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Return to Campus FAQ’s
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.
L O W E R S C H O O L I N F O R M A T 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 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?
Yes. 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?
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 a PreK or Kindergarten student be able to follow the 6 ft distancing goals?
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.
What will the arts look like in LS?
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 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.
How will you manage recess in Lower School?
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).
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.
M I D D L E & U P P E R S C H O O L I N F O R M A T I O N : How does the Middle and Upper School hybrid model work?
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 maskwearing 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 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 7:50- 8:20 every morning. Additionally, as is always the case, students may reach out to teachers to set times for additional support after school hours.
Covid 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. 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) 948-1390). 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)
like symptoms during the school day will be isolated.
PROTOCOL WITH 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.
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: At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared, AND Fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, AND Marked improvement of symptoms. If you have tested positive and diagnosed with COVID-19, you can return to school if: Results of two negative tests spaced 24 hours apart, AND Fever-free without the use of feverreducing medication, AND 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: • At least 10 days have passed since the date of your first positive test AND you continue to have no symptoms (no cough or shortness of breath) since the test. • If you have had a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can return to school if: • You received two negative tests in a row, at least 24 hours apart. • 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.
