Return to School Plan v2

Return to

School

Plan August 25, 2020 Version 2

Introduction Health & Safety

Campus

Student Experience

4 A Message to Our Community

14 Building Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Other Measures

17 Continuity of Learning

5 School Reopening Working Groups 6

9

Student, Faculty & Staff Health & Safety

10 COVID-19 Infection Policy

Guiding Principles

7 What Families can Expect as School Reopens

11 Health and Safety Measures

19 Hybrid/Blended Learning Schedule 21 Distance (Online) Learning Schedule

25 Athletics 26 Community Life/ Student Life 27 Student Services/ DEI/Life Planning 28 Events

23 Teaching and Learning 24 Arts

29 Technology

Introduction

A Message to Our Community

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged all of us and will continue to present significant complications for our community, our families and our school.

Our multidisciplinary task force has been working since May on a reopening plan for instruction in our building. Many of you have answered our surveys, provided comments and participated in small group discussions, aiding development of the plan and ensuring our students continue to receive a world class education.

As a result of this collaborative work, once schools in LA County are allowed to open, we are confident we will be ready with a hybrid teaching and learning approach allowing for safe instruction in our building.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Introduction

This document presents key information about our hybrid learning plan to be able to welcome students back to our learning environment in a manner that is healthy and safe.

As things stand now, we will begin the school year on August 25 with a fully online distance learning schedule. More details will be provided in the early August e-newsletter. However, we want to make sure you have the protocols for in-person instruction, as we are ready to transition to hybrid learning in the building as soon as allowed.

School Reopening Working Groups

Executive Oversight

External Facing Events

Operations/Health & Safety

Chris Bright

Adele Cadres

/Tech/Finance

Jason Gregory

Oscar Cancio

Sean Collyer

Stuart MacFarlane*

Lee Ann Metivier

Najah Lowe

Kris Rone*

Shep Payne Michael Scheer Community Life/Student Life

Schedule

Oscar Chavarria

Sarah Sweatlock

Stephanie Garcia

Alex Tauber

Communications Sydney Reiner Academic/Arts/Athletics

Student Services/DEI

Emily Chandler

/Life Planning

Sydney Donahue

Pam Davis

Regan Galvan

Jason Gregory

* BOARD OF TRUSTEES 5

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Introduction

Guiding Principles

Maintaining safety and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff Furthering the mission and values of Vistamar School Ensuring access and equity for students, families, faculty and staff Communicating with all stakeholders throughout the process

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Introduction

Our process and plans follow the guidelines of LA County Department of Public Health.

We have sought guidance from medical and health professionals throughout our planning process. In addition, as the state of the COVID-19 pandemic is fluid and best practices and guidelines change rapidly, modifications to these guidelines may occur over time.

We will provide consistent, ongoing communication regarding any changes.

What Families Can Expect as School Reopens

The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and families is of utmost importance. When we go back to our building, oncampus school will look much different due to new health and safety guidelines.

We recognize and acknowledge this change will present challenges and want to prepare our community.

At least in the short term, much of the casual, hang-out nature of the campus will need to change: • Couches will be removed and seating in the SLC and on the patios will require greater spacing.

• We will designate maximum occupancy of rooms and routes for entry and exit in order to limit direct contact with others and maintain physical distancing.

• There will be signage throughout the building to remind students and staff about physical distancing, hand washing, and avoiding spreading germs.

• Parents and visitors will have limited to no access to the school building.

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We will not be able to deliver our signature community wide gatherings, such as Morning Meeting or Parents on the Patio, fully in person.

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Introduction

Nevertheless, as we did throughout the spring, we are planning many ways to maintain our strong sense of community that has been a true Vistamar hallmark.

Health & Safety

Student, Faculty & Staff Health & Safety

Vistamar is committed to maintaining the health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff and following the guidelines of the LA County and CA Public Health Departments.

These measures will be implemented: Health Screening at home • Using a phone health screening

in COVID-19 symptom identifica-

app, all students and employees

tion and students will be moni-

will take a daily health assess-

tored for symptoms throughout

ment that is HIPAA compliant and

the day.

based on CDC guidelines.

• All students and employees will be temperature screened before entering the school. |T here will be a check for COVID-19 symptoms. All entering must verify that no one in their home or care is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or has had a positive test or diagnosis.

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• All faculty and staff will be trained

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Health & Safety

• Faculty/staff will undergo symptomatic testing prior to return to school as required by the State.

COVID-19 Infection Policy

In accordance with LA County Dept of Health Guidelines, should a student or employee: • Present any symptom of COVID-19 upon screening, the student will immediately be isolated in a designated

our ability; additional close contacts will quarantine

area on campus until transportation home can be ar-

at home.

ranged. Employees must leave campus immediately and contact HR. • Test positive for COVID-19 and has exposed others on campus. | LA County Department of Health will be consulted

| Incidents of a positive COVID-19 test will be communicated to our community while also protecting privacy of individuals as required by law. Names will not be released. | Anyone who tests positive or who has been notified

to determine if school closure is warranted and the

that they have been in close contact with someone

likely duration of the closure, based on the risk level

diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be able to return to

they determine.

school until they have met LA County and the CDC’s

| All areas used by that person will immediately be closed for deep cleaning.

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| Contact tracing will be conducted to the best of

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Health & Safety

criteria of a 14-day home quarantine.

Health and Safety Measures

In order to keep our community safe, students, faculty, and staff will be required to consent to an agreement of community responsibility which includes adherence to the following measures:

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Face Coverings

Respiratory Etiquette

Proper Hand Washing Hygiene

Worn by all members of the community when in shared indoor spaces or when less than 6 feet away from others in outside spaces.

Proper covering of face when coughing or sneezing required at all times.

Frequent washing with soap and water and/or use of hand sanitizer, is expected.

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Health & Safety

Health and Safety Measures

In order to keep our community safe, students, faculty and staff will be required to consent to an agreement of community responsibility which includes adherence to the following measures:

COVID-19 Signage Regarding hallway directions, room capacity limitations and other notices to be followed at all times.

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Reporting of Symptoms & Isolation As mentioned in our policies, reporting your symptoms (and isolating if necessary) is expected from all community members.

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Health & Safety

Physical Distancing At least 6 feet is expected in all spaces when feasible.

Campus

Building Cleaning, Disinfecting and Other Measures

We have implemented enhancements to ensure highest standards and best practices

for health and safety in our building.

Cleaning, Sanitizing & Hands-free Operation

Ventilation & Air Handling

• 20 additional hand sanitizer locations added through-

• HVAC upgrades—We are following ASHRAE (Ameri-

out the building.

• Increased disinfectant wipes and cleaning spray/paper towel locations added.

• Increased professional cleaning throughout the day.

Our cleaning company will also be using electrostatic sprayers for cleaning (best practices for safety and disinfection) and we have purchased our own sprayers as well.

• Hands-free door handles installed at restroom doors with signage.

• Robotics and Operations teams have printed 3D door handle attachments to convert classroom doors to hands-free option.

can Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) and CDC guidelines and are taking these steps: | HVAC filters changed more frequently and higher efficiency filters in use. | HVAC system has been adjusted to use more outside air ventilation and reduce circulation of inside air. | HVAC humidity levels adjusted to reduce the spread of germs. | We will use outdoor spaces where possible, and have purchased canopies/tenting to add 2,400 ft² of additional covered outside space. | Doors will remain open during classes to the extent possible.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Campus

Building Cleaning, Disinfecting and Other Measures

We have implemented enhancements to ensure highest standards and best practices for health and safety in our building.

Promoting Social Distancing

Limited / No Use of Shared Equipment

• Lockers will not be in use at opening to promote

• Water fountains will not be in use. Students can use

social distancing and flow of traffic through building.

• Sofas/soft seating will not be accessible and seating in the SLC and on the patios will require greater spacing.

• Designated areas to sit at tables will be marked • We will designate maximum occupancy of rooms and routes for entry and exit in order to limit direct contact with others and maintain physical distancing.

• There will be signage throughout the building to remind students and staff about physical distancing, hand washing and avoiding spreading germs.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Campus

the refill water station. Water coolers and fillers will be cleaned and disinfected regularly throughout the day.

• Limited use of shared objects (lab, equipment, art tools) and disinfection after use.

• Microwaves will not be accessible.

Student Experience

Continuity of Learning

With health and safety guidelines continually evolving, we are preparing two schedule and instructional scenarios:

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A hybrid/blending learning model

Distance learning

Students are placed in two cohorts, Blue and Gold, that alternate between learning on campus and at home.

All students learning at home.

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

Continuity of Learning

This dual approach provides flexibility and continuity of learning if circumstances change and we can shift to in-person instruction, or vice versa.

Additionally, our plan ensures an uninterrupted learning program and structure for students and faculty that are under quarantine or are self-isolating due to personal or family health risks and will not be able to return to campus at this time.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

We are ready for both fully online learning or hybrid/blended learning in the building. We are prepared to deliver our strong academic programs, extensive student services support, comprehensive life planning support and our signature community engagement, online. And just as we were in March, we are ready to pivot on short notice to a hybrid/ blended learning structure in the building when allowed.

Hybrid/Blended Learning Schedule

We are planning to use the Hybrid/Learning Schedule (found on the following page) as soon as we are allowed to return to the building.

Approximately half the students will be on campus on Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday.

Students surveyed to determine Blue or Gold cohort placement: Geography, siblings and friendship clusters important to understand and taken into account.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

Students may choose to attend school fully virtually under this scenario if necessary.

Blue Cohort on Campus MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

OH

FRIDAY

(varies by teacher morning or afternoon)

B

E

A 9:00–9:30

C

F

9:00–10:10

9:00–10:10

B 9:40–10:10

9:00–10:10

9:00–10:10

Morning Meeting

Clubs/Collab

Advisory 10:20–10:40

Clubs/Collab

Morning Meeting

C

F

C 10:50–11:20

A

D

10:50–12:00

10:50–12:00

D 11:30–12:00

10:50–12:00

10:50–12:00

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

12:00–1:00

12:00–1:00

12:00–1:00

12:00–1:00

12:00–1:00

A

D

E 1:00–1:30

B

E

1:00–2:10

1:00–2:10

F 1:40–2:10

1:00–2:10

1:00–2:10

(varies by teacher morning or afternoon)

Clubs/Collab

Staff/Faculty 2:20–3:00

Health & Wellness 3:00–3:45

Health & Wellness 3:00–3:45

Health & Wellness 3:00–3:45

OH

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THURSDAY OH

(varies by teacher morning or afternoon)

Hybrid/Blended Learning Schedule

Gold Cohort on Campus

All Virtual, quick check-ins

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

OH

(varies by teacher morning or afternoon)

Clubs/Collab

Health & Wellness 3:00–3:45

Health & Wellness 3:00–3:45

Distance (Online) Learning Schedule

Given current Government guidelines, we will start school in virtual/distance learning mode.

Our schedule will mirror the schedule we successfully used in April–June of last year.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

Note: We will have a slightly updated schedule for the first two weeks of the school year and that will be sent to you shortly.

Distance (Online) Learning Schedule

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

A

E

B

F

C

9:00–9:45

9:00–9:45

9:00–9:45

9:00–9:45

9:00–9:45

B

Advisory

C

Office Hours

D

10:00–10:45

10:00–10:25

10:00–10:45

10:00–10:45

10:00–10:45

Morning Meeting

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Clubs/Collab 10:25–11:15

Community

Morning Meeting

C

F

D

A

E

11:15–12:00

11:15–12:00

11:15–12:00

11:15–12:00

11:15–12:00

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

12:00–1:00

12:00–1:00

12:00–1:00

12:00–1:00

12:00–1:00

D

A

E

B

F

1:00–1:45

1:00–1:45

1:00–1:45

1:00–1:45

1:00–1:45

Office Hours

Clubs/Collab

Faculty/Staff Meetings

Clubs/Collab

Dept. Meetings

1:45–2:45

1:45–2:45

1:45–2:45

1:45–2:45

1:45–2:45

Health & Wellness 3:00–3:45

Health & Wellness 3:00–3:45

Health & Wellness 3:00–3:45

Health & Wellness 3:00–3:45

Health & Wellness 3:00–3:45

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

Teaching and Learning

We are focusing on best practices to ensure we offer our students the best education whether online or in the classroom.

We are starting the school year immersed in best practices for online and hybrid teaching. At the start of summer break, Vistamar teachers were given a streamlined resource guide for teaching in online or hybrid environments.

Teachers have explored new resources, taken professional development courses and workshops, and met online to share ideas.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

Students can expect to start the year in courses that blend a curated set of engaging online platforms and tools with teachers continuing to create relational classroom cultures, virtually and in person when we return to the building.

Arts

Performing arts programs are reviewing guidelines for group gatherings related to instrumental music, choral, dance, and theatre arts as we work to create a safe environment for students while maintaining our high standards of excellence.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

For 2D and 3D art, we are planning to purchase extra equipment to minimize the need for sharing supplies as well as planning enhanced cleaning procedures.

Athletics

We will offer Fitness 5 days/week, with students encouraged to take at least once per week.

By CIF guidelines provided on July 20, there will be two seasons only for the 2020-2021 school year. The fall season will begin in December.

We will provide information on timing of practice start for each season as further guidelines are released.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

Fall December–March Girls Volleyball, Boys Volleyball, and Cross Country

Spring March–May Baseball, Basketball, Track & Field, Soccer, Golf, and Swimming

Community Life/ Student Life

We’ve scheduled a number of summer events to welcome new students and train our student leadership, including:

In addition, we are planning robust virtual delivery of our signature August programs:

VistaCrew trainings and new student welcome

Freshman Institute August 10–12

S.E.A. Virtual Leadership Training

Life Planning Bootcamp August 10–13

Restorative Practices and Restorative Justice Initiatives Transfer Student Welcome-TBA SAIG Leadership Training August 6 & 13

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

Week of Welcome— New Student Orientation August 24

Student Services/ DEI/Life Planning

Whether we are virtual or in the building, we are committed to providing comprehensive student support, assisting students with academic concerns, health and emotional well-being, personal concerns and life planning.

All counseling services will be conducted virtually or when permitted, on campus with physical distancing guidelines.

Both our fully virtual and hybrid learning schedule options include added time for Life Planning, Health and Wellness, G-blocks and Club meetings.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

We will continue our series of Community Roundtables, providing an inclusive forum for all students.

Events

We are planning a virtual approach for all of our important community, welcome and outreach events, based on LA County guidelines regarding large gatherings. Whether virtual or in person, we are committed to the same strong outreach and community building that is an important feature of our school:

Family Mixers Grade Level Parties Back to School Night Parents on the Patio Taste of Vistamar Open House 28

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

Events involving only students and faculty/ staff (i.e. workshops, retreats, etc.) will be planned for based on County Health guidelines and accordingly follow a virtual or hybrid approach.

Technology

Objective is to equip every teaching classroom with the type of video conferencing technology that provides a more “live� experience for all users, including:

Multiple microphones and speakers for better speaking/ hearing clarity.

We are outfitting and upgrading all classrooms with video conferencing technology to support remote learning and teaching.

We will have additional video units on rolling carts for use in temporary teaching spaces.

We will provide a demonstration of the technology later in August.

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Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Student Experience

Students at home will be able to see the entire classroom as well as the content shared by the teacher.

Students in the classroom will be able to see students at home clearly on an additional large LED monitor, versus the current visual experience tied to a laptop web camera that we use now.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Vistamar School 737 Hawaii Street El Segundo, CA 90245 310.643.7377 vistamarschool.org 30

Vistamar School | Return to School Plan | Introduction