Returning To School for the 2020-2021 School Year

July 1, 2020

Dear Christian Academy Saints,

As we continue in the tradition of providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, we strongly believe that a return to in- person instruction is very important. We continue to carefully consider the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students as we make plans for the 2020-2021 school year.

Students will return to a 5 day per week, in-person learning environment beginning August 17, 2020. We also have made a commitment to continue to be remain prayerful, flexible, and discerning.

We recognize that during this time, families and children and in our community and nation, and people have been impacted in a variety of ways from COVID-19. The Christian Academy Leadership Team and Board of Trustees continue to lift this situation the the Lord in prayer.

Caring Christian Community

-Maintaining Christian Academy mission & vision, including admissions standards

 -Strengthening social/emotional/mental health

-Nurturing strong relationships

Health & Safety Facilities Protocols

- Hand washing & sanitizing
- Additional daily cleaning throughout the school building
- New UV lights installed in duct work (kills viruses and bacteria)

Monitoring Health of Faculty, Staff, and Students

- Parent screening for temperature and other health concerns at home

- Temperature screenings at school, as needed

-Isolating students who present with symptoms of fever, sore throat, coughing

-Masks can be worn by individual preference; choices will be respected

-Students will be welcome to return to school, after illness, when clearance is given by a physician.

Distancing Strategies

-Small class sizes

-Reduce use of shared materials

-Modified dismissal procedures

-Increase opportunities for outdoor recesses, lunch, classes, and activities

-Significantly reduced numbers in:

• in hallways
• at recess
• during lunches

The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with the goal of having students be physically present at school. Policies are intended to mitigate but may not eliminate risks associated with COVID-19. Much new information is being released (international statistics about contract tracing, YMCA, Johns Hopkins University, Brown University) indicating that the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains very low in children. Implementation of several coordinated plans can greatly reduce the risk. We will continue to work diligently to remain flexible and clear about new information that is helpful to decision making as it relates to the safety of all.