Distance Learning/Hybrid Learning Parent-Student Handbook Iona Preparatory School 255 Wilmot Ave New Rochelle, NY, 10804 914-632-0714
Revised August 17, 2020
Table of Contents Introduction………....……………………………………………………...3 Distance/Hybrid Learning Platforms, Programs, Apps……………...….4 Schedule for Distance Learning…………………………………..…….....5 Schedule for Hybrid Learning…………………………………………….6 Distancing Learning/Hybrid Learning Code of Conduct………………..8 School Counseling………………………………………………………….12 Student Guidelines for Success during Live Virtual Classes…………....13 COVID Policies…………………………………………………………….14
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Introduction The purpose of Iona Preparatory’s Distance Learning Program is to ensure that the rigorous Irish Christian Brother education that students receive during our traditional, in-seat model continues to be delivered over a digital platform. This protocol may go into effect on a specific date determined by the Iona Preparatory Administration in accordance with the New York State Department of Education and New York State Department of Health regulations. The Distance Learning program was planned assuming that all students may be instructed to participate in an Iona Prep education completely online. However, this plan is also flexible enough to support the student population if we switch to a Hybrid Learning model, where a grouping of students would attend school in-seat and the remainder would participate online. This parent-student handbook serves as a guide for the 2020-2021 school year during the Distance Learning or Hybrid Learning model. Throughout you will find information on digital platforms that teachers will use to deliver curriculum, rules/expectations that students are to abide by, educational resources parents can use for support, and much more.
Current Distance Learning Calendar ●
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The first day of the 2020-2021 school year will be September 2, 2020. Due to the on-going COVID19 pandemic, we will begin our school year in a Hybrid Model in accordance with NYS guidelines for a safe and healthy return. The Hybrid Model will consist of two cohorts; ½ of the student population at a time returning to Iona Prep for in-seat instruction. The remaining ½ of students will participate in an Iona Prep education via live virtual classes. The duration of the Hybrid Model will be determined by Governor Cuomo and the State of New York. All updates regarding Iona Prep’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic can be found on our webpage here.
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Primary Distance Learning Platforms 1. PlusPortals - The primary digital platform used by Iona Prep to post assignments and grades for parents to see in real time. Other uses include, but are not limited to: discussion boards, announcements, schedule view, contact information, etc. 2. Google Classroom - To best streamline the distribution and grading of assignments for students. Iona Prep has chosen Google Classroom as one of the primary hubs for all academic curricula. This allows for teachers to seamlessly communicate with students during distance learning periods. Teachers will use this to share class work, readings, homework, projects and assessments. Students can invite their parents to Google Classroom for updates on assignment submission, grades, etc. Other uses of this platform are, but are not limited to: virtual live class sessions, discussion boards, YouTube Live, surveys, and announcements. Grades that are posted to Google Classroom will be automatically transferred to Plus Portals for viewing.
Distance Learning Programs and Apps 1. ExamSoft - this program is used to streamline all assessments for the Iona Preparatory student body. It allows teachers to administer an assessment, whether the class is completely digital or in a hybrid-learning format, while continuing to ensure academic integrity and success. Please see the minimum requirements for ExamSoft (that were announced to parents in June of 2020). 2. Calendly - primarily to be used by our School Counseling Department, this program will be used to schedule meetings between School Counselors/SW and our students. 3. Kami - this collaborative program will be utilized primarily by our Mathematics and Science teachers as it offers the most effective opportunities to deliver the curriculum by using Kami’s learning, creation, and annotation tools. Students will be able to take photos of their work and submit through Google Classroom. 4. Turnitin - this program is utilized for plagiarism detection for students handing in an essay or project. Anything that is copied from another source (student or web site) without citation will come up as a red flag. This platform will be utilized for all written assessments. 5. YouTube - the online video sharing program will be utilized by faculty and staff to share content related to the curriculum. The YouTube Live feature of this program can also be used for guest speakers, learning conferences, etc. 3. SMART Tools Online Learning Suite - SMART Technologies developed this online software to augment and enhance collaborative learning. Whether students are in-person or remote, they can participate in game-based instruction to create an interactive learning environment. Additionally, teachers can utilize this program for built-in checkpoints to assess learning in real time.
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2020-2021 Iona Prep Distance Learning Schedule If Iona Preparatory makes the decision to deliver instruction in a completely virtual format, the following schedule, policies, and procedures will apply:
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2020-2021 Iona Prep Hybrid Learning Schedule If Iona Preparatory makes the decision to deliver instruction in a hybrid (partial in-seat, partial distance learning) format, the following schedule, policies, and procedures will apply:
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Distance Learning Code of Conduct Circumstances may be presented that will require the Iona Preparatory School to deliver its curriculum on a digital platform instead of an in-seat, traditional model. In addition, there may be situations in which a hybrid model may be employed where a portion of the students would be participating in virtual instruction. In these instances, the presented behavioral expectations in the Code of Conduct section of the Iona Preparatory Parent/Student Handbook (Upper School, 2020-2021), in addition to the expectations outlined below, must be adhered to by all students. In formulating the following rules and regulations, the Iona Preparatory School Administration has tried to anticipate as many areas as possible that students need to demonstrate responsible behavior when learning on a digital platform. In the event of new and unusual circumstances, the Dean of Students will have the authority to use discretion in whatever circumstances the present rules do not precisely apply. In order to protect its standards of scholarship, discipline, deportment and character, Iona Preparatory School reserves the right to require the withdrawal of any student at any time, for any reason deemed sufficient at the sole discretion of the school and its administrators. By the parent/guardian’s signing of the handbook letter, the student and parent/guardian acknowledge the important obligations and restrictions contained in this handbook and agree to be bound by the terms of this handbook. When a student applies for entrance to Iona Preparatory School, he thereby understands and agrees that the school reserves the right to exclude him at any time if his conduct, attitude, or academic standing is regarded by the Administration as undesirable. It is understood and agreed that Iona Preparatory, or any of its administrators or faculty, shall not be liable in any way whatsoever for such exclusion. Students and parents signed an agreement to this contract through an acknowledgment letter at the beginning of each academic year. Furthermore, parents should support the mission, goals and policies of the school. Nevertheless, a situation could occur in which the uncooperative or disruptive attitude and/or actions of parents might so diminish the effectiveness of the school that continuation of the student in the school could be impossible. In such cases, the school reserves the right to require the withdrawal of the student. Teachers, staff, coaches and administrators will keep confidential any information entrusted to them so long as no one’s life, health or safety is at risk. ● ● ●
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All standards of student conduct outlined in Iona Preparatory’s Parent/Student Handbook (Upper School 2020-21) remain in full effect during the time of distance learning. Teachers will communicate any inappropriate behavior that violates any school policy found in the Iona Preparatory Parent/Student Handbook (Upper School 2020-21) to the Dean of Students. Students should be aware that their conduct, throughout all areas and learning platforms, during Iona Preparatory’s Distance Learning/Hybrid Learning Program should reflect their home and school training. Any conduct that is detrimental to the good reputation of Iona Prep, endangers the safety of students, or demonstrates disrespect to a person or property, will result in suspension or expulsion from Iona Preparatory. Students should realize that online communication between students, no matter the internet learning platform, must be appropriate. Iona Prep maintains that any type of online harassment, abuse or
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threat between students demonstrates a serious violation of the Iona Preparatory Code of Conduct. Students violating this policy will be subject to suspension or expulsion. If a student is to be found in violation of any policy, the Dean of Students reserves the right to schedule a virtual meeting to address the violation. If a virtual meeting is scheduled, the student is required to attend. Lack of attendance could result in further disciplinary action. In our Hybrid Learning model, parents and students must abide by the COVID-19 policies and procedures that ensure the health and safety of the entire Iona Prep Community. Any breach of these policies by parent or student may result in appropriate action by the Iona Prep Administration.
Visibility During Virtual Classes Visibility of all students during virtual classes ensures that attendance responsibilities are being fulfilled. Students are required to remain in the field of view of their digital camera/computer webcam throughout the entirety of the virtual class. Students being in the field of view also indicates that the cameras on their computers, smart phones, or tablets are required to be powered on for the entirety of the class. If circumstances arise that requires the student to leave the camera’s field of view, the student is required to obtain permission by the teacher, as they would in class. Students that disregard this regulation will be subject to disciplinary action by the Dean of Students. Distance Learning Dress Code During Iona Preparatory’s Distance Learning Program, a dress code will be enforced for students that will be attending and participating in live virtual classes; this supports the orderly nature of a parochial school environment. Parents are asked to assist in making certain that their sons attend these live virtual classes in proper dress code. Just like Iona Preparatory’s standard dress code for in-seat attendance, our distance learning dress code shall be in effect, when necessary, from the opening of school in September. Decisions regarding appearance are the responsibility of the Dean of Students. Faculty and administration will assist in enforcing the dress code. The fact that some type of clothing, footwear, or hairstyle is not specifically forbidden, does not make it acceptable. THE DECISION OF THE DEAN OF STUDENTS IS FINAL. Teachers and administrators may assign detention to any student who violates any of the rules regarding the student dress code ● When students sign in to a live virtual class, they are required to enter this class in full dress code. Full dress code for distance learning is similar to the Spring Dress Code found in the Iona Preparatory’s Parent/Student Handbook (Upper School 2019-20); it includes a polo (Iona Preparatory Polo is preferred) or dress shirt and slacks or khaki shorts. ● Only polos or dress shirts of a conservative color are permitted. Bright and unconventional colors are not allowed. Casual flannel shirts are not appropriate school attire. Shirts or Polos with prints and/or patterns are not permissible. Shirts or Polos should be presented on camera in an appropriate, professional way throughout the virtual school day. ● Baseball hats, visors, and other headwear accessories are not permitted to be worn during live virtual classes. ● Hair must not be extreme in style, nor color, nor exceed the shirt or jacket collar, nor cover the eyebrows or ears. Unconventional hairstyles and ponytails are prohibited. (**See Below for Pandemic Clause regarding those who are unable to receive a haircut) ● Facial Hair: students are to be “clean shaven” during all live virtual classes. Facial hair is NOT permitted. Students who present doctors’ notes to the Dean of Students prohibiting the use of razors are not exempt from this regulation. Students are expected to comply with this regulation with
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regular home care. Students who continue to disregard this regulation will be kept out of virtual classes until cleanly shaven. Furthermore, no mustaches, beards, or sideburns below the top of the ear lobe are permitted. The wearing of earrings during live virtual classes, retreats, or virtual school functions is not in keeping with the dress code. Earrings are not permitted during the school day. Tongue rings and any other body piercing are not permitted. Covering an earring with a band-aid is not acceptable. Visible jewelry, other than a watch and/or one single ring of conventional size and shape, is not permitted. Students may wear a school issued ¼ zip over their polo or dress shirt during live virtual classes. If you are to wear a ¼ zip, the zipper must be pulled down all the way to reveal your polo or dress shirt to ensure you are keeping with the distance learning dress code. ¼ zips that have hoods are not allowed. Dress sweaters (Crew Neck or V-Neck) are permitted. Students may not wear nonschool issued sweaters with zippers or sweaters with large company logos across the front. Visible tattoos are not acceptable.
Hybrid Learning Dress Code: In addition to and in compliance with the Distance Learning Dress Code, the following policies are applicable to those that are in-seat during a hybrid model. ● Face Mask/Coverings: All students are required to wear a face mask/covering upon arrival to the Iona Prep campus. The face mask/covering must be of a conservative, solid color with no logos, writing, or graphics. Please see the Dean of Students if you are unsure of the acceptability of your face mask/covering. ● During a hybrid model, the students that are in-seat are allowed to be in Spring Dress Code (See Spring Dress Code Policy). PPE & Face Coverings: Iona Preparatory School will require all faculty and staff to wear proper face coverings, including during instruction. Various departments will have the option of purchasing and wearing plastic face coverings when necessary for instructional purposes. However, a cloth face covering or other acceptable surgerystyle mask is preferable. Students will be instructed in proper wearing of the mask and reminded periodically as needed. Parents will be reminded that student masks must be clean and ask them to check with the manufacturer as to how to clean them. Students will be required to come to school wearing acceptable face coverings and keep them on at all times. We are requesting that parents ensure that their son arrives on campus appropriately attired, which includes acceptable face coverings. Furthermore, any person visiting our campus or making any sort of delivery, any vendor and tradesperson, will be required to have acceptable face coverings prior to entering any of our buildings.
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Signage: We are installing arrows on the hallway floors in order to create one-way traffic throughout school hallways. We will post social distancing signs on the walls throughout the school in order to remind everyone of maintaining social distances. Students are required to follow signage on floors that determine student traffic direction to ensure social distancing procedures are followed. Signs in bathrooms will remind people to wash their hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom. Signs will also be put up throughout the building reminding students and staff to wash hands frequently and/or utilize the many hand sanitizing stations throughout both campuses. Exterior doors will have signage reminding people that when they enter the building they will be required to wear a face mask and keep socially distant while inside the building. Social Distancing Policy To ensure the health and safety of all students during the COVID-19 Pandemic, social distancing while on the Iona Preparatory School campus is essential to prevent the spread of the virus. Faculty, staff, and administrators will be enforcing these policies on a consistent basis throughout the day. At no time should there be a congregation of students where social distancing guidelines cannot be followed. To ensure that social distancing guidelines are being followed in the hallway, please pay close attention to the signage on the floors and walls that will indicate student traffic flow. To ensure that social distancing guidelines are being followed in the classrooms, all students should enter the classroom when a teacher instructs them to do so. Students should remain at their seat during instruction to ensure social distancing. Any student who does not comply with this social distancing policy shall be referred to the Dean of Students. Attendance: Similar to the attendance we expect during in-seat classes, the consistent and punctual arrival of students to their virtual live classes is of the utmost importance to an Iona Prep education. Students must avoid being absent whenever possible, and parents must make every effort to make appointments for their sons outside of school hours. We ask that all parents and students read the following paragraphs carefully, especially the information regarding legal reasons for absenteeism. According to New York State Education Law, students are considered “Excused” for absences of the following nature: ● ● ● ● ● ●
Sickness Death in the family Impossible traveling conditions (Not applicable to Distance Learning) Required court appearance Religious Observation Pre-Approved college visitation
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Unexcused Absences, Excessive Absences, and Exam Period Attendance: The policies on unexcused absences, excessive absences, and exam period attendance for our Distance Learning/Hybrid Model Program will correspond with those found in our standard Iona Preparatory Parent/Student Handbook. ● ● ● ● ●
Students who are absent during in-seat instruction must call the attendance officer and alert us to their son being absent. They must inform whether or not he is attending classes virtually. Students who are home sick can still attend classes virtually and it will not be counted as an absence. A reason must be given to our attendance officer to validate an absence. Students who are sick must present a note from a medical professional stating his symptoms are not COVID-19 related. Seasonal allergies – please send us a note from your doctor detailing the symptoms of your son’s allergies. All information must be updated and you must contact the health office with current allergy information.
School Counseling Utilizing classroom settings, individual meetings and small groups, school counselors will reach out to all students and assist them in acclimating back to Iona Prep’s campus after being away since mid-March of 2020. It is hoped that through counselor interaction with students of each grade level, students’ resiliency skills will increase, allowing them to successfully navigate Iona Prep’s new hybrid educational environment. Prior to actual class time, orientation sessions will take place to introduce the “new normal” in school life. Iona Prep’s School Counseling Program is comprehensive and developmental, focusing on students’ academic, emotional, post-secondary and social successes. At Iona Preparatory, each student is assigned a school counselor who remains with them during the student's 4 total years. This allows individual counselors to build a unique relationship with each of their counselees. During the first marking period, we will arrange for developmental school counseling lessons to help alleviate any anxieties student may experience surrounding a return to school and the impact of COVID-19. For students experiencing greater needs, more targeted interventions can be provided, such as individual or group sessions, or even a referral to a local mental health professional. Our School Social Worker works with students in all four years at the Upper School Campus. The social worker does outreach to make students aware of the services available to them. Any student struggling with the transition back to school has access to the School Social Worker, who can provide one-on-one and small group counseling for students who may have been referred. The school has in place a Pupil Personnel Team (PPT) consisting of administrators, counselors, mental health personnel and the school nurse, which meets regularly. This group reviews referrals from teachers, staff and parents to identify interventions and review outcomes. The PPT will prioritize referrals related to COVID-19 (sickness, stress, etc.) and, along with occasional needs assessments, the two will consistently inform the school counseling delivery of services.
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Additionally, during our staff orientation sessions, faculty will be provided certain tools with which to speak with students regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers and staff members will be given information on how to cope with the pandemic, as well as being able to identify any student who may show any symptoms of the virus. In the event of distance learning, students are expected to sign up for appointments (from their Iona Prep email accounts) with their respective school counselors via Calendly. The appointment will be conducted via Google Meet and students are to sign on (from their Iona Prep email accounts) in distance learning school dress code, at the scheduled time, have proper lighting and with their cameras switched on. Students should be physically comfortable and be able to retain privacy (to protect the confidential nature of the counselor-student relationship). For Group Guidance classes, all students are expected to meet deadlines for assignments, especially those set forth by the college counselors.
Student Guidelines for Success During Distance Learning 1. Punctuality is essential: The expectation of punctuality during an in-seat model will be the same expectation of students during live virtual classes, as well. Students should plan to log on 1-2 minutes prior to the start of class so that they are ready to learn. At the beginning of class, the teacher will quickly take attendance and move directly into instruction. To ease the burden of sitting in front of a computer screen all day, we have adjusted the schedule to allow for a brief, 7minute break in between each class. 2. Mute Microphone Immediately: As soon as a student logs into the virtual classroom, he is required to mute his microphone immediately to eliminate any background noises. This will reduce distractions in the classroom and allow the teacher to deliver the curriculum at an appropriate pace. 3. Remain Visible: During live virtual classes, students will be required to remain visible at all times. Failure to do so will result in the teacher marking the student absent and subsequent communication home to parents. All teachers will instruct students on how to ask to be excused to use the bathroom during virtual classes. 4. Focus and Engage: Students should abide by the same rules for virtual classes as they do for inseat classroom etiquette. Students should focus and engage during each and every class. The use of cell phones, electronic devices, etc., are prohibited during virtual classes as they present an easy distraction to the instruction. 5. If you have questions: Each teacher will instruct students on how best to ask questions during live virtual classes (i.e. type questions into comment box, raise hand on screen, etc.) 6. Respect at all times: Students will continue to display respect for all teachers and fellow students during the times of distance learning. Inappropriate behavior as outlined by our Code of Conduct, Internet Agreement and Acceptable Use policy will be enforced during these times. It is important to remember that all students are Iona Men, 24/7, whether at home or on campus!
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COVID POLICIES After a careful review of our enrollment numbers, we are confident that we can accommodate 50% of our enrollment on the Upper School campus. All members of the school community will be socially distant and required to wear a mask. Upper School students will be divided into two cohorts, one on campus for five days and the other learning from home. The second cohort will then be in-seat for five days while the first cohort remains at home. All students at home will attend classes synchronously with their classmates on campus. The following operational policies have been put in place to ensure the health and safety of all members of our community:
PRE-ARRIVAL Prior to their arrival, parents will complete a questionnaire asserting their son is physically well and exhibiting no signs of illness, especially those symptoms associated with COVID-19. Each parent will be asked to validate that his/her son’s temperature is below 100 degrees. Trained staff, with proper PPE, will be present at the student entrance with infrared thermometers available to scan students as they enter the building. Students who exhibit any symptom will be sent to the nurse’s office and if necessary, placed in a quarantined area and their parents contacted to come and take their son home. Similarly, any student who shows any symptom of COVID-19 will be quarantined, his parents summoned, and he will be taken home. PLEASE NOTE * - In an effort to keep all members of our school community safe and healthy, parents bear the responsibility of verifying that their son is COVID-19 symptom free every day. If you know that your son suffers from seasonal allergies, please provide the school with written documentation from your doctor or other medical professional detailing the symptoms of the allergy. You must contact the health office with current information prior to the start of the academic year.
ARRIVAL ON CAMPUS Students may arrive on campus at 7:30 AM. All students must enter at the Front Portico entrance and will see a staff member to ensure they have completed the health questionnaire. If a student has not completed the daily health questionnaire, he will need to complete the form with a member of the Iona Prep staff prior to scanning in for the day. Students will be able to register each day for their scan with their student ID and/or a daily QR code on their smart device. After students have finished their daily temperature scan, they will report to a designated area which includes our cafeteria, student lobby and gymnasium(s). Staff members will stagger sending students to their lockers and all students need to practice physical distance before the start of homeroom at 8:30 AM. Students who arrive after 8:30 AM must report to the Main Office entrance. Students who are late must follow the same protocols in terms of a completed health questionnaire and temperature scan. They must also see Mrs. Schutte, who will be located in the Main Office, for a late pass. All students who arrive after 8:30 AM must have a written note or a phone call in to Mrs. Schutte.
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The following questions will be included in the daily health questionnaire form to be completed by all students: Basic Questions
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Have you been tested for COVID-19 since your last day of school/work? Have you tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days? Have you knowingly been in close or proximate contact in the past 14 days with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has or had symptoms of COVID-19? Have you traveled outside of NYS in the past 14 days? (if yes, students will contact the Dean of Students of the Upper School) PLEASE NOTE *: According to NYS Executive Order 205 (06/24/20), you may be required to quarantine for 14 days upon return to NYS. (Restrictions are subject to change). International travel requires a 14-day quarantine period.
In addition to the “Basic Questions” seen above, students may have to answer a brief symptom checker assessment form that will display the following: Instructions: Since your last day of school, or last visit here (within the past 14 days), have you had any of these symptoms that are not attributed to another condition? Symptoms
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Fever (temp ≥ 100 F) or Chills Cough Shortness of Breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle of Body Aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea
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DAILY POLICIES Social Distancing – will be maintained wherever and whenever possible, including classrooms, cafeteria, gymnasiums, hallways, etc. PPE and Face Coverings - All members of the staff will wear appropriate face coverings at all applicable times. Students will be required to wear appropriate masks/face coverings at all times. All face masks must be appropriate within the context of the mission of Iona Prep. During lunch and other activities, face coverings may be removed at the discretion of the teacher or other adult supervisor. Parents are required to provide the appropriate face coverings for their son – it is part of the uniform. Iona Prep will have face coverings available at the Gael House bookstore and in the Main Office Signage - Both the Upper and Lower Schools will have signage indicating one-way foot traffic, do not enter, maintain social distance, wash hands regularly, and symptoms of COVID-19, among others throughout the buildings. Cleaning - Every room in each building will be strategically cleaned every night to ensure the cleanest possible facility. Bathrooms will be cleaned throughout the day, wiping down sinks, counters and stalls. Food service - Students (and parents) will be urged to bring their own lunches. Iona Prep will have cafeteria service, but lunches must be preordered – information to follow. Upper School students will be directed to either gymnasium or the cafeteria. Students must bring their own refillable water bottle and all supplies (trays, utensils, plates) used during lunch periods will be disposable. Tables, chairs and desks will be cleaned and sanitized after each use on a daily basis.
DISMISSAL At the end of the academic day, students will have a staggered dismissal to ensure physical distancing at locker areas and in the student lobby. Students who take Iona Prep transportation will exit the building near the Tully Gymnasium. Students who are being picked up by other means of transportation will exit the building via the Front Portico or the Main Office. All students must be off campus by 3:15 PM unless otherwise approved by a school administrator.
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