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. 24
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. 27
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. 29
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