Returning to Middle and Upper School

RETURN TO CAMPUS

FAQ S

GENERAL ALL-SCHOOL: What is terminology that will help my family understand the learning landscape this year?

Terminology: • Lower School Cohort - All LS students learn on campus each day separated by grade level cohorts. • Middle/Upper School Hybrid - 1/2 students attend class in person and the other 1/2 will learn concurrently at home, the groups rotate every 2 days (after each complete Blue/Gold cycle). • Concurrent Learning - distance learning that occurs simultaneously with in-person instruction on-campus.

Students at home will attend class via

Zoom with the Owl technology, where they are engaged through listening and responding to lessons and discussions.

All students have the same work expectations. • Simulcast Classes - the live streaming of class sessions from campus to remote locations (homes) via Zoom and Owl camera technology • Synchronous Learning - teachers and students meeting together at the same time, in person, or virtually • Asynchronous Learning - instruction or learning that doesn’t take place at the same time for each student • Physical Distancing - Maintaining at least a 6 foot separation between people at all times.

What factors does the school consider when making decisions?

The health and safety of our community remain our highest priorities and inform all that we do. We continue to be informed by: • The Utah Department of Health • The CDC • The Utah School Nurses Association • An advisory committee that includes local infectious disease physicians and epidemiologists. • The local landscape of COVID cases, state color codes, and public and independent schools.

What safety measures will be in place?

We are following the CDC Guidelines for Schools. All students, faculty and staff will wear masks and maintain 6ft between one another. Prior to arrival on campus each day, students, faculty/staff, and visitors will be required to complete a health screening that will be tracked by our school nurse. We have installed visual markers and signage that will provide reminders about distancing, masks, max occupancy, and other important hygiene habits. We will teach and practice healthy hygiene with all students, and hand sanitizing stations have been installed in key locations across campus. Where reasonable, we have installed plexi shields.We have outfitted all bathrooms with touchless faucets and towel dispensers and have installed hands-free, foot-operated door openers to allow for doors to be opened and closed with a foot. Our cleaning and disinfecting routines have been increased, and all student surfaces will be disinfected in between each class. Our HVAC system has been upgraded and fresh air flow has been significantly increased in all classrooms, and all classrooms will have HEPA air filters. We will conduct as many classes and/or activities outside as possible. We are also exploring UV disinfection.

Can students or families choose between on-campus learning and concurrent learning from home when we are in the hybrid scenario?

Yes. Learning will be based on student engagement, as opposed to physical presence. Attendance will be taken of students both oncampus and at home. Waterford has equipped each classroom to simulcast all lessons to accommodate concurrent learning for students who wish to learn from home. While we believe that in-person instruction best achieves our mission’s objectives, with the health and well being of our community in mind we want students to choose the option that is most comfortable for them (see the LS on pg 5 and MS/US on pg 6).

Will classes take place outside?

Yes! While weather and technology access may limit some outdoor instruction, we will facilitate as many outside classes and other activities as possible outside.

Will students be required to wear school uniforms when they are home during the simulcast experience?

Students are not required to wear uniforms when they are learning concurrently from home. However, they will be visible to their classmates at school and they should be dressed appropriately in a way that signals their readiness to learn.

Will there be recordings of all the classes and will they be stored so students can watch later?

Classes will be simulcast for that those who need or choose to learn from home can do so concurrently. Recordings of classes may be requested on an individual and as needed basis.

What are the factors that might compel us to close campus and move to distance learning for all?

We will continue to rely on advice from the Utah Department of Health, the CDC and our advisory group as well as pay attention to the local landscape and prevalence of positive test cases. We are also working to track data about child transmission. We consider all relevant information as we determine if closure is a necessity.

What will the bus schedule and riding look like?

Buses will run on the same schedule, as noted in our parent portal, but we will ensure enough seats for students to occupy one seat, or two in each seat from the same household. Students will be required to wear masks. Buses will be disinfected between each bus ride. Parents should sign up in the Parent Portal.

Will there be management of student compliance around physical distancing and mask wearing?

Yes. In MS/US, during passing periods, teachers will move into hallways to help remind students to maintain physical distance and to wear masks. Waterford’s Deans are working hard to develop specific protocol to maintain a healthy community. Additionally, in compliance with state recommendations, we will have clear signage to remind students. Similarly, in LS clear