 am and report directly to their first period class.

• If arriving prior to 7:45 am, students must remain seated and socially distanced in the Dining Hall or Theatre.

• Students must enter through the main west entrance.

• If students are carpooling with others who do not live in the same household, they should wear face coverings in the vehicle.

• Dismissal will be staggered. We will dismiss by building and allow drivers to leave campus first, then carpoolers. Those staying on campus after school for sports will be dismissed last.

Bus rider procedures

• Parents should take student temperatures before leaving home for the bus. If there is a temperature above 100.4 degrees, the student should stay home.

• Bus riders must be masked.

• One student per seat whenever possible and always facing forward.

• No eating or drinking on the bus.

Social-distancing measures

• Students, faculty and staff should maintain a physical distance of six feet to the maximum extent possible.

• Students, faculty and staff must wear a face covering at all times unless eating or drinking. This includes passing periods and while in washrooms.

• Students, faculty and staff using an outdoor space may be unmasked if they are a minimum of six feet apart.

Classroom set-up

Passing period procedures

Symptom monitoring

• Desks will be spaced as far apart as possible. Class sizes with ½ of the students in attendance and following our alphabet split range from 3-18 students except for larger classes such as Band, Choir and PE. • Desks must face the same direction according to an assigned seating chart.

• Teachers will limit close contact with students.

• Students should limit sharing of materials with other students or teachers.

• Students should proceed in a single file, remaining six feet apart to the maximum extent possible.

• Some hallways and stairwells will be labeled as one way only.

• In hallways and stairwells that allow movement in both directions, everyone must stay to their right.

• Students cannot walk in groups and must maintain social distance.

• Students will not be assigned lockers at this time unless they are participating in a fall sport.

• Students involved in fall sports may drop off clothing/equipment in their locker at the beginning of the school day and may retrieve it at the end of the school day.

Going to lockers during the school day will not be allowed.

• Although parents are the first line of defense for monitoring the health of their children, student temperatures will be taken daily at the main west entrance.

• Students will also need to answer a brief set of screening questions.

• Faculty and staff will adhere to these procedures as well.

• Students, faculty or staff with a temperature of 100.4 or above cannot enter campus.

• A student who becomes ill while on campus will be moved to an isolation room next to the nurse’s office until he/she can drive home or be picked up by a parent or guardian.

Environmental cleaning

• Desktops, doorknobs and other common classroom surfaces and items will be wiped between class periods.

• Bathrooms will be cleaned throughout the day.

• Entry and exit door handles will be wiped throughout the day.

• All eating surfaces will be cleaned after breakfast and between each lunch period.

• Classrooms and offices will be cleaned nightly with extra sanitizing and deep cleaning taking place twice a week.

• HVAC air filters will be changed and maintained in accordance with ASHRAE standards.

• Teachers are encouraged to keep windows slightly opened to promote greater air circulation.

Personal hygiene

• All persons should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds throughout the day.

• Students will use hand sanitizer upon entering each classroom. Hand sanitizing stations are also located in common areas throughout the building.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes, and do not remove your face covering to cough or sneeze.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and face covering.

• Uniforms should be laundered at least once per week.

Athletics

• We will continue to follow all IHSA guidelines for returning to athletic activities.

• We will adhere to specific protocols for each sport depending on degree of contact and the reopening phase as determined by the Governor.

Student activities

• At this time, all clubs will be meeting virtually.

• Students should contact the Club Moderator for a meeting schedule.

Dining Hall

Tutoring

NZone

• Limited breakfast and lunch options will be prepackaged and available for purchase.

• Students can bring lunch from home, but food and drinks cannot be shared.

• Students must be six feet apart as they wait in line.

• There will be reduced seating in the Dining Hall, and additional indoor and outdoor seating will be added.

• Although our Tutoring Center is closed, our Honor Society students are available for virtual appointments. Please contact Mrs. Kate Hamm at khamm@nazarethacademy.com.

• Throughout Step One of our Reopening Plan, our NZone store will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 am-1:00pm.

• Shopping space is limited and social distancing must be observed.

• Please consult our website for store hours as we move beyond Step One.

SAFETY MEASURES Nazareth Academy will work in partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago, ISBE and IDPH as we continue to develop our safety plan. We will continue a high standard for daily cleaning. High touch areas such as entry and exit doors and railings will be cleaned multiple times per day.

Flow of foot traffic: Signage, including one-way directional arrows, will be near the entrances and exits of all buildings.

Face coverings: To protect each other and slow the spread of the virus, face coverings must be worn (covering both the nose and mouth) upon exiting your vehicle or bus while entering campus and should only be removed to eat or drink. If you touch your face covering you should immediately wash your hands.

Students can wear a covering of their choosing, including gaiters. The covering can be any color or design but cannot include any writing or inappropriate images.

Water fountains: Students should fill and carry a water bottle to school each day. Drinking fountains will be off limits; however, students will be able to refill their bottles at touchless refilling stations located throughout campus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Students with health concerns: Parents of students with health concerns will need to speak directly to the Principal. Please contact Therese Hawkins (thawkins@nazarethacademy.com).

Attendance: Daily attendance and student engagement are expected (unless ill), whether the student is participating on campus or remotely. As with any school day, students will be required to make up work while they are out. To alleviate the stress that comes with missing school, students should (if healthy enough) visit their Classroom Google pages to keep up. The key is to stay home if you are ill, regardless of the nature of the illness.

Visitors: We will limit the number of visitors to campus as much as possible. Unless a specific appointment has been approved and scheduled, visitors will not be allowed beyond our front desk.

The Covid-19 (coronavirus) virus is an ongoing, constantly developing, worldwide situation with new data on transmission and contagiousness being reported daily. It is not possible to guarantee that no student or faculty/staff member will contract the virus upon the reopening of school despite the precautions being taken. Nazareth Academy is making efforts to comply to the extent possible with the latest guidelines published by the CDC, the ISBE and the IDPH. Nazareth Academy has developed the policies contained herein based on these available resources with the understanding that new information on the virus may result in the need for modification.

Therefore, these policies will be subject to change.

Assemblies: To protect our community, we will not have assemblies or large gatherings until further notice. If appropriate for the occasion we will use our large spaces in which we can be responsibly distanced with no more than 50 people in one indoor space.

Overnight events: All overnight events have been discontinued for the fall semester. Service trips and other spring and summer travel will be considered in the coming months.

Band and Choir: Band and choir classes will meet, however performance activities will not occur in class.

Class time will be spent focusing on technique and theory. Recorded vocal/instrumental exercises will be performed from home. Choir and band directors will ensure that all health and safety guidelines are followed.

Symptoms of Covid-19 include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficult breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.

Parents of students with increased risk for severe illness should discuss with their healthcare provider the school’s plan for returning to school.

Nazareth Academy reserves the right to require a student or faculty/staff member to be tested for Covid-19 before allowing the student or employee to return to Nazareth Academy or any Nazareth Academy events.

Student or employee household member showing signs of Covid-19

Student or employee is symptomatic and tests positive for Covid-19

Student or employee is not symptomatic but does have a confirmed positive test for Covid-19

Informing other students and faculty/ staff as cases of Covid-19 are reported to Nazareth Academy

• The student or employee will refrain from entering NA’s campus until he/she is symptom free for 72 hours.

• If the household member should test positive for Covid-19, the student or employee should notify the school nurse and quarantine for 14 days.

• The student or employee should not come to NA’s campus or events for 14 days after their last contact with a person who has Covid-19.

• The student or employee should contact his/her healthcare provider.

• If the student or employee is tested for Covid-19, the student or employee should notify the school nurse.

• He/she cannot return to NA’s campus for at least 10 days since the symptoms first appeared and at least one day (24 hours) with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and symptoms have improved.

• OR • Resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvements in respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) and results are negative for COVID-19 from at least two consecutive molecular respiratory specimens each collected more than 24 hours apart.

• He/she shall not return to NA until 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive Covid-19 diagnostic test assuming they have not subsequently developed symptoms since their positive test.

• OR • Results are negative from at least two consecutive molecular respiratory specimens each collected more than 24 hours apart.

• If an individual develops symptoms after testing positive, follow the guidance above for “student or employee is symptomatic and tests positive for Covid-19.”

• If a student or employee tests positive for Covid-19, the school should be notified immediately. The school nurse will then conduct a Covid interview with the student or employee to assist with contact tracing.

• NA will then notify any parents of students who may have been seated less than 6 feet away from the student, or had other identified close, prolonged contact (<6 feet, for more than 15 minutes). Please know that in accordance with HIPPA laws, the name of the student may not be shared. Teachers and appropriate staff will also be notified.

• If the student who tested positive is a bus rider, all parents of students in that route will also be notified. We will also contact any carpool riders to our knowledge.

• If the student who tested positive is a member of a Nazareth sports team currently in season, all parents of students on the team will be notified.

• For students who were identified as a close, prolonged contact as above, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days from the last exposure.

• In the event that two or more students in the same class test positive within 14 days of one another, who have no family member or outside contact with others who have tested positive, the school will notify the teacher(s) and all parents of students from all classes which include both of these students with Covid-19. All of these individuals will be asked to quarantine for 14 days.

• All families with COVID-19 positive cases are expected to work with their local health department to identify contacts that may occur outside of campus and school activities. In the event that a NA staff or student is told that they had a close contact with a COVID-19 case, they are required to quarantine as directed by their local health department.

If a student or faculty member must stay home to quarantine, we will use Zoom or Google Meet for synchronous learning.

Nazareth Academy cannot guarantee that no student or faculty/staff member will not contract the virus while on campus. All members of the NA community are asked to take steps outlined in this addendum to reduce the risk of transmission.

HYBRID PLAN Our multi-step hybrid plan is designed to cultivate meaningful learning experiences with the safest possible experience in person. All stages of reopening plans have been designed with the guidance received from the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Archdiocese of Chicago, while also working to maintain research-based best practices for instruction and learning.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Attend in-person instruction for A, B, C, D.

Attend in-person instruction for E, F, G, H.

Complete additional asynchronous eLearning lessons for A, B, C, D from home.

Complete additional asynchronous eLearning lessons for E, F, G, H from home.

All Contact Day Bell Schedule with synchronous Zoom/ Google Meet Class taking place for at least the first 30 minutes of each 45 minute class.

(7:55am - 3:00pm)

Complete additional asynchronous eLearning lessons for A, B, C, D from home.

Complete additional asynchronous eLearning lessons for E, F, G, H from home.

Attend in-person instruction for A, B, C, D.

Attend in-person instruction for E, F, G, H.

Blue 1 A, B, C, D Last Names A-L (Group 1) Last Names M-Z (Group 2)

In Step One of our plan students will be attending in-person two days from 7:55am-12:35pm and will be learning remotely three days. In the afternoons on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, teachers will hold virtual office hours to offer 1:1 support to students. We will be following Step One of our plan during the weeks of August 24 and August 31.

eLearning Day

White 1 E, F, G, H

White 2 E, F, G, H

Blue 2 A, B, C, D

THE STEP ONE BELL SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY IS SEEN BELOW: 7:55-9:15 (includes homeroom information) 9:20-10:20 10:25-11:25 11:30-12:30 12:30 12:35

A, E B, F C, G D, H Announcements Dismissal

THE STEP ONE ALL CONTACT DAY E-LEARNING SCHEDULE IS FOUND BELOW: O LUNCH A B C D O Lunch EP FQ G H

7:55 - 8:40 8:45 - 9:30 9:35 - 10:20 10:25 - 11:10 11:15 - 11:40 11:45 - 12:30 12:35 - 1:20 1:25 - 2:10 2:15 - 3:00

Q LUNCH

P LUNCH A B C D EO P Lunch FQ G H

7:55 - 8:40 8:45 - 9:30 9:35 - 10:20 10:25 - 11:10 11:15-12:00 12:05 - 12:30 12:35 - 1:20 1:25 - 2:10 2:15 - 3:00

A B C D EO FP Q Lunch G H

7:55 - 8:40 8:45 - 9:30 9:35 - 10:20 10:25 - 11:10 11:15 - 12:00 12:05 - 12:50 12:55 - 1:20 1:25 - 2:10 2:15 - 3:00

In Step Two of our plan, students will be attending in-person on two full days from 7:55am - 3:00pm. We are considering moving our E-learning day from Wednesday to Monday when Step 2 begins pending exact time allotments needed for deep cleaning and sanitizing. We will share details of Step Two prior to our anticipated start date of September 8.