Academy of Notre Dame Reopening Plan 2020-2021

NDA Reopening Plan FOR A SAFE AND VIBRANT LEARNING COMMUNITY 2020 2021 SCHOOL YEAR

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 3

Letter from Head of School

4

Components of Fall Reopening Plan

5

Plan 1 - In-person Learning with Safety Requirements

16

Plan 2 - Hybrid Learning

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Plan 3 - Remote Learning

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NDA Expectations

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Information from DESE

40 Definitions 41

In fulfillment of requirements of the State of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Academy of Notre Dame, Tyngsborough offers this September 2020 action plan to serve the NDA community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This plan is unique to the Academy of Notre Dame, but encompasses the requirements necessary to open safely.

Please refer to DESE Guidance Memorandum guidance plan

Special Thanks

LETTER FROM THE

HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Members of the NDA

Our goal is to provide a safe and vibrant learning community

Community,

during a challenging time. I find it helpful to reflect on the words of St. Julie Billiart — “It is a good sign when the good God causes us

No matter what age,

to do what we have neither seen nor wanted.”

circumstance or stage of life, I think we all can agree

You will see the result in the following pages of the collaborative,

that 2020 is not the year we

creative thought and hard work, but above all dedication, to

imagined it would be. There

the students of the Academy of Notre Dame. We are a blessed

have been many disruptions,

community.

big and small, to all our lives. While these unwelcome intrusions meddle in our every day lives, they have also brought time for

We are excited to welcome our entire community back to campus

thought and reflection. Now, as we approach our sorely missed

in the coming weeks, and are honored to have you and your family

back-to-school routine, we find it to be more anxiety-provoking

with us for the journey.

than usual.

Know that behind our masks, we are smiling!

I want to thank our Board of Directors, Academy Leadership, Faculty, Staff and our COVID-19 Re-Entry Task Force who have

In the faithful pursuit of excellence,

been working all summer to ensure the continued safety, well being, and educational growth of our students as we return to the NDA campus.

Dr. Vittoria Pacifico Head of School

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COMPONENTS OF NDA’S

FALL REOPENING PLAN NDA will continue to consult and work with the NDA COVID-19 Re-entry Task Force as needed throughout the school year. The Academy will seek support and resources with the Assistant Superintendent of Tyngsborough Schools as well as the schools and learning communities sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Archdiocese of Boston garnering and sharing best practices.

Components of NDA fall reopening plans:

1 In-person learning with new safety requirements,

2 A hybrid of in-person and remote learning, and

3 Remote learning

1

RETURN WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS

2

3

HYBRID LEARNING

REMOTE LEARNING

Students return in-person

IN-PERSON LEARNING WITH NEW SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Students learn both in-person

Learning takes place remotely

and restrictions are lifted.

All students return in-person;

and remotely

classrooms, schedules, protocols modified to meet health requirements

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FALL REOPENING - PLAN 1

IN-PERSON LEARNING WITH NEW SAFETY REQUIREMENTS In this model, all NDA students and faculty return inperson to the NDA campus in appropriately modified learning settings to accommodate the health and safety requirements outlined by DESE in the June 25, 2020 Initial School Reopening Guidance memorandum along with additional DESE updates.

NDA plans for an in-person return to school five days per week starting on September 2, 2020.

See: NDA 2020-2021 Calendar

Reduce Transmission Risk NDA strives to establish a culture of health and safety that focuses on regularly enforcing these important practices to diminish potential virus transmission. These include: •

Rigorous facility and restroom cleaning, new disinfecting equipment/fogger

•

Personal hygiene and frequent handwashing

•

Use of masks/face coverings, face shields Grades 2-12, PreK3 – Grade 1 optional

•

Physical distancing

•

Reducing interaction between groups

•

Scheduling arrival and dismissal areas and protocols for age groups

•

Eliminating food service

•

Limiting visitors to campus

•

Staying home when sick

•

Protecting those most vulnerable to the disease

•

Purchase and stock PPE and cleaning /disinfectant supplies

•

Using available testing and tracing capabilities as necessary

FALL REOPENING - PLAN 1 Travel Quarantine Following the order of Governor Baker, faculty, students and families vacationing are instructed to self quarantine for 14 days after travel.

In order to start the school year on September 2, 2020 students should be at home by August 19th to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 transmission. If a student does not meet this requirement, she/he

often as possible on our large, beautiful campus. Inquiries have been made with the Town of Tyngsborough regarding simple, outdoor, park/shelter type structures.

Thanks to the generosity of an NDA grandparent, seven 20’ x 20’ outdoor tents have been purchased to enhance outdoor learning

must become a remote learner for the quarantine period.

classroom and learning spaces. We will provide outdoor “Welcome

Worship

their families. Families will be notified of specifics. Families will meet

Any liturgy or prayer service taking place will follow the strictest guidelines from the Archdiocese of Boston concerning the reopening of public parish worship. Due to an inability to safely socially distance in the school chapel, we plan to hold Masses in the chapel and live stream them to classrooms. Teachers and students will participate in the Mass by live stream. Participants in the liturgies will be minimal with social distancing and mask usage will be required by all persons in the chapel but not on camera. Quick cleaning of surfaces such as the lectern/pulpit between speakers will be practiced.

with our Early Years staff each day and staff will take each student to their classroom where the Lead Teacher will be waiting for them.

Research, resourcing and budgeting of tents, building of outdoor structures in concert with strategic plan goal fulfillment of STEAM/ outdoor learning environment continues with COVID-19 plans.

Philanthropic and foundation gifts are being sought to support outdoor investments.

Administrative Assistant will manage a schedule of outdoor classroom/learning space usage.

As per the Archdiocese’s guidelines and NDA’s in house discussion of best practices, distribution of Eucharist will be suspended until we are able to determine a safe way to distribute the sacrament. For now we will abide by the Pope’s dispensation on receiving Eucharist and will distribute materials such as prayer sheets and prayer cards for the Prayer for Spiritual Communion. Masses will conclude with a few moments of reflection of the Blessed Sacrament.

Utilizing External Facility Spaces Creative research-based investments continue to be assessed to define outdoor learning spaces so classes may be held outdoors as

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Areas” for the first days of school for our PreK3 to Grade 1 students and

All faculty and staff are equipped with walkie-talkies to offer constant communication inside and outside the campus. All policies, procedures and protocols serving the NDA community regarding health and safety remain in place with added modifications to meet health and safety requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outdoor Conditions Regular maintenance of spraying for ticks and mosquitoes has continued uninterrupted on campus. We are finalizing a plan regarding goose population on campus. Students with insect or other

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allergies will have access to Epi pens in teacher bags (Lower School) or on their person (Upper School).

Uniforms To help further minimize health risks for our students and faculty, NDA intends to take learning outside (weather permitting). Students

Utilizing Alternative School Spaces

may be under a tent or sitting on a field for any number of classes.

NDA is blessed with a large facility with many spacious classrooms

Our priority this year is safety and creating an environment where

which allow room to learn safely distanced. If necessary and

students may focus and learn. To that end, NDA will be relaxing its

depending upon types of lessons, NDA will transition our libraries,

uniform standards in recognition of current circumstances. As we

cafeteria, auditorium, and other appropriate spaces to create learning

start the year, students may wear their NDA School Gym Uniform

spaces to accommodate required distance between students and

for everyday wear. In addition, we have added NDA monogram

reduce class size to enable additional distancing while adhering to

black yoga pants for girls that may be purchased through JB Pride.

the health and safety guidelines.

Sneakers may be worn daily. This information is also available in the 2020-2021 Student Handbooks and on our website.

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FALL REOPENING - PLAN 1 Face Coverings/Masks

Reducing the Mixing of Student Groups

Students will be required to bring and to wear masks in the building.

When in classrooms, all students will have appropriately distanced

Students should keep a spare mask in their backpacks. If at any point

assigned seating. Assigned seating will assist in contact tracing. In

a student is non-compliant with wearing the mask and other safety

each classroom (in all grades) seating charts will be used. PreK to 5

protocols and does not comply with a teacher/staff safety request,

individual students’ names will be posted on their assigned desk/

the parent or guardian will be notified. It will be the discretion of the

seat. Classroom teachers will create and keep assigned seating plan.

Administration to issue a non-compliance consequence.

This practice will allow for easier and more thorough contact tracing.

At the elementary school level, students will be restricted to their

Masks must not contain any offensive messages, prints, or be distracting to the learning environment. Gaiters and bandanas are not acceptable forms of face coverings.

All NDA visitors are required to wear a mask on campus.

Physical Distancing All members of the NDA learning community and visitors are expected to keep a safe distance, 6 feet, from others while on campus. While this will be difficult at times and a practice foreign to early learners, every effort will be made to encourage safe distancing throughout the school day. Parents/Guardians are asked to continually reinforce this protocol along with wearing masks to assist students in the transition to the new school day environment.

To assist students and faculty with social distancing and maintaining best practices physical movement throughout the building, stairways will be well marked and one directional, hallways will be given center lines with foot traffic going one-way on either side. Whenever possible students and staff will move in single file.

In addition, health tip signage will be visible throughout the building including: 20 second handwashing, stay home if sick, coughing into sleeve, etc. Faculty and staff will consistently remind students of best practices for staying healthy.

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grade level class to the greatest extent possible.

• Students in Grades PreK to grade 5 will be self contained.

• Students in Grades 6-8 will move between academic classes.

• Students in grades 9-12 will need to move between academic classes on the Upper School wing.

Personal Belongings/Lockers Lockers will be assigned but only used as needed and students will be required to carry materials needed for daily classes utilizing personal backpacks. Lockers will be labeled by grade level and specific classes will visit lockers at staggered, scheduled times so students may keep a safe distance from each other when managing personal items. Scheduled time example: Even and odd numbers go at various times. Lockers will be available to hold weather related items; such as outerwear, coats, hats, boots etc.

Hallways Students needing to leave class for any reason MUST sign out and have a pass to be in the hallway, and MUST sign back into the classroom upon return.

Elevator Use Students will need medical documentation as determined by the

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school nurse to use the elevator. Maximum one student and staff person per trip. All students who use the elevator must exhibit proper behavior and have a personal responsibility to use good judgment while riding the elevator and follow NDA’s published elevator use policy. Due to the square footage of the elevator, use of the elevator should only be made when absolutely necessary.

Assigning Students to Pods When grouping students into pods (PreK-5), NDA will consult with Parents/Guardians regarding pod assignments in the case of twins or siblings in the same grade level.

Limiting Movement on Campus NDA will strive to reduce interactions with other groups as students move to specific classes (i.e. science labs, art studio, Makerspace).

Teachers will do most of the moving to classrooms to reduce hallway movement and exposure when appropriate by grade level. Students, faculty, and staff will follow all posted signage indicating travel patterns in hallways, classrooms, and other spaces.

Food Service Food service has been suspended at NDA until further notice; therefore, lunch and snacks need to be prepared at home. Students will eat lunch and snacks in classrooms or outdoors, instead of the cafeteria or common areas to minimize the use of shared items (i.e. serving utensils), maintain appropriate physical distance and support compliance with health and safety. Microwaves will not be available for use. All meal containers must be able to be opened without staff assistance.

• Other than sign in and sign out procedures, Lower School will

***IMPORTANT NOTE: NDA will be a PEANUT and TREE NUT FREE

need assistance bringing students to and from the restroom. Staff

school for the 2020-2021 School Year.***

not teaching and other support staff will be vigilant and

Please take extra care in preparing lunches and snacks. We have

visible in hallways.

students and staff who are highly allergic and face serious/life threatening reactions to peanuts and tree nuts.

• Upper School - one student may sign out of class at a time to visit the restroom.

Masks/face coverings will not be worn during meals, NDA will strive

• Markers 6’ apart in hallway outside restroom for those waiting.

for the maximum desired space of six feet between individuals during lunch time seating. Students may eat lunch outside, or in larger alternative space to achieve this goal.

Arrival/Dismissal

Restroom Use/Handwashing

address safety concerns.

Regularly scheduled restroom breaks will be built into the school

Please note the Academy reserves the right to adjust times to Arrival: • Students may arrive at school between 7:15 AM and 7:45 AM.

day. Students will be instructed to use classroom hand sanitizer

• Students must be seated in their assigned homerooms/first period

each time they enter and exit a classroom. Restroom breaks will be coordinated with adjacent classrooms to limit the number of students lining up and using the facilities at any one time. Students will be able to receive a restroom pass if they need to use the facilities for any reason. Faculty will log passes for tracing purposes.

Masks must be worn in restrooms.

• In restrooms where there are contiguous sinks, every other sink will be taken off line to provide more space for users.

• A maximum of 2 students in restroom with middle stall closed/ unavailable for use.

• All restrooms will have signage on the proper handwashing technique.

• All faculty and students will be required to use NDA provided hand sanitizer as they enter and exit rooms throughout the day.

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.

class by 7:47 AM • Upper School (9-12) Students will enter through the main building side door closest to the gym and will proceed in single file directly to their first period class. Students may not go to their lockers until after morning announcements.

• Middle School (6-8) Students will enter through the main building side door closest to the gym and will proceed in single file directly to their assigned homeroom. Students may not go to their lockers until after morning announcements.

• Lower School (3-5) Students will enter through the front door to the right of the main stairway. Students in Grades 3-5 will walk single file directly to their classroom.

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FALL REOPENING - PLAN 1 • Grades PreK, Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2

NOTE: Families with siblings in multiple grades: older students will

Students will enter through the front door to the right of the main stairway and be assigned a seat to wait until an NDA faculty or staff member may escort them to their classroom. While waiting, students will be socially distanced.

follow the youngest sibling’s departure time.

Upper School students (9-12) will exit from the side door across from the gym in accordance with their study and activities schedule.

Upper School students will be monitored and reminded of the need for social distancing, single file protocol.

Dismissal: Students will be dismissed as follows:

No student should remain at NDA after 4:15 PM without express

• 1:50 PM PreK students will be escorted single file to ground level

permission from a Principal.

Room 22 and exit through the side door, across from the gym.

Transportation

Faculty will assist students into vehicles.

• 2:00 PM Kindergarten and Grades 1-2 will proceed to the auditorium in single file and are seated every third seat.

Parents/Guardians drive to the rear of the building. Faculty use walkie-talkies and family card IDs placed in the front passenger side windshield area to announce rides and have children move to auditorium exit and are helped by staff into vehicles.

Tyngsborough resident students traveling to and from school on the Tyngsborough Public School bus will enter and exit via the side door next to the large cafeteria. Students will enter single file and proceed directly to their homerooms. For dismissal, students will proceed to the ground level hallway and wait in a single file line, socially distanced, to enter the bus through the same doorway, next to the large cafeteria. The Tyngsborough Public Schools have given their assurance that they are following the protocols set forth by DESE for

• 2:15 PM Grades 3-5 students will proceed to the auditorium in

school bus transportation.

single file and are seated every third seat. Parents/Guardians drive to the rear of the building. Faculty use walkie-talkies and

Extended Day Program (EDP):

family card IDs placed in the front passenger side windshield

NDA will offer our Extended Day Program. However, due to the

area to announce rides and have children move to auditorium exit

new health and safety requirements, the program will be amended

and are helped by staff into vehicles.

from our past service. Students enrolled in EDP will spend time

• 2:35 PM Grades 6, 7, and 8 students will proceed to the auditorium in single file and are seated every third seat. Parents/Guardians drive to the rear of the building. Faculty use walkie-talkies and family card IDs placed in the front passenger side windshield area to announce rides and have children move to auditorium exit and are helped by staff into vehicles.

outdoors and quiet time to start homework assignments. EDP will not be offered the first week of school. Service will begin on Tuesday, September 8th.

After school EDP is offered until 6:00 PM. To learn more about EDP, contact Bernadette Fossa at bfossa@ndatyngsboro.org.

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ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME MISSION STATEMENT

Cleaning and Supplies An additional custodian has been added to staff to assist in a schedule of sanitizing at key locations in the building (e.g., entryways, restrooms, classrooms) that will take place daily.

Cleaning supplies have been purchased and stocked for frequent cleaning and sanitization of facilities and surfaces, especially high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, hand rails).

The Academy of Notre Dame, Tyngsboro, a Catholic private school, sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, is based on the educational philosophy of their foundress, St. Julie Billiart. The Academy offers rigorous educational programming from PreK through a college-preparatory Upper School.

All classrooms have hand sanitizer dispensers to be used when faculty/students enter and exit.

Our mission focuses on educating the whole person for life through a curriculum rooted in spiritual formation and academic excellence. We nurture a belief in the goodness of God and the dignity of each person. We are committed to community-building, diversity, global justice and service to those in need.

defined in the Commonwealth’s guidance on required safety supplies for reopening schools.

Sanitizing wipes will be available in rooms for students Grades 2-12 to wipe their work space.

Middle and Upper School students moving about due to block schedule will use disinfecting wipes to clean desks and chairs. All classrooms will have disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces.

Excess furniture is being removed from classrooms to provide maximum available space for teachers and students.

Area rugs have been removed from classrooms as recommended by DESE guidance.

Square footage of classrooms and seating capacity call for a required 3’ foot minimum to 6’ foot space between desks. NDA has chosen to apply calculations for 6-foot distancing as our preference and goal.

Signage and equipment have been ordered or installed to enable effective health and safety procedures as

Significant PPE and equipment purchases include: • Table top sneeze guards/shields for early learners, extended day program and student study stations.

• 70 portable sneeze guards/shields for faculty, nurse’s office and multi purpose use.

• 2 disinfectant fog machines to frequently clean, quickly sanitize areas, equipment and furnishings, including playground equipment.

• Reception sneeze guard/shield.

• NDA has stocked more than the required 3 months recommended by DESE of hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, adult and child masks, face shields, gowns, gloves, wipes and disinfectants.

FALL REOPENING - PLAN 1 additional needs for tutors, and ways to provide additional support

Ventilation NDA will consider ways to increase facility ventilation and safely open windows to ensure increased ventilation. Box window fans will be strategically placed to draw air outside of classrooms, offices, isolation room.

including recruitment of volunteers as needed.

Facility Management Common areas will be closed and re-purposed as necessary. (e.g., cafeteria, library.)

Capacity We have evaluated each classroom for capacity on a case-by-case basis, based on the maximum capacity consistent with health and safety guidelines, distancing at 3 to 6 feet including adequate space for the teachers.

In School Traffic Flow

Staffing, Specialized Safety Supplies/PPE and Training NDA will follow the directions for staffing, specialized safety supplies/ PPE and training. While faculty, staff and students are encouraged to use their own masks, masks will be available in the event of loss, damage, etc. NDA has purchased children and adult size masks.

Staffing Alternatives to Consider for Reducing Class Sizes NDA will enlist the services of our Specialist teachers and other educators such as instructional coaches (learning specialists) and others who have appropriate certifications to serve as additional teachers or proctors to staff the learning environment. NDA will also enhance our database of educators available for substitute teaching

• Stairways will be one-directional — front stairways will be up only, back stairways will be down only.

• Hallways will be lined and have arrows indicating travel

direction to reduce face to face encounters.

• Hallway arrows will also serve as reminders for 6’ social

distancing.

• Staff will be reminded that marble blocks in hallways are

3’ x 3’ and can be used to assist faculty and students to be

cognizant of 6-foot space measure.

• Front steps and grand staircase will be marked for up

and down use only.

Illness A medical isolation room has been created for students/staff who

in the event of faculty absence.

exhibit COVID-19 symptoms during the school day. The room is

Personnel and staffing

office to improve cleaning and handwashing activity. An exhaust fan

adjacent to the Nurse’s Office. A sink has been added to the Nurse’s

NDA will periodically assess the needs of faculty and staff to identify at risk situations that affect managing staff assignments, supporting staff with high risk medical conditions, addressing the

will draw air out of the room. A clearly defined exit path for staff or students exhibiting symptoms of illness will be charted for timely and efficient departure from the building.

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If a student or faculty member present COVID-19 symptoms, NDA

It is imperative that all NDA community members adhere to a strict

will handle each case individually and will follow the guidelines

policy of staying home if not feeling well.

announced by DESE update on July 17, 2020. See DESE detailed information provided at end of this document or visit: www.doe.mass.

Academy staff will observe students throughout the day and refer

edu/COVID-1919/on-desktop.html

students who may be symptomatic or not feeling well to the school nurse.

COVID Coordinator

Additional safety precautions are required for school nurses and/

We have transitioned our current technology teacher to serve as

or any staff supporting students with disabilities in close proximity,

the COVID Coordinator assisting with COVID-19 related reporting,

when distance is not possible: These precautions must include eye

questions, technology concerns and remote learning. The COVID

protection (e.g., face shield or goggles) and a mask/face covering.

Coordinator will provide support for Parents/Guardians, students

Precautions may also include gloves and disposable gowns or

and faculty as needed.

washable outer layer of clothing depending on duration of contact and especially if the individual may come into close contact with bodily

Technology

fluids.

Precipitated by the implementation of remote learning in March, 2020 and guided by our strategic plan, NDA continues research and

NDA has ordered, purchased and stocked PPE (Personal Protection

investment in software and hardware to improve in-person and

Equipment, face shields, KN95 masks, gowns and gloves) for

remote learning capabilities. NDA’s IT Director has instituted site

Academy and Nurse’s use. Funds have been allocated from the Town

surveys of our campus with service providers for upgraded cable and

of Tyngsborough through an ESSER grant to support purchase of

long range wireless internet access to meet our growing needs. NDA

additional PPE and sanitizing supplies. Faculty and staff will be

has applied for grants to provide new computer replacements for

trained on the proper use of PPE to diminish the transmission of

faculty to aid in remote learning and has purchased 50 cameras and

COVID-19.

tripods to enhance remote learning student experience. Investments have been made to upgrade platforms to meet current needs.

Student Supports NDA Principals, Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students,

Screening Upon Entry

Guidance Counselors and the Campus Ministry Team are proactively

Parents/Guardians are required to keep children home from school if

ready and available to address the social emotional health and well

they are sick or not feeling well. Checking for symptoms each morning

being of all students. Our Team is acutely aware of the impact of the

by families and caregivers is critical and will serve as the primary

pandemic upon children and are available to partner with families to

screening mechanism for COVID-19 symptoms and other illness.

support our student body.

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Sports

The education of each student will continue with virtual/remote/e-

NDA’s Athletic Director and coaches will follow the mandate of

learning. Teachers will continue to plan standards- based lessons

the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and state

and evaluate student work. Report cards will be distributed at the end

recommendations regarding sports teams, schedules and play.

of each grading period. If a parent/guardian experiences a hardship and cannot make the regular tuition payment, the principal should be

Tuition

notified as soon as possible to create a payment plan.

If school is closed due to weather or a public health concern, Parents/Guardians will remain responsible for payment of tuition.

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FALL REOPENING - PLAN 2

HYBRID LEARNING Students learn both in-person and remotely.

A plan for a hybrid model would be implemented in the event NDA is unable to bring all students back to school under the health and safety requirements despite our best efforts, or in case of COVID-19 related circumstances. A hybrid model means that students would alternate between in-person and remote learning.

Due to the size and capacity of NDA’s building and campus, NDA currently will not need to offer hybrid scheduling (students scheduled in-person on and off days) to our student body.

Hallmarks of our Notre Dame de Namur learning community include: Hallmark Hallmark Hallmark Hallmark Hallmark Hallmark Hallmark

1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7:

We proclaim by our lives, even more than by our words, that God is good.

We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.

We educate for, and act on behalf of, justice and peace in the world.

We commit ourselves to community service.

We embrace the gift of diversity.

We create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve.

We develop holistic learning communities which educate for life.

FALL REOPENING - PLAN 3

REMOTE LEARNING All learning takes place remotely.

NDA will offer remote learning opportunities with the Principals’ approval to students and who are unable to attend in-person learning. Please contact COVID-19 Coordinator for instructions to register your child as a remote learner.

While NDA is open and offers in-person learning, all remote learners must be identified as such for school records until their personal COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and no longer impede their ability to be in-person.

NDA will implement and operate a remote learning program when in-person learning is suspended at any time during the school year. This model will be available for individual students who cannot yet return in-person, and for all students in the event of future classroom or school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an e-learning environment, the daily support of a parent/guardian is critical to providing students with continued quality education through e-learning.

Thankfully, NDA was able to react immediately to the March 16, 2020 Massachusetts school closure and did not miss a day of learning. We currently are fully prepared and ready to resume remote learning immediately. Families were surveyed in April, 2020 as to the effectiveness of our remote learning and adaptations were made within two weeks to enhance the continuing program. We will survey Parents/Guardians and students to meet their remote learning needs. Faculty and staff are participating in professional development and technology workshops and exercises to continually enhance our remote learning program. Technology investments are being made as well.

Our remote learning program will ensure academic excellence at all age levels in the Academy with care to nurture curiosity, instill values and integrity while sparking the interest of our students in fulfillment of our daily mission. Effort will be made to provide an enriched social network and community building opportunities during the course of remote learning.

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FALL REOPENING - PLAN 3

These plans are tentative, based on any given day. Teachers may interchange lessons/subjects/activities depending on the specific standards/ lesson plans as other such events take place. The 90 minute block for Math and Reading can be interchangeable depending on the day.

PreK3 THROUGH KINDERGARTEN REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE TIME*

*all approximate

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

8:00 - 8:30

Whole Group Morning Meeting—Daily introduction/Calendar/Skills

8:30 - 9:00

Reading—students will be read to and discuss the reading

9:00 - 9:30

Small Group Language Arts Skills—Remaining students work on a language arts activity with the paraprofessional

9:30 - 10:00

Small Group changes During these morning times, students will be allowed to go to the restroom as needed

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10:00 - 10:30

Specials: Art, music, languages, physical education will be provided on a regular basis

10:30 - 11:00

Whole Group Math Activity

11:00 - 11:30

Specials: Art, music, languages, physical education will be provided on a regular basis

11:30 - 12:00

Whole Group Religion

12:00 - 1:00

Lunch—Free time

1:00 - 1:30

Small Group Math lesson—Remaining students work on a math activity with the paraprofessional

1:30 - 2:00

Small Group changes

2:00 - 2:10

Whole Group Final Meeting of the Day

2:10 - 2-45

Extra Help/Office Hour for Families

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

GRADES 1 THROUGH 4 REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE TIME*

*all approximate

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

7:50 - 8:15

Morning Prayer/Announcements—Whole Group Morning Meeting—Daily introduction

8:15 - 8:45

Whole Group Math Lesson

8:45 - 9:15

Small Group Math lesson — Remaining students are in STEAM

9:15 - 9:45

Small Group Math lesson/exchange students

9:45 - 10:00

Snack and Restroom Break

10:00 - 10:45

Specials: Art, music, languages, physical education will be provided on a regular basis

10:45 - 11:15

Whole Group Religion Lesson

11:15 - 12:00

Whole Group alternating Social Studies/Science

12:00 - 12:30

Lunch-Free Time

12:30 - 2:00

Reading — Writing — Language Arts — Spelling and Vocabulary

2:00 - 2:10

Small Group Check In — Remain students start homework

2:10 - 2:20

Small Group exchanges students

2:20 - 2:25

Whole Group Final Meeting of the Day

2:25 - 2-45

Extra Help/Office Hour for Families

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FALL REOPENING - PLAN 3 These plans are tentative, based on any given day. Teachers may interchange lessons/subjects/activities depending on the specific standards/ lesson plans as other such events take place. The 90 minute block for Math and Reading can be interchangeable depending on the day. There are two sections of Grade 5: one teacher teaches English/Social Studies; the other teaches Math/Science. While one teacher is teaching English and Social Studies (90 minute block); the other teacher is teaching Math and Science (90 minute block.)

GRADE 5 REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE TIME*

*all approximate

20

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

7:50 - 8:15

Morning Prayer/Announcements—Whole Group Morning Meeting—Daily introduction

8:15 - 8:45

Whole Group Math Lesson

8:45 - 9:15

Small Group Math lesson — Remaining students are in STEAM

9:15 - 9:45

Small Group Math lesson/exchange students

9:45 - 10:00

Snack and Restroom Break

10:00 - 10:45

Specials: Art, music, languages, physical education will be provided on a regular basis.

10:45 - 11:15

Whole Group Religion Lesson

11:15 - 12:00

Whole Group alternating Social Studies/Science

12:00 - 12:30

Lunch-Free Time

12:30 - 2:00

Reading — Writing — Language Arts — Spelling and Vocabulary

2:00 - 2:10

Small Group Check In — Remain students start homework

2:10 - 2:20

Small Group exchanges students

2:20 - 2:25

Whole Group Final Meeting of the Day

2:25 - 2-45

Extra Help/Office Hour for Families

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

A similar schedule will be set for Middle School (40 min) where the electives would be put in for each grade level after (math, science, ELA, Social Studies, Religion, and WL) regularly scheduled classes are assigned. The afternoon schedule will offer clubs, additional enrichment, campus ministry, and office hours/extra help sessions. Students will have PE/Health, STEAM, Music. The specialists would meet once or twice per week.

MIDDLE SCHOOL REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

8:00 - 8:40

A

F

C

H

E

8:50 - 9:30

B

G

D

A

F

9:40 - 10:20

C

H

E

B

G

10:30 - 11:10

D

A

F

C

H

11:20 - 12:00

E

B

G

D

LUNCH

12:00 - 12:45

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

EXTENSION

EXTENSION

EXTENSION

EXTENSION

1:00 - 1:30

6th GRADE GUIDANCE/ CAMPUS MINISTRY

7th GRADE GUIDANCE/ CAMPUS MINISTRY

8th GRADE GUIDANCE/ CAMPUS MINISTRY

1:40 - 2:30

EXTRA HELP/ OFFICE HOURS

EXTRA HELP/ OFFICE HOURS

EXTRA HELP/ OFFICE HOURS

FACULTY MEETING EXTRA HELP/ OFFICE HOURS

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

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FALL REOPENING - PLAN 3

UPPER SCHOOL REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

8:00 - 8:45

A

F

C

H

E

8:55 - 9:40

B

G

D

A

F

9:50 - 10:35

C

H

E

B

G

10:45 - 11:30

D

A

F

C

H

11:40 - 12:25

E

B

G

D

AP EXTENSION

EXTENSION

EXTENSION

EXTENSION

EXTENSION

JUNIOR SEMINAR

FRESHMAN SEMINAR

SOPHOMORE SEMINAR

SENIOR SEMINAR

FRESHMAN CLASS MEETING

SOPHOMORE CLASS MEETING

SENIOR CLASS MEETING

JUNIOR CLASS MEETING ACTIVITY BLOCK

EXTRA HELP

1:30 - 2:00

22

2:00 - 2:30

ACTIVITY BLOCK

ACTIVITY BLOCK

ACTIVITY BLOCK

STUDENT COUNCIL/ CLASS OFFICERS MEETING

2:30 - 3:00

EXTRA HELP

EXTRA HELP

EXTRA HELP

EXTRA HELP

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

FACULTY MEETING

• Dress appropriately for class.

Platforms The Platforms all faculty will utilize during remote learning will

• Take care of hygiene matters prior to joining class.

be Google Classroom, Google Meet, Zoom, and Veracross. Training

• Keep sound muted when not talking.

sessions will be held for Parents/Guardians and students to ensure

• Look straight on into the camera. Faculty must be able

these platforms are user friendly and well understood. Coaching will be

to see faces.

• Use a background appropriate for a classroom setting.

available.

• Eat and drink in the 10 minutes provided in between classes.

Attendance Attendance is expected at every class meeting per the school

If a teacher does not schedule a Zoom session during a regularly

attendance policy. Parents/Guardians will be notified if their student

scheduled class block, students are required to log in and participate

is not present online. If your student is ill and cannot attend classes

in class through Google Classroom or whatever method the teacher

please notify the school per the usual attendance policy.

requires. Students are expected to be working on their scheduled classes during their scheduled times.

Remote Class Etiquette and Expectations Since communication will be carried out exclusively online, it is

All teacher-provided materials, including videos, screenshots, and

important for all members of the NDA community to remain mindful

other media, may not be captured, saved, edited or shared on social

of digital citizenship norms and guidelines. Student attendance

media, via text message, or other electronic means without the

to any synchronous or asynchronous lesson is required (and will

teacher’s express permission.

be reflected in student’s calculated grades). When completing remote-learning work or when interacting online with teachers and

Students in the remote learning program will need to Zoom into each class.

classmates, students should be logged in with their NDA credentials (@ndatyngsboro.org) at all times. At no time should students use

Faculty will record classes where 100% in-person attendance is not met.

their personal Gmail accounts when engaging in remote learning.

NDA has purchased technology hardware, software, audio and video Students should not invite any person to a Zoom session and should

equipment to meet remote plan learning needs.

not share the Zoom information (link) with any person. Only students assigned to that class are welcome to attend and participate.

When participating in Zoom sessions, students are expected to: • Join from students NDA Google account and not a personal Google account.

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

23

NDA EXPECTATIONS

NDA EXPECTATIONS Assessments (tests or quizzes) Online, Academic Integrity Policy Google forms will allow a test/quiz in ‘real time’ with a timed deadline for submission during the regular class period.

Academy of Notre Dame Academic Integrity Policy The Academy’s mission is to educate the whole person for life; therefore, honesty and respect are essential behaviors of all Academy members. Lying and cheating are morally objectionable and will not be tolerated on any tests, quizzes, projects, and assignments. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and fabrication of work. A student found cheating will receive a zero on the given work. Parents/Guardians will be notified and administration will document the infraction. Students who cheat may be subject to further disciplinary action. Subsequent cheating by the student will require a meeting with the student, parent, the teacher, and the Principal. A probationary contract will be drawn up by the Principal and signed by the student and parent/guardian. Violation of the terms of the contract may result in further disciplinary action including expulsion from the school.

arrange another time.

Support Services The student wellness seminars with guidance will continue to meet online. Guidance Counselors will be available for students in need of extra support by email, phone, Zoom or FaceTime.

College Counseling Updates will be disseminated via email and Naviance on a regular basis. Senior individual college meetings will happen via phone or Zoom depending on length of building closure. Seniors successfully completing online work will be on track for graduation.

Daily Announcements for Students & Faculty We continue the process of daily prayer and announcements for students and faculty via Google Docs. The Upper School daily announcement document will go out every morning by 7:50AM. Faculty will add to announcements as needed and students can submit announcements to faculty moderators to add to document.

Parent Updates & Contact Parents/Guardians are encouraged to email teachers if needed. Faculty

Grading Students and Parents/Guardians have access to grading via Veracross portals. Assignments will vary and will be handed in electronically to the teacher.

will be responsive via email or phone. Principals will send regular communications to Parents/Guardians as well as being available by phone and email.

Student Co-Curricular Communications

Extra help Upper School faculty will have ‘office hours’ for students times for students needing extra support. Students can email teachers and make an appointment for a call or Zoom conference as needed during

24

this time. If alternative times are needed, faculty and student will

Class advisors will be scheduling Zoom calls with all grades allowing grade level connections. These will be held during the usual class meeting times during the week. Leadership groups will be planning for weekly group chats with faculty advisors.

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

NDA reserves the right to amend, adjust and add to this plan as

Administrative At NDA, voicemail goes directly to email to assure the timely response to

further developments and planning take place prior to the opening of

all calls. Please note this plan is still a work in progress. Things may be

school or anytime during the school year.

adjusted depending on the length of time of building closure.

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

23

INFO FROM DESE

INFORMATION FROM DESE

JULY 17 COVID-19 GUIDANCE UPDATE Testing, tracing, and isolation It is important to note that testing, combined with contact tracing

contact tracers (the local board of health or Community Tracing Collaborative).

and isolation, helps control the spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.

All test results, both positive and negative, are reported to the

Repeat testing prior to return is not recommended. Return to school

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). When a person

should be based on time and symptom resolution.

has a positive COVID-19 test, it is the local board of health or the Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative that will reach

Close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case should be tested.

out to provide support so that these individuals can remain safely

For general guidance, DPH defines close contact as:

in medical isolation. They will also ask for help to identify close

• Being within less than 6 feet of COVID-19 case for at least

contacts. These organizations will then reach out to the individual’s

10-15 minutes. Close contact can occur while caring for,

close contacts to provide important information that is aimed to stop

living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area

the spread of the virus, including how to safely isolate/quarantine.

or room with a COVID-19 case while the case was

While these organizations will provide support, to further assist with

symptomatic or within the 48 hours before symptom onset,

contact tracing the student/family and staff are asked to reach out to

OR

their personal contacts and notify the school.

Self-isolation for COVID-19 positive cases is a minimum of 10 days

• Having direct contact with infectious secretions of

a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on) while not wearing

recommended personal protective equipment.

Most people who test positive and have a relatively mild illness will

In school settings, close contacts include other students and

need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days. People who test

staff who were within 6 feet of the student or staff for at least 10-15

positive can resume public activities after 10 days and once they have:

minutes in a classroom, in other school spaces, on the bus, or at an

extracurricular activity. In elementary and other school situations

a. gone for 3 days without a fever (and without taking

fever-reducing medications like Tylenol); and

b. experienced improvement in other symptoms

(for example, their cough has gotten much better); and c. received clearance from public health authority

where the students are in self-contained classrooms for an extended period, all students/staff within this “cohort” are considered close contacts as they may have been within 6 feet of the person with a positive test result. Possible close contacts should not come back 1.

26

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

https://www.mass.gov/doc/COVID-19-testing-guidance/download

to school until they have been tested (or elected instead to self-

If staff or students have any of these symptoms, they must get a test

quarantine for 14 days). If an individual tests positive for COVID-19,

for active COVID-19 infection prior to returning to school.

then self-isolation is for a minimum of 10 days and until at least three days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms

Every school should have a list of available test sites.4 A list of test

as noted. If the test is negative, the student/staff can return to school

sites is available here, and Massachusetts also has an interactive

if asymptomatic and wearing a mask.

testing map. Staff and students who have symptoms should also contact their primary care physician for further instructions. More

Most common symptoms of COVID-19 and testing requirements

information related to the availability of testing will be provided later this summer.

The single most important thing to do if any of the following symptoms are present is to STAY HOME. Our collective health relies, in part, on individual attention and responsibility. Note that some symptoms of COVID-19 are the same as the flu or a bad cold; please do not assume it is another condition. When in doubt, stay home.

Please STAY HOME if you have any of the symptoms listed.

Below is the full list of symptoms for which caregivers should monitor their children, and staff should monitor themselves: 2,3 ❏

• Fever (100.4° Fahrenheit or higher), chills, or shaking chills

❏

• Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)

❏

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

❏

• New loss of taste or smell

❏

• Sore throat

❏

• Headache when in combination with other symptoms

❏

• Muscle aches or body aches

❏

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

❏

• Fatigue, when in combination with other symptoms

❏

• Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known

causes, such as allergies) when in combination with

other symptoms

Massachusetts DPH, Testing of Persons with Suspect COVID-19. (2020, May 13). https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html 4.

A list of test sites is available here; this is Massachusetts’s interactive testing map 2.

3.

Quick reference sheet: Key actions for individual COVID-19 events EVENT

LOCATION If an individual is symptomatic at home, they should stay home and get tested.

Individual is symptomatic

28

Individual tests negative

If an individual student is symptomatic on the bus or at school, they should remain masked and adhere to strict physical distancing. Students will then be met by the nurse and stay in the medical Individual tests positive waiting room until they can go home.

They should not be sent home on the bus.

If an individual staff member is symptomatic at school, they should find coverage for their duties and then go home and get tested.

If an individual is at home when they learn they were in close contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, they should stay at home and be tested 4 or 5 days after their last exposure.

Individual is exposed to COVID-19 positive individual

TESTING RESULT

If an individual is at school when they learn they were in close contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, they should be masked for the remainder of the day (including K-1 students) and adhere to strict physical distancing. At the end of the day, they should go home and should not take the bus home. They should stay at home and be tested 4 or 5 days after their last exposure.

QUARANTINE Return to school once asymptomatic for 24 hours Remain home (except to get medical care), monitor symptoms, notify the school, notify personal close contacts, assist the school in contact tracing efforts, and answer the call from local board of health or MA Community Tracing Collaborative. Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms.

Individual is not tested

Remain home in self-isolation for 14 days from symptom onset

Individual tests negative

Return to school, if asymptomatic or once asymptomatic for 24 hours

Individual tests positive

Remain home (except to get medical care), monitor symptoms, notify the school, notify personal close contacts, assist the school in contact tracing efforts, and answer the call from local board of health or MA Community Tracing Collaborative. Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms.

Individual is not tested

Remain home in self-quarantine for 14 days from exposure

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

DESE SECTION 1

SECTION 1 Protocols for individual exposure or individual positive test Protocol: Student or staff tests positive for COVID-19 1. The student or staff member must remain at home (except to

extracurricular facilities) visited by the individual, if

get medical care), monitor their symptoms, notify the school,

c. Promptly clean and disinfect the bus(es) the student

notify personal close contacts, assist the school in contact

that has not been done already. or staff member was on, if any, and if not already done.

tracing efforts, and answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative. For most people who have relatively mild illness, they will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least

4. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (e.g., student has self-contained classroom throughout the day):

a. Send a communication to the other families in the

3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other

student’s class (e.g., cohort) that there has been a

symptoms.

positive test without naming the individual student or

2. The student’s parent/caregiver or the staff member informs the proper school official (e.g. a designated person that is the

staff member who tested positive.

b. Communications sent to families/staff should: i. Inform them there was a positive test (not

COVID-19 school lead) that the individual has tested positive

the specific individual) in the self-contained

for COVID-19. The designated COVID-19 school lead in turn

classroom.

notifies others as pre-determined by the school (e.g., school

ii.

Explain that since they were within this

leadership, school nurse or school medical point of contact,

cohort and may have been within 6 feet

building management, maintenance).

of the person with a positive test, they are considered a “close contact” and therefore

3. Determine whether the student or staff member was on the

should be tested. (In cases where the student

premises during the time frame that started two days prior to

may have been in close contact with others

symptom onset (or testing positive if not symptomatic) until

outside their cohort, having assigned seating

the time of isolation.

and keeping up-to-date seating charts will

a. If so, promptly close off areas visited by the COVID-19

help identify who should be instructed to be

positive individual until such areas can be cleaned

tested: specifically, those who were sitting

and disinfected, if they have not been cleaned and

next to the student, plus any others who also

disinfected already.

had close contact with the student.)

b. Promptly clean and disinfect the student’s or staff member’s classroom and any other facilities (e.g.,

iii.

Instruct those designated as close contacts to isolate prior to their test and while waiting for

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

29

DESE SECTION 1

iv.

the results. In general, as the highest yield test

the end of the day. Caregivers must wear a

will be a few days after the exposure, ideally,

mask/face covering when picking up their

the test should occur no sooner than day 4 or

student. Students who are close contacts and

5 after the last exposure. (In other words, if an

students with any symptoms should not ride

exposure lasted several days, the best time to

the school bus to get home. Caregivers and

test is 4 or 5 days after the end of the exposure

students, as well as staff, should wash their

period.)

hands upon arriving at home and change their

Explain that if close contacts choose not to

clothes as a precaution.

iv.

be tested, the student or staff member should

v.

Close contacts should not come back to school

remain home in self-quarantine for 14 days.

until they have received the results of testing

Remind families and/or staff of the

(or elected to instead quarantine for 14 days2)

importance of not having contact with

and are asked to communicate their test

higher-risk individuals (e.g., grandparents/

results to the school.

1

d. As feasible, to assist with contact tracing, make a list

Guardians and those with underlying medical conditions).

including phone number and email of any other close

Remind families and/or staff of the list of

contacts the student or staff member had, beginning

COVID-19 symptoms for which to monitor.

two days before the onset of symptoms (or positive

c. If the school finds out about the original COVID-19

test if asymptomatic) until individual was isolated.

vi.

positive test in the middle of a school day when the

Instruct those students and/or staff members to get

rest of the cohort is in class:

tested according to the same protocol as the student’s

i.

Make sure these students are wearing masks,

cohort above.

including in kindergarten and first grade.

5. MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL (e.g., no single self-contained

Extra masks as may be needed should be provided by the school. Enforce strict physical

classroom):

a. The school should identify the student’s or staff

distancing. Require students to wash their

ii.

iii.

hands.

member’s possible “close contacts” based on the

The school should quickly identify the

assigned seating charts. The lookback period should

individuals who may be “close contacts” of the

begin two days before symptoms appeared (or two

student and notify students and their families.

days prior to the date of the positive test if there

Caregivers of students in the class or other

were no symptoms) and include up until the time

close contacts may pick students up prior to

the student was isolated. Consider students and staff 1.

30

2.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

members who were within 6 feet of the individual for 10-15 minutes in class, on the school bus, or at extracurricular activities.

b. Follow the communication and other relevant

Protocol: Close contact of student or staff tests positive for COVID-19 1. Current Massachusetts DPH guidance is that all close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should be

Elementary School protocols above.

tested.5

c. Close contacts should be tested for COVID-19 at one of Massachusetts’s test sites.3 Sites may require pre-

2. The student or staff member who was in close contact with

screening, a referral, and/or an appointment.

someone who tested positive for COVID-19 should be tested

d. Instruct the student or staff member to isolate while

at one of Massachusetts’s test sites.6 Sites may require pre-

waiting for the results of their test.

screening, a referral, and/or an appointment. An individual

e. An individual who does not wish to be tested

who does not wish to be tested should instead quarantine for

should instead quarantine for 14 days and until 4

14 days7 and until asymptomatic.

asymptomatic.

3. Close contacts should isolate at home prior to testing and 6. IF OTHERS IN THE SCHOOL TEST POSITIVE: Perform all steps

while awaiting test results. Ability to mask is critical, so if the

under this protocol for that person. ALSO FOLLOW: “Protocol:

close contact cannot mask or is in K-1 and not masking they

Presence of multiple cases in the school.”

should not return for 14 days.

7. IF NO OTHERS IN THE SCHOOL TEST POSITIVE: Close contacts

4. In order to return to school, close contacts need to have

can return to school immediately if they test negative and do not

one negative test result and not be showing any COVID-19

have symptoms; however, strict mask wearing covering the nose

symptoms, or if they do not wish to be tested, quarantine at

and mouth must be maintained at all times. The wearing of masks

home for 14 days. Because tests performed too early can be

includes K-1 students for this 14-day period. If they have symptoms

falsely negative, ideally the test should be performed no sooner

but test negative regardless, they should wait until they are

than 4 or 5 days after the last contact with the person who

asymptomatic for 24 hours before returning to school.

tested positive.

Any area of the school visited by the COVID-19 positive individual

5. IF POSITIVE TEST: The student or staff member should remain

must be closed off and/or cleaned and disinfected. The area can be

at home (except to get medical care), monitor their symptoms,

used 12 hours after cleaning/disinfecting has occurred.

notify the school, notify personal close contacts, assist the school in contact tracing efforts, and answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing

3.

4.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-COVID-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

https://www.mass.gov/doc/COVID-19-testing-guidance/download https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-COVID-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?7. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html 5.

6.

DESE SECTION 1 Collaborative. Most people who have relatively mild illness

at home (except to get medical care),

will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until

monitor their symptoms, notify the

at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in

school, notify personal close contacts,

other symptoms. FOLLOW STEPS UNDER: “Protocol: Student /

assist the school in contact tracing

staff tests positive for COVID-19.”

efforts, and answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts

Protocol: Student is symptomatic at home 1. Family should monitor students at home each morning for

Community Tracing Collaborative.

Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-

the most common symptoms of COVID-19 (see list above).

isolation for at least 10 days and until

a. IF NO SYMPTOMS: i. Send student to school. b. IF ANY SYMPTOM: i. Do not send the student to school. ii. Call the school’s COVID-19 point of contact and

at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms. 11 FOLLOW STEPS UNDER: “Protocol: Student / staff tests positive for COVID-19.”

inform them student is staying home due to symptoms.

iii.

Current Massachusetts DPH guidance is that all symptomatic individuals in Massachusetts,

Protocol: Student is symptomatic on the bus 1. Although families are the most important first line of defense

even those with mild symptoms, should be

for monitoring symptoms, bus drivers and bus monitors also

tested. An individual who does not wish to be

play an important role in flagging possible symptomatic

tested should instead isolate for 14 days and

students. Note: This will require training for bus drivers (and

until asymptomatic.

bus monitors, if applicable).

8

9

iv.

The student should get tested at one of

2. If symptoms are noticed as the student is getting on the

Massachusetts’s test sites.10 Sites may

v. vi.

require pre-screening, a referral, and/or an

bus and if there is a caregiver present, do not allow student

appointment.

to board the bus. Caregiver should then FOLLOW: “Protocol:

Isolate at home until test results are returned.

Student is symptomatic at home.”

Proceed as follows according to test results:

1. IF NEGATIVE: Student stays home until

3. If student is already on the bus, ensure student is masked and

asymptomatic for 24 hours.

keeps mask on. Ensure other students keep their masks on. Ensure

2. IF POSITIVE: Student should remain

student keeps required physical distance from other students. https://www.mass.gov/doc/COVID-19-testing-guidance/download https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html 10. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-COVID-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?11. https://www.mass.gov/doc/information-sheet-how-to-self-quarantine-and-self-isolate/download 8.

32

9.

4. Bus driver/monitor should call ahead to the bus service

up in the medical waiting room.

dispatch. The bus service dispatch should be equipped

Caregivers must wear a mask/face

with appropriate cell phone numbers for school and district

covering when picking up their

personnel (nurse or other medical personnel). The dispatch

student. Students should not ride the

should contact the school to inform the school nurse (or

school bus to get home. Caregivers

school medical point of contact) of a possible symptomatic

and students should wash their hands

child.

upon arriving at home and change their clothes, as a precaution.

2. IF CAREGIVER CANNOT PICK UP

5. School nurse (or school medical point of contact) should meet the bus as it arrives, wearing a mask. As practical, student

DURING THE DAY: The student should

with possible symptoms should exit the bus first.

wait in the medical waiting room until the end of the day to be picked up

6. Bus should be cleaned / disinfected.

by caregiver. The student should not go home on a school bus with other

7. Nurse (or school medical point of contact) should evaluate

students.

iii.

the student for symptoms (see list above: “Most common symptoms of COVID-19”).

all symptomatic individuals in Massachusetts,

a. IF ANY SYMPTOM: i. Place the student in the designated medical

even those with mild symptoms, should be tested.12 An individual who does not wish to be

waiting room. There is no specific capacity

tested should instead isolate for 14 days13 and

limit for the medical waiting room, but all

until asymptomatic.

iv.

students in the medical waiting room must

Student should get tested at one of

be as far apart as possible, and no less than 6

Massachusetts’s test sites.14 Sites may

feet. Strict mask wearing covering the nose

require pre-screening, a referral, and/or an

and mouth at all times for every person in the

appointment.

v. vi.

room must be enforced. Students can work on individual schoolwork or other activities while in the medical waiting room.

ii.

Current Massachusetts DPH guidance is that

Contact caregiver for pick-up.

Isolate at home until test results are returned.

Proceed as follows according to test results:

1. IF NEGATIVE: If the student does not have COVID-19, the student

1. IF CAREGIVER CAN PICK UP DURING

may return to school based upon

THE DAY: Student waits to be picked

guidance from their clinician and https://www.mass.gov/doc/COVID-19-testing-guidance/download https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html 14. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-COVID-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?12.

13.

DESE SECTION 1 necessary management of another

covers nose and mouth at all times.

diagnosis. Student stays home until asymptomatic for 24 hours.

2. IF POSITIVE: Student should remain at home (except to get medical care),

3. Teacher calls the nurse or school medical point of contact to inform them that they have a possible case. Nurse or school medical point of contact comes to get the student from class.

monitor their symptoms, notify the school, notify personal close contacts,

4. Nurse (or school medical point of contact) should evaluate

assist the school in contact tracing

the student for symptoms (see list above: “Most common

efforts, and answer the call from local

symptoms of COVID-19”).

board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative.

a. IF ANY SYMPTOM: i. Place the student in the designated medical

Most people who have relatively

waiting room. There is no specific capacity

mild illness will need to stay in self-

limit for the medical waiting room, but all

isolation for at least 10 days and until

students in the COVID-19 waiting room must

at least 3 days have passed with

be as far apart as possible, and no less than 6

no fever and improvement in other

feet. Strict mask wearing covering the nose

symptoms.

FOLLOW STEPS UNDER:

and mouth at all times for every person in the

“Protocol: Student/staff tests positive

room must be enforced. Students can work on

for COVID-19.”

individual schoolwork or other activities while

15

b. IF NO SYMPTOMS: i. If the evaluation shows the student does not have symptoms, send the student to class.

in the medical waiting room

ii.

Contact caregiver for pick-up.

1. IF CAREGIVER CAN PICK UP DURING THE DAY: Student waits to be picked

Protocol: Student is symptomatic at school 1. Although families are the most important first line of defense

up in the medical waiting room.

Caregivers must wear a mask/face

for monitoring symptoms, teachers will play an important

covering when picking up their

role in referring possible symptomatic students to the school

student. Students should not ride the

nurse or other medical point of contact. (Note: This will

school bus to get home. Caregivers

require training for teachers.)

and students should wash their hands upon arriving at home and change

2. Teacher ensures the student is wearing a mask that fully 15.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/information-sheet-how-to-selfquarantine-and-self-isolate/download

their clothes as a precaution.

2. IF CAREGIVER CANNOT PICK UP

iii.

health or Massachusetts Community

DURING THE DAY: The student should

Tracing Collaborative. Most people

wait in the medical waiting room until

who have relatively mild illness

the end of the day to be picked up

will need to stay in self-isolation for

by caregiver. The student should not

at least 10 days and until at least 3

go home on a school bus with other

days have passed with no fever and

students.

improvement in other symptoms.

Current Massachusetts DPH guidance is that

19

all symptomatic individuals in Massachusetts,

Student or staff tests positive for

even those with mild symptoms, should be

COVID-19.”

b. IF NO SYMPTOMS: i. If the evaluation shows the student does not

tested. An individual who does not wish to be 16

tested should instead isolate for 14 days and 17

until asymptomatic.

iv.

have symptoms, send the student back to

Student should get tested at one of Massachusetts’s test sites. Sites may require 18

pre-screening, a referral, and/or appointment.

v. vi.

FOLLOW STEPS UNDER: “Protocol:

Isolate at home until test results are returned.

class.

Protocol: Staff is symptomatic at home 1. Staff should monitor themselves at home each morning for the most common symptoms of COVID-19 (see list above:

Proceed as follows according to test results:

“Most common symptoms of COVID-19”).

1. IF NEGATIVE: If the student does

a. IF NO SYMPTOMS: i. Come to work. b. IF ANY SYMPTOM: i. Do not come to work. ii. Contact the COVID-19 point of contact and/

not have COVID-19, the student may return to school based upon guidance from their clinician and necessary management of another diagnosis. Student stays home until

or other absence reporting mechanism

asymptomatic for 24 hours.

established by the school.

2. IF POSITIVE: Student remain at home

iii.

(except to get medical care), monitor

Current Massachusetts DPH guidance is that all symptomatic individuals in Massachusetts,

their symptoms, notify the school,

even those with mild symptoms, should be

notify personal close contacts, assist

tested.20 An individual who does not wish to be

the school in contact tracing efforts,

tested should instead isolate for 14 days21 and

and answer the call from local board of

until asymptomatic.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/COVID-19-testing-guidance/download https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html 18. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-COVID-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-

https://www.mass.gov/doc/information-sheet-how-to-self-quarantine-and-self-isolate/download https://www.mass.gov/doc/COVID-19-testing-guidance/download 21. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

16.

19.

17.

20.

iv.

The staff member should get tested at one of Massachusetts’ test sites. Sites may 22

require pre-screening, a referral, and/or an

Protocol: Staff is symptomatic at school 1. As noted above, staff should be encouraged not to come to school if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.

appointment.

v. vi.

Isolate at home until test results are returned.

Proceed as follows according to test results:

1. IF NEGATIVE: If the staff member does

2. If a staff member suspects any symptoms during the day, they should follow the school’s protocols for getting another adult to cover their class mid-day, if needed, and see the school

not have COVID-19, they may return to

nurse (or school medical point of contact) to be evaluated for

school based upon guidance from their

symptoms.

clinician and necessary management of another diagnosis. Staff member stays home until asymptomatic for 24 hours.

2. IF POSITIVE: Staff member should remain at home (except to get medical

a. IF NO SYMPTOMS: The staff member should follow the school’s standard protocols for being excused due to illness.

b. IF ANY SYMPTOM: i. Current Massachusetts DPH guidance is that all symptomatic individuals in Massachusetts,

care), monitor their symptoms,

even those with mild symptoms, should be

notify the school, notify personal

tested.24 An individual who does not wish to be

close contacts, assist the school in

tested should instead isolate for 14 days25 and

contact tracing efforts, and answer

until asymptomatic.

the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing

ii.

Massachusetts’s test sites.26 Sites may require

Collaborative. Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms.

23

FOLLOW STEPS UNDER:

“Protocol: Student/staff tests positive for COVID-19”.

The staff member should get tested at one of pre-screening, a referral, and/or appointment.

iii. iv.

Isolate at home until test results are returned.

Proceed as follows according to test results:

1. IF NEGATIVE: Staff member stays home until asymptomatic for 24 hours.

2. IF POSITIVE: Staff member should remain at home (except to get medical care), monitor their symptoms, notify the school, notify personal close contacts, assist the school in

22.

23.

24. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-COVID-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?https://www.mass.gov/doc/COVID-19-testing-guidance/download https://www.mass.gov/doc/information-sheet-how-to-self-quarantine-and-self-isolate/download25. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html 26. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-COVID-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-

1. contact tracing efforts, and answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative. Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms. 1 FOLLOW STEPS UNDER: “Protocol: Student/staff tests positive for COVID-19�.

DESE SECTION 2

SECTION 2 Protocols for potential school closure (partial or full) or district closure Protocol: Presence of multiple cases in the school or district 1. If there is more than one confirmed COVID-19 case (students or staff) in the school at one time, or if there is a series of single cases in a short time span, school leaders and the superintendent should work with the local board of health to determine if it is likely that there is transmission happening in school.

2. For each individual case, FOLLOW STEPS UNDER: “Protocol: Student or staff tests positive for COVID-19.” Note that when there is one isolated case, the student’s close contacts will need to stay home and be tested, not the whole school.

3. When there is suspected in-school transmission beyond

steps. These steps could include, for example, making a decision to a) shut down the district for a short time (e.g. 1-3 days) for an extensive cleaning or other facility mitigation, or b) shut down the district for the longer duration of a 14-day quarantine period.

5. Before a final decision is made on a school or district closure, the superintendent must consult with DESE for further guidance.

Contacts: Russell Johnston, Senior Associate Commissioner, Russell.

Johnston@mass.gov, 781-605-4958.

Erin McMahon, Senior Advisor to the Commissioner - Fall Reopening Implementation Lead, Erin.K.Mcmahon@mass. gov, 781-873-9023.

one cohort or a small number of cohorts, school and district leaders must consult with the local board of health as to proposed next steps. These steps could include, for example,

6. If the decision is made to close for some number of days, the

making a decision to a) close part of the school or the entire

school and/or district should send clear information and

school for a short time (e.g. 1-3 days) for an extensive cleaning

instructions to families and staff:

or other facility mitigation, or b) close the school partially or fully for the longer duration of a 14-day quarantine period.

a. Informing them that it is possible COVID-19 is being transmitted in the school and/or district

b. Noting that there may be more potential cases that 4. Should there be circumstances where there are multiple cases in multiple schools, school and district leaders must consult with the local board of health as to proposed next

38

are not yet symptomatic

c. Recommending students quarantine and not have contact with others

d. Reminding families of the importance of not

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

having contact with higher-risk individuals (e.g., grandparents/Guardians)

e. Reminding families of the list of COVID-19 symptoms for which to monitor

f. Ensuring that remote learning is immediately provided to all students

Contacts: Russell Johnston, Senior Associate Commissioner, Russell.

Johnston@mass.gov, 781-605-4958.

Erin McMahon, Senior Advisor to the Commissioner - Fall Reopening Implementation Lead, Erin.K.Mcmahon@mass.

7. Before bringing students back to school: a. Check inventory levels of needed supplies (e.g., disposable masks, soap, hand sanitizer, cleaning products); re-order replacement inventory

b. Consider a school-wide refresher training on the importance of correct hygiene procedures (masks, physical distance, handwashing)

c. Reiterate the critical nature of masks, physical distancing, and hand hygiene when students return to school

Protocol: Presence of significant number of new cases in a municipality 1. In the case of significant municipal outbreak, as determined by the local board of health or DPH, the superintendent and school leaders must consult with the local board of health to

gov, 781-873-9023.

Protocol: State-wide regression to a previous reopening phase 1. Massachusetts is tracking its overall statewide reopening in phases according to the Reopening Massachusetts plan.

Currently, Massachusetts is in Phase 3 of reopening, where even more businesses can resume operations with specific guidance.

2. If Massachusetts moves back into a prior phase, DESE (in consultation with the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center) will communicate with school districts and schools to determine whether in-person school should continue.

(End DESE July 17, 2020 Update)

determine whether it is appropriate to close a specific school, schools, or an entire district.

2. Before a final decision is made on a school or district closure, the superintendent must consult with DESE for further guidance.

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

39

DEFINITIONS Synchronous Learning:

last contact. • Check your temperature twice a day and watch for

A teacher and a group of students are learning together at the same

symptoms of COVID-19. If possible, stay away from people who are at

time. Synchronous learning refers to learning when the group of

higher-risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

students and the teacher are engaging in the learning process at the same time. Synchronous learning may take place in-person,

Isolation

virtually through video, online chats, or simply timed assignments or

Isolation keeps someone who is sick or tested positive for COVID-19

assessments. Synchronous learning experiences provide structure to

with or without symptoms away from others, even in their own home.

the day and allow for groups to maintain a sense of community. It is

If you are sick and think or know you have COVID-19: Stay home until

important for students to see one another and their teacher, to share

after at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and at least 24

how they are doing and to engage in the learning process together.

hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and until symptoms have improved. If you tested positive for COVID-19 but do

Asynchronous Learning

not have symptoms: Stay home until after 10 days have passed since

Students learn the same material at different times, locations.

your positive test. If you live with others, stay in a specific “sick room”

Asynchronous learning refers to learning and collaboration

or area and away from other people or animals, including pets. Use a

that happens outside of the constraints of a particular time.

separate bathroom, if available.

Asynchronous learning does not mean that we forgo regular checkpoints or deadlines. In fact, deadlines and checkpoints are

Symptomatic

essential for asynchronous learning to work.

An individual is considered symptomatic for COVID-19 if one or more of the following symptoms is present:

In-person Learning Students are present together in a classroom at school.

• Fever (temperature at or above 100° F) or chills

• Diarrhea

Remote Learning:

• Cough

• Rash

Students are not physically present in the classroom. Instead,

• Shortness of breath or difficulty

• Toe lesions

learning is happening synchronously at home via zoom video conferencing and through asynchronous assignments.

breathing • Fatigue • Muscle or body aches

Quarantine

• Headache

Quarantine keeps someone who was in close contact with someone

• New loss of taste or smell

who has COVID-19 away from others. If you had close contact with

• Sore throat

a person who has COVID-19: Stay home until 14 days after your

40

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

• Congestion or runny nose • Nausea or vomiting

SPECIAL THANKS Special thanks to members of our volunteer NDA COVID-19 Re-Entry Task Force for their input, review, time and expertise in crafting our plan.

Many members will continue to serve in the upcoming year.

Mr. Michael Gallagher

Ms. Johnna Murphy ‘03

Judge Laureen D’Ambra

Dr. Kim Schelling ‘95

Mr. Ron Catudal

Mr. Stephen MacLeod

Ms. Kristin Hallett, MSW

Ms. Sangeeta Yadav

Mr. Mark DiFabio, Ed.D

Dr. Timothy French

Ms. Margarita Ruiz

Ms. Kim McGovern, Esq ‘81

Mrs. Evelyn Beran

Dr. Vittoria Pacifco

Ms. Arti Desai

Mr. Jacob Norton

Mrs. Carole Barker

Mrs. Mary O’Regan

Mr. William Ma, RN

Dr. Jamie Flynn

Dr. Shannon Butler-Mokoro

Dr. Corinne Merritt

Mr. Ransford Aboagye-Kodjoe

Mrs. Christine Brooks, RN

Ms. Emily French-Dumont

Ms. Kelley Rice

Mrs. Cyndy Pitta

Mrs. Pam Bernazani

Ms. Megan Griffin ‘05

Mrs. Lisa Zapalla

Mrs. Debbie Phillips, Esq ‘72

Ms. Charlotte Kelly

Mr. Christian Andrews

Ms. Rosie Connors

Ms. Gina Mathews, PhD

Mrs. Barbara Beauchesne

Mr. Irvin Scott, EdD

Mr. Casey Sefton

Mrs. Julie Clark

Mr. John Versteeg

Dr. Kevin Pho

Ms. Gina Marie Norton

N DA R E O P E N I N G P L A N • P R O P E R T Y O F T H E A C A D E M Y O F N O T R E D A M E

41

180 Middlesex Road • Tyngsboro, MA • 01879 978.649.7611 • NDATyngsboro.org

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