May we switch between online or on-campus learning if we prefer one over the other after school starts?
We are asking our families to select their learning option for September with the understanding that the selection will remain in place through the December break. However, this does not mean that we will not work with families on a case by case basis. Our flexibility will be dependent upon a number of factors. If it is determined that a student can change their choice, the new selection will then remain in effect through the December break.
Have changes to the dress code been made?
Because we will not be using our gym locker rooms, students in grades 5 - 8 will wear their PE uniforms to school on days when they have PE. More appropriate cold-weather clothing options will be required once shorts season is over. As we will be spending more time outdoors in other classes besides PE, we also ask that children wear clothing appropriate for outside activities while remaining within our dress code requirements.
What will recess activities look like?
Activities that allow our students to be distanced will be encouraged, such as kickball, shadow tag, hula hoops, and jump rope. When students are closer to each other masks will be worn. Games that involve wrestling, full contact, etc. will not be allowed.
Will there be P.E. and Music Classes?
Yes. Our P.E. and music faculty will be assigned to different mini schools by trimester so your child may have art or music more frequently in one trimester and then not at all in another. Some classes may be virtual in delivery and done at home, such as choir, to safely provide instruction. There will be no elementary choir. All instrumental classes will be delivered in small group sessions.
How will we be notified of any cases of COVID-19 in our child’s class or in the building?
In collaboration with the Division of Public Health (DPH), we will notify parents of COVID-19 cases based on the actions needed. For example, as we have cohorts by grade level, should someone in a cohort test positive, we will notify all parents of students in that cohort. If the cohort extends to other grades within the mini school, all parents in the mini school will be notified of the positive case. In accordance with current DPH guidelines, we will not share case rates for our individual school. However, we do encourage those with questions to contact our COVID-19 point person with any questions or concerns. As I am sure you can understand, due to confidentiality we must be careful with how much information we share.
Can we carpool with students who are not in our on-campus cohort?
While we understand that getting children to school can be challenging, it is important to understand the implications of carpooling. In riding in the same car together everyone in the car becomes a close contact so that if one tests positive for COVID-19, all in the carpool will need to be quarantined.
Are any field trips being planned for this coming year?
There are no off-campus field trips planned for this year. All field trips will be virtual.
If students are absent for a short period of time due to routine illness, will work be provided to them?
Yes. We do not want any students coming to school if feeling at all unwell. Work will be provided and when available, recorded Zoom sessions will be shared for viewing.
Will teachers and administrators undergo regular testing for COVID-19?
Our faculty and staff will all be tested for COVID-19 prior to the beginning of school. Ongoing testing of our faculty and staff will continue on a weekly basis so that every month everyone will be tested.
Will students be required to be tested for COVID-19 before school starts?
While not required, we would highly recommend that students be tested before school begins. New Castle County is increasing testing sites based on school opening dates. We will be sharing this site information with you closer to the start of school.
Will students who have traveled to a COVID-19 hot spot be required to quarantine before returning to school?
We encourage all of our families to work together as a community during this time. In order to best protect our faculty, staff and students on campus, as well as their families, we will follow the state guidelines for quarantine related to travel. Should you decide to travel to a state that is currently on the state quarantine list your children will need to quarantine for 14 days upon your return before coming back on campus.
If my child needs to quarantine for 14 days will they be able to join the Online Learning program?
Yes, if your child needs to quarantine due to close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, has traveled to a location that the state has deemed a hot spot, or has tested positive for COVID-19, they can enter the Online Learning program for that period of time.
