2020-2021 RETURN TO SCHOOL PLAN...PAGE 2 V5 PUBLISHED JULY 24, 2020 Back to School Events ..... 5

PAGE 1 V5 PUBLISHED JULY 24, 2020

2020-2021 RETURN TO SCHOOL PLAN Version 5 Published July 24, 2020


Back to School Events ............................................................................................................................................................. 5

Option 1: In Person, On-Campus Learning .............................................................................................................................. 6

Arrival and Departure Procedures ...................................................................................................................................... 6

Arrival: ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Dismissal: ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6

Classrooms: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Restrooms: ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Water Fountains: ............................................................................................................................................................ 8

Specials (Spanish, Art, Music, PE, STEM, Library): .......................................................................................................... 8

Physical Education: ......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Athletics: ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Resource/Student Support Plans: ................................................................................................................................... 8

Face Coverings: ............................................................................................................................................................... 8

Lockers/Cubbies: ............................................................................................................................................................. 9

Snack, Lunch, and Birthday Treats: ................................................................................................................................. 9

Recess:............................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Mass: ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Field Trips: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9

After School Care: ......................................................................................................................................................... 10

Front Office/Tardy Students: ........................................................................................................................................ 10

Limiting Visitors on Campus: ......................................................................................................................................... 10

Faculty and Staff: .......................................................................................................................................................... 10

Your Responsibilities as Parents/Guardians: ................................................................................................................ 10

Social and Emotional Support: ...................................................................................................................................... 11

Fluidity and Limitations of this Plan: ............................................................................................................................. 11

STM CONNECT (Distance Learning) ...................................................................................................................................... 12

Mandated Distance Learning ................................................................................................................................................ 13

Health and Hygiene ............................................................................................................................................................... 14

Cleaning & Sanitization ................................................................................................................................................. 14

Student Supplies and Hygiene ...................................................................................................................................... 14

TABLE OF CONTENTS


COVID-19 Response .......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Monitoring for Symptoms ............................................................................................................................................. 14

Handling Suspected, Presumptive or Confirmed Positive Cases of COVID-19 ............................................................. 14

A COVID-19 positive test ............................................................................................................................................... 15

Contact tracing and notification ................................................................................................................................... 15

If contact with COVID patient ....................................................................................................................................... 15

Impact on School ........................................................................................................................................................... 15

Communication ............................................................................................................................................................. 15

Water & Ventilation Systems ........................................................................................................................................ 16

Coping & Resilience ....................................................................................................................................................... 16

Parent Questions and Answers ............................................................................................................................................. 17

References ............................................................................................................................................................................ 20


As a mission-driven, data-informed school, we will continue to provide for your child’s academic, physical, creative,

social, and spiritual development. We will do this by safely continuing to offer weekly virtual liturgies and prayer

services, special area subjects, and other opportunities to

promote the growth of the whole child. As you prepare for

your child(ren)’s return to campus, please know that we’ve

made updates based on guidance from health authorities,

such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC), appropriate government agencies, and after

consultation with the Office of Catholic Schools of the

Diocese of Raleigh. St. Thomas More Catholic School plans

to open in Plan B. This plan will include more restrictions

based on recommendations from the CDC, NCHHS, and the

Diocese of Raleigh. The purpose of Plan B is to open the

school and begin to normalize some routines with students.

Some of the extra things we normally do will look different

during this plan. While some things may look different than the last time you visited, please know that together, we can

and will find new ways to make teaching and learning fun and create new memories together. Please note that this is a

living document that will be revised according to guidelines issued by the CDC, the State of North Carolina, other health

agencies, and after consultation with the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Raleigh. In order to set everyone up

for success, our teachers have decided to invite students to return to campus on a staggered schedule.

Monday, August 17 - only grades 2, 5, & 8 come to school (full day)

Tuesday, August 18 - only grades 1, 4, & 7 come to school (full day)

Wednesday, August 19 - only grades PK3, PK4, K, 3, & 6 come to school (full day)

Thursday, August 20 - all grade levels return full day

The Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Raleigh has officially stated that its Catholic schools will operate with the

goal of having students physically present for in-person, On-Campus Learning with the option for students who are not

attending school in person to participate in the school’s alternative educational program – STM Connect. We understand

that circumstances vary by family and some parents may choose to keep their children home for a variety of reasons.

Students remaining at home will use a hybrid system of instruction and will be provided with chromebooks. Students at

home will be able to view classes live with their teacher (synchronous). Students will also have access to video/reading

materials to view on their own time (asynchronous).

Tuition remains the same whether a student attends classes in-person or opts for the STM Connect plan. If Distance

Learning becomes necessary due to a government mandate, tuition cannot be discounted or refunded.

Every member of our school family is important to us. St. Thomas More Catholic School will be offering the following

two (2) options for the start of the 2020-2021 academic year:

Option 1: In-person, On-Campus Learning for 1st quarter

Option 2: STM Connect (Distance Learning) for 1st quarter

2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR LEARNING OPTIONS


School families must choose Option 1 or Option 2 on or before Friday, July 31st. All school families are required to

indicate this choice by completing this form on our STM website by Friday, July 31st.

St. Thomas More Catholic School has taken enhanced health and safety measures for our students, families, and

employees. All persons on campus must follow all policies and posted instructions.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By selecting Option 1: In-

person, On-Campus Learning, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Back to School Events Meet the Teacher- Instead of our traditional Meet the Teacher event on

August 12, families can expect to receive a video introduction of your

classroom and teacher.

Orientation- In order to accommodate our limited capacity due to

COVID restrictions, orientations will be presented live via Zoom (and

recorded) by each classroom teacher. The dates are as follows:

Monday, August 17, PK3, PK4, and K at 6:00pm

Wednesday, August 19, grades 1 and 2 at 6:30pm

Wednesday, August 19 grades 3, 4, and 5 at 7:15pm

Thursday, August 20, grades 6, 7, and 8 at 6:30pm


Option 1: In Person, On-Campus Learning

Arrival and Departure Procedures

Arrival:

• Beginning at 7:30a.m., when students arrive each morning, temperature checks will be required (NonContact Forehead Thermometers will be used). This will occur in the carline prior to the parent/guardian leaving. Students must not exit their vehicles until approached by a member of the staff for the temperature check. Any student with a temperature of 100° F or higher will not be allowed to attend school.

• Parents/Guardians will also be asked to confirm their child(ren): o (1) have had no symptoms of illness in the past 24 hours

(i.e. fever, loss of smell or taste, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, shortness of breath, new or unusual headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite), and

o (2) have been without the use of fever-reducing medication for the past 24 hours. • Once cleared, students may proceed to their respective entrance door, sanitize their hands, and then

proceed to their respective classrooms (7:30-7:50 a.m.). o Preschool will enter at South Campus Preschool entrance. o Kindergarten through 5th Grade will enter through the Lower School main door. o 6th Grade through 8th Grade will enter through the Middle School doors.

• Students will be required to wear masks during arrival and proper social distancing will be maintained. • After passing the screening, students will report directly to their homerooms. • Student patrols will not be used at this time. • Parents/Guardians are not permitted to exit their vehicle during drop-off. • We encourage families NOT to carpool with other families.

Dismissal:

• Upon your arrival, a school staff member will approach your car and call in the family name displayed on the car tag (provided by the school). The car tag should be clearly visible through the windshield. As teachers are notified of your arrival, students will be sent to your car.

• Students will be required to wear masks during dismissal and proper social distancing will be maintained.

• Parents/Guardians are not permitted to exit their vehicle during dismissal. • As always, students riding home with another family will require parental permission, and the school

office must be notified prior to 1:00 p.m. that day. • Dismissal will be done directly from the student’s homeroom. • There will be no walk-ups. Dismissal will be to carline only.

IN-PERSON, ON-CAMPUS LEARNING


• During carline times, in both morning and afternoon, we ask for added patience from all involved as the process may look and feel a little different.

• We are looking into ways to expedite the process of both arrival and dismissal to make it quicker, without sacrificing the efficacy of the screening process or health of individuals.

Classrooms:

• Classroom set-ups will be arranged to maximize space and increase social distancing between students.

All extraneous furniture will be removed from the classroom. • HEPA air purifiers for each classroom/space on campus. • The intake of fresh air for all units, both in the lower school and in the middle school has been increased. • Air filters in all HVAC units will use filters with a higher MERV rating. • Every student will have an assigned seat at a desk/table. • All desks/tables will be facing the same direction. • Sanitizing stations have been placed in every classroom and in hallways. Students will be encouraged to

sanitize and wash hands frequently throughout the school day. • Visual supports will be displayed reminding students to keep 6 feet apart. We will implement the term

“airplane arms” in all grade levels. • Students will remain in their classroom for all core instruction. Teachers will rotate. • We will identify ways to limit any sharing of supplies; however, in the event it does occur, toys and other

such items will be sanitized appropriately. • Students will still receive Spanish, Art, Music, PE, Library, and PLTW (Project Lead the Way/STEM grades

5-8). • Desks and other classroom surfaces will be wiped down and sanitized routinely throughout each school

day, in addition to nightly cleaning and disinfecting. • Movement in the building during the school day will be limited and purposeful. Students will remain in

homeroom cohorts and teachers and specials will come to them. Students will have access to bathrooms from their classroom on an individual basis.

• Specials classes will be taught in each homeroom classroom, except for PE. This will ensure that shared classrooms are minimized.

• All Instructional Technology resources will be utilized. • All Outdoor Education resources will be utilized.

Restrooms:

• Students in PK 3, PK 4, and Kindergarten will use the restrooms assigned to their respective classes. • Students in Grades 1-2 will use the restrooms in the wing of their respective building. Teachers will allow

1 child per class to use the restroom. Students will be required to wear masks when using the restroom. • Students in Grades 3-5 will use the restrooms in the wing of their respective building. Teachers will allow

1 child per class to use the restroom. Students will be required to wear masks when using the restroom. • Students in Grades 6-8 will use the restrooms in their building. Teachers will allow 1 child per class to

use the restroom. Students will be required to wear masks when using the restroom. • Students will be taught appropriate procedures for using the restroom and washing hands. • Frequent cleaning of the restrooms will be done by maintenance throughout the day, in addition to

nightly cleaning and disinfecting.


Water Fountains:

• Students will be asked to bring a personally labeled water bottle. • Water fountains will only be used for refilling bottles.

Specials (Spanish, Art, Music, PE, STEM, Library):

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2020), it is “critical to maintain a balanced curriculum with continued physical education and other learning experiences rather than an exclusive emphasis on core subject areas.” Whenever possible, students will remain in their respective classroom and the teacher will come to their classroom.

Physical Education:

• Classes will be conducted outside, to the greatest extent possible, with high-contact activities reduced/eliminated.

• Focus will be on individual skills and health/fitness as opposed to game play. • Face coverings will not need to be worn when outside when social distancing can occur. Students and

staff should have their face coverings with them to ensure they are available, if needed.

Athletics:

Middle School Fall athletics through the Triangle Catholic Schools Athletic Conference (TCSAC) will follow guidelines of the Center for Disease Control, NC High School Athletic Association, and the TCSAC Athletic Directors and Commissioner. At this time, TCSAC will not be hosting athletics.

Resource/Student Support Plans:

• Families of students with a diagnosed disability will participate in an annual Student Support meeting virtually.

• In-Person, On-Campus Option: Students will still be pulled for individual and/or small group instruction and will maintain CDC recommendations. Students will only be pulled within the same classroom cohort.

• STM Connect: Students will have additional online sessions for help and guidance, as scheduled by the Resource teacher.

• Any services provided by Emerge (i.e. Speech and Occupational Therapies) will be communicated at a later date.

Face Coverings:

• A school has many opportunities for socialization. As social distancing is not possible at all times throughout a day, all employees and students must have a face covering with them at all times. The use of face coverings will be part of our school’s overall plan. Clear rules for when, where, and under which conditions face coverings are required will be provided and updated throughout the school year. If your child has a medical reason not to wear a face covering, you must provide a note from your doctor in writing to the administration. In these cases, a face shield will be a suitable alternative.

• Face coverings must be worn by all students, staff, and individuals on campus, to the maximum extent possible: in hallways, common areas, classrooms, during small group instruction, and anywhere social distancing is not possible.

• Students will not be expected to wear face coverings during snack, lunch, recess, PE, or nap time. • Students and staff will receive instruction on the proper way to wear a face covering. • Student’s name must be written in permanent ink on their face covering to avoid cross contamination. • Parents/Guardians must provide face coverings for their child(ren).


• Students may wear the face covering of their choice, however, they must be appropriate for school and not contain any messaging. Face coverings should be school appropriate, style/patterns following the guidelines for out of uniform dress code. Please refer to the Family Handbook. Lands End has included a face covering as an option to the uniform, however this specific one is not a required item for students.

• Face coverings must completely cover both the nose and mouth. • Recognizing that it may be difficult for students to wear face coverings continuously throughout an entire

school day, staff will be trained to allow for safe “face covering breaks” in or out of the classroom, and will work to balance safety with the students’ social-emotional well-being.

Lockers/Cubbies:

• PreK-Grade 5 - time at cubbies will be staggered to allow for appropriate spacing. • Grade 6-8 Lockers will be assigned by Homeroom once we transition to plan A.

Snack, Lunch, and Birthday Treats:

• Snack break is given to every child. Students should bring their own healthy snack as there will be no sharing.

• Families will still be able to purchase lunches through STM FACTS SIS system ordering. However, extra safety precautions will be taken during lunch service and lunch time.

• Lunch coordinators will be required to wear masks and gloves at all times during lunch prep and lunch service.

• Ordered meals will be delivered to individual classrooms. • Snack and Lunch will be eaten in the classroom or outside. • At this time, we are asking that any birthday treat sent in with a child in his/her backpack is store bought

and individually wrapped within a box or bag.

Recess:

• Recess will utilize all the spaces available to us in an effort to allow students to move and be active while maintaining health and safety. The athletic fields will also be made available during recess time in an effort to create even more space for kids to run.

• No more than two classes will be permitted on the playground at one time. No contact sports or playground equipment will be allowed while NC is in phase 2.

Mass:

• We will attend Mass on a monthly basis via live-stream, until further notice. We will celebrate our first live-stream school Mass on August 21.

• Our usual School Mass time, Fridays at 8:40, will continue to be reserved for our spiritual growth through participation in class rosaries, prayer services, and the occasional virtual visit from Fr. Scott with his homilies and catechetical opportunities.

• There will be no Mass Uniform requirements until such time that we return to Mass in Church.

Field Trips:

• Field trips will not be scheduled the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year. Further communication will be provided regarding field trips scheduled for the second semester and will be based on recommendations from the Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and after consultation with the Office of Catholic Schools and Centers of the Diocese of Raleigh.


After School Care:

• After School Care will be offered from 3 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. • Staff and students will be required to wear face coverings, as during school hours, with mask breaks

outdoors, etc. • Additional staffing will be available to ensure social distancing among students. • Students will be spaced 6 ft. apart indoors, grouped by grade level and wear face coverings. • Outdoor spaces will be utilized. • There will be no shared toys. Students will follow similar classroom procedures.

Front Office/Tardy Students:

• Parents dropping off tardy students, forgotten items, or picking students up early will not be permitted to enter the building.

• If tardy, parents/guardians are required to accompany their child(ren) to the front entrance for a temperature check.

• Items being dropped off will be delivered by a staff member.

Limiting Visitors on Campus:

• In order to limit exposure for all students and staff, St. Thomas More Catholic School will limit campus and facility visits by any nonessential visitors, community organizations, businesses, municipal partners, and speakers during Plan B. Essential visitors are defined as those with business critical to the operation of the school (e.g. contractors, deliveries, members of the Department of Health, etc.). Essential visitors are required to wear face coverings while on campus.

• A Plexiglass barrier has been installed at the front office reception desk. Front office staff will be closely monitoring access to the building.

Faculty and Staff:

The STM Faculty and Staff are committed to making our campus as safe as possible. All will be trained on the latest CDC guidelines regarding social distancing, the wearing of face coverings, cleaning, and sanitizing. Daily temperature checks will be required of all faculty and staff. Faculty and staff will be asked daily to confirm that they:

1. have had no symptoms of illness in the past 24 hours (i.e. fever, loss of smell or taste, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, shortness of breath, new or unusual headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite), and

2. have been without the use of fever-reducing medication for the past 24 hours. Faculty and staff who have a fever or any symptoms of illness will be required to stay at home.

Your Responsibilities as Parents/Guardians:

• We all have a part to play in keeping our students, their families, and our faculty and staff safe. Parents/guardians have the enormous responsibility of ensuring their students are not sent to school sick and ensuring their students follow all isolation and quarantine recommendations if someone in the family is exposed to or infected with COVID-19.

• Students MUST NOT be sent to school if they have exhibited any symptoms of illness (i.e. fever, loss of smell or taste, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, shortness of breath, new or unusual headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite) within the past 24 hours. Further, students MUST NOT be sent to school if they have been given fever-reducing medication within the past 24 hours.

• Parents/guardians should help their child(ren) understand the current need for social distancing and the wearing of face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained. It is suggested that you practice with your child(ren) so they have a better idea of how to properly wear a face covering and what a distance of 6 feet looks like.


• If a student develops a fever or other significant symptoms of illness once at school, the student will be sent to the designated area to await pick-up. A parent/guardian MUST pick-up the student within 30 minutes of being called. Parents/guardians should make sure they have back-ups designated in case they are not able to make it to school for pick-up within 30 minutes.

• Families are expected to follow the latest CDC guidelines regarding isolation, social distancing, etc. if exposed to or infected with COVID-19. The school should be promptly notified if a student or someone in his/her immediate family tests positive for COVID-19.

• Parents/guardians need to make sure all emergency contact information is up to date in the FACTS SIS system.

• We recognize that some of our students have chronic conditions, such as asthma or allergies, that will produce a cough. Parents/guardians of such students need to provide the school with documentation from the child’s doctor regarding these conditions.

Social and Emotional Support:

• Since March, there has been a heightened level of stress and anxiety for us all. It is extremely important that we all remember to seek help and support if the level of stress and anxiety becomes overwhelming. This is especially important for our children. Please remember that STM has a licensed school counselor who provides guidance counseling services for our school. Individual student and/or family counseling may be provided upon request.

Fluidity and Limitations of this Plan:

• It is important to emphasize that this document will likely be revised frequently. The information on COVID-19 and the recommendations made by health and education agencies change rapidly. The administration and faculty/staff of STM are committed to revising our mitigation plans as often as needed. It is also important to note that this plan cannot possibly cover all situations which might occur; it has limitations. The administration and faculty/staff of STM are also committed to evaluating new and unexpected situations if they arise, always in consultation with the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Raleigh.


STM CONNECT (Distance Learning) All grade levels at St. Thomas More Catholic School will be offered a distance learning option (STM Connect) for families with COVID-19 related concerns. If a family decides to begin the 2020-2021 school year remotely via the STM Connect option, they must provide notice by completing the online Form by Friday, July 31st which is located on the school website. Families who select this option will still receive the high-quality, Catholic education that St. Thomas More has been providing for nearly 60 years. You will continue to be very much a part of our faith family and additional opportunities will be provided for interaction with classmates, teachers, and the school community. In order to provide a more cohesive learning experience, STM Connect students will only have the opportunity to return to In-Person, On-campus Learning at the quarter or any date that the Distance Learning option is eliminated by mandate of the State and/or Catholic Schools Office. Families may switch from In-person, On-Campus Learning to STM Connect at any time throughout the school year, provided that their need is COVID-related as defined by the school and provided that the STM Connect option is still in place. The STM Connect option will remain in place as long as COVID-19 continues to be a concern, as determined by the Catholic Schools Office and NCHHS.

• Distance learning would be expanded from the experience of fourth quarter 2019- 2020 year at St. Thomas More Catholic School, with strengthened mechanisms and procedures to provide a more streamlined, organized, and consistent experience. Student attendance and participation will be monitored with scheduled virtual class time. Class assignments will be completed by set deadlines and grades will be posted in a timely manner. Specials will be included in the standards based curriculum and students will be held accountable, as participation will be mandatory.

• If selecting Distance Learning, students are expected to be in uniform, with camera on, and participating in a public space such as the kitchen, living room, or den.

• Technology expectations (including the organization of Google Classroom and other online platforms) will be more consistent across grade levels. One to one devices are available based on need for grades PK3 through 8.

• Technology tools will be utilized to streamline STM Connect (distance learning) procedures; our goal is for all students, parents, and teachers to be able to focus on learning gains, not technical issues.

• Valuable parent feedback from our School Advisory Board (SAB) as well as from our teachers, will contribute to enhancing the overall academic experience for all students, including one’s interactions with the teacher and how lessons are taught to effectively engage the child.

• STM Connect will provide ongoing support to all faculty members, students, and parents to support every child’s academic success and development of the whole person, including the children’s social and emotional needs in collaboration with the STM licensed school counselor.

OPTION 2 STM CONNECT


• Under normal circumstances, if students are not physically present for In-person, On-campus Learning, they will not be eligible to participate in on-campus extracurricular activities, such as athletics, most clubs, concerts, and other events. However, permission for participation in certain extracurricular activities may be granted under certain circumstances on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the school’s pastor/administrator.

Mandated Distance Learning

St. Thomas More Catholic School would move to all-school Distance Learning if mandated by the Diocese of Raleigh and/or the Governor of North Carolina. There may be scenarios that call for all or some grade levels at St. Thomas More Catholic School to temporarily move to Distance Learning at some point throughout the school year, depending on the level of viral transmission in the school or local community and after consultation with public health authorities and the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Raleigh.

When the school previously closed and had to implement a Distance Learning plan, it was considered a time of crisis. If the school must close again and implement a Distance Learning plan, the amount of schoolwork will be more in line with a normal school day. Parents/guardians should be prepared for this scenario.

If this occurs for any reason, school families will receive specific information via email outlining the expectations at every grade level.

MANDATED DISTANCE LEARNING


Health and Hygiene

Cleaning & Sanitization

• STM has reorganized the budget for cleaning the school in order to stay in compliance with all public health guidelines. This will allow for additional cleaning staff and the purchasing of additional approved cleaning products.

• The school will continue with current porters (cleaning staff) on a staggered schedule available throughout the day. Porters will be maintaining a clean and safe environment before school, afterschool, and the staggered schedule will allow all these porters to be available during the lunch hours. Each classroom will be cleaned after students eat their lunch.

• Cleaning staff will establish a schedule to clean and disinfect high-touch areas, such as door handles, stair rails, desks, and light switches.

• The building will not be used in the evenings during the week, to allow time for the spaces to be cleaned thoroughly.

• Many cleaning products, hand sanitizer bottles, and Personal Protection Equipment will be available to ensure the school has the materials needed to mitigate the spread of germs.

• Sanitation Stations will be placed at each entrance for anybody who enters the building. • Time will be built into the day to allow for frequent and thorough hand washing. • Hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) will be available in each classroom. • Teachers in collaboration with our nurses will educate students on best practices while washing hands,

and covering their face while sneezing or coughing.

Student Supplies and Hygiene

• STM is supplying all classroom supplies needed in each grade level. STM will be exploring options to provide individual supplies to reduce sharing.

• All soft seating, plush toys, and other sensory equipment will be removed from classrooms.

COVID-19 Response

Monitoring for Symptoms

• There will be a screening process that all faculty members and students must adhere to before entering the building.

• We will conduct daily temperature screenings for all people entering the school building. Per STM guidelines, a fever is determined by a measured temperature of 100 degrees or greater.

Handling Suspected, Presumptive or Confirmed Positive Cases of COVID-19

• We will be posting signage and educating staff, students and families about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and when they should stay home and when they can return to school.

• We are blessed at STM to have two nurses who are committed to the health and safety of everyone at our school. Our nursing staff can be contacted through email at [email protected]

HEALTH AND HYGIENE

mailto:[email protected]


• We will designate space available to our nurses, allowing them to properly distance any student who may be feeling sick or symptomatic.

• If a person appears to be symptomatic, we will follow the recommendations and guidelines in the NCDHHS Toolkit (pages 9 &10).The school will work in partnership with local public health authorities in responding to cases or exposure to COVID-19 within the community.

Parents/emergency contacts will be contacted immediately if students present a fever or other noteworthy symptoms such as diarrhea, runny nose, intractable headache, persistent cough(etc...). Students will need to be picked up in a timely manner by parent or approved contact. (Students must have a legit emergency contact that is able to pick up, if the parent can’t)— No exceptions. (Parents please be considerate and respectful of your child’s teacher and classmates and be timely when picking up an ill child.)

A person can return to school following normal school policies, if:

• They receive confirmation of an alternative diagnosis from a health care provider that would explain the COVID-19-like symptom(s),

• Once there is no fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines and they have felt well for 24 hours.

A COVID-19 positive test

• If a student or employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and does not have symptoms they must remain out of school until 10 days have passed since the date of their test.

• If they test positive and have symptoms, they must stay home for 14 days since the onset of symptoms and have been fever and symptom free for at least three days.

Contact tracing and notification

• It is expected that public health authorities, who are experts in this matter, will conduct any formal contact tracing following a positive report of COVID-19. School officials will then coordinate with local health officials to notify staff and families immediately, while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with state and federal laws.

If contact with COVID patient

• If a student or employee has been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, they must remain out of school for 14 days since the last date of exposure. They must complete the full quarantine, even if they test negative. If they test positive, they should follow the guidelines above.

Impact on School

• The school will take guidance from local health authorities on appropriate steps following a positive diagnosis on campus, which would likely involve closing campus for a few days to clean and coordinate communication and planning.

Communication

• STM values accurate, timely, clear, concise, and consistent communication. • Families will be informed about any COVID-19 related updates through STM communication

channels including: Principal Letter, website, social media, and the ParentAlert system. • We want to make sure we are not only communicating with adults, but also developing age-

appropriate materials to help our students navigate and understand the new norms.


Water & Ventilation Systems

Water fountain systems will be flushed and cleaned and all fountains will be set to refill water bottles only. Students will be expected to bring personal, clearly labeled (with his/her name) water bottles. In regards to ventilation, HVAC units will be set to let in some fresh air while keeping the space as comfortable as possible; in hot and humid days there will be less fresh air mixed in; in cooler days windows can be opened to let in even more fresh air; it will be a daily assessment.

Coping & Resilience

• In addition to our school counselor, Mrs. Colleen O’Brien [email protected] , we are working with Catholic Charities to provide counselors for social and emotional support as needed.

• If more robust support is needed, staff, students, and families are encouraged to seek support by dialing 211 or contacting the Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463.

mailto:[email protected]


Parent Questions and Answers Our Leadership Team has put together this Q & A based on direct questions, concerns, and comments

received from our families.

Will students attend class every day, or a portion of each week augmented with online? Yes, all day.

How many students do you anticipate will be in each third-grade class? Class size maximum will be determined by the potential for 6’ distancing.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of students that will be in each class? There is no minimum. The maximum will be determined by the potential for 6’ distancing.

If students are confined to their desk for lunch and specials, how does this option provide socialization skills

for them? The teachers will be providing developmentally age-appropriate activity to implement with distancing outdoors

within their cohorts.

What live feed platform will the school be using for this option? We will be using Google Classroom, Zoom, with business class video cameras in the classroom.

Will this connection allow students to interact with the teacher and class in real time? Yes

How will the i-Ready and Iowa testing be completed for these students? i-Ready will be online for all students whether they are in-person and Distance Learning. Students who are

taking the i-Ready at home will have their camera on. The Iowa will be taken at school in afternoons and evenings or on

Saturdays.

Will there be opportunities for students to interact with each other for social well-being such as scheduled

open-Zoom meetups for each grade? We will rely on HSA to organize these opportunities as well as our school counselor.

Will there be any training available to parents utilizing the online option prior to the beginning of the school

year? We will be providing class specific orientations (virtual orientations; see school calendar).

If we opt for in person attendance, should we, as parents, at any time choose to temporarily pull our

child/children for various reasons (e.g., someone tests positive in school, we need to quarantine, someone

in the family not feeling well), do we have the distance learning option available to us (even though we

might not have opted in it at the beginning). I am assuming so, but would like some clarity regarding this. Yes

PARENT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS


What will snack time and lunch time look like? Will the kids eat in a single classroom without

masks/barriers on the desks? Will they go outside to eat? Yes, students will be in the classroom without barriers for lunch and snacks. We will be utilizing the outdoors as

much as possible, weather permitting.

In the healthcare setting, employee to employee transmission has happened most frequently in the break

rooms where staff take off masks and eat in the same room. What will prevent this from happening in

classrooms? Have there been thoughts about splitting kids up and some eating on the back porch/front porch and

installing a covering/tent/etc to accommodate kids eating snacks/lunch in an outdoor setting?

This has been discussed in consultation with the NCHHS guidelines; we will be utilizing alternative spaces as much as

possible, weather permitting. However, there will be times when we will be limited to the classroom space. Resources

are being attained at the moment to expand our outdoor eating options that meet guidelines.

While the school may be at 50% capacity, some classes aren’t. What happens for instance with the 5th

grade class may have 22 in each of the two classes? What will be the maximal sized class that meets in one

room? Numbers are changing daily as families make the choice to distance learn. Class size maximum will be

determined by the potential for 6’ distancing.

Our understanding is that when a person is positive, those around that person (ie classmates) should be

quarantined for 14 days to prevent further spread of the virus as noted in your plan. Will classmates of a

child who tests positive be quarantined for 14 days? If so, will each child have all references needed at

home (E-copies of textbooks, etc) to do their work? The decision for quarantine will be based on the health department, pediatrician, and school nurses. In the

event of quarantine, all materials will be provided and the student will be set up for Distance Learning.

If one child in a family has symptoms concerning for COVID (ie a runny nose/fever), are the others in that

family going to be asked to stay home until no one has symptoms or until they are tested? Currently test results may take a few days. During this time a student may have a fever and be waiting for a test

result, will the siblings be at home or at school? According to the NCHHS guidelines, students without symptoms will be

at school unless otherwise mandated. Please note that STM will follow all directions from the NCHHS Health Department

and health professionals. Please see the full NC scenario.

How many people have asked their children at home to wear their mask for 1.5 hrs three times in the same

day? Or something that may be realistic to what will be needed in school? Have their ears gotten sore? Did they keep it on their nose and mouth? Did they touch it continuously? While I

wear a mask my entire work day, I work with adults who aren’t used to this and adults have trouble masking for 1-2

hours. What are realistic expectations for kids in terms of keeping their masks on? Although we can not speak for

individual families, we encourage all of our families to practice transitioning their child. Teachers will provide fun

learning opportunities to embrace the mask.

Will there be singing on campus in music class, mass, or closed/indoor spaces? There will be no singing in music class. Instead the focus will be on individual instruments, movement, and

drama. Mass will not be in person for the time being. Class specific orientations will address age appropriate singing.


Are any other groups allowed to use the school on nights or weekends? Can we prevent non-school use of

the school's indoor spaces? At this time, Faith development, ISLA, and Boy Scouts are using non-school facilities. The school facilities will be

limited to STM school students only.

Where will potentially COVID positive students/faculty go during the day? Students with cough, fever, diarrhea, etc will be separated and isolated in an identified “symptom” room

separate from the nurse’s office. This location will receive full sanitization between occupants.

Will there be HEPA filters for each classroom? HEPA Filtration has been added to the classrooms as well as other improvements to the HVAC systems.

Will PE be outside since students will be exercising? Do they wear their masks while exercising? If it will be

indoor, what air exchange will be present so the same air isn't reused/recirculated between classes? Kids will be going to P.E. and outdoors will be the preferred method. The gym will be sectioned off to

accommodate the sanitizing for cohorts to use during P.E. class. Instructional activities will follow the safety guidelines.

It is state mandated that kids wear face coverings. Due to the humidity concerns for our gym floor, we already have a

professional quality air conditioner and dehumidifier.

Should students bring their own supplies (balls, jump ropes, etc) for recess? Teachers will provide the specific requirements for recess at orientation.

Deadline for opting for Distance Learning is July 31. The link to form to select Option 1 – On-campus Learning

or Option 2 – Distance Learning using STM Connect, is located on the homepage of the school website

(STMCSNC.ORG) . This deadline is imperative for us to prepare instruction for your children. However, there

may be circumstances that lead your family to opt into Distance Learning at a later date. Distance Learning

commitment will be quarterly.


References St. Thomas More Catholic School Administration and Faculty St. Thomas More Parish Administration St. Thomas More Catholic School Re-Opening Task Force Diocese of Raleigh Catholic Schools Office NC Department of Health and Human Services Toolkit NC Governor’s Office

References

Documents

2020-2021 RETURN TO SCHOOL PLAN...PAGE 2 V5 PUBLISHED JULY 24, 2020 Back to School Events ..... 5