The Weiss School Reopening Plan

7/23/2020

Brittany Theimer

The Weiss School is taking a cautious and deliberate approach to the reopening of our campus in August. As of Thursday, July 23, 2020, we are planning to reopen our campus following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Florida Department of Health (FDOH), World Health Organization (WHO), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and recommendations from the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and guidelines provided by Harvard’s School of Public Health. Because the community spread continues to rise and not knowing how the community spread will impact our school campus, I am recommending that any family who can participate in our full-time virtual option to please do so. This option presents the least amount of risk for exposure to COVID-19. For those families who will be joining us on campus, I will see you bright and early on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. We are also prepared for a full virtual learning environment if a stay-at-home order is mandated in the upcoming weeks.

For the 2020-2021 school year, The Weiss School is committed to providing the following three options:

Option #1 - 100% Virtual Instruction

My team is prepared to provide an outstanding virtual experience for your child. We had an outstanding virtual experience for our students in the spring, and I know we will do an incredible job during the fall semester. Thank you so much for all the positive feedback. We have upgraded to fiber and installed a Zoom cart in every classroom. Your child will be able to see and interact with the whole class. I was Mr. Eissey’s first student with the new technology – so much fun! Students will follow their normal schedule throughout the day. Until we know more about how the spike in cases in Palm Beach County impacts school campuses, I am recommending 100% virtual learning to our families. It is very important to consider this option if you have a student or family member in your home who is at high risk.

Option #2 - Hybrid Model

The hybrid model gives parents the option to let their students participate at school and from home. Because students are returning to campus a decreased number of days, the Hybrid Model presents a moderate risk of exposure to COVID-19. My administration, teachers, and support staff have worked diligently to create healthy buildings, healthy classrooms, healthy activities, healthy schedules, and healthy policies to welcome students back on the campus on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. Our campus reopening plan invests heavily in the critical levers of a safe return to campus, including a robust set of stringent health and safety measures. It is also a plan designed to allow The Weiss School to adapt to the pandemic's changing conditions and still provide for the continuous education of our students. Parents and students will adhere to all on-campus safety measures, procedures, and protocols as detailed in the campus reopening plan.

The purpose of the hybrid model is to create flexibility for parents. My hope is that if you choose the hybrid model, you will create a consistent schedule of your child's days on campus. I know this is not always possible, so please know that is why we created the hybrid option. All students in the hybrid option will attend their classes with students who are on campus. All parents who choose the hybrid model must sign and return the acknowledgment form below. Classroom capacity for social distancing is capped to accommodate all students on the roster, whether they are 100% virtual or hybrid, so there is no need to commit to the hybrid model for a certain amount of time. The same policy applies to the 100% Virtual Option. When you are ready to send your child(ren) back to school, his/her seat will be available. If you choose hybrid or 100% virtual, you will be sent dates and times to pick up materials needed to participate in all classes. Attendance will be taken by teachers in every class for Option #1, Option #2, and Option #3.

Option #3 - On-Campus Learning Five Days a Week

I am so excited to have an on-campus option for parents. I want to assure you that my team has worked day and night to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for everyone on campus. We have created a plan for reopening the campus. As conditions and guidelines continue to evolve and change, The Weiss School Leadership Team will monitor and update our plan accordingly. We ask that you remain flexible to this fluid situation. Option #3 presents the highest risk for exposure to COVID-19.

To prepare for the opening of school, the following enhancements have been made to safely reopen our campus for students and staff:

Enhancements

Staffing - Additional cleaning staff has been hired to clean and sanitize high touch areas throughout the day. Additional support staff has been hired to help support teachers and monitor hallways.

Furniture - Additional furniture is in place to create appropriate spacing and unidirectional seating. Capacity limits have been determined for all classrooms, walkways, and common areas on campus to allow for six feet of space between students, faculty, and staff.

Outdoor Space - Additional space has been created outside for learning and play.

Technology - Fiber has been installed to increase the speed of internet access in all areas on the campus. Classrooms have been upgraded with audio and video equipment that will allow students in remote environments to synchronously participate in classes being held on campus.

Plexiglass - Plexiglass shielding has been installed in areas with fixed interactions. Plexiglass will also be used in classrooms if needed.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) - The Weiss School has purchased a mask for each student, faculty, and staff member. Additional PPE, including face shields, will be provided to students, faculty, and staff.

Additional Sinks and Sanitizer Dispensers - Additional handwashing stations and hand sanitizing dispensers will be placed throughout the campus to allow for regularly scheduled handwashing and hand sanitizing throughout the day. Students will wash their hands upon entry and exit of classrooms.

Water Fountains - We have disabled water fountains, and students will only have access to filling stations located throughout the school.

Enhanced Cleaning - A schedule has been created to sanitize all areas during transition times throughout the day.

UV Air Disinfection Systems - The Weiss School has installed Fresh-Air UV systems in our HVAC.

Signage - Additional signage has been posted throughout the campus to promote all health and safety guidelines.

The following policies and procedures will be adhered to by our school community in order to safely reopen our campus:

School-wide Policies and Procedures

COVID-19 Testing - All students are required to be tested for coronavirus prior to being allowed to re-enter the School campus.

COVID-19 Rapid Tests on Campus – The school is exploring the opportunity to provide Covid-19 testing on campus and we will advise parents and employees if such opportunity will be available.

Follow Federal, State, and Local Orders - Our entire Weiss School community must adhere to the directives of applicable federal, state, and local government health departments, including the CDC, regarding social distancing in public and other measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Daily Symptom Check - We will be relying on close cooperation from our parents and students regarding morning temperature checks. Please check your child’s temperature before leaving home, and we will check temperatures before your child(ren) exit your vehicle and throughout the day on campus.

Stay Home if Sick - If your child is sick, you are expected to keep him or her home from school.

Travel - Families are responsible for reporting travel outside of South Florida to the Head of School by email.

Medical Forms and Emergency Contacts - Parents must complete and submit all required student medical forms before the first day of school. Parents must provide at least three emergency contacts who are able to pick up your child from school within 1 hour of receiving a call from The Weiss School if he or she presents with a temperature or becomes ill during the school day. Your child will be placed in a separate room until you arrive.

Social Distancing - All hallways and classrooms will be marked with 6 feet decals for spacing and foot traffic flow.

Classrooms - All classrooms are outfitted for social distancing.

Mixing of Students - Mixing among different grade levels and homeroom classes will be limited.

Aftercare - Follow all policies and procedures exhibited during the school day. Mixing among different grade levels and school homeroom classes will be limited.

Clubs - Clubs are suspended until further notice.

Athletics - Athletics are suspended until further notice.

Supplies - Students will not share school supplies.

Face Masks - Currently, Palm Beach County Emergency Order No. 2020-012 mandates mask-wearing in Palm Beach County. The use of masks by students and staff will be required while inside the building. Masks will not be required during outdoor experiences while students are actively engaged in exercise and maintaining physical distancing. Face masks will be required of all individuals on campus. Please teach your child how to properly use and remove their mask. If using fabric masks, ensure that your child’s mask is cleaned regularly. Options for students with sensory concerns will be sent in a separate email.

Increased Handwashing Throughout the School Day - Students will wash hands frequently throughout the day. Please practice and reinforce good hygiene practices at home, in particular, the importance of frequent handwashing.

Sharing Items - Limit the items your child brings onto campus each day and reinforce policies around not sharing of food, supplies and other items with other students. Teachers are ordering individual supplies for students.

Snack/Lunch - Students will eat in classrooms and outdoor space. Masks will be removed while eating.

Visitors - Parents and visitors are not allowed on campus. Front office access will be permitted with limited capacity.

COVID-19 Symptoms

If anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please keep your child(ren) home. All absences must be reported to Ms. Kelly Varty at kvarty@weissschool.org. According to the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms of the novel coronavirus include:

Cough
Shortness of breath
Fever
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss or smell or taste

For additional information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

COVID-19 Protocols

Please call Ms. Kelly Varty at 561-627-0740 or Dr. Tammy Ferguson at 772-418-3905 if your child has tested positive, is exhibiting symptoms, or has been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who is exhibiting symptoms consistent with the virus. Please continue to call until you speak with an administrator on campus. Please do not leave a message. Every minute is critical in making sure we can contact trace as fast as possible. Failure to inform the school within two hours of diagnosis may result in your child being removed from campus for 14 days. During this time at home, your child will be able to continue classes via remote learning. Until further notice, if there should be a positive case on campus, the school will close for one week to determine if the virus has spread within the school. Students will continue their classes online.

SCENARIO #1 - If anyone in your household is notified by the Florida Department of Health that they were in contact with an individual infected with COVID-19, or if a student has a family member who tests positive for COVID-19 and the student has tested and is negative for the virus:

PROTOCOL The student must self-quarantine for 14 days. It is recommended for them to be tested again around day 10. If the test is negative, then they wait 24 hours to take the second test. If both tests are negative, they can return to school after day 14. If the test is positive, the student must wait an additional 14 days before returning to school and only after two negative tests. Since the student is not considered the carrier, there are no actions to be taken within the school except to monitor students who may show symptoms.

SCENARIO #2 - If a student has a family member who tests positive for COVID-19 and the student has tested and is negative for the virus:

SCENARIO #3 - If a student is found to be positive for COVID-19, then the following actions need to take place:

PROTOCOL - If the student is in school at the time, we will isolate and have the parent or emergency contact pick up immediately. The student must quarantine for 14 days. If the student does not develop symptoms, then they can return to school after 14 days and two negative tests spaced 24 hours apart. If the student develops symptoms, they can be with others after 14 days of self-quarantine and two negative tests spaced 24 hours apart. In addition to three days with no fever and without the use of fever-reducing medications AND respiratory symptoms have improved (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) before they return. Each classmate who has been with the student within the last 48 hours, and each teacher who has been in the room with the student giving instruction, and any other staff member who has had contact (in an enclosed area less than 6ft apart for more than 15 minutes) with the student, must self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.

SCENARIO #4 - If a staff member is found to be positive for COVID-19, then the following actions must take place:

PROTOCOL: If the staff member is in school at the time, they must leave the campus immediately. The staff member must quarantine for 14 days. It is recommended that the test be taken on Day 10 and then a second test spaced 24 hours apart. If the staff member does not develop symptoms, they can return to school after 14 days. If the staff member develops symptoms, they can be with others after 14 days of self-quarantine and two negative tests. In addition to: Three days with no fever and without the use of fever-reducing medications AND respiratory symptoms have improved (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) AND 10 days since symptoms first appeared before they return to school. Each class the staff member instructed, or each area the staff member has been working and any other student or staff member who has had contact (in an enclosed area less than 6ft apart and more than 15 minutes) with the staff member within the last 48 hours must self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. If symptoms appear, then testing is required for that person immediately. It is recommended for those under self-quarantine to be tested around day 10 with two negative tests spaced 24 hours apart.

Movement on Campus

Early Childhood Division (Junior PreK, Senior PreK, Junior Kindergarten):

Arrival – 7:30 – 8:00 in the car line. One person will be designated to take temperatures before the child is removed from the car seat.
Masks and Social Distancing – Students will be required to wear a mask and social distance inside the building and remain with their class throughout the day. Decals and signage have been installed throughout the building.
Outside Experience – Students will not be required to wear a mask.
Specials – Specialists will come to the classroom.
Lunch/Snack – Will be eaten inside or outside. Masks will not be required.
Dismissal – 2:00 will take place at the front entry. Aftercare will be provided. Clubs/Athletics are suspended at this time.

Primary Division (K-2^nd Grade):

Arrival – 8:05 – 8:25 in the car line. Students will not be allowed to come in through the front entrance. Several staff will be taking temperatures. Please keep students in the car until their temperature(s) have been taken. Students will report directly to their homerooms. Hallway monitors will be in place to ensure social distancing.
Masks and Social Distancing – Students will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Schedule – At this time, students will remain with their class throughout the day. Decals and signage have been installed throughout the building.
Specials – At this time, specialists will come to the room.
Lunch/Snack – Will be eaten in classroom or outside. Masks will not be required.
Dismissal – 3:30 – Students will remain in the classroom until they are called for dismissal. A staff member will be stationed at the entrance to the school to call students from classrooms. Teachers will have walkie talkies in each classroom. Hall monitors will ensure social distancing.

Intermediate Division (3rd-5th Grade):

Arrival – 8:10 – 8:25 in the car line. Students will not be allowed to come in through the front entrance. Several staff will be taking temperatures. Please keep students in the car until their temperature(s) have been taken. Students will report directly to their homerooms. Hallway monitors will be in place to ensure social distancing.
Masks and Social Distancing – Students will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing. Decals and signage have been installed throughout the building.
Schedule – At this time, intermediate students will transition to classes. Start and end times of classes will be staggered with other divisions to decrease the number of students in the hallway.
Specials – At this time, students will go to their specials. Start and end times of classes will be staggered with other divisions to decrease the number of students in the hallway.
Lunch/Snack – Will be eaten in the classroom or outside. Masks will not be required.
Dismissal – 3:30 – Students will remain in the classroom until they are called for dismissal. A staff member will be stationed at the entrance to the school to call students from classrooms. Teachers will have walkie talkies in each classroom. Hall monitors will ensure social distancing.

Middle School Division (6th – 8th Grade):

Arrival – 8:15 – 8:25 in the car line. Students will not be allowed to come in through the front entrance. Several staff will be taking temperatures. Please keep students in the car until their temperature(s) have been taken. Students will report directly to their homerooms. Hallway monitors will be in place to ensure social distancing.
Masks and Social Distancing – Students will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing in all public areas in the school. Masks will not be required once students are seated if students are able to social distance in the classroom. Decals and signage have been installed throughout the building.
Schedule – At this time, middle school students will transition to classes. Start and end times of classes will be staggered with other divisions to decrease the number of students in the hallway.
Electives – At this time, middle school students will transition to elective classes.
Lunch/Snack – Will be eaten in the classroom or outside. Masks will not be required.
Dismissal – 3:30 p.m. – Students will remain in classroom until they are called for dismissal. A staff member will be stationed at the entrance to the school to call students from classrooms. Teachers will have walkie talkies in each classroom. Hall monitors will ensure social distancing.

The Weiss School Leadership Team has worked diligently this summer to put in place every safety measure and protocol to ensure everyone's safety on our campus. I will be serving as the point person for all COVID-19 related questions or concerns. Please email me at tferguson@weissschool.org if you have additional comments or concerns. My team will meet each Thursday to determine if the school should continue with on campus learning.

After reading this letter, please email Mrs. Pam Tripp at ptripp@weissschool.org by Monday, July 27, 2020 to select the learning environment option that works best for your family. If you choose Option #2 or #3, please download and sign the form below and return by Monday, July 27, 2020. This form can be emailed to Mrs. Pam Tripp at ptripp@weissschool.org or mailed to:

The Weiss School

Attn: Pam Tripp

4176 Burns Road

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Sincerely,

Dr. Tammy Ferguson

Click Here to Download: The Weiss School - Parent Acknowledgment of Safety and Health Procedures Upon Return to School

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