TMA Reopening Plan

REOPENING PLAN

2020-2021 School Year

Be Kind

Be Curious

Be Grateful

Thisinterimguidanceisbasedonwhatiscurrentlyknownaboutthetransmissionandseverityof coronavirusdisease2019(COVID-19)

TheUSCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC)willupdatethisguidanceasneededandas additionalinformationbecomesavailablePleasechecktheCDCCOVID-19websiteperiodicallyfor updatedinterimguidance.

HealthofficialsarecurrentlytakingstepstopreventtheintroductionandspreadofCOVID-19intoUS communities.Schoolsplayanimportantroleinthiseffort.Throughcollaborationandcoordinationwith localhealthdepartments,schoolsshouldtakestepstodisseminateinformationaboutthediseaseandits potentialtransmissionwithintheirschoolcommunity.Schoolsshouldpreparetotakestepstopreventthe spreadofCOVID-19amongtheirstudentsandstaffshouldlocalhealthofficialsidentifysuchaneed.

Schoolplansshouldbedesignedtocomplementothercommunitymitigationstrategiestoprotecthigh riskpopulationsandthehealthcaresystem,andminimizedisruptiontoteachingandlearningandprotect studentsandstafffromsocialstigmaanddiscrimination.Plansshouldbuildoneverydaypractices(e.g., encouraginghandhygiene,monitoringabsenteeism,communicatingroutinely)thatincludestrategiesfor before,during,andafterapossibleoutbreak.

Health and Safety are our Top Priorities

DearMontessoriFamily,

OurintentionistowelcomeyoubacktoafullyopencampusinAugustof2020.

AsIwritethis,pandemicrestrictionsarebeingliftedbystatesaroundthecountry,businessesare reopening,andweseelargegatheringsofprotestersgrippingournation.Atthesametime,andlikelynot coincidentally,weareseeingincreasingcasesofCOVID-19inmanyareas,andtheW.H.O.releaseda statementwarningthatthepandemicappearstobeworsening.Thedaysofoutbreaksoftheseasonalflu, hand,foot,andmouthdisease,conjunctivitis,andheadlicearenotthoseIeverimaginedlookingbackon fondly.Yethereweare.

Somanyofusarefeelingstuck.Wewanttowork,wewanttosocialize,andwecertainlywantto provideourchildrenwiththekindsofdevelopmentallynecessaryexperiencestoallowthemtothrive,but we'rewaryoftherisks.

HereatTMA,thoserisksareforemostinourthinkingasweplanforthe2020-2021schoolyearWith guidancefromhealthprofessionalsrangingfromtheCenterforDiseaseControltoourlocalhealth advisers,webelievewearewellpositioned,beginninginAugust,toofferclassesMondaythroughFriday, toallofourstudentsinasnormalaschoolsettingaswecanunderthesetryingcircumstances.

Thisplanlaysoutthesteps,procedures,modificationsandexpectationswehaveputinplacetoallowfor asafeandsustainableschoolopeninginAugust.Tomakeitwork,itwilltakecoordination, understandingandcommitmentfromallofus.Therewillbechangesinsomeoftheopportunitieswe've cometotakeforgranted,specifically,theopennessofourcampuscommunity.Butwiththesestructures inplace,Ibelieveweareaswellorbetterpositionedthanschoolsinourareatobeabletoofferour studentsandfamiliesarichschoolexperience,withminimaldisruptions.Yes,somesignificant modificationswillhavetobemade,buttheywillbeminorincomparisontowhatotherschoolswillhave todotomitigaterisk.

Wecontinuetobehereforyou.Ifthereisanythingyouneed,orifyouareunsureofyourabilityto returntotheTMAcommunityinthefall,pleasecontactmeandlet'sworktogethertokeepyouwithus. ThankyouforyourcontinuedcommitmenttoourwonderfulschoolYourcareandsupporthasnever beenmoreevidentIt'sthatwhichwillgetussuccessfullythroughthisstormtogether

Sincerely,

RandyKelly Head of School

Table of Contents

Part 1: Guiding Principles to Reopening

Introduction

MissionDirectedinaTimeofCrisis

TMA'sCommitment,Mission,andCoreValues

RightsandResponsibilitieswithintheTMACommunity

Part 2: Learning Models

Introduction

ThreePotentialModelsforLearning

Face-to-FaceLearningModel

HybridLearningModel

RemoteLearningModel

ImplicationsofEachModel

Part 3: Health & Safety

Introduction

FourPillarsofaSafeandSustainableReopening

PhysicalDistancing&ReducingDensity

HealthScreening&PreventativeHygiene

Cleaning,Sanitizing,andDisinfecting

CommunicationsandCoordination

Part 4: Before and After School Programs

Introduction

AssessingTMA’sBeforeandAfterSchoolPrograms

Sources

Part 1: Guiding Principles to Reopening

Introduction

TMA Mission: TheMontessoriAcademy(TMA)istruetotheteachingsofDr MariaMontessori We createanenvironmentthatcultivatesthechild'sintellect,instillsresponsibility,fostersrespect,andinspires careforthecommunity.

Core Values

AcademicExcellence

Diversity Integrity Independence Leadership

GraciousCommunity

TheCOVID-19pandemicpresentsthemostseriouspublichealthcrisistheworldhasexperiencedin generations.Inpreparingforthe2020-21schoolyear,atTMAweareresolvedtodoeverythingwecan toreopenourcampusasquicklyandassafelyaswecanbecausethatisinthebestinterestofourstudents andfamilies.Werealizethatthedecisionsastohowandwhenwereopenarenotentirelyinourhands, sowehavecreatedvariousplansaspathwaysforreopeningsafely,withthewellbeingofourentire communityinmind.

TMA'sReopeningPlanisguidedbyourneedtobeabletorespondquicklytocircumstancesinourown schoolcommunityaswellastoconditionsinourregionthatmaydictateouractions Evenasweplanto reopenourcampusinAugust,weknowwemayneedtocloseagainwithverylittleadvancewarning. ThismeansTMAmustbepreparedtomovebetweendifferentlearningmodelsdesignedfordifferent circumstances.

This Reopening Plan is guided by five principles:

1.Prioritizestudent,faculty,andstaffhealthandwellbeingoverotherprinciples.

2.ActinadherencetoTMA’sMission,andCoreValues.

3 Promoteface-to-facelearningoverremotelearningwheneveritissafetodoso

4.Ensurehygieneandhealthrelatedpoliciesareresearch-based,clearlycommunicated, effectivelyimplemented,anddiligentlyenforced.

5.Promotepracticesandpoliciestoreduceriskofvirustransmissionandsupportourcapacity toberesponsivewhenfacingchangingcommunityhealthmandatesorrecommendations

Section 1 establishesourmissionandcorevaluesasfoundationalinourplanning.Weoftenspeaktoour studentsaboutrightsandresponsibilities.Membersofourcommunityhaverights,andtheyalsohave responsibilities.Thesignificanceofthesemutualobligationswillbeheightenedfortheforeseeablefuture, whichiswhyTMAfeelsanopenreviewofourguidingprinciplesisanimportantstartingpointforour plan.

Section 2 ofthisdocumentprovidesa rationaleforthethirdprinciple,preference forface-to-facelearning.Thissection describesthethreelearningmodelsweare preparingfornextyearinordertobeready foranychangesinguidancefromthestate andfromcountyhealthadvisersastheyear progresses.Thissectionalsoexplainshowwe willdeterminelearningmodelsbasedon assessmentsofriskasdeemedbyhealth professionalsandcommunityleaders.

Section 3 addressesthefourth,andfifth principlesastheyrelatetoprioritizingthe well-beingofourentirecommunity.Our firstprincipleconcernsthehealthandsafety ofourstudents,faculty,andstaffandwill alwaysbethemostimportantdriverinour determinations.Thefourthandfifth principlesasserttheimportanceofmitigating riskthroughprecautionsinvolvingsocial responsibilities,preventativehygieneand physicaldistancing

Section 4 providesanoverviewofhowweexpectourCo-curricular,AthleticsandAfterSchool Enrichmentprogramswillbeadjustedduringthe2020-21schoolyear.Theseopportunitiesarecentralto theexperienceofaTMAstudentandwevaluethemgreatly.However,asintegralpartsofour programming,theymustalsobealignedtoareasonableandresponsibleassessmentofrisk.

Noschoolswillbeoperatinginabusiness-as-usualmannerfortheforeseeablefuture,butthroughour ReopeningPlan,wehopetoshapepositiveschoolandlearningexperienceswithinachallengingnew environment.TMAwouldliketothankourstudentsfortheirresilience,adaptability,andpositive attitudes;parentsforyoursupport,patience,andunderstanding;andourfacultyandstafffortheir courage,professionalism,anddedication.

The2020-21schoolyearpromisestobeanespeciallychallengingoneforallofus,butweareconfident thatwecanweatherthesechallengestogether.

Mission Guided in a Time of Crisis

AtTMA,weboildownourMissionandValuesintothethefollowingthreesentiments.

Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Grateful.

Neverisitmoreimportanttokeepourvirtuesofkindness,curiosityandgratitudeinmindthanwhenwe arefacingadversity.Takingcareofothersandourselvesshowskindness,learningallwecanaboutour challengesandproblemsolvingwaystoovercomethemcomesfromourcuriosity,andbeingactively gratefulforwhatwehavemakesusthinkandactpositivelyandmorelikelytoovercomedifficulties.

OurMissionandValueswillguideusasweplantoconfrontthesechallengingtimeswithaclearsenseof ourprioritiesanddesiredoutcomes.

Rights and Responsibilities of the TMA Community

AtTMA,weoftentalktostudentsaboutrightsandresponsibilitiesastheyrelatetoourinteractionsand choices.Allstudents,familymembers,facultyandstaffhavetherighttofeelvalued,andcaredfor.Tothat end,aswelooktoreopeninthefall,membersofourcommunitycanreasonablyexpectaheightened levelofconcernfortheirhealthandwellbeing.Theright,then,ofeveryoneinourcommunitytofeel caredforcomeswithresponsibility.Wemustallactwiththebestinterestsofothersinmindinallofour interactions.Thismeanscomplyingwillinglywithrulesandpoliciesdesignedtokeepourcommunity safeandhealthy.Itmeansthinkingofothers,appreciatingthattheirrisktolerancemightbedifferentthan ours,andadjustingourbehaviorwithsensitivityandrespect Itmeansrespectingpoliciesand expectations,evenwheninconvenienttoourselves.Ourexpectationisthatourkindnesstowardand respectforothersbevisibleinwaysthatincludingthefollowing:

●Membersofourcommunityandvisitorstoourcampuswillwearmasks,washanddisinfecthands frequently,andmindphysicaldistancingnorms;

●Membersofourcommunityandvisitorstoourcampuswilltreatothersaspeopleworthyoftheir respectanddeservingofsafetythemselves;

●Membersofourcommunityandvisitorstoourcampuswillfollowself-screeningguidelinesfor symptomsofillnessandrefrainfromcomingtocampuswhensymptomatic;and

●Membersofourcommunityandvisitorstoourcampuswillcomplywithself-quarantinerules regardingexposuretoCOVID-19andnotifyTMAadministrationwhentravelingandwhenpossible exposurehasoccurred.

COVID-19hasdisruptedlifeasweknewit.Tonavigatethisunprecedentedpublichealthchallenge, mutualrespect,trust,andadeepsenseofourreciprocalobligationstooneanotherwillbeessential.Those virtuesarealwaysapartofourMontessoricurriculum,soourstudents,faculty,staffandcommunityhave beenpreparedandareabletoadaptandtakepropercareofthemselvesandeachother.

Part 2: Learning Models

TMAdoesnotbelieveremotelearningisasatisfactorylong-termsubstituteforopenclassroomsand teacher/student/peerinteraction.Rather,remotelearningmaybeanecessarymeasurewhenhealthand safetyconditionsand/orgovernmentmandatesleavenootheroptionAccordingly,TMAhasdeveloped threedifferentlearningmodelstoincreasethelikelihoodthatwewillbepositionedtofullyreopenour campusinAugust2020AtTMA,webelievelearningshouldbeanactive,contextualized,and constructiveprocessforstudentsthatallowsthemtogrowacademically,socially,andemotionally.We believethatourstudentsconstructandadaptknowledgethroughexperientiallearningandsocial interaction.Relationshipsplayanessentialroleineverystudent’sschoolexperience;theseconnections makeushuman.Accordingly,TMAishighlymotivatedtoopenitscampustoprovidestudentswith opportunitiestolearninface-to-faceenvironmentswheneveritissafetodoso.

Three Models for Learning

InanticipationoftheongoingandevolvingchallengesassociatedwiththeCOVID-19pandemic,TMA hasdevelopedthreemodelsforlearningThesemodelstakeintoaccountPrinciple3,whichstatesthe preferenceforface-to-facelearningoverremotelearningwheneveritissafetodosoTheFace-to-Face LearningModeldescribesTMA'straditionalschoolexperiencewherestudentsattendschoolalldayand fivedaysaweek.Ifconditionsdemandthatwecloseourcampus,TMAwillrefertoourHybridorour RemoteLearningModel,withthegoalofreturningFace-to-Faceassoonasissafelypossible.We acknowledgethecriticalroleface-to-faceinteractionsplayinachild’slearningandwithinthatmodel, wewillimplementstructuresoutlinedinthisplantoreducethelikelihoodoffurtherschoolclosuresdue tothespreadofillness.

Face-to-Face Learning Model:Thisisatraditionalschoolexperiencewithstudentsattendingschoolin personfivedaysaweek.Restrictedinteractionsbetweenclassroomsandpreventativecleaningand hygienepolicieswillbeimplementedincombinationwithrealisticphysicaldistancingguidelines.

Hybrid Learning Model:Thismodelcombinesface-to-facelearningwithcoordinatedremote experiences.ThismodelrecognizesthatRemoteLearningdoesnotprovidethesocialinteractionmost studentsneedTherefore,ahybridmodelwillonlybeimplementediftherearestate,localhealth departmentorCDCguidelinesthatindicatethelevelofdensityinourclassroomsisinadequatetoward preventingthespreadofthevirusInthismodel,wewillwelcomesmallergroupsofstudentstocampus onalternatingdays,withathomelearningtotakeplaceonsubsequentschooldaysWhilemanyschools arepreparinghybridsmodelstobetheirnorm,wefeelthisisthemostunlikelyscenarioatTMA.Weare wellequipped,duetooursmallclasssizesandamplespace,tokeepourchildrenproperlydistanced,while keepingdisruptionstoaregularscheduleataminimum.

Remote Learning Model:Thismodelwilltakeontwovariations,oneforindividualclassroomsthat mayhavetobeclosedduetoaknowninfectionwithinthatcohort,orforabroader,mandatedclosure likeweexperiencedinthefinalmonthsofthe2019-20schoolyear.Studentsattendschoolvirtuallyforall lessons,activities,andprojects.Wewilltakewhatwelearnedlastspringandformalizeandrefineour RemoteLearningPlantobestmeettheneedsofourstudentsandfamiliesshouldweneedtodoso.

Implications of Each Model

AswenavigatetheuncertaintiesassociatedwithCOVID-19,wewillallneedtobepreparedtoadjust andrespondtoexternalhealthconditions,risksandpotentialgovernmentalmandatesEpidemiologists predictinfectionrateswillreboundwithinthenext12-18monthsandthroughoutthattime,external conditionsandriskwilllikelycontinuetofluctuateThefollowingprovidesareviewofsafety implicationsofthethreelearningmodelsdescribedpreviously.Localrisklevelasdeterminedbyhealth expertsdeterminesourlearningmodel.

Face-to-Face Learning Model

WhenhealthofficialsdeclarethattheriskoftransmissioninoursurroundingcommunityisLOW:The CDC,stateandlocalauthoritiessupportourconfidenceinwelcomingourentirestudentbodybackto campuswithaminimumofthefollowingguidelines:

●Socialdistancingnormsascanreasonablybeexpected:egstudentsenterandexitthroughtheir classroomdoor,assignedseatsandrugs,keepsiblingstogetherwhenpossible,nointeractionbetween classrooms,onechildinthebathroomatatime,co-curricularstaughtineachclassroom,staggeredrecess withdesignatedplayareastoallowfornomorethantwoclassesoutsideatthesametime.

●Familieswillperformhealthscreeningseachmorningbeforedropoff.

●Personalhygieneprotocolsstrictlyenforced,greateremphasisonhandwashing,handsanitizeratevery entrance,masksrequiredinthe'bigbuilding.'

●Cleaningprotocolswillbeinactiveusethroughoutthedayandthecleaningofmaterialsincorporated intoeachwork.

●Discontinuethehotlunchprogramandcommunitysnacks.

●Ifaninfectionisidentifiedthatcouldhavespreadthroughaclassroom,thatclassroomwillbeclosedfor 14days,orfortheprevailingconventionalwisdomforquarantine.Keepingclassroomsseparatewill mitigatethenecessityofclosingcampusentirely,shouldanexposureoccur.

●Forhigh-riskcommunitymembers,wewillidentifythoseindividualsandtakeextracareinour interactionswiththem

Hybrid Learning Model

WhentheriskoftransmissioninoursurroundingcommunityisMEDIUM:Externalindicatorslimit confidenceinfullyopeningourcampus.AlloftheFace-toFaceguidelinesapply,inadditionto:

●Densityreductiontargetsof40%-60%ofstudentsoncampusbyalternatingonandoffcampusdays forgroupsofstudents

●Utilizeextraclassroomspacestofurtherspreadoutstudents,providedwehaveadequatestaffingtodo so

●High-riskstaffwouldbeencouragedtoworkfromhome,andfacultymembersatriskwouldbecome theremotelearningfacilitators,interactingwithstudentsonlineonly.

Remote Learning Model

WhentheriskoftransmissioninoursurroundingcommunityisHIGH:GuidancefromtheCDC,state orlocalgovernmentsand/orcountyhealthofficialsindicateormandatethatphysicallyclosingour campusisthebestcourseofaction.Indicatorsmightincluderisinginfectionrates,ahighdegreeof medicaluncertainty,orinfectionswithinourownschoolcommunity.Therewouldbenooncampus experiences.

Part 3: Health & Safety

Introduction

PlanningthereopeningofTMA’scampusstartedwithwalkingthroughadayinlifeofstudentsateach levelConsideringeveryelementofastudent'sday,fromarrivaltodismissal,beforeandaftercareand afterschoolenrichmentprogramming,we'veconsideredtherisksinherentineverystep,andwe've lookedforwaystomitigateeachpotentialriskpointWequicklyrealizedthateverypolicy,protocol,and practicewouldneedtobereviewedwiththegoalofensuringhealthystudents,facultyandstaffremain thatway.Teachers,BoardMembers,parentsfromeachlevel,medicalandlegalprofessionalswereall instrumentalincraftingaplanthatconsidersitsimplicationsfromallangles.Thankyoutoeveryonewho providedassistance.

OurGuidingPrinciples1,4,and5arerepeatedbelowandfurtherinformedourplanning:

1.Prioritizestudent,faculty,andstaffhealth,safety,andwellbeingoverotherprinciples.

4.Ensurehygieneandhealth-relatedpoliciesareresearch-based,clearlycommunicated, effectivelyimplemented,anddiligentlyenforced.

5.Promotepracticesandpoliciestoreduceriskofvirustransmissionandsupportourcapacity toberesponsiveandagilewhenfacingchanginghealthcircumstances.

●Focusonthevariableswecancontrol;

●Usereliable,scientificsourcestoguideourunderstandingofthevirusthatcausesCOVID-19andhow tobesteffectivelypreventourcommunity’sexposuretoit;

●Remainadaptable,knowingexperts’understandingoftheviruswillevolve;

●Seekwaystoreduceriskwhileunderstandingwecannoteliminateit;

●Identifyexternalandinternalfactorsthatleadustotightenorloosenrestrictions;and

●Ensurenewpoliciesareflexible,adaptableandcanbeimplementedandmaintained.

Thisplanismeanttobefluid,asnewinformationandguidancecomesregularly.Wewillcontinueto refineitwiththeultimategoalofopeningasafecampusinAugust,anddoingallwecantoensureitstays openthroughthecourseoftheyear.

Four Pillars of a Safe and Sustainable Reopening

TMA'sFourPillarsconsistofPhysicalDistancingandReducingStudentDensity;HealthScreeningand PreventativeHygiene;Cleaning,Sanitizing,andDisinfecting;andCommunications,Training,and Coordination.

Eachofthesecriticalareashelpsshapeourapproachtoensuringourprotocolsandproceduresprovidethe necessaryconditionstomitigateriskofexposuretoCOVID-19.Thesefourareasweredeterminedfrom growingprofessionalguidancesuchashowtoreducetransmission,theroleofmasksandeffectivehandwashing,andhowtoreduceandkillsurfacegermsinaschoolsetting.Wealsoknowthateventhebest plansmustbeclear,flexible,andsustainableThereforeoureffortsonlybecomeoperationalwhenwecan communicate,trainandcoordinatetheseeffortseffectivelyLastly,incorporatingourpillarsintothe typicaldayofaTMAstudentismostimportant,aswellasapriorityplacedontheneedtopreservethat whichmakesbeingonourcampuseachday,ajoyforourstudents

Physical Distancing & Reducing Density

"Socialdistancing"hasbecomeafartoofamiliarpartofourlexiconinthepastfewmonths,butan importantone.Infectiousdiseaseexpertshavepromotedsocialdistancingasanessentialstrategyinthe containmentofCOVID-19.Wehavealltakenpartinstay-at-homeorders,we'veseennonessential businessesclose,andwe'veseenthepositiveeffects.We'vealsoseentheresurgenceofthevirusinsome areas,associaldistancingmandateshavebeenlifted.Bytheirnature,schoolsarehigh-density,offering conditionswhereillnesscanspreadquickly.Aswe'reallwellaware,COVID-19posesarisknotonlyto students,butperhapsespeciallytotheadultsintheirlives,includingparents,teachers,grandparents, coaches,andothers.Ifphysicaldistancingisthesolution,theproblemforanyschoolisdensity.

AtTMA,werecognizethattoeffectivelyreducetheriskofinfection,wemustimplementeffective physicaldistancingpoliciesWewillremainsocial,butatanappropriatephysicaldistanceThemost importantfactorincreatingtheexpectationofourstudentstoproperlydistanceistheirageItissimply notreasonabletoexpecttoddlersandmostofthestudentsinourEarlyChildhoodprogramtoremainsix feetapartthroughoutthecourseofaschoolday,andwehavetobehonestaboutthatreality.Withthat, wearebetterpositionedthanmostschoolsinourToddlerandEarlyChildhoodprogramsand throughoutourschoolinourabilitytokeepstudentsseparate,andtomonitorthehealthofour community.Thisisthecasesimplybecausewehaveasmallstudentbody,ourbuildingshaveamplespace andeveryclassroominourbuildinghasitsownentrydoor.Teacherscaneasilymonitorstudentsasthey enterandkeepthemwithjusttheirclassmatesthroughtheday.Bykeepingourclassroomsseparate,a majorbenefitwehaveisthat,shouldanyoneinourcommunitybecomeexposedorinfected,wecan shutteronlytheaffectedclassroomforanappropriatequarantineperiod,ratherthanhavingtoclosethe entireschool.

Health Screening and Preventative Hygiene

Aseducators,allofusatTMAaspiretomodelthebehaviorwewanttoseeinourstudentsNeverhas modelingbehaviorbeenmoreimportantthanatthistimewhenourchoicesandactionscansodirectly affectthehealthandsafetyofeveryonewithwhomweinteractToensureproperscreening,TMAwill requireindividualtemperatureandsymptomscreeningspriortoyourarrivaloncampusOurgoalisto preventsymptomaticchildrenandadultsfromenteringourbuildings.TMAwillprovideparentswith HealthScreeningprotocols,whichprovidecleardirectionsforuse,includingthetemperaturethreshold (<=100.4)andsymptomsofillness.Parentswillbeexpectedtodotheirownhealthscreeningsfortheir children,siblingsandthemselvesdailypriortoarrival.Foryou,yourchildrenandforallmembersofour facultyandstaff,weaskthatyoubegineachdaywithahealthcheckthatincludesthefollowing:

Daily Health Check

●Takeyourtemperature,andyourchild'stemperaturedailybeforecomingtocampus.Ifyouoranyone inyourfamilyhasatemperatureatorabove100.4degrees,pleasedonotcometocampus.

●IfyouhaveanyofthesymptomsassociatedwithCOVID-19---fever,shortnessofbreath,unexplained muscleaches,sorethroat,unexplainedlossoftasteorsmell,orheadache---ORifyoubelieveyouhave beenexposedtosomeonewithCOVID-19,pleasestayhomeandcallyourhealthcareproviderTheycan assesswhetheryoushouldself-quarantine,orobtaintestingifcapacityissufficient

●Completethehealthscreeningcard

●IfyouhaveanysymptomsassociatedwithCOVID-19,informschooladministrationimmediatelyso thatinformationcanbedisseminatedtofamiliesandstaffandappropriatemeasurescanbeenacted.

Thesedailyhealthchecksareparticularlyimportantforfaculty,staffandparentsaschildrenmaybe presymptomaticorhavemildsymptomstheyareunabletoidentify.Ifacheckisclearforallfamily members,youarefreetoattendschool.

Thispolicydoesmeanthatmanymildcoldswillrequirechildrentostayhome.Aswithmuchofthis plan,wewillcontinuetoupdateasinformationisupdatedandtestingandtracingguidancechangeand expandinIndianaandMichigan.

Preventive Hygiene

Everydayhygienepracticesareanotherkeypillartopreventvirustransmission.Ashasbeenwelldocumented,handwashingmanytimesdailywithsoapandwateriscritical.Inadditiontohandwashing,frequentuseofanalcohol-basedhandrubisasimpleyeteffectivewaytopreventthespreadof pathogensandinfections.Otherpreventativemeasuresincludecoughingorsneezingintotissuesorthe insideelbow,avoidingtouchingyourface,maintainingasixfootdistancefromotherpeoplewhen possible,wearingmasks,andremoving/cleaning/replacingmaskssafely.Facultyandstaffwillpractice physicaldistancing–maintainingaminimumof6feetdistancewheneverpossible.Alladultsand studentsinthe'bigbuilding'mustwearmasks.Ifastudentoradultdevelopssymptomswhileoncampus, wewillrequiretheadulttoleavecampusandcontacttheirhealthcareproviderandchildrenwillbe directedtoadesignatedisolationroomwhilewaitingtobepickedup.

Also,intheinterestofprevention,wehavemademodificationstoourdropoff,pickupandvisiting policies.Untilfurthernotice,parentsarenottoenterthebuildingfordropofforpickup.Ifyoupreferto walkyourchildtothebuilding,asalways,weaskthatyouparkinthelottothewestofthegymsoasnot tointerferewiththecarlines,andwalkyourchildtohis/herclassroomentrydoor.Itisimperativethat parentsnotparkinthedriveduringdropoffandpickuphours,nowthanever,aswewillbeutilizing severaldoorsforstudententrancetothebuildings.Ifyoudochoosetoparkinthelotandwalkyourchild tothebuilding,pleasestayatasafedistancefromotheradultsandchildrenandleaveyourchildnoless thansixfeetfromtheirclassroomdoorwhereateacherwillbetheretogreetthem

Regardingvisitoraccesstothebuildingsandobservations,wewillnolongerbeabletoaccommodate dropinvisitors,thoughwewillstillallowparentstoobserveToddlerandEarlyChildhoodclasses throughscheduledappointments.Similarly,visitorstotheElementary/JuniorHighbuildingwillbe requiredtoscheduleappointments.WealsoaskthatanyparentmeetingsforthingssuchasPTO,take placeoffcampus.Allvisitorswillberequiredtowearmasks.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting

ThethirdpillarofTMA’sreopeningplanistoensurecleaningprotocolsfollowguidelinesestablishedby theCDC.Theseguidelinesencourageinstitutionstoconsidertheimportantdifferencesbetween cleaning,sanitizing,anddisinfecting,andrecommendthebestchemicalstouseandhowtoapplythem. WeknowweneeddifferentprotocolsfordifferentcircumstancesandareasForexample,ifwehavea childorteacherwhotestspositiveforCOVID-19,eventhoughtheconsensusopinionisthatcontracting thevirusfromsurfacetopersonisunlikely,theclassroominwhichtheyworkwillbeclosedfor disinfectionWewillcontinuetousetheCDCguidelines,alongwithotheroccupationaland environmentalrecommendations,toemploythesafestandmostcurrentpracticesonourcampus.

Anotherimportantaspectofthisstrategyinvolvesfacilitiesuse.Havingseparateanddesignated classroomsenablesustoconcentrateourcleaning,sanitizing,anddisinfectingeffortsonthesespaces, therebyincreasingfrequency,efficiencyandeffectiveness.Simplyput,ourabilitytomaintainhigh standardsofcleaningimproveswiththefewerspacesweneedtothoroughlycleaneachday.

Communication and Coordination

Directedbyourguidingprinciplefour,“Ensurehygieneandhealth-relatedpoliciesareresearch-based, clearlycommunicated,effectivelyimplemented,anddiligentlyenforced,”ourfourthpillarinformsour plansforcommunications,training,andcoordinationThisplanwillonlybesuccessfulifithasclear expectationssetoutforourentirecommunity,astructurethatissustainable,andtheflexibilitytoadaptto changingrealities.Thefirststepistargetingcommunicationregardinghowtoprotectourselvesand others,byprovidinginformationaboutwhatguidelinesmustbefollowed.Wewillclearlycommunicate anyadaptationswemayneedtomakeduetochangesinbestpracticesandwewillletyouknowof governmentalrecommendationsandmandatesthatalterhowweareabletooperate.Wewillletyou knowofanyoccurrencesofcommunicableillnesswithinthecommunity,andsimilarly,weaskthatyou communicatetousanyinstancesofillnesstowhichyoumayhavebeenexposed.Weutilizemany avenuesofcommunication,andweaskthatyoubemorediligentthaneverbeforeinreadingall communicationsfromteachersandadministration.

Coordinationiswhatbringsoureffortstogetherandenablesustoworkcollectivelytowardasafeand healthycommunity.Allofustogethermustbearresponsibilityforourownandeachother'swellbeing. Weneedallmembersofourcommunitytoacceptnewresponsibilitiesasintegralpartsofthechanged culturewewillallexperienceoverthecomingschoolyear.Whenyourchildexpressesfrustrationwith rulesthatlimitsocialinteractions,itisnecessarytoacknowledgeandhonortheirfeelings,butpleasealso helpusinguidingthemtotheunderstandingthattheirhardworkinthischallengeisforthegreater goodandshowshowmuchtheycarefortheircommunityWhenyourchildcomesdownwithacough orfever,orcomplainsofnotfeelingwell,pleasekeepthemhomeuntiltheyareasymptomaticA coordinatedandunifiedcommunityefforthasneverbeensoimportantAndthereisnocommunityI'd ratherenterthischallengewiththanourTMAcommunity.

Part 4: Before and After School Programs

Introduction

BeforeandAfterCareprogramsareanecessaryofferingformanyfamilieswithtwoworkingparents. Afterschoolenrichmentprograms,includingathletics,areacriticalaspectofaTMAstudentexperience thatprovidethemwiththechancetoexploreanddeveloptheirpassionsandinterestsbeyondthe classroom.Theyhelpstudentsdevelopleadershipskills,senseoffairplay,perseverance,teamwork,and manyotherimportantlifeskills.Unfortunately,aswithsomanythingsthispandemichasupended, COVID-19hasforcedTMAtorethinktheseprogramsastheyrelatetothewellbeingofourcommunity.

Assessing TMA’s Before and After School Programs

Likesomanyschools,astheyearbegins,wewillbesuspendingafterschoolenrichmentprogramsoutof anabundanceofcaution.Ourfirstpriorityistoensurethatclassroomsareabletofunctionasnormallyas possibleandthatwedoourbesttoensureanopencampusthroughouttheyearWearedoingourbestto rethinkhowwemaybeabletoofferprogramming,withtheunderstandingthatprogramsmustbe alignedwithrisklevelsandourguidingprinciples

Wealsorecognizethatwhilewealwaysprioritizethehealth,safety,andwellbeingofstudents,faculty andstaff,thisdutyisnowheightened.Accordingly,wewillsuspendour'NowandThen'Beforeand AfterCareprogramsandrequireallfamilieswhowishtoutilizeBeforeand/orAfterCaretoregisterfull time.Thisistheonlywaywecanadequatelyplantobestmeettheneedsofourfamiliesrequiringcareon adailybasis,whileensuringthehealthandsafetyofourentirecommunity.Aswithallofour programmingwewillcontinuetomonitorbestpracticesandtheguidanceofhealthprofessionalsto informhowbesttoserveourstudentsandfamiliesthroughAfterSchoolprogramsandAthletics.

Thisreopeningplanismeanttobeaworkingdocumentthatwillchangeasthelandscapechanges.We willbereadyshouldwehavetoreverttoamorerestrictiveenvironmentorbacktoremotelearning.Our hopethough,istomoveinasteadydirectionforwardtowardaschoolenvironmentrichwithallofthe freedomandofferingswehavecometoappreciate.It'sclear,though,thatwilltaketimeandthe coordinatedeffortsofeverymemberofourcommunityAgain,thereisnocommunitywithwhichI'd ratherenterthischallengeWewillmodelforourchildrenthegraceandresiliencetogetusthroughthe pandemicandbebetterforit

Sources

USDepartmentofEducation:wwwedgov/coronavirus

StateofIndianaDepartmentofEducation:www.doe.in.gov/covid-19

CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schoolschildcare/index.html

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-lifecoping/childrenhtml#:~:text=The%20symptoms%20of%20COVID-,the%20disease%20impacts%20children

https://wwwcdcgov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreadshtml

wwwcdcgov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-decision-toolhtml

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaningdisinfectionhtml#How%20to%20Clean%20and%20Disinfect

wwwcdcgov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coveringshtml

WorldHealthOrganization:wwwwhoint/health-topics/coronavirus

www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/guidance-for-schools-workplacesinstitutions

USYouthSoccer:www.usyouthsoccer.org/assets/1/20/usysrtanotice051320.pdf?29673