Updated 2.25.21
REOPENING PLAN Students, Faculty and Staff
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CONTENTS HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND SAFETY CONTINUITY OF LEARNING
CONSULTING YOUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL ROLE OF THE WINDWARD COMMUNITY WINDWARD PLEDGE
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLBEING Campus Entry Safe Campus Guidelines Screening Process Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19 Face Coverings Hand Washing Technique Campus Disinfecting, Cleaning, & other Measures PHYSICAL DISTANCING Flow of Traffic Space Configurations Safety Measures and Supervision Transportation TRAINING AND EDUCATION QUESTIONS
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HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND SAFETY ARE OUR PRIORITY As we chart a path toward returning to campus, we remain committed to providing our community an environment where dynamic, engaging learning thrives and health, wellness, and safety are a priority. Our Task Force meets regularly to develop and review plans for reopening school while keeping our faculty and students safe. Throughout this planning process, we have relied on guidelines from state and local public health officials, CDC recommendations and medical experts. We have utilized these guidelines to implement several strategies and modifications to support a healthy and safe on-campus environment relating to cleaning and disinfection, ventilation, food services and classroom spaces.
CONTINUITY OF LEARNING The benefits of in-person learning are well-documented (by the American Pediatric Association), and as a result, we have approached this process with the objective—to the extent we believe it can be achieved safely, and in concert with public health guidance—of offering an in-person education model. We intend to implement numerous safety measures and reconfigure campus indoor and outdoor spaces with social distancing protocols. With the current circumstances still evolving, we are preparing for on-campus instruction, blended learning, and virtual learning models. This multi-faceted approach, which provided a robust and successful learning alternative to on-campus education this past Spring, will provide flexibility and continuity of learning if circumstances change and we need to make a seamless shift to virtual learning—should we need to do so. Additionally, our plan ensures an uninterrupted learning program and structure for those faculty and students who are under quarantine or are self-isolating due to personal or family health risks and will not be able to return to campus at this time.
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CONSULTING YOUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL We recognize that any in-person model has some degree of risk, and we also recognize the need to accommodate students and faculty with medical concerns. We encourage all community members (students, parents, faculty, and staff) to consult with their medical provider in advance of school reopening regarding the safety of returning to a campus setting. Individuals with underlying medical conditions should discuss the potential risks and decide if it is something they are comfortable with.
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ROLE OF THE WINDWARD COMMUNITY 1. Follow public health guidelines 2. Avoid unnecessary travel 3. Avoid large crowds 4. Wear a mask when you leave the house 5. Wash your hands frequently 6. Stay home if sick or exposed 7. Get tested if you are concerned about symptoms or exposure 8. Communicate if you have questions or concerns
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PROTECT WINDWARD PLEDGE Being a part of the Windward community means that each of us must take extraordinary steps to stay well and protect each other, both on campus and in the community. Accountable together, we as a community pledge to take responsibility for our health, the protection of others and help to keep the Windward community safe from the spread of COVID-19 and other infections. We Pledge To: PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY • Monitor for the symptoms of COVID-19 and report to a medical professional if experiencing a fever of 100.4 or higher, dry cough, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell. • Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. • Carefully observe instructional signs and follow directions. PROTECT OTHERS • Maintain appropriate social distancing, especially in the classroom setting or the presence of members of the community. • Stay home if feeling ill or after an exposure to someone who is ill or has tested positive for COVID-19. • Wear an appropriate face covering (over both mouth and nose) . • Be positive, attentive and helpful to anyone around who may be in need of support.
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COMMUNICATION We understand that clear and concise communication is essential as we embark on the opening of campus. Using our digital platforms (email, website, social media, etc.), our Communications team members are committed to providing:
Up-to-date information on schedules, health department guidelines, and other relevant facts;
Helpful resources to garner additional knowledge and insights;
Clear criteria under which school will open and/or close as needed;
Signage throughout Campus that is prominent and easy to understand, providing protocol and illness prevention reminders; and
COVID-19 specific guidance (e.g. steps to take if you think you may be positive or have interacted with someone that is a carrier, travel concerns, and how to properly notify the School).
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CAMPUS ENTRY Two locations will be available for entry to campus (Palms & Sawtelle Lots). Both locations will be staffed by Chief Security and additional School personnel to help direct and monitor pedestrian traffic, exiting vehicles, entry onto campus, and proper physical distancing as community members enter. Parents/guardians will be instructed to drop off students in one of the two lots. Only students, faculty, and necessary adults for the operations of the School will be allowed to enter campus. Please note - Visitors are only allowed access to campus if they are involved in the normal operations of the School. All approved adults will be required to complete a Visitor Form to allow for contact tracing and will be required to confirm they meet all screening criteria.
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SAFE CAMPUS GUIDELINES Temperature and Health Screenings Security will screen everyone entering campus. Face Coverings Are required at all times.
6-Foot Social Distancing Implemented throughout campus and during programs. Proper Hand Sanitization & Healthy Hygiene Stations will be available throughout campus and use of them will be encouraged.
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STUDENT COHORTS
Small Cohorts Per the LA County Department of Public Health requirements, all students will be assigned to a small cohort of no more than 14 students. Students will remain in fixed groups at all times.
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SCREENING PROCESS BEFORE ARRIVING TO CAMPUS • All students returning to campus will require proof of a negative PCR test for COVID-19 (NOT a rapid antigen test). This test must be taken within five days prior to their first day back to campus, and they need to be submitted as a pdf, with name and date, via email to: AthleticMedicine@windwardschool.org. (Note: proof of a negative PCR test is required regardless of vaccination status.) • All families will be asked to self-screen their students at home by checking their temperature and observing for other symptoms associated with COVID-19 before leaving the house. • Complete the Titan HST questionnaire. The Titan HST “green” screen is required to enter campus. [Detailed instructions on how to download and use the app can be found here] All Community Members will be asked to self-screen daily by checking their temperature and observing for other symptoms associated with COVID-19 in the morning prior to leaving for school. Anyone exhibiting symptoms should notify the School. In addition to daily self-screening, parents, students, faculty and staff are obligated to report the following information and remain at home as recommended by the CDC: • If they have traveled outside the state or country, they may not return to campus for 10 days after they return, no matter domestic or international travel. • If they had close contact with someone who was ill with confirmed COVID-19, they may not return to campus until 10 days after the exposure and exhibiting no symptoms. Please note – According to the CDC: “Close contact” means being within six (6) feet of an individual for at least 15 accumulative minutes during a 24 hour period. • If a member of their household is ill with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, they may not return to campus until 10 days after the last exposure and exhibiting no symptoms. • Anyone exhibiting symptoms should notify the Athletic Medicine Team at AthleticMedicine@windwardschool.org. CAMPUS ARRIVAL As each child and employee arrives on campus, school personnel will take temperatures using no-touch thermometers. Any person with a temperature over the designated threshold (100.4) will not be permitted on campus or will be held in a designated room until a parent/guardian can pick up their child. Additionally, all community members will be visually screened and asked whether they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. 9
TITAN HST STUDENT DAILY SCREENING PROCESS WHAT IS TITAN HST? Titan HST is Windward School’s Mass Communication Platform. Windward School is using Titan HST to pre-screen for COVID-19 and related symptoms. Users will be notified daily to complete the survey before entering campus. If cleared, a green screen will appear. Please display this screen to the security team in order to enter. STEP 1: DOWNLOAD / INSTALL THE APP • Visit your device’s App Store and search for “Titan HST.” Alternatively, click the links below for your specific device: ○ Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/titan-hst/id855732889 ○ Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=swipe.android.titanHst&hl=en_US • Click the Install button to download and install the Titan HST app. STEP 2: LOGIN • Launch the App. • Click the Google icon at the bottom to login with your Windward Google credentials. • Enter your full Windward email address as the username (ex: jdoe@windwardschool.org) and Windward password when prompted. STEP 3: COVID-19 PRE-SCREENING • All students will receive an app notification to complete a pre-screening survey. If you will be on campus that day, please be sure to complete the survey (the survey resets each day). • Click on the COVID-19 tab at the bottom of the screen, if not already on that page. • Select the COVID-19 Pre-Screening Survey. • Answer the questions and click the Submit button. • If you receive a green screen, proceed to campus and display the green screen to the security team. Security will deny your entrance if you do not have the green screen clearly visible as you enter campus. • If you receive a red screen, please remain at home and do not proceed to campus. • For questions, contact the Athletic Medicine team at athleticmedicine@windwardschool.org. 10
People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms include the following:
Diarrhea
Fever
Vomiting
Cough
Nausea
Congestion or runny nose
New loss of taste or smell
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
Chills
Fatigue
Sore throat
Repeated shaking with chills Headache
Muscle or body aches
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FACE COVERINGS FACE COVERINGS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. Each person entering campus will be required to wear a face covering that visibly covers both their nose and mouth at all times. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 3-ply face covering. The School will provide face coverings to students, faculty, and staff, if needed. Please note–– • The following face coverings are not acceptable while on campus: ○ Gaiters ○ Bandanas ○ Face coverings with a one-way valve ○ Face coverings that are torn or have defects • A face shield is not an acceptable substitute for a face covering; however, a shield may be worn in addition to a face mask.
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HOW TO PROPERLY WEAR YOUR FACE COVERING
How to Put the Mask On
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Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel and throw the paper towel away.
Check the mask for any defects such as a tear or missing tie or ear loop. Throw away any that are defective.
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If the mask has ties, pick up the mask by the ties and tie the upper ties behind your head with a bow.
Once the mask is in place, use your index finger and thumb to pinch the bendable top edge of the mask around the bridge of your nose.
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Make sure the exterior side of the mask is facing out, away from your face.
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If the mask has a lower tie, then once the mask is fitted to the bridge of your nose, tie the lower ties behind your head with a bow.
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Place the mask on your face with the blue side facing out and the stiff, bendable edge at the top by your nose.
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If the mask has ear loops, put one loop around each ear.
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Make sure the mask is completely secure. Make sure it covers your nose and mouth so that the bottom edge is under your chin.
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Wash your hands.
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Removing the Mask Wash your hands before removing the mask.
Don’t touch the inside of the mask (the part over nose and mouth). It may be contaminated from breathing, coughing or sneezing.
Untie or remove the ear loops and remove the mask by the straps.
Throw the mask in the trash.
Wash your hands.
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HAND WASHING TECHNIQUE AND EXPECTATIONS Hand Washing and sanitizing is a cornerstone of infection prevention, and all community members will be encouraged to practice widely while on campus. Students will be regularly instructed to wash their hands (upon entering campus, before and after using the restrooms, etc.). Signage will be prominently displayed on how to do so properly. We encourage each student to bring a pocket size hand sanitizer to use as needed. Hand sanitizer and/or soap will be available throughout campus in the following locations: • Restrooms • Outdoor hand washing stations at Foley Field • Freestanding no-touch hand sanitizer stations throughout campus and in classrooms
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PROPER HAND WASHING TECHNIQUE 1.
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
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Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
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Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
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Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
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Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
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CAMPUS DISINFECTING, CLEANING, AND OTHER MEASURES We’ve continued our partnership with Uniserve Facilities Services and their highly trained staff to ensure our campus is properly cleaned and disinfected according to recommended guidelines. Their staff are on campus during the day to support the increased cleaning protocols outlined by the CDC and to continuously disinfect common areas and high-touch locations (door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, etc.) throughout the day.
Limit use of shared objects (lab, equipment, computer equipment). In some instances, students will be required to don gloves when entering a class and remove them when exiting.
Ample time has been built into the schedule to allow for thorough cleaning and disinfection of all classrooms after each use. Offices will be cleaned at the end of each workday.
To promote social distancing and the continuous flow of one-way traffic throughout campus, lockers will not be assigned to students. The use of e-books and the new schedule (which reduces the number of classes per day) are designed to reduce the number of educational materials students need while on campus.
Doors and windows will remain open during classes (to the extent practicable and safe) to encourage increased ventilation and fresh air circulation. Kickstands and touchless door options for entry/exit have been installed where possible to support the ventilation.
Water fountains will temporarily not be in use. Community members can purchase bottled water or use one of the refillable water stations on campus.
We’ve increased the frequency of air filter replacement and servicing of our HVAC systems. HVAC will operate throughout the day and will be set to maximize introduction of fresh, outdoor air. HVAC filters in all buildings upgraded to MERV-13 standard. Air ionization systems have been added to all HVAC units.
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ONE-WAY FLOW OF TRAFFIC A one-way flow of traffic has been designed to support physical distancing as students, faculty and staff navigate campus. All walkways are clearly marked with arrows and stations where needed. This design will allow the community to navigate campus while following recommended physical distancing. Upon arrival to campus all students will go directly to their assigned class or program. Clear direction will be provided for future locations (nutrition, lunch, etc.) throughout the day.
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SPACE RECONFIGURATION Indoor classroom and office spaces and outdoor spaces have been reconfigured to accommodate the 6’ social distancing guidelines and support all learning models. Some of the steps we’ve taken include: • Adding large Modular Classrooms and outdoor tents conveniently located on the athletic field; • Adding web cams to all classrooms to support remote learning; • Converting several campus spaces into larger classrooms (CTL); • Removal of some non-structural walls to increase classroom sizes; and • Conversion of smaller classrooms into office spaces.
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SAFETY MEASURES AND SUPERVISION Additional layers of protection have been added: 1. Individual clear plexiglass desk dividers (where applicable), clear plexiglass panels for faculty leading classroom activities, and clear plexiglass panels for protection of high traffic areas (e.g. Pavilion).
4. Excess furniture removed from classrooms, and common areas.
2. Reduced classroom capacity.
6. Maximum occupancy posted for all spaces to ensure social distancing.
3. Six feet of separation between seats in classrooms, offices, and common areas.
5. Signage and floor stickers reminding all community members of protocols.
Additional supervision of restrooms, common areas, Pavilion, athletic field, patios, etc. to support proper social distancing throughout the day.
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TRANSPORTATION We will be continuing our partnership with Tumbleweed Transportation Services. Service will be available but with social distancing mandates for entering, seating and exiting the vehicle. Drivers will be screened prior to running each route and buses will be thoroughly sanitized as well.
KEY POINTS • Students and driver required to wear a mask at all times while on bus
• Students sit in zig zag pattern to ensure six feet between bus riders
• Bus windows lowered for maximum air circulation
• Buses deep cleaned after every morning and evening bus run
• Students loaded from back to front to minimize contact with other students
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TRAINING AND EDUCATION We want all community members to be comfortable with the new protocols and procedures before returning to campus. Training sessions will be available to educate and provide opportunities for questions. Some of the key areas of focus will be: • Daily self-health assessment • Arrivals and departures • Temperature and symptom checks • Proper use of face coverings and other relevant PPE
• Transitions between classes and athletics
• New schedule
• Hand washing technique and expectations
• Shared equipment
• One-way flow of traffic on campus • Classrooms
• Nutrition and lunch • Free periods • After school activities
Windward School’s top priority is the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff, and community members. Please be advised that due to rapid developments related to COVID-19, the information in this booklet may be subject to change. In this ever-changing landscape, Windward School will be proactive in monitoring and complying with local public health rules and guidelines. There may be situations that require immediate or different responses as the School determines is appropriate for the health and safety of its Community.
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NEW SCHEDULE AND PHASED RETURN The plan to return to campus is a phased approach, designed to support education and training of all community members on essential health and safety protocols and procedures. A new daily class schedule has been designed to support proper social distancing, health and safety measures, and CDC recommendations. The new schedule allows for all three learning options to seamlessly take place: (1) on-campus learning, (2) blended learning (a combination of both on campus and virtual learning), and (3) virtual learning. Some of the highlights of the new schedule include: • Staggered arrival and dismissal times to prevent congestion in the parking lots and screening stations; • A block schedule to minimize student/faculty movement during the day and provide ample time for proper disinfection of the classrooms after each use; • Increased outdoor experiences during nutrition, lunch, and some classes; • A wide selection of pre-ordered and prepared lunches. Healthy and delicious lunches, prepared daily by our CulinArt team, will be delivered to designated outdoor spaces for distribution; and • Staggered breaks throughout the school day to prevent queuing in restrooms and hand washing locations. First Phase of Return to Campus After school activities will be reintroduced back into the daily schedule as guidelines are issued by governing bodies, and state and local officials. Optional after school activities will be offered from the 3:15 to 5:00 time block in our Phase One of our transition back to campus. This may also be a time in which the School brings one grade level onto campus to promote student interaction, the orientation of new students, or the training of students in our return to campus protocols. Temporary postponement of travel, retreats, and field trips. Reactivation will be based on state and local health departments and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for educational institutions. • We will continue to utilize Zoom or conference callings for meetings that normally occur outside regular scheduled class times. • In addition to the day-to-day logistics, our counseling team will be available to support student, parent, and employee concerns regarding our return to campus. We hope community members will reach out to them as needed. Specific instructions will be provided by each Division regarding the new schedule and phased return in advance of campus opening.
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QUESTIONS Reopening Plan (Health and Safety) • Lindsay Flacks, Director of Infrastructure & Risk Management (lflacks@windwardschool.org) • Dawn Barrett, Chief Operating Officer (dbarrett@windwardschool.org) Athletic Programs • Tyrone Powell, Athletics Director (tpowell@windwardschool.org) Student Forms, Health Questions, Testing Requirements (athleticmedicine@windwardschool.org) • Meredith Hamel, Athletic Medicine Lead (mhamel@windwardschool.org) • Wayne Northrup, Athletic Medicine (wnorthrup@windwardschool.org) • Edgar Gonzalez, Athletic Medicine (egonzalez@windwardschool.org)
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