Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide

2020‒2021 Returning to Campus Safely

Back-to-School

Guide

From the head of school Thank you all for your continued patience and especially for your partnership during this unprecedented time. We recognize that since March many families have experienced a lot of change in all aspects of daily life and that these have been very challenging times for many people. As an independent school, we are fortunate that we have the flexibility, the size and capability to respond to and adapt to the changes in environmental conditions and can adhere to the guidelines necessary to have students, faculty and staff return to our campuses during this time. We continue to work tirelessly each day to prepare our campuses to welcome our Saints back home later this month in an effort to bring some normalcy back to the lives of our students and families.

While we have spent months preparing for our return to campus, we recognize that some students may have underlying health conditions, live with a family member who has an underlying health condition or may have general concerns about returning to campus. For that reason, we are offering a virtual learning option for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

As a follow-up to the Guide to Reopening and Returning to Campus Safely that we sent on July 6, we are sharing with you our Back-to-School Guide. Please read this guide thoroughly so you and your student(s) will know what to expect prior to and when school reopens. Please remember that the situation around COVID-19 remains fluid, and we are doing the best we can to answer as many questions that you may have given the information that is available at this time. For that reason, we will have to continue to be flexible and pivot as we move forward. We will continue to keep you informed as we get closer to the start of school.

To help families stay abreast of COVID-19, NSA’s COVID-19 page on our website continues to be updated with the latest information. On this page families will find the latest information as well as policies and procedures related to returning to campus this fall. Please take the time to read all the information thoroughly. This page will be continuously updated as we receive additional information as well as in accordance with any new guidelines provided by national, state and/or local health care officials.

Working together, I am confident that we can mitigate the spread of COVID-19 throughout our campuses. To this end, I hope that all of our families will partner with us and that everyone will do their part to help minimize the spread. Thank you in advance for your commitment to this effort.

With gratitude,

Debbie Russell Head of School

July 29, 2020 Dear VAIS School Communities, All 95 schools within the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) have gathered over the past months to understand the policies and procedures needed to welcome students, families, and employees back to campus and to ensure a rewarding and uplifting academic year. Since March 16th, VAIS has engaged in over 225 Zoom hours of education, resource-gathering, and collaboration around issues of health, safety, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Mutual support and cooperation have been especially helpful as schools plan the way forward during these challenging and unprecedented times. The foremost consideration has been the welfare and safety of the over 8,000 employees and 30,000 children within VAIS. VAIS acknowledges that the COVID pandemic will affect our school communities for some time.

Following Governor Ralph Northam’s Phase Guidance for Virginia Schools, each school is implementing protocols to mitigate inherent risk. Strategies include the modification of class sizes, reappropriation of space, and scheduling adjustments -- all of which have required enormous intellectual and financial investments while honoring the culture of each school community. Our schools are building upon the nimbleness and proficiency with which they moved to virtual instruction this spring to plan for a successful return to campus this fall and the possible need to deliver virtual instruction to some or all students, if and when necessary.

As Virginians work together to limit the spread of the virus, we acknowledge our individual and collective responsibility to mitigate risk. All members of our school communities must lead by example, embrace accountability, implement best practices, and make personal sacrifices for the welfare of students, employees, and families. Both on and off campus, wearing face coverings, conscientious physical distancing, and limiting group interactions are necessary steps to increase the chances that we may continue to offer the meaningful, in-person educational experiences for which our VAIS schools are known. There has never been a more critical time for partnership and cooperation. I’m counting on you.

With gratitude,

Betsy Johnson Hunroe, Executive Director Virginia Association of Independent Schools

Ways We Are Preparing Our Campuses NSA has implemented new procedures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Listed below are several highlights of our recent and ongoing efforts.

Body Temperature Scanners

Increased Cleaning Measures

Scanners will be located at the main entrances to ensure that all students, faculty, staff and essential visitors have a body temperature below 100.4°F and masks are being worn

Clorox® Total 360® Disinfectant Cleaner and Electrostatic Sprayers will be used frequently in classrooms and common areas for disinfecting and sanitizing

Mandatory Face Coverings

Transportation

Face coverings are required on campus in all common areas and classrooms

Health screenings will take place prior to boarding the buses and students will be assigned seats to ensure proper physical distancing

Classroom Reconfigurations

Proper Air Circulation

Classroom furniture has been adjusted and rearranged for physical distancing

HVAC and air filtration systems have been inspected and updated if needed to ensure proper fresh-air circulation and ventilation

Signs and Messaging

Limiting Visitors

Signs have been installed throughout our campuses as a reminder of safety protocols and to encourage proper hygiene practices Isolation Rooms

Visitors will be limited to those who are deemed essential and will be by appointment only

Individual Supplies

Isolation rooms have been created on both campuses for symptomatic students

Sharing resources or supplies will be strictly limited, and in the few instances where this is not possible, supplies and equipment will be sanitized after each use

Water Fountains

Common Areas and Locker Rooms

Water fountains will not be used, so students are encouraged to bring water from home

Use of common areas will be limited and access to locker rooms will be controlled and limited

Arrival and Dismissal Times Arrival Daily arrival and dismissal times have been adjusted to promote physical distancing. Students will travel from carpool directly to their classroom or their first class. Families with students in more than one division should drop off students during the designated times below (i.e. drop off middle school student, then proceed to upper school carpool loop).

7:45 a.m.

7:45-7:55 a.m. Carpool Last Names A-G (all grades with the exception of Pre-Kindergarten)

7:50-8:10 a.m. Bus riders (Main Campus only)

7:55-8:05 a.m. Carpool Last Names H-P (all grades with the exception of Pre-Kindergarten)

8:05-8:15 a.m. Carpool Last Names Q-Z (all grades with the exception of Pre-Kindergarten)

8:10-8:20 a.m. Student Drivers

8:20 a.m.

8:15-8:30 a.m. Pre-Kindergarten

All faculty are expected to be present in their classrooms (faculty/staff children can report to their respective teacher’s classroom at this time)

Key Dates

Classes begin for Kindergarten-Grade 12

Dismissal Students will be dismissed on a staggered schedule based on grade levels. Parents will not be allowed to leave the cars. Teachers will assist students into the car. Classes will be in assigned spaces, and faculty, staff and students will be required to wear masks during this time. Faculty children will be strongly encouraged to attend Extended Care/Beyond the Bell after dismissal prior to departing school with their faculty parent.

2:35-2:45 p.m. Pre-Kindergarten

2:45 p.m.

2:55-3:10 p.m. Bus Dismissal (all Main Campus students)

3:00 p.m.

Carpool Upper and Middle School

2:50 p.m.

Carpool Grades 2-3

3:10 p.m.

Student Drivers

2:55 p.m.

Carpool Grades 4-5

Carpool Kindergarten- Grade 1

August

17

All faculty report for pre-service week

24 August

Orientation and safety training for students in Kindergarten - Grade 5 (last names A-O)

25 August

Orientation and safety training for students in Kindergarten - Grade 5 (last names P-Z)

26 August

First day of school for students in Kindergarten Grade 5 and orientation and safety training for middle and upper school students

27 August

First day of school for students in grades 6-12 and Pre-Kindergarten orientation and safety training (last names A-J)

28 August

Pre-Kindergarten orientation and safety training (last names K-Z)

31

August

First day of school for all Pre-Kindergarten students

Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide | 4

Training To ensure students are aware of the new health and safety protocols, NSA will provide safety procedures training and orientation prior to the first day of school. During this training, students will become familiar with our new protocols and routines, including hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, use of face coverings, staying home when sick and encouraging physical distancing. Faculty and staff will also receive safety procedures training prior to students returning to campus. Additionally, faculty will continue to receive instructional technology training and professional development to further enhance delivery of our curriculum both inperson and virtually.

Orientation and Safety Training

(both campuses)

Kindergarten - Grade 5

24 August

Last Names A-C Last Names D-F Last Names G-J Last Names K-O

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Middle and Upper School

26

August

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

25 August Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Last Names P-S Last Names T-Z

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Pre-Kindergarten

27

August

Last Names A-C Last Names D-F Last Names G-J

9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

28

August

Last Names K-O Last Names P-S Last Names T-Z

9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Virtual Learning Families

For students who select the virtual learning option, orientation will be conducted via Zoom.

21 August

Lower School 10:00 a.m.

25 August

Grade 6 Grade 7

9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Grade 8 Grades 9-12

11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled time, please call the office manager in your student’s division or email your child’s classroom teacher or advisor to schedule an alternative time. Please note that the student and one parent may attend lower school/pre-kindergarten orientations, and in grades 6-12, orientation and safety training is for students only. The use of masks, temperature checks and physical distancing will be required for all students, faculty, staff, parents and guardians. Parents and students should not congregate before, during or after training and must leave campus immediately after training.

School Community Expectations In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and the Virginia Governor, NSA is implementing new procedures and following best practices to maintain a healthy school environment and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These practices include strict limitation of visitors, self-screening guidelines, wearing masks, washing and disinfecting hands frequently and respecting physical distancing guidelines. Signage will be displayed throughout our campuses to remind community members of the school’s expectations.

Essential Visitors by Appointment Only NSA is strictly limiting visitors to campus to essential visitors only until further notice. All essential visitors will be required to make an appointment. Please call the division office manager to set up an appointment. Parent meetings, volunteer meetings, group events and any other special programming will be conducted as virtual sessions or postponed until further notice.

Before Leaving for School NSA will partner with faculty, staff, students and families to assess themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 before reporting to school and will also require everyone to be screened by school personnel upon arrival.

Prior to the first day of school, all NSA parents will be required to complete a form in SaintsNet, the “Community Wellness Pledge,” to support the health and wellness of the NSA community.

Prior to Boarding the Bus If an individual answers yes to any of the daily health assessment questions before arriving to NSA or before boarding NSA bus transportation, the student should stay home. Students that are transported to campus using bus services will be scanned by the bus driver using a touchless forehead temperature scanner prior to boarding the bus. Parents or guardians are required to remain at the bus stop until the student has been cleared to board the bus. Students are required to wear masks on the bus.

Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide | 6

Upon Arrival to Campus NSA will utilize body temperature scanners upon arrival to the school buildings for all students, faculty, staff and essential visitors, ensuring all persons waiting to be scanned are spaced at least six feet apart. Body temperature scanners will be located at the entrances listed below and will be monitored each morning upon arrival by a staff member.

Lower School Lobby Lower School Admissions Lobby

Middle School Lobby

Upper School Lobby Helen B. Holland Early School at the Main Campus Harbour View Campus Main Lobby

Body temperature scanners operate on a pass/fail basis and are set to fail if a student or employee has a temperature of 100.4° F or above and/or is not wearing a face mask. Body/ facial temperature scanners have been tested to be accurate within 0.5 degrees. Any student or employee who receives a fail reading by the body temperature scanner will then be re-scanned by a touchless forehead temperature scanner for a second reading to determine if the student or employee may enter the building. Students, faculty, staff or visitors with a temperature of 100.4° F or above will be sent home. School personnel will also confirm if students, faculty, staff and essential visitors are wearing a face covering and utilizing hand sanitizer prior to entering the hallways.

Temperatures will not be recorded, and data will not be stored in the scanners. The division heads will monitor total absences by classroom and grade level by using our current student information system.

7 | Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide

Deciding When to Stay Home When Your Student Feels Sick

Has your student been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days?

Is your student sick?

YES

YES

Scenario 1

Scenario 2

Usual Symptoms

New or Unusual Symptoms

Student is sick with usual symptoms (e.g. allergies migraines, asthma, etc.) or symptoms are caused by a known diagnosis (e.g. ear infection or strep throat) and has not had close contact in the past 14 days with someone with COVID-19.

Student is sick with new or unusual symptoms and has not had close contact in the past 14 days with someone with COVID-19.

Consult your student’s health care provider and notify COVID-19 Wellness Coordinator Kerry Bolling.

Once symptoms have improved and your student is fever free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your student may return to school.

Consult your student’s health care provider and notify COVID-19 Wellness Coordinator Kerry Bolling.

If an alternate diagnosis can be provided by your student’s health care provider, your student may return to school if fever free for at least 24 hours and symptoms have improved.

YES

Reference “Scenario 3” for quarantine and isolation requirements Students who are tested for COVID-19 because of symptoms or close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be kept home while waiting for test results.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will be contacted within 24 hours of the discovery of a positive case.

VDH will be responsible for all contact tracing, and NSA will work closely with all public health officials.

Symptoms of COVID-19 Include: • Muscle or body aches

• Fever or chills

• Headache

• Cough

• New loss of taste or smell

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Congestion or runny nose • Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue

A person with COVID-19 is considered to be contagious starting from two days before they became sick (or two days before they tested positive if they never had symptoms) until they meet the criteria to discontinue isolation.

• Diarrhea The above guidance may be adapted by the CDC, state or local health departments to respond to rapidly changing local circumstances.

Deciding When to Stay Home

What to Do if a Student Has Contact with a Confirmed COVID-19 Case

Scenario 3 Your student has been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

Close Contact: Being within six feet of a person who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes, or having direct contact with respiratory secretions

Student must stay home Parent or guardian should contact COVID-19 Wellness Coordinator Kerry Bolling.

Student has symptoms consistent with COVID-19

Student is asymptomatic, then develops symptoms

Student is asymptomatic

Consult your student’s health care provider. Student cannot return to school for 10 days after the day symptoms start.

When symptoms start, consult with your student’s health care provider and begin 10-day isolation for your student and 14-day quarantine for close contacts.

If students do not develop symptoms, they still must remain out of school for the entire 14-day quarantine.

On day 15, the student may return to school.

After 10-day isolation, student may return to school if fever free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and symptoms have improved. A parent or guardian must call the COVID-19 wellness coordinator the day before returning to school.

After 10-day isolation, student may return to school if fever free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and symptoms have improved. A parent or guardian must call the COVID-19 wellness coordinator the day before returning to school.

Note: A negative test for COVID-19 does not change the recommendations for quarantine/isolation. A note from your student’s health care provider may be required to return to school.

If a student is sent home and at any point is feeling well enough, the student may participate in virtual learning until returning to campus.

Recommendations for discontinuation of isolation or quarantine in persons known to be infected with COVID-19 may differ from quarantine requirements for persons who have had close contact/exposure based on the time that it takes for symptoms to present.

The above guidance may be adapted by the CDC, state or local health departments to respond to rapidly changing local circumstances.

Updated 10/27/2020

Communication Protocols Upon learning of a positive COVID-19 case in a student, NSA will consult with the Virginia Department of Health to determine reporting, tracing and communication protocols. In the event that a student, faculty and/or staff member is believed to have had primary exposure to the individual with COVID-19, the school will contact those individuals directly and will provide instructions for quarantine and isolation requirements.

Face Covering Expectations Face coverings are required on campus at all times unless otherwise authorized by the school. We will work very closely with our pre-kindergarten students and families to introduce this concept to the greatest extent possible and get those students used to wearing masks at school. Prior to the opening of school, please work with your students at home to get them used to wearing masks.

Face coverings should cover your nose and mouth and must fit securely on the sides of your face. All masks should have a school-appropriate design without writing, with the exception of collegiate or NSA logos, and should comply with the dress code. Face shields will not be permitted as a substitute for a mask. Gaiter-style masks are not acceptable, and masks with oneway exhalation valves or vents are also not permitted. If a student is not comfortable wearing a face covering, the student should select the virtual learning option to protect the health and safety of the faculty, staff and other students.

Campus Modifications Health Clinics Our Health Clinics at both campuses will create additional space and distancing for students with various ailments and symptoms. Our nursing staff will work closely with the division office managers to manage and monitor the number of students in the health clinics at all times. If a student has a temperature of 100.4° F or higher, is coughing or experiencing shortness of breath that otherwise cannot be explained, the student will not be allowed to return to class. The student will be escorted and will remain in the designated isolation room until the student is picked up by a parent or guardian. Parents should pick up the student within 45 minutes of being contacted by the school. A faculty or staff member or the nurse will remain with the student while the student is isolated.

Isolation Rooms Students and/or faculty and staff with a fever of 100.4° F or greater or exhibiting COVID-19-like symptoms will be isolated. Faculty will be sent home or will be sent to a health care provider. NSA will notify our housekeeping team to sanitize, clean and disinfect any area after use by an individual presenting symptoms of illness.

Main Campus: Upper School Room 213: Parents will be contacted and will meet the student at the entrance adjacent to the football field and faculty parking lot to pick up the student.

Harbour View Campus: Room 104: Parents will be contacted and will meet the student at the front entrance of the building to pick up the student.

Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide | 10

Physical Distancing

In Classrooms NSA will promote physical distancing within classrooms by separating classroom seating six feet apart. In a few instances where six feet cannot be achieved, NSA will separate classroom seating at least five feet apart. The use of face coverings will be required in all classrooms.

Additionally, NSA will encourage all faculty to utilize available outdoor areas for instruction, weather permitting, ensuring students are practicing required social distancing measures.

Students will be encouraged to bring a blanket, towel or stadium seat for outdoor instruction.

Physical Distancing

Outside of the classroom Transportation Physical distancing will be promoted by limiting students to one student per seat. Siblings will be allowed to be seated on the same seat. To maximize physical distance between students, NSA will assign seating on each bus and will mark the preferred location (window or aisle) on each seat.

Common Areas NSA will limit the size of large-group gatherings, consistent with current executive orders, and will limit gatherings in small spaces where physical distancing is difficult. Use of common spaces, such as the cafeteria, gymnasium, locker rooms, multipurpose rooms and libraries will be limited. In hallways and other common spaces, students will be required to wear face coverings as in the classrooms. Hall monitors will be used in each division to ensure face coverings are being used, appropriate distancing is maintained and students do not congregate in hallways.

Lockers and Locker Rooms Upper and middle school students will be released by grade level in between classes.

To promote physical distancing and to minimize students congregating at lockers, class dismissal times will be staggered. Use of locker rooms will be limited and controlled.

Recess and Physical Education Outdoor activities will be encouraged as much as possible while maintaining social distancing and limiting mixing of groups. The use of playground equipment will be limited and will be sanitized after each use. For activities that involve equipment, each student will have their own for the duration of the class and then all equipment will be sanitized between classes.

11 | Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide

Our Learning Models In Phase III and beyond, NSA plans to begin the school year with in-person instruction and learning five days a week, all day. Parents will have the option to select virtual learning in kindergarten through grade 12 due to underlying health conditions or for other reasons related to the virus.

Our COVID-19 task force will continue to monitor all health and safety regulations to ensure best practices in health and safety are implemented and will recommend changes and/or adjustments to our procedures and guidelines as needed to enable teaching and learning to continue throughout the school year. This plan prioritizes the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and families.

In-Person Instruction: Campuses Open Students are learning on campus in all divisions, and preventative practices as well as mitigation behaviors are implemented.

Virtual Learning: Campuses Open Families with students in kindergarten through grade 12 may choose to learn virtually from home. Families selecting this option will commit to a trimester and may re-evaluate this option at the end of the trimester.

If you are interested in participating in virtual learning at home instead of in-person instruction, please send an email to your student’s division head by August 14.

All Virtual Learning: Campuses Closed All students and staff are participating in virtual learning. Enhanced virtual learning program commences through synchronous and asynchronous lessons at home.

Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide | 12

School Day and Programs Academic Schedule Upper and Middle School (in-person instruction or individual virtual learning option) To minimize the number of interactions each day, upper and middle school students will follow a modified block schedule. Clubs, assemblies and class meetings will all be held virtually.

Community time and study hall will be held daily with upper school advisory groups.

Students will spend three weeks on the blue rotation and three weeks on the gold rotation. At the start of school, the students will begin attending blue days on Thursday, August 27, 2020.

The blue rotation will take place from August 27, 2020 through September 18, 2020. The gold rotation will begin on September 21, 2020 and end on October 9, 2020. This cycle will continue throughout each trimester.

Time

Blue Day 1

Blue Day 2

Blue Day 3

Gold Day 1

Gold Day 2

Gold Day 3

8:20-9:50 a.m.

A

B

C

D

E

F

E

F

D

Morning Break

9:50-10:10 a.m.

10:10-11:40 a.m.

11:40 a.m.

-12:30 p.m.

B

C

A

Upper School Upper School Upper School Community Time/ Community Time/ Community Time/ Study Hall Study Hall Study Hall

Upper School Upper School Upper School Community Time/ Community Time/ Community Time/ Study Hall Study Hall Study Hall

11:40 a.m.

-12:30 p.m.

Middle School Lunch

Middle School Lunch

Middle School Lunch

Middle School Lunch

12:30-1:20 p.m.

Upper School Lunch

Upper School Lunch

Upper School Lunch

Upper School Lunch

Upper School Lunch

Upper School Lunch

12:30-1:20 p.m.

Middle School G

Middle School G

Middle School G

Middle School G

Middle School G

Middle School G

1:25-2:55 p.m.

C

A

B

F

D

E

2:55-3:05 p.m.

Dismissal

13 | Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide

Middle School Lunch

Middle School Lunch

Upper and Middle School (continued) Students who choose the virtual learning option in the upper and middle school will be assigned a virtual learning liaison to facilitate their online learning and maintain regular communication.

The student will follow the same academic schedule as in-person instruction. In the middle school, webcams and Zoom will be used to provide synchronous learning. The Upper School will use the Kubi Telepresence Robot in combination with Zoom to allow virtual learners to interact with their teachers and peers. Virtual learning orientation will be held for those who elect this option. Please see page five for dates and times.

Middle and Upper School Virtual Learning Overview • Students will be enrolled in an on-campus class • Students will follow the same syllabus as the the on-campus class • Class times will follow the on-campus school day schedule, not the 100% virtual schedule • All assignments and resources will be accessed in SaintsNet • The virtual learning liaison will be the point of contact for the student or parent • Assessments completed at home are still subject to the Honor Code

• The Zoom platform and other technology will be used for students to join the class for synchronous learning or videos may be provided • All late work and/or make-up work will follow the policies in the Student/Parent Handbook.

• Students and parents are responsible for checking the syllabus and keeping up with assignments • Attendance will be taken

Lower School (in-person instruction or individual virtual learning option) For in-person instruction, teachers will utilize additional spaces to break classes into smaller groups when feasible to encourage more physical distancing. Weather permitting, outdoor spaces will be used for instruction. Recess and break times will be modified to minimize crossgroup contact. Students will continue to receive instruction in special subject areas, such as art, music, guidance, Spanish and library. The specials teachers will travel to the classrooms to minimize the use of shared spaces. The lower school schedule has been redesigned to limit exposure over a sustained period of time. Specials will be scheduled in longer blocks of times over a bi-weekly rotation, and students will receive instruction in all special areas during the trimester.

For families that choose virtual learning, students will be assigned a homeroom teacher and grade-level liaison that will facilitate synchronous and asynchronous activities, monitor assignments and support student learning. Students will follow a schedule and will have daily communication with the grade-level virtual learning liaison teacher on campus. Teachers will monitor student progress through regular virtual assessments. Students will use Zoom, Seesaw or Google Classroom and IXL, a personalized, online learning platform, to complete virtual learning from home. Additional instructional materials and manipulatives will be provided by the school and sent home to families as needed throughout the year.

Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide | 14

Lower School (continued) Time

Lower School Sample Virtual Learning Schedule

8:30 a.m.

Morning Meeting

9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

Virtual learning via large group and small group activities, resource activities as well as time for independent activities

12:00-3:00 p.m.

Lunch, recess, rest time, independent activities, resource activities and virtual conferences by appointment

Programs Morning Care Morning care will begin on September 8 to allow time to adjust to the new safety protocols.

It will operate daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Students will be dropped off at a designated entrance on each campus. Daily health screenings will be required as well as temperature checks before students are permitted to enter the program. Teachers will provide independent activities. Students may be grouped from different classes and grade levels, but this will be minimized as much as possible. Students will also be provided with a separate space to store personal belongings. Parents will not be allowed to enter the building when dropping off students.

Extended Care Extended care will also begin on September 8 to allow time to adjust to the new safety protocols. All students will have their temperature checked prior to entering the extended care program. Any student with a temperature of 100.4° F or greater will not be permitted to attend and will need to be picked up immediately. Students may be grouped from different classes and grade levels, but this will be minimized as much as possible. The same health and safety measures that are implemented in the classroom will be used in extended care. Parents will be permitted in the lobby area to sign students out, but they will be required to go through the temperature screening process and to wear a face covering.

Visual and Performing Arts Visual and performing arts will continue to be offered with modifications as needed. In some cases, teachers will travel to classrooms instead of having their own designated classrooms.

Schedules may be modified in order to maintain small groups of students with physical distancing and to limit the mix of students. Large gathering performances are suspended for the time being. The Arts Department is re-imagining opportunities for student performances and will provide updates through each division.

Field Trips and Student Travel During this time, overnight student travel and field trips are suspended until further notice.

We will need to re-imagine how to create meaningful experiences for our students in lieu of field trips.

15 | Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide

Athletics The Office of Athletics recognizes the value of interscholastic athletics to the social and emotional well-being of student-athletes and is committed to working with TCIS member schools to design a safe return-to-play model. At this time, we are planning on offering all three athletic seasons this year as outlined below. The Office of Athletics will continue to work with the TCIS member schools to monitor national and local data in order to adjust or alter this calendar in the best interests of all schools.

Winter Season: November 18, 2020 – January 30, 2021; first competition date, December 8, 2020 Fall Season: February 1, 2021 – March 27, 2021; first competition date, February 16, 2021 Spring Season: March 29, 2021 – May 22, 2021; first competition date, April 13, 2021

Lunch, Snacks and Dining Services At the Main Campus, all students, faculty and staff will have the option of ordering boxed lunches from our dining services vendor, Flik Independent School Dining. Breakfast, break and after-school snack services, coffee as well as grab and go items will not be available initially to students, faculty or staff. All students (including those in Pre-K, lower school and extended day) should bring their own snacks, as snacks will no longer be distributed and/or shared. Students, faculty and staff who are interested in lunch services will be provided with options for boxed lunches that will be delivered to the classroom at the designated lunch time.

Menus for boxed lunches can be accessed on NSA’s website by clicking on “Campus Services” and then “Dining Services.”

Orders must be submitted online by midnight the day prior to the boxed lunch date request.

Lunch order forms are located in SaintsNet by clicking on “Resources” and then “Dining Services.” Lunch orders will be charged to a student, faculty or staff’s individual dining service account located within the MyKids Spending Program.

Restrooms on Campus All bathrooms on campus will be closely monitored for numbers, as well as disinfected and sanitized on a frequent basis throughout the school day. Lower school students will be assigned bathrooms by proximity to their classroom (if there is not a dedicated bathroom in the classroom).

Spirit Shop The Spirit Shop at the Main Campus remains closed to the public at this time. The Spirit Shop is planning on offering virtual shopping by appointment only and will also provide updates about new merchandise through the school’s website and social media accounts. Please send an email to spiritorders@nsacademy.org to request a virtual shopping appointment or to place an order.

Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide | 16

Preparing for Interruptions Virtual Learning While NSA is implementing several proactive measures and mitigation behaviors, there may be circumstances beyond our control that may require the school to close for a period of time or for the remainder of the school year after consultation with local and state health officials or under an executive order. After reflecting on virtual learning in the spring, including feedback through surveys from parents, students and faculty members, we have made a number of improvements to our virtual learning experience for students.

Revised schedules in all divisions to easily transition from in-person instruction to virtual learning and to allow more time for office hours and individualized instruction

Teaching, learning and grading policies and expectations will be consistent with in-person instruction, including completing comparable work

Increased and refined technology tools to extend the reach of the classroom beyond the physical space on our campuses to our students at home

Faculty members are participating in professional development through the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) to further develop their virtual instructional skills. Additional professional development regarding virtual instruction and technology will take place in the faculty pre-service week.

17 | Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide

Virtual Learning Schedules In the event that NSA is required to transition to virtual learning for all students, upper, middle and lower school students will follow the schedules below. Upper and middle school students will be following a modified block schedule similar to the schedule that will be used for in-person instruction this academic year to allow students to easily adjust and continue to excel at home. Students will spend three weeks on the blue rotation and three weeks on the gold rotation. Prior to the first day of virtual learning, upper and middle school students will be notified of the rotation to follow.

Middle and Upper School Virtual Learning Schedule (all students) Time

Blue Day 1

Blue Day 2

Blue Day 3

Gold Day 1

Gold Day 2

Gold Day 3

9:00-9:55 a.m.

A

B

C

D

E

F

10:00-10:55 a.m.

B

C

A

E

F

D

11:00-11:55 a.m.

C

A

B

F

D

E

11:55 a.m.12:25 p.m.

Middle School G

Middle School G

12:30-1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Lunch

1:00-2:00 p.m.

Advisory/Assembly/Club and Class Meetings

Advisory/Assembly/Club and Class Meetings

2:00-2:30 p.m.

Individualized Instruction and Office Hours

Individualized Instruction and Office Hours

2:30-3:00 p.m.

Individualized Instruction and Office Hours

Individualized Instruction and Office Hours

3:00-3:30 p.m.

Individualized Instruction and Office Hours

Individualized Instruction and Office Hours

Lower School Virtual Learning Schedule (all students) Time

Lower School Virtual Learning Schedule

9:00 a.m.

Morning Meeting

9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

Virtual learning via large group and small group activities, resource activities as well as time for independent activities

12:00-3:00 p.m.

Lunch, recess, rest time, independent activities, resource activities and virtual conferences by appointment Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide | 18

Back-to-School Checklist For the two weeks prior to the beginning of school, families are asked to diligently follow physical distancing practices. If traveling to what is designated a high-risk area by the CDC, students are encouraged to self-quarantine for two weeks before returning to school. While NSA will do its part in attempting to mitigate exposure during the school day, it is important that our families understand their obligations in ensuring the same when the school day ends. We all have the same goal, to have an in-person experience on campus. We thank you in advance for your assistance in helping our community remain on campus as long as possible. So please, even when you are away from NSA, remember to wash your hands frequently, wear a face covering when in public and maintain physical distance.

All Parents Log in to SaintsNet. Contact the Office Manager in your student’s division if you are unable to access SaintsNet. Review parent-student handbooks posted on the “Resources” tab in SaintsNet (available August 17).

Complete school forms in SaintsNet. Forms can be accessed by clicking on the link in the pop-up window in SaintsNet. All forms will be available on August 17 and are due by the first day of school.

Check your @nsacademy.org email account. Contact the office manager in your student’s division if you need assistance accessing your NSA Gmail account.

Main Campus Parents: If your student will be purchasing lunch, please click on “Resources” in SaintsNet and review the dining services information.

New Students: Submit original birth certificates (Pre-K2 - Grade 8) to the Office of Admissions before the first day of school.

New Students: Submit School Entrance Health Form to the Office of Admissions before the first day of school. Students may not attend school until this form has been submitted.

Determine if your student will participate in the virtual learning option and notify your student’s division head by August 14.

Lower School Parents (Pre-K2-Grade 5) Log in to SaintsNet to view summer reading suggestions for grades 1-5. Click on the “Resources” tab to view the summer reading list.

Purchase your student’s supplies. Lists are available in SaintsNet. Click on the “Resources” tab to access the lists.

Submit School Entrance Health Form to the Lower School Office before the first day of school for all kindergarten students. Students may not attend school until this form has been submitted.

Log in to SaintsNet on Wednesday, August 19, to view classroom placements and schedules. In the top navigation, select your child’s name to see the homeroom assignment. While logged in, please complete the applicable forms below. All forms must be submitted by the first day of school.

Pre-Kindergarten Forms Agreement to Support the Handbook

Pre-Kindergarten Registration Form

Pre-Kindergarten Medical Release

Community Wellness Pledge

Pre-Kindergarten Transportation Form

Transportation Waiver (Pre-K4 Only)

Media Release 19 | Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide

Lower School Parents (Pre-K2-Grade 5) continued Lower School Forms Lower School Transportation

Bus Transportation Transportation Waiver

Technology Responsible Use Agreement (Grades 3-5)

Extended Day Registration

Medical Release and Permission for Off-Campus Activities

Media Release

Community Wellness Pledge

Attend safety training and orientation in your student’s classroom and drop-off school supplies (student and one parent or guardian).

August 24, K‒5 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

2:00 - 3:00 p.m

Last Names A-C Last Names D-F Last Names G-J Last Names K-O

August 25, K‒5 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Last Names P-S 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Last Names T-Z August 27, Pre-K 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Last Names A-C 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Last Names D-F 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Last Names G-J

August 28, Pre-K 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Last Names K-O 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Last Names P-S 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Last Names T-Z

Middle School Parents and Students Purchase your student’s books and supplies. Click on the “Resources” tab in SaintsNet to access the lists.

Log in to SaintsNet on Wednesday, August 19, to view your student’s schedule. In the top navigation, select your child’s name to access the schedule. While logged in, please complete the applicable forms below, which must be completed by the first day of school.

Middle School Forms Health Participation Agreement Technology Agreement Medical Release and Permission for Off-Campus Activities

Bus Transportation Transportation Waiver Beyond the Bell Registration Community Wellness Pledge

Athletic Handbook Agreement

Media Release

Athletic Waiver

Student Access Card Guidelines

Complete summer assignments by the first day of school, which are posted in SaintsNet on the “Resources” tab.

Submit documentation of Tdap immunization to the Middle School office manager before the first day of school for all seventh grade students. Students may not attend school until this has been submitted.

Submit an athletic physical to the Office of Athletics if your student plans on joining a team.

Forms can be found on the “Resources” tab in SaintsNet. Athletic physicals must be dated May 1, 2020 or later.

Attend orientation and safety training with advisors on August 26 (students only). Students are welcome to bring supplies at this time or on the first day of school.

August 26

Grade 6: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Grade 7: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Grade 8: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

All returning students need to bring their access card on the first day of school.

Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide | 20

Upper School Parents and Students Log in to SaintsNet to view student schedules, which will be available on Wednesday, August 19. Click on the “Resources” tab to view summer assignments. While logged in, complete the applicable forms below. All forms must be completed by the first day of school.

Upper School Forms

Athletic Handbook Agreement

Medical Release and Permission for Off-Campus Activities

Media Release

Technology Responsible Use Agreement

Community Wellness Pledge

Student Access Card Guidelines

Transportation Waiver

Athletic Waiver

Bus Transportation Form

Purchase your student’s books and supplies. Click on the “Resources” tab in SaintsNet to access the lists.

Complete course specific summer assignments, which have varying due dates throughout the summer.

Submit an athletic physical to the Office of Athletics if your student plans on joining a team. Forms can be found on the “Resources” tab in SaintsNet. Athletic physicals must dated May 1, 2020 or later.

Attend orientation and safety training with your advisor on August 26 (students only). Bring supplies and books to set up lockers.

August 26 Grade 9: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Grade 10: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Grade 11: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Grade 12: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

All returning students need to bring their access card on the first day of school.

COVID-19 Task Force Nansemond-Suffolk Academy established a COVID-19 task force consisting of the current administrative team, staff, faculty, trustees and the community members listed below. This team will continue to monitor for the presence of COVID-19 symptoms within the school community and will work closely with public health and local officials to minimize outbreaks and risk to the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.

Main Contact: Kerry Bolling ’91, RN, COVID-19 Wellness Coordinator, kbolling@nsacademy.org, (757)539-8789 ext. 2213 Debbie Russell, Head of School, drussell@nsacademy.org Kim Aston ’88, Head of Upper School, kaston@nsacademy.org Michelle Horton ’89, Head of Middle School, mhorton@nsacademy.org Frances Chambers, Director of Academic Affairs, fchambers@nsacademy.org

Larry Wilson, Director of Security and Operations, lwilson@nsacademy.org Maggie Prince, Director of Admissions, mprince@nsacademy.org Kenda Council ’91, Director of Advancement, kcouncil@nsacademy.org T.W. Johnson ’92, Director of Athletics, tjohnson@nsacademy.org

Serena Bush, Head of Lower School, Harbour View Campus, and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, sbush@nsacademy.org

Brittany Thornburg ’08, Assistant Director of Athletics, bthornburg@nsacademy.org

Alex Bartlett ’01, Head of Lower School, Main Campus, abartlett@nsacademy.org

Kelly Fujimoto, School Nurse, RN, kfujimoto@nsacademy.org

Amy Morrell, Executive Administrator, amorrell@nsacademy.org Angie Thompson ’01, Director of Finance and Accounting, athompson@nsacademy.org Karen Schompert, Director of Communications and Public Relations, kschompert@nsacademy.org

Michele Bossick, Director of Technology, mbossick@nsacademy.org Lindsay Austin ’07, Athletic Trainer, laustin@nsacademy.org Shannon Woodward ’93, Trustee, Parent, swoodward@amadascoach.com Dr. James Hammond, Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Parent, amphibian1@yahoo.com

21 | Returning to Campus Safely: 2020-2021 Back-to-School Guide