TA B OR A C A DEMY
Reopening Plan for fall 2020
CHRIS BOUCHER
ERIC LONG
TIM CLEARY
EILEEN MARCEAU
BETHANY DANIELS
JULIE PRZYBYSZEWSKI
ROB HURD
JULIE SALIT
DEREK KREIN
STEPHEN SANFORD
Director of Facilities
Director of Admissions
Dean of Students
Associate Head of School, Academic Affairs
Executive Assistant to Interim Head of School Waterfront Director
Director of Health Services Interim Head of School
Dean of Professional & Programmatic Growth
Associate Head of School, Finance and Operations, CFO
CONAN LEARY Athletic Director
SUBCOMMITTEES ACADEMICS
Eileen Marceau (Chair) Wes Chaput Tim Cheney Merrie-Beth Cleary Rob Hurd CK Kennedy Derek Krein Nate Meleo Lianne Petrocelli Jon Sirois Tricia Smith Drew Tanzosh Matt Voci Stephen Watt
CO-CURRICULARS Conan Leary (Chair) Will Becker Lauren Boucher Merrie-Beth Cleary Sarah Gurry Jesse Hawley Chris Rorke Brian Torres Stacy Turner Coke Whitworth
HEALTH & SAFETY
Julie Przybyszewski (Chair) Chris Boucher (Chair) Jim Feen (Senior VP CIO, Southcoast Health) Jay Houck Derek Krein Eric Long Sharon McGraw Noel Pardo Steve Sanford Liz West
STUDENT LIFE Tim Cleary (Chair) Will Becker Liz Cheney Rick DaSilva Sarah Hogoboom Andrew McCain Ali Mitchell Helene Sughrue Kelly Walker Taylor Washburn Chris White
REOPENING TASK FORCE
FA L L 2 0 2 0 R E O P E N I N G TA S K F O R C E
Our top priority throughout our planning process remains the Health and Safety of our entire Tabor Community. While we could not be more proud of the robust academic online distance learning program this spring, we are a school that thrives in building relationships in our small classes, on our stages, on athletic surfaces, in our Dining Hall, and in our dormitories. We missed the time our students, faculty, and staff shared experiences, fun and funny moments, deep conversations, or a rendition of the Tabor Alma Mater together—all of the countless moments that make up our days and connect us to this extraordinary community. We are eager to bring our community members back together in August!
OU R GOALS • to keep our students, families, faculty, and staff healthy and safe • to provide an exceptional quality academic experience • to offer a Tabor Experience rich in diversity, wellness, and choice • to support families of all backgrounds, distances, and interests
REOPENING GOALS
INTRODUCTION
(subject to change)
week of August 24
Students outside of MA and the 7 lower-risk (RI is no longer a lower-risk state) states may arrive to campus. See letter dated 7/28 for more details
August 28
Day students arrive to campus for testing
August 29
All 9th graders and Boarding proctors arrive
August 30
New 10th and 11th graders, All 12th graders arrive
August 31
Returning 10th and 11th graders arrive
September 1
Orientation program continues (specific schedule TBD)
September 2
Classes begin (new date due to 24hr testing turnaround for results)
November 20
Trimester 1 ends, Thanksgiving Break begins
December 1
Trimester 2 classes begin in Online Distance Learning mode
December 18
Winter Break begins
week of January 5, 2021
Students return to campus (scheduled arrivals TBD)
January 11
Trimester 2 classes resume in person
March Break
TBD as more information is obtained through fall
June 2
Trimester 3 ends
June 3
Prize Day, Baccalaureate
June 4 Commencement
MAJOR DATES CALENDAR
M A J O R D AT E S C A L E N D A R
Reopening Plan for fall 2020
H E A LT H & S A F E T Y
Any student experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms or students who have tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of scheduled arrival to Tabor should NOT return to campus. Please contact the Health Center for further instructions. All families MUST complete and submit all health forms prior to arrival to campus. Please be in touch with Julie Crosby at jecrosby@taboracademy.org with questions. We will follow the Massachusetts travel order and will accept a negative COVID-19 molecular PCR test result (not a rapid antigen test) completed no more than 72 hours prior to arrival to campus, in lieu of a 14-day quarantine. This means: 1. Students who reside outside of Massachusetts or the seven designated lower risk states may choose to quarantine with family, friends or local guardians in these states for 14 days before their scheduled return to Tabor on August 29, 30 or 31. We will administer a PCR COVID-19 test to all students upon arrival to campus. As well, we will do a follow up test 14 days after a student’s return to Tabor to capture anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 during travel. 2. Students who reside outside of Massachusetts or the seven designated lower risk states may arrive to Tabor with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result completed no more than 72 hours prior to arriving back on campus and not be subject to a 14-day quarantine at Tabor. These students may arrive to campus beginning on August 24. They may also choose to come to Tabor on their previously communicated scheduled date of arrival of August 29, 30 or 31. We will administer a PCR COVID-19 test to all students upon arrival to campus. As well, we will do a follow up test 14 days after a student’s return to Tabor to capture anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 during travel. 3. Students who reside outside of Massachusetts or the seven designated lower risk states and who are unable to obtain a COVID-19 PCR test prior to their scheduled flight to Tabor may arrive on campus the week of August 24 and begin a stringent quarantine process here in our Health Center Annex.
HEALTH & SAFETY
R ET U R N TO CAM P U S
(continued)
These students will receive a PCR COVID-19 test upon arrival. If negative, they will then be permitted to move into their dorm rooms. 4. Students who reside in Massachusetts or the seven designated lower risk states are strongly encouraged to quarantine in the following ways: • Remain at home except for going to work, the grocery store or medical appointments. • Wear masks in public at all times. • Limit gatherings to immediate family members only. • Refrain from participating in high-risk activities (going out to dinner, group sports, social gatherings, travel, and public transportation). • Wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, practice physical distancing, and avoid touching your face. • Self-assess for symptoms of Covid-19 and call your PCP if you or anyone in the home feels ill. We recommend that students also get their Flu shot prior to arrival. We are hoping to have Flu shots available to be administered to those interested upon arrival as well. However, we do not have confirmation just yet that those will be in hand.
TESTING In accordance with school policy and state guidelines, all students will undergo a comprehensive screening protocol including symptom screening, temperatures, history of exposures and PCR COVID-19 testing upon student arrival to campus. We will also do a follow up rapid antigen COVID-19 test on all students 14 days after their arrival to campus. Throughout the fall, symptomatic students will undergo rapid antigen COVID-19 testing. If students test negative by the rapid test yet remain symptomatic, we will administer PCR COVID-19 testing.
HEALTH & SAFETY
R ET U R N TO CAM P U S
(continued)
We are fortunate to be collaborating with the Broad Institute for PCR testing upon arrival, and with Southcoast Health for follow up testing and testing of close contacts. We have also purchased two Sofia 2 machines for rapid antigen testing throughout the school year. Symptomatic and Positive students will be subject to quarantine/isolation measures following state and CDC guidelines.
SCREENING Daily Symptom Attestation through MyMedBot app will be required every morning of all students, faculty and staff to assess symptoms and ability to attend school or work. Any student who becomes symptomatic will be directed to the Health Center Annex. See next page for details on the Health Center and Annex.
P E R S O NAL P ROT E CT I V E E Q U I P M E N T (P P E) Masks: Students, faculty and staff will be required to use face masks in all public spaces. They are not required to wear masks while in their dorm rooms. All boarding and day students should arrive to campus with at least five masks. Based on WHO guidelines, we recommend each mask have three layers of cloth fabric. Physical Distancing: Students will be required to maintain a 6’ physical distance in public spaces. State guidelines permit a distance of 3’ in classrooms, provided students and faculty wear face masks, which we will require.
HEALTH & SAFETY
TESTING
Tabor’s Health Services will operate out of Wickenden House this year. The Admissions, Human Resources and Communications Offices will be relocated for the 2020-21 Academic Year to accommodate a Health Center (for medications, allergies, etc) and a Health Center Annex (for quarantining and isolation purposes). This building affords privacy and appropriate separation of patients, since it has a number of small rooms. We have increased our Health Center staff to accommodate the Health Center Annex. Our staff will continue to undergo training throughout the school year to stay up-to-date on best practices related to COVID-19.
CLEANING/DISINFECTING Tabor has enhanced all cleaning and disinfecting protocols throughout campus. Specifically, faculty and students will have access to hand sanitizer in classrooms, hallways and dormitories. We will make use of electrostatic sprayers as well to quickly disinfect multiple rooms/areas in a short period of time. Our staff will undergo proper training of equipment and all new cleaning protocols.
HEALTH & SAFETY
H E A LT H S E R V I C E S
Reopening Plan for fall 2020
ACADEMICS
A M O D U LAR AP P ROAC H TO ACAD E M I C S Each trimester split into 2 “modules”. Students will take three of their courses in one, three in the other, rather than 6 simultaneously. Affordances: Generally allows for smaller sections – fewer contacts, better physical distance Reduces overall academic contact to 3 groups (from 5-6) at any given time 3 course focus is more manageable for students (and faculty) at any point we may need to pivot online – as well as for students in a hybrid capacity Certain courses contained to the AM hours to make hybrid participation more accessible to Asia-based students
ACADEMICS
Though some aspects may look different and unfamiliar, we are committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for our students in 2020-21. We will continue to evaluate and adjust as needed along the way, keeping student and staff safety foremost in mind, closely followed by the student experience.
ACADEMICS
A M O D U LAR AP P ROAC H TO ACAD E M I C S
*Draft only and subject to change
ACADEMICS
D A I LY A C A D E M I C S C H E D U L E *
Exact specifications will depend on the proportion of students in an online capacity. We do intend (with rare exception) to integrate distance students with in-person classes (rather than separate them into self-contained “online sections�) to help maintain their connection to the community. In general, students participating via Zoom will have the same content and expectations and experience as in-person students. Certain highly hands-on programs may not be available to online students (ie, ceramics, some nautical and marine science). We are actively thinking about ways to bring online students into lab conversations and opportunities, using simulations, partner groups etc. Student motivation and academic integrity are on our minds and we are thinking about ways to ensure a positive, fair, and equitable experience for our students joining us online. Online students can make use of teacher office hours and ASSIST appointments just as in person students might.
ACADEMICS
H Y B R I D O P P O RT U N I T I E S I N A C A D E M I C S
We are minimizing shared classrooms to give teachers dedicated space, again with the idea of reducing cross contact. We have a long mid-day break in our schedule to accommodate several well spaced lunch service times. This open period will also serve as office hours, advising time, and study time. Teachers will be encouraged to make use of outdoor space when appropriate to their lesson plans, to the weather and to students who may be joining at a distance.
O N L I N E C O N S I D E R AT I O N S During December when we are fully online, we are evaluating adjustments to our daily schedule expectations, incorporating feedback from students and families about our online work last spring. We will continue to assess and offer feedback and traditional grades during our online segment. There will once again be a balance of synchronous and asynchronous learning expectations, advisor meetings, group meetings, and an emphasis on teacher office hours for 1-1 support.
ACADEMICS
I N - P E R S O N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S
Reopening Plan for fall 2020
COMMUNITY LIFE
STUDENTS ON CAMPUS Closed weekends will be through the month of September. While this purpose is to minimize exposure, we also hope it creates an opportunity to connect and strengthen bonds within our student dorms. We will provide thoughtful and meaningful campus experiences and engagement for our day students, including designating campus spaces to gather and converse when not in class. Dorms will be open and available only to that dormitory’s residents. Evening study hall will take place in dormitories. We’ll be asking people to limit their movement on and off campus, especially during the month of September. As such we will expand campus boundaries to include to Route 6 and Main Street, since car permissions will be suspended. The Deans Office will offer additional events and offerings in smaller capacities during the week and weekends. All students, faculty and staff will be asked to sign a social contract, agreeing to the protocols and guidelines we will implement to keep everyone healthy and safe. Please see our draft here. More details will follow in a letter to our families soon.
COMMUNITY LIFE
We remain committed to providing an enriching student life experience – building upon community and relationships. We will look for unique ways to enjoy our vast beautiful campus areas, fields and waterfront (just to name a few) to spread out safely and connect with one another in-person. While we’ll be practicing physical distancing, we’ll find ways to remain socially connected and engaged. #WERTBR
Mr. Sirianni, Director of Dining Services, in conjunction with Flik Food Service, will implement a number of changes to the dining experience on campus: Additional dining hall locations in Lillard Living Room and a tent in the Lillard oval New hours and serving times to allow for 6’ physical distancing as well as enhanced cleaning and disinfecting processes Grab and Go options provided in dormitories and the Stroud Academic Center during the school day Food delivery for sick and quarantined students Installation of additional hand washing stations in the dining facilities The Board of Health has approved our dining hall plan and the dining hall staff will begin a trial program with faculty and staff on campus during the week of August 17.
M OV E M E N T ARO U N D CAM P U S The School has also engaged with the consulting firm Environmental, Health & Engineering, Inc. to gain a greater understanding of best practices for traffic patterns, signage and physical distancing across our campus. EH&E has visited Tabor, provided advice, and approved our current plan for traffic flow, density patterns, and signage across campus.
COMMUNITY LIFE
DINING
Reopening Plan for fall 2020
CO-CURRICULARS
A RT S Performing Arts: The performing arts have been exploring performances that may better align with distancing guidelines, as well as production and filming options for viewing opportunities. Visual Arts: Fortunately, these offerings, as well as Maker Lab, are organically in sync with guidelines.
C O M M U N I T Y S E RV I C E Community service will offer options that focus on working together on campus or in the local area. The hope is to maintain as many relationships with current organizations as possible while limiting/eliminating exposure.
CO-CURRICULARS
We recognize that many students’ passion for learning continues in the afternoon through the growth and development our co-curricular program offers. It is our goal to run this program as close to normal as possible and to provide a great Tabor experience, while following the state restrictions and guidelines. Whether in-person or online, we want to be sure your child stays connected with their peers, teammates, coaches, and instructors while continuing to advance their interests, build relationships, and acquire life skills.
Varsity and aspiring varsity athletes will continue to have high-level practices with their teams focused on skill development and preparation for competition. Recently, the ISL Heads of School announced in a joint letter that while we remain committed to providing our students with meaningful athletic experiences, we will not offer the traditional full slate of league games this fall. We will offer alternative activities on Wednesdays and Saturdays to break up the week and fill those days with fun and interesting options. On these days, we will also provide opportunity for high level athletes to train, practice and compete in their out-of-season sport here on campus. Students who are interested in athletics but not looking to make varsity will be part of a team that will focus on participation, development, and camaraderie. Seawolf Sessions, an exciting program designed to provide a sample of our unique waterfront activities, will be offered once again to our students.
CO-CURRICULARS
AT H L E T I C S
66 Spring Street Marion, MA 02738 508.748.2000 (Main Line) www.taboracademy.org