CAMPUS SAFETY PLAN FOR
COVID-19 PREVENTION AND REOPENING FOR IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
Sonoma Country Day School
4400 Day School Place, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Revised: March 10, 2021
NOTE: The Sonoma Country Day School Campus Safety Plan (CSP) replaces the Reopening for In-Person Learning Plan submitted as part of the SCDS application for the Elementary Waiver, approved in October 2020. The CSP responds to revised guidelines from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and consolidates content from other CDPH COVID-19 and school-related guidance. The SCDS CSP accompanies the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Plan (CPP) and CDPH School Guidance Checklist.
POINTS OF CONTACT
Head of School: Brad Weaver
COVID-19 Liaison/Response Director: Jennifer Macias
Contact Tracer: Tina Souza
(707) 284-3200
LAYERS OF SAFETY: INFECTION MITIGATION STRATEGIES
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The primary objective of the SCDS CSP is to reduce or eliminate in-school transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19
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No single strategy is 100% successful, and a combination of mitigation layers is most effective
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The SCDS CSP focuses on all of the following mitigation strategies:
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Required face coverings for all community members
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Stable groups
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Physical distancing
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Air ventilation and filtration
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Hand hygiene
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Symptom and close contact exposure screening
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Exclusion for staff or students with symptoms or confirmed close contact
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Testing
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Cleaning and disinfecting
OPEN COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION WITH LOCAL AND STATE AUTHORITIES
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SCDS works closely with local and state Public Health agencies to determine current disease levels and control measures and complies with all reporting requirements
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SCDS regularly reviews updated guidance from state agencies, including Cal/OSHA, CDPH and the California Department of Education (CDE)
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The SCDS Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan was reviewed by Cal/OSHA in September 2020
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The SCDS Reopening for In-Person Learning Plan was reviewed and approved by the Sonoma County Department of Public Health on October 20, 2020, as part of the application process for the Elementary Waiver
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SCDS works closely with independent school professional associations and accrediting agencies to adhere to best practices
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Per Cal/OSHA requirements SCDS has:
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Performed a comprehensive risk assessment of all work areas and work tasks
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Designated a Response Director to implement the plan
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Initiated periodic, randomized, unannounced inspections to identify needs for improvement in mitigation strategies
CONSULTATION WITH BOARD OF TRUSTEES, PARENT ASSOCIATION, ALL EMPLOYEES, AND OUTSIDE ADVISORS
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All plans and mitigation strategies have been developed in consultation with a wide range of constituents
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Trustees, parents, employees, community members, and consulting medical professionals all participated in a variety of Task Forces during Summer 2020
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The SCDS Board of Trustees approved all plans in September 2020
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Cal/OSHA reviewed the SCDS Reopening for In-Person Learning Plan on October 9, 2020
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Feedback from the SCDS Parent Association and all employees was gathered via surveys and video conference meetings in August 2020
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The Global Biorisk Advisory Council reviewed the SCDS Reopening for In-Person Learning Plan as an essential step in earning GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation on November 19, 2020
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Legal Counsel at Liebert Cassidy Whitmore prepared the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Program for SCDS
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SCDS administration communicates updates and reminders frequently, in writing and via video conference meetings, and encourages questions, raising concerns, and feedback without fear of reprisal
STABLE GROUP STRUCTURES AND STRATEGIES
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A Stable Group is a group with fixed membership that stays together without mixing with any other groups for any activities
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Stable groups of students and staff:
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Reduce the numbers of exposed individuals if COVID-19 is introduced into the group
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Decrease opportunities for exposure to or transmission of SARS-CoV-2
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Facilitate more efficient contact tracing in the event of a positive case
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Allow for targeted testing and quarantine of a small group instead of potential schoolwide closures in the event of a positive case or cluster of cases
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SCDS is a small school with low student-teacher ratios and small class sizes, naturally lending itself to stable groups
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Students have been placed into stable groups that stay together all day with their core teachers and a small number of specialist teachers
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Rather than students changing classes, teachers rotate between groups for most classes
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Room square footage and stable group size have been calculated to allow for a minimum of 6’ space per individual
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Teachers and students follow physical distancing requirements and wear face coverings at all times
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Plexiglass screens are used to provide additional protection
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Whenever possible, specialist classes are held outdoors
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The school schedule has been simplified (“blocked”) to reduce the number of transitions per day and the number of teachers interacting with each stable group
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Students eat lunch in designated areas and go to recess with their group at times that are staggered from other groups
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A reduced number of groups is at recess at any given time and for intermediate and middle school students, play areas are designated
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Shared spaces and materials (e.g. PE equipment) are cleaned and disinfected between groups
ENTRANCE, MOVEMENT, AND EGRESS
Arrival
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Students riding in carpools are advised to wear a face covering, leave empty seats in between, sit in the same seat during each ride, and have car windows down
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Student drop-off window has been reduced to 10 minutes, 8-8:10 am, and all before school care options and activities have been eliminated
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Drop-off locations are spread out to reduce the number of students in any specific zone (
see campus map)
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Anyone arriving to campus is required to wear a face covering
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Any contact between parents and teachers occurs outside in designated areas, maintaining 6’ distance
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Visitors inside the building are restricted, by appointment only, and require pre-screening
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Teachers have marked line-up areas for temperature screening to provide required physical distancing
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No mingling between groups is allowed before or after school
Movement Within School, Egress, and Departure
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All classrooms have a discrete exterior door, limited exclusively to that stable group
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Movement to any specialist classes is outdoors only, not in hallways
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Middle school access to lockers is limited and staggered throughout day to avoid contact between groups
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Any movement in hallways is one-way and designated for specific groups
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Congregation in public spaces, such as hallways, is minimized
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Shared spaces (e.g., Employee Workroom and restrooms) have been clearly marked with maximum occupancy
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Communal activities are limited
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Restrooms have been assigned to specific stable groups or for staff use
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Lockers have been assigned to allow for extra space between students and access is staggered to reduce the number of students in a locker area at any given time
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Changing for middle school physical education classes has been eliminated
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During snack and lunch, students:
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Eat outdoors in stable groups, using plexiglass partitions
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Wash hands before and after eating and again after recess
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Remain in assigned seats when eating with face covering off
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Either bring lunch from home or participate in the SCDS Hot Lunch Program, which features individually boxed meals
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Recess activities are in reduced groups, and for intermediate and middle school grades, in separated designated areas
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Dismissal areas have been separated and increased to allow for greater physical distancing and to avoid mingling between stable groups
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School athletic activities and sports follow the CDPH Outdoor and Indoor Youth and Adult Recreational Guidance and are held outdoors to the fullest extent possible
FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED FOR EVERYONE ON CAMPUS
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Students, employees, and visitors are required to wear a face covering while at school
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Face coverings must be used in accordance with CDPH guidelines
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Face coverings must be:
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Employees have all been provided with a supply of surgical style masks to allow for doubling of face coverings in combination with personal cloth masks
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Families are encouraged to have students double mask
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Children under the age of 2 visiting campus are exempted
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Exceptions for employees are outlined in the Cal/OSHA CPP
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Teachers may temporarily wear a face shield only when instruction requires students to observe their face and mouth clearly
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Face coverings may be removed for meals, snacks, or when they need to be replaced
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When a face covering is temporarily removed, it is placed in a clean, safe area
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Students wear a face covering at recess except when physically distanced in designated mask break rest areas
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Athletic participants wear a face covering when participating in sports, even with heavy exertion as tolerated, both indoors and outdoors
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The School provides a face covering when students do not have one or need a replacement
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Face covering policies apply on any school provided transportation
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Individuals who carpool with mixed households are advised to wear a face covering while in the vehicle
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Faculty and administration teach and reinforce use of face coverings
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Students are reminded frequently not to touch the face covering and to wash their hands often
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Families are provided with information on proper use, removal, and washing of face coverings
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Students who refuse to wear a face covering, and who are not exempt for a qualified medical reason, are required to participate in the SCDS At-Home Learning program
CHECKING FOR SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND EXPOSURES
Symptom and Exposure Screening At Home
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All staff and students participate in daily symptom and exposure screening at home each day before leaving for school using Magnus Health, while also being aware that screening does not prevent asymptomatic cases from being at school and spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19
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Staff and students who are sick or who have recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19 are required to stay home, without reprisal
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Students are not penalized for missing class and staff are not penalized for missing work
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The SCDS At-Home Learning Coordinator supports families whose child is participating in learning from home (see section on At-Home Learning Program)
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SCDS fully supports faculty members teaching from home when necessary and if a teacher is capable of doing so
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Parents are provided with the list of COVID-19 symptoms and are required to keep their child at home if the child is feeling ill or has symptoms of COVID-19, even if symptoms are very mild, and to get their ill child tested for SARS-CoV-2 or provide a physician’s release to return to school
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Staff members are provided with the list of COVID-19 symptoms and are required to call in sick and stay home if having symptoms of COVID-19 and to get tested for SARS-CoV-2
Symptom Screening At School
Symptoms and Exposures at School
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Students or staff exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 at school (fever of 100 degrees or higher, cough, difficulty breathing, or other COVID-19 symptoms) are immediately isolated in a private area until they can leave school or be picked up by a parent or guardian (
see campus map)
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The isolation area has:
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If a student is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, staff communicate with the parent/caregiver as soon as possible
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Any students or staff exhibiting symptoms are required to wait in the isolation area until they can be transported home or to a healthcare facility, as soon as practicable
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Ill students and staff are required to test for COVID-19 as soon as possible
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Employees and students with symptoms of COVID-19 infection may not return for in-person instruction until they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 or provide a physician’s release to return to school.
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The teacher and students from the stable group with a suspected case are removed from the classroom immediately and the classroom and all areas visited are cleaned and disinfected immediately
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The isolation room is disinfected immediately upon the student’s departure
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The SCDS Contact Tracer follows up with families regarding at-home protocols, testing, and contacting Public Health
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In the event of a positive test result, the stable cohort is sent home for a home isolation period
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The SCDS Contact Tracer notifies Public Health and follows all guidance
SCDS Testing Program
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Symptomatic Testing is used for individuals with symptoms of COVID19, either at home or at school
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In this situation, SCDS requires that these individuals stay home and isolate in case they are infectious
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Individuals may return to school when:
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They receive official results of a negative test for SARS-CoV-2
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Fever is resolved for at least 24 hours
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Symptoms have improved
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Public Health does not indicate otherwise
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Response Testing is used to identify positive individuals once a case has been identified in a given stable group
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Asymptomatic Testing is used for surveillance, usually at a cadence of every 2 weeks or less frequently, to understand whether schools have higher or lower rates of COVID-19 rates than the community and to guide decisions about safety for schools and school administrators
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Asymptomatic testing can also be used for screening, usually at a higher cadence (weekly or twice weekly) than surveillance testing, to identify asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic cases, in order to exclude cases that might otherwise contribute to in-school transmission
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Screening testing is indicated for situations associated with higher risk such as higher community transmission
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SCDS conducts on-site asymptomatic screening testing by medical professionals:
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SCDS will maintains a supply of rapid tests from
UdoTest for use in urgent situations
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Employees and students with symptoms of COVID-19 infection may not return for in-person instruction until they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 or provide a physician’s release to return to school.
PRACTICING HEALTHY HAND HYGIENE
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Faculty and administration teach, model, and reinforce:
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Washing hands, avoiding contact with one's eyes,nose, and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes among students and staff
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Using tissue to wipe their nose and to cough/sneeze into a tissue or their elbow
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Washing hands frequently throughout the day, including before and after eating; after coughing or sneezing; after classes where they handle shared items, such as outside recreation, art, or Maker; and before and after using the restroom
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Washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap, rubbing thoroughly after application
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Using fragrance-free hand sanitizer when handwashing is not practicable
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That frequent handwashing is more effective than using hand sanitizer
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Outdoor portable handwashing and hand sanitizer stations have been constructed and installed throughout campus and adjacent to classrooms, play areas, and restrooms to minimize movement and congregating in bathrooms (
see campus map)
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Classes have developed routines to allow students and staff to regularly wash their hands at staggered intervals
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Adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors, including soap, tissues, no-touch trash cans, face coverings, and hand sanitizers are readily available
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Use of site resources that necessitate sharing or touching items has been suspended or modified
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Drinking fountains have been converted to water bottle fillers and all students are required to use reusable water bottles (
see campus map)
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Use and sharing of objects and equipment, items such as electronic devices, clothing, toys, games, and art supplies are limited to the fullest extent practicable
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When not possible, items are cleaned between uses
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Each student’s individual belongings are separated are stored in discrete areas
CONTACT TRACING AND IDENTIFICATION OF CASES
When There Is A Confirmed Or Suspected Case Of COVID-19 In School
IMPLEMENTING DISTANCING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Classroom Space
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Maximum occupancy for all spaces has been established to allow for 6’ of space between individuals
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Space between seating and desks is maximized
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Where desks are grouped, plexiglass partitions are used to add protection
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Desks are arranged to minimize face-to-face contact
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Short-term exposures of less than 6’ between students and staff are permitted (e.g., a teacher assisting a student one-on-one), but duration is minimized, face coverings are worn, and teachers may use portable plexiglass partitions
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Teacher and other staff desks at least 6’ away from student and other staff desks
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Exterior and clerestory windows are left open to increase outside air flow
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Each stable group has an assigned outdoor learning spaces, with WiFi access and plexiglass partitions, and conducting instruction in these areas is prioritized
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Higher risk music and choir activities have either been eliminated, replaced, or are held outdoors only with extra spacing and use of face coverings
Non-Classroom Spaces
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Students riding in carpools are advised to wear a face covering, leave empty seats in between, sit in the same seat during each ride, and have car windows down
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All school sponsored transportation has been eliminated
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Teachers have developed protocols for maximizing spacing and minimizing movement in both indoor and outdoor spaces
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Congregation in public spaces, such as hallways, is minimized
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Shared spaces (e.g., Employee Workroom and restrooms) have been clearly marked with maximum occupancy
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Communal activities are limited
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Restrooms have been assigned to specific stable groups or for staff use
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Lockers have been assigned to allow for extra space between students and access is staggered to reduce the number of students in a locker area at any given time
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Changing for middle school physical education classes has been eliminated
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During snack and lunch, students:
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Eat outdoors in stable groups, using plexiglass partitions
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Wash hands before and after eating and again after recess
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Remain in assigned seats when eating with face covering off
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Either bring lunch from home or participate in the SCDS Hot Lunch Program, which features individually boxed meals prepared following strict COVID-19 guidelines
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Recess activities are in reduced groups, and for intermediate and middle school grades, in separated designated areas
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Physical Education has modified activity to limit physical interaction, sharing of equipment, and heavy exertion
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Dismissal areas have been separated and increased to allow for greater physical distancing and to avoid mingling between stable groups
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School athletic activities and sports follow the CDPH Outdoor and Indoor Youth and Adult Recreational Guidance and are held outdoors to the fullest extent possible
Staff To Staff Interactions
AIR VENTILATION AND FILTRATION
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Ventilation in all classrooms and shared workspaces comply with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidance
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HVAC system is set to maximize introduction of outdoor air
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Air changeover is increased by programming thermostat to operate 3 hours before building is occupied and 4 hours after school is dismissed
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Outdoor air dampers on HVAC economizers have been opened manually to increase the amount of outdoor air being drawn into buildings
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All HVAC filters have been upgraded to MERV13
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Ventilation rates and outdoor air in the classroom environment are increased by opening all windows, including clerestory ventilation windows, and keeping them open throughout the day
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All doors are propped open, where feasible
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Screens at bathroom entrances have been installed for privacy
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Portable high-efficiency medical grade Jade UV/HEPA Air Cleaners have been installed in all classroom and office spaces
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Instruction in designated outdoor spaces has been prioritized
CLEANING AND DISINFECTING
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SCDS has earned Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR Facility Accreditation for its infectious disease control policies and cleaning and disinfection practices
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In addition to evening custodial staff, SCDS has hired a day custodian to clean frequently-touched surfaces including, but not limited to:
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Sink handles
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Shared tables, desks, or chairs
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Door handles, bathroom stall latches
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Shared technology and supplies
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Hand sanitizer dispensers
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Soap dispensers
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All horizontal eating areas, dividing plastic partitions and benches.
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Cleaning schedules avoid both under- and over-use of cleaning products
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Students wash hands before and after playing on outdoor playgrounds/natural play areas
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After an in-school COVID-19 case has been identified, SCDS uses only disinfecting products approved for use against COVID-19 on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved list “N” as well as asthma safer products
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Custodial staff:
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Are trained on the chemical hazards, manufacturer’s directions, Cal/OSHA requirements for safe use, GBAC Standards, as applicable and required by the Healthy Schools Act
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Follow label directions for appropriate dilution rates and contact times
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Are equipped with proper personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection, and other appropriate protective equipment as required by the product instructions
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All products must be kept out of the reach of children and stored in a space with restricted access
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Proper ventilation is followed during cleaning and disinfecting, introducing fresh outdoor air as much as possible
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Classroom spaces are aired out before students arrive and disinfection occurs when students are not present
TRAINING STAFF AND EDUCATING FAMILIES
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All staff and families have been trained in the following safety actions:
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Proper use, removal, and washing of face coverings
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Physical distancing guidelines and their importance
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Symptoms screening practices
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COVID-19 specific symptom identification
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How COVID-19 is spread
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Enhanced sanitation practices
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The importance of staff and students not coming to work/school if they have symptoms, or if they or someone they live with or they have had close contact with has been diagnosed with COVID-19
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For staff, COVID-19 specific symptom identification and when to seek medical attention
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The School’s plan and procedures to follow when staff or students become sick at school
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The School’s plan and procedures to protect staff from COVID-19 illness
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All trainings and continuing education are conducted virtually
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Updates and reminders are provided on a regular and ongoing basis
MAINTAINING HEALTHY OPERATIONS AND GOOD COMMUNICATIONS
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The SCDS Contact Tracer:
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Monitors staff and student absenteeism
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Contacts families to inquire about Magnus Health app concern areas
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Monitors symptoms among students and staff on campus to isolate people with symptoms as soon as possible
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Works with Public Health in the event of COVID-19 infection
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SCDS has designated a COVID-19 Liaison to respond to COVID-19 concerns
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SCDS maintains communication systems that allow staff and families to self-report symptoms and receive prompt notifications of exposures, exclusions, and closures, while maintaining confidentiality, as required by FERPA and state law related to privacy of educational records
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SCDS has worked with Legal Counsel at Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to develop communications for cases and exposures in compliance with FERPA/HIPAA
DETERMINING SCHOOL CLOSURE
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A single class transitions to distance learning when a close contact to a confirmed case of COVID-19 is established
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All classes learning on campus closing to in-person learning and transitioning to distance learning is determined based on the number of cases and stable groups impacted (which suggest that active in-school transmission is occurring)
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Any decision to close is made in consultation with Public Health officials
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Situations that may indicate the need for school closure include but are not limited to:
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Within a 14-day period, an outbreak has occurred in 25% or more stable groups in the school
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Within a 14-day period, at least three outbreaks have occurred in the school AND more than 5% of the school population is infected
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Other reasons, as determined by Public Health officials, including results from public health investigation or other local epidemiological data
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The inability of school to operate safely due to the number of staff members quarantined at home
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The length of closure is generally 14 days, or according to a decision made in consultation with the Public Health
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SCDS may typically reopen after 14 days and once the following have occurred:
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Cleaning and disinfection
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Public health investigation
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Consultation with Public Health officials
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All families are strongly encouraged to cooperate with public health investigations and any public health directives to ensure SCDS’s ability to maintain in-person operations
VACCINATION
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SCDS supports Public Health efforts to control the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, including vaccination
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The California Department of Public Health strongly recommends that all persons eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines receive them at the first opportunity
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All SCDS employees were eligible to receive the first dose of the Moderna vaccine the week of February 8, 2021, and SCDS administration has ensured that all interested individuals have been able to sign up, have classes and/or duties covered, get the vaccine with no leave time required
AVAILABILITY OF AT-HOME LEARNING
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SCDS offers at-home learning for families who request it, particularly for students who are at higher risk or live with family members who are at higher risk
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At-home learning is also available for children who are quarantining at the direction of the SCDS Contact Tracer, Public Health officials, or a qualified medical professional
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Requests for at-home learning must be made to a child’s respective Division Head at least 48 hours before beginning
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At-home learning plans must be for at least 5 school days in duration and ideally a minimum of 10 days
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The SCDS At-Home Learning Coordinator works with families and teachers to develop and monitor at-home learning for participating students