RETURN TO CAMPUS PLAN & GUIDANCE 2020-2021
CONTENTS
Statement from Head of School
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A Healthy Learning Environment
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A Safe Return to Campus
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Returning to Lower School
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Returning to Middle and Upper School
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Core Strategy
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Return to Campus FAQ’s
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Covid Response Plan
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Covid Testing
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Raven Strong Health Pledge
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Waterford Calendar
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Helpful Resources
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HEAD OF SCHOOL
ANDREW MENKE
WELCOME BACK Welcome to the 2020-21 School year! While last spring presented unexpected challenges to us all, and our resilience, fortitude and profound care for our community allowed us to persevere and continue to pursue the aspiration of our liberal arts mission. I am truly grateful for the immense and inspiring commitment of our faculty and staff who worked tirelessly through the summer to ensure a safe, and what we hope will be a sustainable return to campus. From curriculum redesign to health and technological infrastructure investments, we are now prepared for the path ahead. Please read this document and share the details with your children as it will answer many of your questions and serve a helpful daily guide. As you may know, our 202021 school year theme is caring, one of our core values. We believe students learn best in an environment where respect and inclusion make possible the deepest forms of intellectual, emotional, and character growth. This year, more than ever, we all— students, faculty, staff, and parents—are in this together, and we must trust and care for one another. Our collective commitment to our core strategy of mask wearing, distancing and daily health screenings, along with hand washing and limiting exposure when off campus, will exponentially reduce risk and allow us to return to, and sustain classroom learning. Our partnership remains essential to our success! Let’s stay safe to stay open. We are so very excited to have your child(ren) back on campus and to resume our shared commitment to inspiring lives of meaning purpose! We are grateful for your steadfast support. As it has always been, we are stronger together and we look forward to the journey that will be the 2020-21 school year. Be in touch any time, My very best to you and your family,
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Andrew Menke Head of School
CR EATI NG A H E A LT H Y L EA R N I N G E N VI R O NM E NT Our planning effort began last year with the establishment of a task force of administrators, faculty and staff, responsible for tracking and assessing the COVID-19 pandemic, monitoring health and safety guidelines from the CDC and local authorities, and learning from the experiences of schools in this country and around the world to inform a plan for Waterford students and faculty to safely return to campus. While in frequent dialogue with board members, parents, community health experts, and local and national educators, the task force and subcommittees were charged with maintaining and improving program integrity and fidelity, while creating a safe and healthy environment for the 2020-21 school year in a manner consistent with Waterford’s vision, mission, and values, and at a level that meets reasonable parent and faculty expectations, regardless of the particular mode of delivery. We are able to return to on-campus learning through investments in technology and professional development of faculty, as well as creative use of schedule, space, and staffing.
GUIDING ASSUMPTIONS FOR PL ANNING: • The health and safety of all community members is of paramount importance, including physical health and the emotional well-being of our students, as well as our faculty. • Given the Waterford vision, mission, and values, and its philosophical commitment to the liberal arts model of learning, we should find ways to be together for oncampus learning whenever possible. • Knowing that reducing risk to zero is impossible, we will follow public health and safety guidelines—the Utah Department of Health and the CDC will be used as our main reference points for our ongoing assessment of risk. • We will define procedures and protocols to open and operate safely across as many program areas as possible. Given that public health and safety guidelines related to school operations will likely shift multiple times during the duration of COVID-19, we will also plan for the possibility of pivoting quickly from one set of operating rules to another.
A SA FE RETURN TO CA M P US S A F E T Y M E A S U R E S T H AT H AV E B E E N TA K E N • Require masks for all • 6 ft physical distancing - Room set-up and campus size • Require home screening each day (HealthShield - text (833)948-1396) • Hand sanitizers and hand washing practices highlighted and available • LS bathrooms organized in association with student cohorts • Outside entrances will be utilized in LS classrooms where possible • A plan for arrival and dismissal that minimizes risk • Open and frequent communication with infectious disease and epidemiology experts • HEPA Air filters every room • HVAC system flow and filtering upgrade • Touchless sinks, paper towel dispensers installed in all bathrooms • Frequent cleaning with products and procedures that sanitize our classrooms, doors, and supplies
• LS cohorts - creatively modifying structures, schedules and routines to minimize mixing • Limited number of students in MS/ US each day to adhere distancing in classrooms • Capping class sizes at a number that maximizes safety • Utilizing outdoor spaces when possible • Technology investments in each classroom for students learning at home • Strict at-home policy that requires employees and students to stay home when sick • Limiting visitors on campus • Extensive training, discussions, and sharing health information so that you deeply understand how to make the best decisions possible in your classrooms • COVID-19 testing for faculty/staff
In the spirit of our collective effort to safely return to campus instruction on August 31, we are asking all Waterford families and all Waterford employees to refrain from travel after August 17 to provide a two-week “quarantine” period at home before we resume classes.
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Lower School
All Lower School students learn on campus in grade-level cohorts.
Illness Hotline
LOWER SCHOOL OVERVIEW • LS students will be divided into learning cohorts based on grade level. Cohorts will not mix with students outside of their cohort. • Prior to students coming on campus, parents are required to screen each child daily and verify health (using HealthShield - text “hi” to (833)948-1396). • All students must wear masks and maintain physical distancing while on campus. • LS teachers will use simulcast technology to stream classroom activities to concurrent learners (students learning at home). Concurrent learners will interact
• LS morning meetings and closing circles will be held in homerooms, and provide routine and consistency (we recommend concurrent learners to attend). • LS students will eat lunch in their homerooms or outside in their grade-level cohorts to limit mixing. • LS students may order hot and cold meal options through the Nutrislice app (see reference at bottom right). Parents will need to order lunches the week prior. Push notifications can be set-up.
• Physical Education will continue for each grade level throughout the year, as consistent physical activity is important. • During recess, outdoor spaces will be divided into 3 clearly marked sections to ensure that grade levels do not mix. Students will be able to take mask breaks during recess when outdoors. Kindergarten and PreK students will use the Outdoor Classroom.
LOWER SCHOOL SPECIALISTS
E X T E N D E D DAY
LS students will now experience specialist intensives. Instead of rotating to each specialist each week, students will spend two weeks at a time in each intensive, thus reducing mixing. Generally, total time with specialists remains preserved. Please see the specialist block schedule for the first three months of school. This schedule will continue to cycle throughout the school year.
Extended Day will remain available to all LS students. Students will be separated into grade level cohorts. If you will be using Extended Day on any occasion, please sign-up in the Parent Portal.
Aug 31-Sept 11 & Oct 12-Oct 23 KINDERGARTEN
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and engage with teachers and classmates on campus through state-of-the-art technology.
Sept 14-Sept 25 & Oct 26-Nov 6
Sept 28-Oct 9 & Nov 9-Nov 20
Computers
Music
Dance
Library
Art
Science
CLASS I
Art
Science
Computers
Music
Dance
Library
CLASS II
Dance
Chess
Art
Science
Computers
Music
CLASS III
Computers
Dance
Art
Science
Music
Chess
CLASS IV
Music
Strings
Computers
Dance
Art
Science
CLASS V
Art
Science
Music
Strings/Band
Computers
Dance
TRANSPORTATION Bus service will continue with modified seating. Please sign-up in the Parent Portal.
Download the NutriSlice app or Flik Dining app. If your child would like food from the Dining Hall, order ing ahead of time in one of these apps will be required.
Middle & Upper School Middle and Upper School students will be on campus in a 50/50 hybrid model with an amended schedule
Illness Hotline
• 50/50 hybrid model - 1/2 of MS/US students will be on campus, while the other 1/2 will be at home learning concurrently each day. The students will cycle from on-campus to at-home learning on regular rotation. • MS/US students coming to campus will be required to complete a daily health screening (using HealthShield - text “hi” to (833)948-1396). • MS/US Students will be organized into two groups, with the groups rotating between on-campus and off-campus learning. • MS/US group assignments will be announced on August 17, 2020. • All students must wear masks and maintain physical distancing while on campus. • MS/US teachers will use simulcast technology to stream classroom activities to students learning concurrently, students
TRANSPORTATION Bus service will continue with modified seating. Please sign-up in the Parent Portal
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learning at home will be able to interact and engage with their teacher and classmates on campus. • MS/US students will be encouraged to eat lunch outside. In the case of inclement weather, students will have access to classrooms and hallways, and will be expected to follow physical distancing and room capacity protocols.
G ROU P 1
G ROU P 2
M O N D AY B L U E
ON CAMPUS
AT H O M E
T U E S D AY G O L D
ON CAMPUS
AT H O M E
WED. BLUE
AT H O M E
ON CAMPUS
THURS. GOLD
AT H O M E
ON CAMPUS
F R I D AY B L U E
ON CAMPUS
AT H O M E
M O N D AY G O L D
ON CAMPUS
AT H O M E
T U E S D AY B L U E
AT H O M E
ON CAMPUS
WED.GOLD
AT H O M E
ON CAMPUS
• MS/US students will have access to the Waterford Dining Hall, weekly menus can be accessed through Flik Dining app (see below) or website. • MS/US Performing Arts programs will have end-of-term performances, but with modifications that follow health and safety guidelines.
Download the Flik Dining app to see weekly menus and nutrition information.
Beginning Spring Term, all Middle and Upper School students have been invited back on campus. Physical distancing and masking protocols remain. For more information, click here.
C O R E S T A Y
S A F E
S T R A T E G Y
T O
S T A Y
O P E N TEX T “HI” TO ( 83 3 ) 94 8- 1 3 96 TO IN ITIATE SC R EEN IN G *Turn on push notifications to receive daily reminders
MAINTAIN 6 f t PHYSICAL DISTANCE
WHEN TO PHYSICAL DISTANCE:
• When near another member of the Waterford community. • During Lunch • During Passing Times
YOU MUST WEAR A MASK INSIDE WHAT KIND OF MASKS ARE ALLOWED:
• We ask that students wear two-layered cloth masks without an exhalation valve that can be washed and reused • Any color and style • No neck gaiters, buffs, bandanas, or scarves will be permited. • Masks should be free of writing or slogans WHEN TO TAKE MASK BREAKS:
• Take mask breaks when working in a space alone, eating lunch or snacks, and when outside or at recess.
DAILY HEALTH SCREENINGS WHAT DOES THE DAILY HEALTH SCREEN ENTAIL? :
• All students, staff and faculty must submit a health analysis form (HealthShield) every day before coming to campus. • Parents will be expected to monitor their children for symptoms of illness and keep their children home when sick. • Should they have a temperature or any other COVID-19 symptoms, students should remain at home. Should the School deem it necessary, a child may be screened during the school day if they present symptoms, and in the presence of a temperature and/or symptoms, we will ask the parent/guardian to pick the child up from school.
Any student, faculty, or staff member that is not feeling well or showing any symptoms of COVID-19, should
S TAY H O M E
We all need to work together to limit potential exposure and spread of COVID-19 within the Waterford School community.
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS
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WASH YOUR HANDS AND SANITIZE OFTEN
FOLLOW CAMPUS SIGNAGE
CLEAN FREQUENTLY
STAY OUTSIDE WHEN POSSIBLE
DISTANCE DURING LUNCH
DISTANCE DURING PASSING TIMES
R E T U R N T O C A M P U S F A QS GENERAL ALL-SCHOOL: What is terminology that will help my family understand the learning landscape this year? Terminology: • Lower School Cohort - All LS students learn on campus each day separated by grade level cohorts. • Middle/Upper School Hybrid - 1/2 students attend class in person and the other 1/2 will learn concurrently at home, the groups rotate every 2 days (after each complete Blue/Gold cycle). • Concurrent Learning - distance learning that occurs simultaneously with in-person instruction on-campus. Students at home will attend class via Zoom with the Owl technology, where they are engaged through listening and responding to lessons and discussions. All students have the same work expectations. • Simulcast Classes - the live streaming of class sessions from campus to remote locations (homes) via Zoom and Owl camera technology • Synchronous Learning - teachers and students meeting together at the same time, in person, or virtually • Asynchronous Learning - instruction or learning that doesn’t take place at the same time for each student • Physical Distancing - Maintaining at least a 6 foot separation between people at all times. What factors does the school consider when making decisions? The health and safety of our community
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remain our highest priorities and inform all that we do. We continue to be informed by: • The Utah Department of Health • The CDC • The Utah School Nurses Association • An advisory committee that includes local infectious disease physicians and epidemiologists. • The local landscape of COVID cases, state color codes, and public and independent schools. What safety measures will be in place? We are following the CDC Guidelines for Schools. All students, faculty and staff will wear masks and maintain 6ft between one another. Prior to arrival on campus each day, students, faculty/staff, and visitors will be required to complete a health screening that will be tracked by our school nurse. We have installed visual markers and signage that will provide reminders about distancing, masks, max occupancy, and other important hygiene habits. We will teach and practice healthy hygiene with all students, and hand sanitizing stations have been installed in key locations across campus. Where reasonable, we have installed plexi shields.We have outfitted all bathrooms with touchless faucets and towel dispensers and have installed hands-free, foot-operated door openers to allow for doors to be opened and closed with a foot. Our cleaning and disinfecting routines have been increased, and all student surfaces will be disinfected in between each class. Our HVAC system has been upgraded and fresh air flow has been significantly increased in all classrooms, and all classrooms will have HEPA air filters. We will conduct as many classes and/or activities outside as possible.
We are also exploring UV disinfection. Can students or families choose between on-campus learning and concurrent learning from home when we are in the hybrid scenario? Yes. Learning will be based on student engagement, as opposed to physical presence. Attendance will be taken of students both oncampus and at home. Waterford has equipped each classroom to simulcast all lessons to accommodate concurrent learning for students who wish to learn from home. While we believe that in-person instruction best achieves our mission’s objectives, with the health and well being of our community in mind we want students to choose the option that is most comfortable for them (see the LS on pg 5 and MS/US on pg 6). Will classes take place outside? Yes! While weather and technology access may limit some outdoor instruction, we will facilitate as many outside classes and other activities as possible outside. Will students be required to wear school uniforms when they are home during the simulcast experience? Students are not required to wear uniforms when they are learning concurrently from home. However, they will be visible to their classmates at school and they should be dressed appropriately in a way that signals their readiness to learn. Will there be recordings of all the classes and will they be stored so students can watch later? Classes will be simulcast for that those who
Beginning Spring Term, all Middle and Upper School students have been invited back on campus. Physical distancing and masking protocols remain. For more information, click here.
need or choose to learn from home can do so concurrently. Recordings of classes may be requested on an individual and as needed basis. What are the factors that might compel us to close campus and move to distance learning for all? We will continue to rely on advice from the Utah Department of Health, the CDC and our advisory group as well as pay attention to the local landscape and prevalence of positive test cases. We are also working to track data about child transmission. We consider all relevant information as we determine if closure is a necessity. What will the bus schedule and riding look like? Buses will run on the same schedule, as noted in our parent portal, but we will ensure enough seats for students to occupy one seat, or two in each seat from the same household. Students will be required to wear masks. Buses will be disinfected between each bus ride. Parents should sign up in the Parent Portal. Will there be management of student compliance around physical distancing and mask wearing? Yes. In MS/US, during passing periods, teachers will move into hallways to help remind students to maintain physical distance and to wear masks. Waterford’s Deans are working hard to develop specific protocol to maintain a healthy community. Additionally, in compliance with state recommendations, we will have clear signage to remind students. Similarly, in LS clear
signage and reminders from teachers will help students remember and comply with our goals of physical distancing and mask wearing. Are teachers preparing for the possibility of online school/distance learning in the fall? Yes, all Waterford School teachers engaged in a four-week intensive professional development course that will make them stronger teachers both in on-campus instruction and online. The training focused on ways to support student engagement in an online environment, different assessment strategies, and intentional course design to support online learning. How are you planning for back-up scenarios with special consideration as it relates to substitute teachers in the event of teacher illnesses? We have added to our pool of substitute teachers to ensure that we have coverage in the event of teacher illness. We will continue to build our substitute teacher pool throughout the year. We have also hired additional full-time teaching assistants to facilitate delivery of our program in a variety of ways. Will tutoring continue and will tutors practice physical distancing and wear masks? Yes, tutoring will continue. Based on the success of online tutoring over the spring and summer, we plan to continue the majority of tutoring sessions in a similar format beginning in the fall. The majority of MS/US tutoring will be done via Zoom to make the tutoring experience consistent as students will be rotating off campus on a regular basis. A small number of tutors will be working on campus wearing masks at a 6 foot distance from the student. MASKS & OTHER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Will masks be required? Yes, anyone on campus will be required to wear a mask inside any school building. Please refer to our Face Covering Guidelines (see pg 7). We are working out exceptions and protocols for specific classes (world languages, choir, theater, etc) that may need visibility of the students’ and
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teachers’ mouths. In cases where masks are exceptions, physical distancing will be required, and groups may be smaller. Parents/guardians are asked to supply masks for their child that are well-fitting and comfortable. We encourage younger children to practice wearing their masks before our return to school. Will there be a uniform mask option and will it be sold at the store? There will not be a uniform mask requirement—we leave the selection of color and style of mask to families, students and members of our community, however, masks should be free of writing or slogans. We will have masks available for purchase at our school store, the RavenZone, in both youth and adult sizes. If you would like to purchase a mask or any other items from the school store, please reach out to camihaderlie@ waterfordschool.org. Will there be additional cleaning and disinfecting of desks and table tops? Yes. In LS, teachers will be provided with cleaning supplies to wipe down surfaces frequently. In MS/US, teachers will wipe down the desks during the extended passing time and prior to the next class arriving. We have built in longer passing periods to make sure teachers have ample time to do this effectively.
Plan: Health and Safety Measures (see pg 12). What is the policy if there is a positive Covid test result in the household of a student or teacher? Please refer to our COVID-19 Response Plan: Health and Safety Measures (see pg 12). If a student is physically unwell at school, is there a place that the student will be able to isolate? What are the protocols around student illness developing on campus? Please refer to our COVID-19 Response Plan: Health and Safety Measures (see pg 12). What protocols will be in place for student’s mental health and wellbeing? It is as important that children feel emotionally safe as well as physically safe. Each day, LS teachers will hold morning meetings and closing circles that focus on building a community of trust and support, while developing social-emotional skills. Similarly, the MS/US will also begin each day in a Morning Meeting with the goal of starting each day in a calm and caring environment. Morning Meeting cohorts represent a small and informal community of support for each student and are led by faculty mentors. Dr. Boller, LS Counselor and Dr. Johnson, MS/
US Counselor, will be meeting with each grade level to focus on emotional well being. They are also available to meet individually with students or parents. Please refer to our Social and Emotional website page. What will visitor access look like during the school year? Will parents or other visitors be allowed in the building, and under what protocols? During a time when we are collectively striving for our students to be on campus, additional adults in buildings increase risk for our student and faculty community. We ask that parents do not enter buildings and remain outside if they must be on campus. If you need an exception, please reach out to nancydurrant@waterfordschool.org in the LS and bethhamideh@waterfordschool.org in MS/US. How will the school preserve medical privacy and at the same time share information about COVID positive cases in families and classrooms? Please refer to our Please refer to our COVID-19 Response Plan: Health and Safety Measures (see pg 12). If a parent has a higher risk job—either working on the frontlines with COVID patients, traveling frequently, or high
HEALTH PROTOCOLS: Will Waterford conduct regular health screens and temperature checks? Yes. Prior to arrival on campus, students, faculty/staff, and visitors will be required to complete a health screening each that will be tracked by our school nurse. Please refer to our Please refer to our COVID-19 Response Plan: Health and Safety Measures (see pg 12). Any community member who has a tempteratue should remain at home. Should the School deem it necessary, a child may be screened during the school day if they present symptoms, and in the presence of a temperature and/or symptoms, we will ask the parent/guardian to pick the child up from school. What is the policy when a student or teacher tests positive for Covid-19 within the community? Please refer to our COVID-19 Response
Illness Hotline
frequency of interactions—will their children need to take any extra precautions in order to attend school? We encourage any parents who are concerned to speak with their health provider. Further questions can be directed to our nurse at katherinestokes@ waterfordschool.org. LOWER SCHOOL I N F O R M AT I O N : How does the Lower School cohort learning model work? In the hybrid scenario, all LS students who elect to, will remain on campus with safety protocols in place (e.g., 6 feet of physical distance in every classroom, masks, hand-washing, etc.) Can you share what an average day will look like on-campus for Lower School students? We have worked to develop schedules and groupings that help students and teachers stay healthy as well as maintain program integrity. Specifically LS students will stay in grade level and class cohorts to minimize mixing with large numbers of other students. We have also worked to staff in ways that minimize the number of adults to interact with each cohort. LS students will begin their day in their homeroom class with a morning meeting, and will follow a typical schedule with core subjects. To minimize mixing, students will attend Specialist classes in 2-week blocks, rotating to each Specialist class over the course of the year (see schedule on pg 5). The exception is PE, which continues in each grade level throughout the year so that students engage in consistent physical activity. Students will not be sharing supplies and will have individual supply kits for homeroom and Specialists classes. Gade level cohorts will play together at recess in designated zones, and will eat lunch in their individual classrooms and outside when possible. Every day will end with a closing circle, which promotes reflection and community, preparing students for a calm and positive dismissal. How will LS drop-off and pick-up work? Will parents be allowed to
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walk children inside? LS drop off and pick-up will look largely the same with LS students moving through the LS parking lot. As always, PreK and Kindergarten students will have teacher assistance at our West drop off/pick up entrance. More detailed information is available in the Parent Portal. At this time we ask that parents/ guardians say goodbye outside, as we are inviting only students, faculty and staff into the building. How does distance learning impact Preschool and Kindergarten? Under Utah state’s “Day Care” provision, our youngest learners in PreK and K will be able to remain on campus if we move to distance learning. For children whose families have opted for them to remain home, concurrent learning will be available, helping them stay connected with their classmates and teacher, and progressing within the curriculum. What are morning meetings and how do they work in Lower School?
we will set the schedule to minimize mixing of specialist teachers across grade levels. How will students safely have lunch in Lower School? LS students will eat in their classrooms or, weather permitting, outside in grade level cohorts. Whether in classrooms or outside, students will eat at a safe distance from one another, which will allow them to safely take off their masks.
Students will start the school day in small meeting groups to take attendance, hold virtual assemblies, and speak about topics, questions and concerns that students might have. These meetings are meant to create a consistent support group, and a place to receive important information for the day. Morning meetings provide a safe environment, cultivate a sense of trust, allow all students to feel valued, and prepare students for the day’s events.
How will you manage recess in Lower School?
How will a PreK or Kindergarten student be able to follow the 6 ft distancing goals?
Will teachers in the LS be available for additional support and help? Yes, LS teachers will be available for additional help and support students throughout their day, and during designated times before school. As always, we welcome parent communication with their child’s teacher if there are concerns.
As with any routines, our youngest students learn by watching those around them and will respond best to clear expectations and gentle reminders throughout the day. Resources and early observation show the youngest students are indeed able to practice distancing and wear masks.
Each LS cohorts will have a designated outside “zone” during recess time, supervised by playground monitors as is typically our practice. Time outdoors is considered a lower risk activity, and students will have an opportunity for a mask break during outside play (although students can opt to keep their masks on).
MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL I N F O R M AT I O N :
What will the arts look like in LS?
How does the Middle and Upper School hybrid model work?
LS students will have specialists in intensives and will overall have the same number of hours in visual arts, music, and dance as in previous years, though
In the MS/US hybrid learning scenario, we will maintain 6 feet of physical distance in every classroom. To accomplish this physical distancing, we can accommodate 1/2 of the
students on campus at a given time. We will divide the students into two groups, and then will rotate every two days, after a compete Blue/Gold cycle (see schedule on pg 6). On the days when students are learning concurrently, they are expected to join the class via Zoom. They will be visible in the classroom on a mounted TV screen, and will be able to see all in-person participants through the Owl camera, which responds to speech and rotates to focus on the speaker. The technology will allow students at home to participate in discussions with the full group and in smaller breakout rooms. The goal is for instruction to be continuous, with class sessions fully engaging the 1/2 of students on campus and the 1/2 off campus at the same time. Can you share what an average day will look like on-campus for MS/US students? In MS/US we will follow a new Blue/Gold day schedule. The traditional 8 Waterford blocks will meet on alternating days, 4 on Blue days followed by 4 on Gold days. The blocks will be longer (75 minutes, instead of 50 last year), and the passing time between blocks will be longer (15 minutes, instead of 8—see schedule on pg 6). The longer passing period will allow for physical distance while students exit classes and move to the next period. It will also allow time to disinfect the tables and desks between classes. Each day will start with a Morning Meeting (formerly Homeroom and Advisor Groups). Students will be guided to have lunch outdoors whenever possible, and in inclement weather, classrooms will be open with maximum capacity of each room noted to maintain physical distance. Teachers will be out and about helping to reinforce important
safety protocols, such as mask-wearing and physical distance. What are morning meetings and how do they work in Middle and Upper School? Students will start the school day in small meeting groups to take attendance, hold virtual assemblies, and speak about topics, questions and concerns that students might have. These meetings are meant to create a consistent support group, and a place to receive important information for the day. Morning meetings provide a safe environment, cultivate a sense of trust, allow all students to feel valued, and prepare students for the day’s events. How will group projects, such as reading groups and science labs be handled? Will students still work together during the next year? Students will still be able to work in small groups and in hands-on learning opportunities. Teachers will plan lessons and activities that allow for physical distancing while supporting student engagement and learning. What will the arts look like in Middle and Upper School? In MS/US, the arts will continue in a manner similar to the academic programs. All teaching and rehearsal spaces will be equipped with Owl cameras to facilitate concurrent learning from home for students off-campus. Visual arts students will have individualized kits of supplies. Music ensembles will divide into smaller groups and spread out throughout the 800 building for enhanced spacing. Choirs will make use of outdoor spaces as much as possible, and will spread out to achieve 10+ feet of physical spacing. Culminating musical performances will be streamed live. Visual art exhibits will use both online and on-campus venues to display student work. Dance and Theater classes will use masks and physical distancing. Plays will likely include an extra performance to accommodate smaller audiences. All arts spaces will be disinfected after each class. How will sports continue in the MS/US? Will athletes be able to practice together and what will the
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guidelines be? Yes, we will continue to follow UHSAA guidelines regarding participation in athletics this fall. See more in Waterford’s Return-to-Play Protocol. How will students safely have lunch in Middle and Upper School? In MS/US, students will be given designated areas where they will more safely be able to eat lunch, outside and inside. When the weather is good all MS/ US students will be asked to eat outside. US students choosing to walk off campus for lunch are required to wear masks and follow physical distancing as guided by our policies. How will you manage passing times between classes for Middle and Upper School? We have doubled the scheduled passing time to ensure faculty have the opportunity to sanitize and wipe down surfaces. Based on data from the CDC, brief interactions, even within 6 feet, are low risk. Students and faculty will be masked during transition time—further reducing risk. Will teachers in the Middle and Upper School be available for additional support and help? In MS/US, teachers are planning to be available for consultation from 7:508:20 every morning. Additionally, as is always the case, students may reach out to teachers to set times for additional support after school hours.
d i v o C RESPONSE PLAN
Waterford is committed to providing a healthy and safe learning environment for all members of our community. With our return to campus, we have developed the Waterford COVID-19 Response Plan: Health and Safety Measures. These protocols have been developed with the guidance of the local health department and the state of Utah and CDC’s guidelines. This plan is fluid and may change in accordance with the latest advice and research from local, state, and national health experts. Our response plan includes the following strategies to encourage behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19 and allow us to stay on campus. PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Limiting close contact with others outside of household members is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing of six feet (2 arm lengths) will be required between individuals on campus. We are fortunate to have, and we will be utilizing all 240,000 sf of building space on our 41 acre campus to maximize student experience. In times of elevated risk: • Students will remain in cohorts to minimize mixing of groups of students and adults (LS). • Large student group gatherings will be limited in accordance with the most current recommendations. MS/US Class Meetings and Assemblies will be held virtually.
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• Outdoor rental tents will allow for covered outdoor classroom space in the fall (one in LS, 2 MS/US). • Modification of class sizes, classrooms, and arrival/dismissal procedures will be made to allow for adherence to physical distancing, with attention to possible bottlenecks during arrival, dismissal, and passing periods. • Visual cues such as floor decals, colored tape, or signs will be placed to indicate to students and staff how to maintain physical distancing. Additional cues may be used to indicate 6 ft intervals when standing in a line. • Visitors will be limited on campus. • Plexiglass partitions will be installed at high trafficked areas, such as LS and MS/US front offices. • LS students will eat lunch in their homeroom classrooms or outside (weather dependent). MS/US students will eat outside in good
weather and in small groups inside in inclement weather. • Playground and recess times will be staggered and zoned to allow for safe distancing during play (LS). • Buses will continue service on the same schedule, as noted in our parent portal, but we will ensure enough seats for students to occupy one seat, or two in each seat from the same household. Students will be required to wear masks. Buses will be disinfected between each bus ride. NURSING SERVICES Special considerations are being made for nursing and health office space. Newly designated health office space will help prevent spread of COVID-19 and widespread school closure. • LS and MS/US will have separate health offices to prevent mixing of students. • “Well” and “sick” students will be cared for in separate health office spaces. • Students with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be provided a medical mask, placed in an isolation room equipped with reverse ventilation while awaiting pick up. • Each health office will be stocked with appropriate PPE (ie. N95 & surgical masks, face shields, gowns and gloves). • Attendance will be tracked by front office staff, and the school nurse will review for trends, reporting a student body illness greater than 10% to local health department.
• Parents of students with special health considerations will have meetings conducted with the school nurse to formulate health plans by tele-conference or phone prior to the start of the new school year. SUSPECTED COVID-19 ILLNESS PROTOCOL / POSSIBLE SCHOOL CLOSURES While schools are not expected to diagnose COVID-19, appropriate safety precautions will be taken on campus when a faculty, staff, or student becomes ill. The school will work closely with the health department when a case of COVID-19 is suspected. Students (with parent support), staff, and faculty will self screen each morning at home and share results with the school via HealthShield (text “hi” to (833) 948-1396). A student, staff or faculty member will be excluded from campus with any COVID-19 symptoms (CDC Guidelines): • Fever at or above 100.4 • New or worsening persistent cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (unrelated to a medical condition) • Chills • Fatigue/muscle weakness • Sore throat • New reduced/loss of taste or smell • Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and/ or diarrhea) (continued on next page)
Students, faculty, and staff with a COVID encounter in the community or household will be assessed for the need to quarantine and symptom watch: • When a student, faculty, and/or staff learns of a COVID encounter, they will notify the school nurse • The encounter will be assessed and a quarantine may be required based on the guidance of the health department and school nurse • Faculty and staff will be referred to our testing partner at the end of their quarantine (if quarantine is required), prior to their return to campus Students, faculty, and staff exhibiting COVID-like symptoms during the school day will be isolated: Protocol for students exhibiting signs of illness: • When a student begins to feel unwell, faculty or staff will provide them with a medical mask to wear over their cloth mask. • Faculty or staff will notify the school nurse by text or phone call in advance of the student’s arrival to the health office. • In LS an adult will escort the student to the nurse’s office. In MS/ US students will be directed to the nurse’s office. • The student will be isolated from others. • Parents or guardians will be notified for student pick-up and informed to follow up with their healthcare provider. • The student must be picked up
promptly (i.e., within 90 minutes). • A parent should follow the guidance of the student’s health care provider and/or local health department. • The school must be notified immediately of a presumed or positive diagnosis. • The school nurse will notify administration and the local health department about any positive COVID-19 tests. • The school will maintain the privacy of health information, while assisting with contact tracing. The Health Department will guide the investigation. The school is committed to remaining in compliance with FERPA. Protocol for faculty or staff exhibiting signs of illness: • Faculty or staff member must notify appropriate administrators and leave campus promptly (Melanie Battistone (LS), Brandon Bennett (MS/US), Mike Hamideh or Greg Miles (staff). • Faculty and staff members needing immediate care should call the school nurse for assistance. • Faculty or staff members should seek immediate treatment, and follow the guidance of their healthcare provider and/or local health department. • The school must be notified immediately of a presumed or positive diagnosis. • The school will maintain the privacy of health information, while assisting with contact tracing. The Health Department will guide the investigation. The school is committed to remaining in compliance with FERPA. Waterford will follow the guidance of the local health department when a member of the community has tested positive for COVID-19:
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School Campus Exposure: • Faculty, staff, and students with close contact (within 6ft for at least 15 minutes) will be assessed for risk by the health department and may be required to quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor for the development of symptoms. • The room or areas possibly affected including the isolation room will be appropriately cleaned and disinfected per CDC guidelines and the school will contact the local health department for any further guidance. • In conjunction with local health authorities, the school may determine a short-term closure is required by division (ie. LS might close, while MS/US might stay open). • The school will maintain the privacy of health information, while assisting with contact tracing. The Health Department will guide the investigation. The school is committed to remaining in compliance with FERPA. Off Campus Exposure (students, parents, and faculty): • Families and staff are required to notify the school of off-campus exposure. • The school will coordinate with local health authorities to determine the next steps. • The school will communicate with faculty, staff, and parents about the situation. • Close contacts may be required to selfquarantine at home for a period of time dependent on details of each case, and monitor for symptoms of illness. • The school may make the determination to close by division depending on health and safety risk. The level and duration of school closure will be determined on a case-by-case basis as advised by the health department. • The school will maintain the privacy of health information, while assisting with contact tracing. The Health Department will guide the investigation. The school is committed to remaining in compliance with FERPA.
After a period of home isolation, students, faculty, and staff excluded for presumed or diagnosed COVID-19 may return to (Per CDC Guidelines) campus if the following criteria are met: COVID-19 diagnosis with symptoms: • If you have been presumed to have COVID-19 by a healthcare provider based off of symptoms, you can return to school if: Ŝ At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared, AND Ŝ Fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, AND Ŝ Marked improvement of symptoms. • If you have tested positive and diagnosed with COVID-19, you can return to school if: Ŝ At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared, AND Ŝ Fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, AND Ŝ Marked improvement of symptoms. COVID-19 positive diagnosis without symptoms: • If you have not had a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can return to school if: Ŝ At least 10 days have passed since the date of your first positive test AND Ŝ you continue to have no symptoms (no cough or shortness of breath) since the test. (continued on next page)
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/schools-childcare/guidance-forschools.html Center of Disease Control and Prevention: Considerations for Schools https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/schools-childcare/schools.html
Undiagnosed illness with COVID-19 symptoms • Faculty, staff, and students sent home with symptoms of COVID-19 that have not been seen by a healthcare provider or tested for COVID-19 may return to campus after 10 days have passed from onset of symptom AND 24 hours after fever resolves AND symptoms have improved or with a healthcare provider’s note stating symptoms are attributed to another condition. HIGH RISK INDIVIDUALS The school is implementing the above health and safety measures to ensure the campus is as safe as possible for everyone. • Faculty and staff who are considered high risk may receive reasonable accommodations with a note from their healthcare provider. Faculty and staff should discuss options with their supervisor. • Students who are high risk should consult with their healthcare provider and Waterford’s School Nurse, and may always choose to stay home and participate in concurrent learning. • High risk individuals should seek guidance from their healthcare provider and the School Nurse to determine when it is deemed safe to return to campus. REFERENCES Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings. html
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Center of Disease Control and Prevention: When You Can Be Around Others When You Have Had or Likely Had COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-homeisolation.html?CDC_AA_ refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww. cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019ncov%2Fprevent-getting-sick%2Fwhen-itssafe.html Phased Guidelines for the General Public and Businesses to Maximize Public Health and Economic Reactivation https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b4POY_ tFcqQiy209qDOc_GXp_mqG9BnJ/view CDC: Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home. html
Illness Hotline
S H O U L D
M Y
C H I L D
G E T
T E ST E D
FO R
COV I D ?
Children who are sick should not come to school. Parents are asked to conduct a health screen every day before school. This chart is meant to help parents quickly check for COVID-19 symptoms, but is not inteded to replace any advice from a healthcare provider.
D O E S
YO U R
C H I L D
H AV E
Fever or temperature of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher. If you do not have a thermometer, check your child’s skin to see if it feels warm or is red, or ask if he or she has chills or is sweaty. Sore throat
YO U R
C H I L D B E E N TO COV I D - 1 9
O F
T H E S E
SY M P TO M S ?
Cough - if your child normally has a cough because of allergies or asthma, is this cough different than normal? Shortness of breath Muscle aches or pains Decrease in sense of smell or taste
NO
YES
H A S
A N Y
E X P O S E D
Has your child been in close contact to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, in the last 2 weeks (14 days)? This means he or she was closer than 6 feet or 2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) to the person for 15 minutes or longer.
You answered NO, your child does not have one of the 6 symptoms of COVID-19 for testing. FollowWaterford’s sick policy. Keep your child at home until he or she has been fever-free (for 24 hours without medicine) and has not had any symptoms of sickness for 24 hours. If your child does not seem to be getting better, or is getting worse, your child should see a doctor right away.
If your child came into close contact with someone at school who tested positive for COVID-19, or health department would have likely notified you and asked that your child quarantine.
YES If you answered yes to any questions in both parts 1 and 2, you should call a doctor or healthcare provider right away. Your child may need to get tested for COVID-19. Your child should not go to school until he or she has seen a doctor or healthcare provider because your child was in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
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NO Your child has one or more symptoms of COVID-19 but was not in close contact with someone who tested positive. You should call a healthcare provider to find out if your child should be tested for COVID-19.
Health Pledge R AV E N S T R O N G & H E A LT H Y P L E D G E Given the Covid-19 global pandemic and Waterford’s core value of Caring I will respect and honor the health and well-being of everyone in our community. I pledge: To screen for symptoms using the Health Shield tool BEFORE I come to school. To stay home whenever I am unwell, for any reason: sniffles, headache, etc. To wear my mask whenever I am inside a building on campus and whenever I cannot keep a 6ft distance from others while outside. To wash my hands frequently and use hand sanitizer as I enter each classroom. To honor and respect adults on campus who will guide me on how to help keep our school community strong and healthy.
Student Date Parent Date
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Students and families will sign this pledge through School Forms Online
W A T E R F O R D
C A L E N D A R
AUGUST 17 31
MARCH Monday Monday
8:30 AM
Community Travel Halt Opening Day
SEPTEMBER 7
Monday
-
Labor Day (No Classes)
4:00-7:30 PM 8:00-1:30 PM -
Parent Conferences Parent Conferences (No Classes) Fall Holiday (No Classes)
OCTOBER 8 9 12
Thursday Friday Monday
NOVEMBER 16-20 20 30
Mon-Fri Friday Monday
Friday
9:00-11:00AM 11:00 AM 8:30 AM
MS/US Final Exams Fall Term Ends Classes Resume
3:30 PM
Winter Break Begins
8:30 AM 4:00-7:30 PM 8:00-1:30 PM -
Classes Resume Parent Conferences Parent Conferences (No Classes) MLK, Jr. Day (No Classes)
8:30 AM 9:00-11:00 AM 11:00 AM
President’s Day (No Classes) Classes Resume MS/US Final Exams Winter Term Ends (Spring Break)
JANUARY 4 14 15 18
Monday Thursday Friday Monday
FEBRUARY 15 16 22-26 26
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Monday Tuesday Mon-Fri Friday
15
Monday
8:30 AM
Spring Term Begins
Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday
4:00-7:00 PM 8:00-1:30PM 8:30 AM
Parent Conferences Parent Conferences (No Classes) Spring Holiday (No Classes) Classes Resume
Wed-Fri Monday Wed-Wed
9:00-11:00 AM
Senior Exams Memorial Day (No Classes) MS/US Final Exams
Wednesday Thursday
11:00 AM 11:00 AM
Closing Day Commencement
APRIL 15 16 19 20 M AY 19-21 31 26-June 2 JUNE
DECEMBER 18
2020-21
2 3
H E L P F U L Utah State Board of Education School Reopening Planning Handbook Utah State Board of Education Resource Hub for Educators Utah Color-Coded Health Guidelines (Phased Guidelines)
Utah High School Activities Association Utah Guidelines for School Re-entry COVID-19 Response Plan from the Utah School Nurses Association CDC school guidance
The Phased Guidelines help you understand the guidelines for in-person or virtual learning based on what level of risk or color your community is in.
Student privacy
Utah Leads Together
American Academy of Pediatrics
The state of Utah has a plan for health and economic recovery.
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R E S O U R C E S
The U.S. Department of Education website answers questions about how to protect student privacy and federal privacy laws such as FERPA apply to COVID-19.
COV I D TA S K FO R C E Andrew Menke Head of School
Nancy Nebeker Dean of Students for MS/US
Brandon Bennett, PhD Associate Head of School
Casey O’Malley Academic Dean
Melanie Battistone, PhD Lower School Head
Katherine Stokes School Nurse and Wellness Coordinator
Todd Winters Director of Enrollment Management
Nancy Woller Mathematics Department Chair
Greg Miles Chief Financial Officer
Rayann Sandstrom Class IV Teacher
Kristin Dascomb MD, PhD, P’29 Medical Director, Infection Prevention, and Employee Health Intermountain Healthcare Stephanie Gelman, MD, P’20,’23 Infectious Disease Physician Intermountain Healthcare Ischa Jensen, MBA, MHA, P’34 Director of Planning and Operations University of Utah Health
W W W. WAT E R FO R D S C H O O L . O R G / COV I D
