COVID readiness plan | South Texas Christian Academy

COVID school reopening plans

STCA COVID 19 Health ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Pedro Abanto, MD

Rudy Alvarez, MD

Daniel Garcia, RN, CRNA

Ricardo Sobrevilla, MD

Due to the local health conditions in the county, health officials have advised schools to not begin in classroom teaching until September 27. This has left us with the option of synchronous distance learning to begin on August 17, 2020. We have plans for many scenarios and anticipate reopening with live instruction in the next few weeks.

SCHOOL COMMITMENT

South Texas Christian Academy aims for excellence in education. The staff demonstrates commitment towards our students. Under the circumstances we would like to respond to this challenge with the same commitment and desire to ensure that our students receive the training and skills they need to succeed. Looking ahead to this school year.

After September 27, if the conditions we now face improve, we will assess our possibilities to open our classrooms for instruction. STCA will continue to exercise its mission of preparing service-oriented disciples of Jesus to excel spiritually, mentally, and physically to impact the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

DISTANCE LEARNING SCHEDULE

Morning classes start at 9:30-12:00 for core classes (Language arts, Math, Science, Social Studies) from Monday-Friday.

In the afternoon 1:00-3:00 schedule covers non-core classes (Bible, Music, PE, Art, Computers), and special tutoring time.

All classes will be delivered through distance learning platforms: Google classroom, Zoom, and Showbie. Other tools may be used to support students learning.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROJECTION

Each core class will meet for a minimum number of minutes per week:

Language arts 190 minutes per week
Math 210 minutes per week
Science 180 per week
Social Studies 170 per week.

Each non-core class will meet for 80 minutes per week:

Music 80 minutes per week
Computers 80 minutes per week
PE 80 minutes per week
Art 80 minutes per week
Bible 150 minutes per week,

120 minutes per week will be given for tutoring students that need extra support.

STUDENTS EXPECTATION

Student’s attendance will be assessed by connecting to the virtual session or submitting the class work assigned in class for each day. (The student may review the class at a different schedule due to conflict with other classes or illness, for which appropriate arrangement must be made)

TEACHER EXPECTATION

Each teacher will have an orientation for parents regarding class sessions guidelines, class schedule, ren-web orientation, distance learning platform and device instruction, and class work protocol.

Lesson plan for the week will be published every Monday.

Teachers will enter at least two grades per week on the student grade book.

Each class session will be reordered for future reference should a student be sick or have conflict of schedule (arrangements must be made).

The following is the contingency plan to open the classroom when the COVID 19 ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE SCHOOL BOARD SEES APPROPRIATE.

SOUTH TEXAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY REOPENING PLAN 2020-2021

Learning in person/Distance learning

• Virtual Learning/Distance Education:

o Students receive all education via virtual learning from home

o Instruction is delivered synchronously (where students tune in to classes live) on a schedule published to families

o Attendance to live instruction via Zoom (or similar platform) is required

o Students enrolled in a live, in-person option as defined below will also be expected to attend via virtual/distance education in the event they are sent home according this plan for health concerns/screening requirements

• Live, In-Person Learning

o Students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade attend live, in-person school at STCA Campus

o Social distancing is employed where possible

o Live instruction is given in a face-to-face capacity

o When seated, partitions will be utilized to create a physical barrier between students when social distancing is not possible

o When students stand up or move about the room, they will be expected to utilize a mask, or other approved face covering

o Usage of face coverings will be required.

• Blended Learning

o All other students electing the “blended” learning will have to connect to the class via the platform that has been provided.

o Virtual learning will follow the same schedule and pace of In-Person learning

• Opportunities to Change Enrollment Election:

o At intervals determined by administration, families will have the opportunity to change their election (possibly through “transition” three week periods

Sanitary Equipment Implementations/Provisions:

• Sanitary Wipes

• Hand Sanitizer Stations

• Peroxide Sanitizing Spray Bottles (all rooms/offices):

• Masks (2 temporary and 1 reusable per student and staff provided initially): As provided by the TEA

• Face Shields (1 per staff member): As provided by the TEA.

1. Screening Protocols:

a. Staff

i. Self-screen each morning for COVID-19 symptoms prior to arriving on campus as recommended by the TEA

b. Students

i. Parents/guardians screen their students for COVID-19 symptoms each day prior to sending their student to school as recommended by the TEA

ii. Screening will take place as follows (if allowed by guidelines): Signage will be created/ordered to state the screening requirements, indicating that by students, staff, parents and visitors coming on campus, they are indicating that they do not have any of the symptoms present on the screening form included below

c. Visitors/Volunteers:

Only essential visitors/volunteers will be permitted

1. Parents will be permitted to visit campus as is necessary

ii. Self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to arriving on campus as recommended by the TEA

iii. Further screened by staff member prior to being allowed beyond the check-in desk

2. Drop-Off/Arrival Procedures:

a. If arriving Before 7:50 am

i. Pre-K through 8th Grade students will be welcomed by our supervising staff at the elementary school office lobby (always keeping social distancing).

ii. High School students will be welcomed by our supervising staff at the high school office lobby (always maintaining social distancing)

b. Students arriving at 7:50 am or later will enter the appropriate building observing all markings/signage and following proper entry/exit procedures

c. All students will proceed directly to their first period classrooms/homerooms upon entry into the school buildings beginning at 7:50 am

3. School Day Protocols and Procedures:

a. Bussing Protocols:

i. Optimal spacing will be utilized

ii. Sanitizing all high touch surfaces on bus after each trip involving students

b. Classroom Protocols:

Entering the classrooms:

1. Students will head directly to their assigned seats unless otherwise directed, maintaining proper social distancing as far as feasible

- Seating protocols:

- Physical barriers/partitions will be utilized on an as-needed basis between students while seated when social distancing is not feasible

2. Students will only move about the room with permission from their teacher, while maintaining social distancing as far as feasible

ii. Minimize or eliminate shared desk spaces where feasible

iii. When desks/tables must be shared between various students/groups, all high-touch surfaces will be sanitized between uses

iv. Shared resources will be minimized as far as feasible

v. Dividers will be utilized between students while seated when social distancing is not possible

vi. In grades 2 through 12, face coverings will be used.

c. Transition Protocols:

Hallway use will be minimized

i. Lockers will not be utilized to begin the school year; however, administration will continue to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing them should conditions allow at some point during the school year.

ii. Traffic flow markings will be added to all common areas where feasible and will be expected to be observed by all students, staff and visitors on campus

iii. When moving between rooms/buildings, students will maintain social distancing as feasible, and wear face coverings always.

iv. For grade levels that implement departmentalization, teachers will move to students for transitions in instruction and students will remain in their classrooms where feasible.

d. Bathroom Protocols:

i. “Closed” areas of the bathrooms will be marked indicating use is currently not allowed

ii. Students will utilize sanitary wipes to wipe down any high-touch surface they touch (such as faucet handle) following use

iii. Students will use hand sanitizer (stations posted outside all bathrooms) upon exit

iv. High touch surfaces will be cleaned throughout the school day by staff, as scheduled by administration

e. Drinking Fountains/Water Distribution:

Students will be strongly encouraged to bring and utilize personal water bottles as opposed to using the drinking fountains (which will be disabled)

i. Drinking fountains will be deactivated, and water bottle filling stations will be installed where feasible.

ii. Guests who do not have water bottles may request a water bottle from the central office (Purchase Comparable Unit)

iii. Students should use hand sanitizer following the use of a drinking fountain

f. Lunch Procedures:

We believe the best approach is for each student to bring their own lunch from home; however, we know that this may not be an option for all families.

i. Students will bring their own lunch. Lunch will be limited to the classroom.

g. Recess Procedures:

The number of students allowed on the playground and surrounding play areas at any given time will be limited to one classroom at a time.

h. Physical Education Protocols:

Students will participate in PE outdoors as is feasible (weather permitting)

i. When participating in PE indoors, activities involving physical contact will be avoided

ii. Shared PE equipment will be sanitized between uses by separate groups of students

iii. Masks will not be worn during PE unless parents/guardians have directed the school otherwise regarding their student

iv. Students in grades Pre-K through 8th Grade will not change into PE uniforms as social distancing in the restrooms is not feasible in that environment

i. Elective Arts/Extra-curricular Protocols:

No musical instruments will be shared between students as far as feasible

i. Where necessary (such as with drums, pianos, etc.), instruments will be sanitized prior to and following each use

ii. During elective arts, social distancing will be utilized where feasible

iii. Students will use their own art supplies where feasible

j. Field Trips:

Field trips will not take place at this time. However, the administration will continue to evaluate the conditions and necessary safety protocols to reinstate field trips should it be feasible to do so during the school year.

k. Athletics:

Interscholastic athletics will be offered as is feasible and allowed by local and state authorities

i. Students enrolled in the virtual learning option will not be allowed to participate in interscholastic athletic activities and practices

4. Dismissal Procedures:

a. A staggered dismissal procedure will be utilized

i. Pre-K through 3rd: 3:20-3:25pm

ii. 4th-8th: 3:25-3:30pm

iii. Students in grades 2nd -8th will be held in their home room classrooms until their ride is present

iv. Radios will be more heavily utilized to communicate

v. High School: 3:20-3:30pm

vi. If enrolled in a study hall 9th period, Juniors and Seniors will be allowed to leave campus if transportation is possible and parent/guardian permission is on file

vii. Staggered dismissal by building will be utilized, to allow for limited students leaving each building at a given time

viii. Students may head directly to their ride if it is known to be on campus at the time of dismissal

5. Sick Student Response Protocols:

a. Parents will sign the “COVID-19 acknowledgement/responsibilities form

b. When a student displays symptom of COVID-19 (as defined on the screening checklist/questionnaire below), school staff will isolate the student in the school sick room

c. Students should be picked up within 30-60 minutes of parent/guardian notification where feasible, but within 90 minutes in all cases

d. Staff/volunteers (volunteer nursing/medical professionals where possible) will wear proper PPE (N95 Mask, gloves, face shield, paper gowns) if within 6 feet of symptomatic students

e. Students (2nd Grade and higher) isolated to the sick room will wear a mask until picked up if displaying symptoms of COVID-19

f. Should a student in the sick room need to use the restroom, they will use a single person restroom on the elementary hall. Following the use, a staff member will sanitize the restroom prior to another student being allowed to use it.

g. Prior to physically returning to school, all students will be expected to regularly attend and participate in virtual/distance education classes unless their

symptoms prevent them from doing so (communicated via parent notification), as attendance will continue to be taken

h. When determining what is considered a “normal” symptom, parent’s input will be depended upon to make that determination. Students are encouraged to stay home if they are not feeling well to avoid being “screened” at school necessitating they then follow the “Re-entry” plan as outlined above. It is advised that the student remain home for a period of 3 days symptom free prior to returning to school. If a student is sent home due to a symptom outlined in the screening checklist/questionnaire below, and a parent determines that the symptom was “normal” for their student, an official communication will be required from the parent/guardian indicating so prior to the student returning to school. STCA Administration reserves the right to make the final determination considering all factors presented, but the parent input will be heavily weighed and considered.

6. Sick Staff Protocols:

a. Immediately notify administration upon discovery of COVID-19 symptoms, indicating if they can continue to teach classes remotely

b. Plan to teach remotely, utilizing their substitute teacher as a classroom facilitator, as feasible

c. Return to school campus as soon as allowed to do so following proper screening protocols

7. Returning to School Protocol (Staff and Students) for COVID-19 Lab-Confirmed Cases and “Close Contact” Situations:

a. Prior to returning to school, students/staff must:

i. Provide a note from a Physician indicating it is safe for the student/staff to return to school, or

ii. Follow TEA guidance as outlined below:

Any individuals-including teachers, staff, students or other campus visitors who themselves either are lab-confirmed to have COVID-19, or experience symptoms of COVID-19 (listed below) must stay home through the infection period, and cannot return to campus until the school screens the individual to determine any of the below conditions for campus re-entry have been met:

ALL GUIDANCE WILL FOLLOW LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS and may return on their recommendations/testing

a. In the case of an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual may return to school when all three of the following criteria are met:

i. At least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-redacting medications);

ii. The individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and

iii. At least ten days have passed since symptoms first appeared

b. In the case of an individual who has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and who is not evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, such individual is assumed to have COVID-19, and the individual may not return to the campus until the individual has completed the same three-step set of criteria listed above.

c. If the individual has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to school before completing the full stay at home period, the individual must either:

i. Obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis, or

ii. Receive two separate confirmations at least 24 hours apart they are free of COVID via acute infections tests at an approved COVID-19 testing location

found at:

8. Substitute Teacher Protocols

a. Create a larger pool of substitutes

b. Additional health, safety and classroom training

9. Cleaning Procedures:

a. Daily cleaning procedures:

i. Each classroom and restroom will be disinfected nightly

ii. All high-touch surfaces will be disinfected nightly

iii. Classrooms will utilize peroxide-based spray bottles and alcohol-based sanitary wipes for sanitation during the school day as needed

iv. Bathrooms will be sanitized nightly, and periodically throughout the day as defined previously

v. The kitchen will be sanitized every day.

vi. Shared desks/tables will be sanitized after each use and during breaks in instruction

b. Additional cleaning measures for confirmed COVID-19 positive cases on campus:

Additional cleaning of all high-touch surfaces in areas determined to be impacted by exposure

i. Use of peroxide-based fogging system as feasible in areas determined to be impacted by exposure

10. Student/Family Health Education:

a. Families recommended to prepare for distance learning if students are symptomatic at school

b. Families must develop an emergency pickup plan in place to be able to respond to sick student pick up needs within 1 hour of first notification for the health and safety of all students

c. How to effectively pre-screen at home

d. Clear notices regarding protocols for student screening during the school day, resulting in student removal, emphasizing pre-screening to avoid such situations

11. COVID-19 Lab-Confirmed Case Response Protocols:

a. Following notification of a positive COVID-19 test result for a student or staff member:

i. Students will be removed from high traffic areas impacted by individual who tested positive

ii. Deep cleaning will be completed, to include sterilization of all hard surfaces and fogging as feasible of room/areas impacted

iii.Students will be relocated to alternate space/learning environment if notification takes place during the school day

iv. School communication will be provided to the parents/guardians of students who are known/believed to have come into “close contact” with a COVID-

19 positive (lab-confirmed) student or staff member

v. School communication will be sent to the parents/guardians of students who attend any classroom with the student/staff member has received a lab

confirmed COVID-19 positive test notifying them

vi. School communication will be sent to the parents/guardians of all students at STCA notifying them of the lab confirmed COVID-19 positive test

vii. The local health department will be notified in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations

viii. Students determined to have had “close contact” as defined below will be sent home and must follow the protocols defined above (section 7) prior to being allowed to return to school

12. COVID-19 Parent Waiver/Policy:

a. Liability Waiver Included (Verbiage TBD)

b. PE/Recess Mask Usage/Election:

i. Acknowledge that students will be asked to remove masks and face coverings during PE and recess unless indicated by a parent/guardian otherwise herein

c. Parent responsibilities outlined:

Do not send students to school with symptoms

i. Screen every morning

ii. Adhere to reopening plan requirements and guidelines

iii. Adhere to policy regarding prohibiting campus visits if symptomatic

iv. Acknowledge the defined scope of medical attention given by BAA staff and volunteers as follows where feasible:

1. Locating symptomatic student to the sick room as deemed necessary

2. Give verbal questionnaire to student to better evaluate their condition

3. Assigning student to isolation area where they will remain and be monitored until picked up.

4. Expressly understand that “treatment” will not be given by attending staff or volunteers

5. A space will be facilitated as a sick room place.

6. Agree to protocols regarding situations where emergency contacts are not reachable in the event of a student illness

7. Students should be picked up within 30-60 minutes of parent/guardian notification where feasible, otherwise parents will be billed $1/minute until student is picked up

8. If symptoms worsen to a point of concern for student health and safety, 911 will be called

a. If contact has still not been received from parent/guardian, student will be transported via ambulance to a hospital if recommended by the

responding EMT staff

13. School Closure Protocols/Recommendations:

a. Although closure protocols are still being developed, STCA administration will use discretion when determining at what point a short-term closure is necessary.

b. It is strongly recommended that each family develop a contingency plan to allow for students to continue their learning virtually in the event that a short-term closure is necessary

Screening Checklist/Questionnaire

• This checklist/questionnaire is meant to be a guiding document to help inform decision making, not a hard and fast litmus test. When determining what is considered a “normal” symptom, parent’s input will be depended upon to make that determination. Students are encouraged to stay home if they are not feeling well to avoid being “screened” at school necessitating they then follow the “Re-entry” plan as outlined above. It is advised that the student remain home for a period of 3 days symptom free prior to returning to school. If a student is sent home due to a symptom outlined below, and a parent determines that the symptom was “normal” for their student, an official communication will be required from the parent/guardian indicating so prior to the student returning to school. STCA Administration reserves the right to make the final determination considering all factors presented, but the parent input will be heavily weighed and considered.

1. Have you recently begun experiencing any of the following in a way that is not normal for you?

a. * Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit (99.6 degrees Fahrenheit for a contactless thermometer)

b. Loss of taste or smell

c. Cough

d. Difficulty breathing

e. Shortness of breath

f. Headache

g. Chills

h. Sore Throat

i. Shaking or exaggerated shivering

j. Significant muscle pain or ache

k. Diarrhea

l. Fatigue

m. Congestion

2. Have you had any known close contact as defined below with an individual who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19?

“Close contact” is defined as:

a. Being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on while not wear a mask or face shield); or

b. Being within 6 feet for a cumulative duration of 15 minutes, while not wearing a mask or face shield

If either occurred at any time in the last 14 days at the same time the infected individual was infectious.

Individuals are presumed infectious at least two days prior to symptom onset or, in the case of asymptomatic individuals who are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, two days prior to the confirming lab test.

STCA MEDICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ADVISORY TEAM

The purpose of the STCA Medical Advisory Team is to provide guidance and expertise to the operations and reopening of South Texas Christian Academy, particularly as it relates to creating new processes and procedures as related to Covid-19.

Committee Members: Dr. Rudy Álvarez, Dr. Pedro Abanto, Dr. Ricardo Sobrevilla, Daisy Sobrevilla, Danny García, Jessica Escobedo, Daniela Leal, Federico Esquivel

Committee Meeting Dates:

• June 4

• July 13

• July 14

• TBD

Documentation Referenced in the Development of this Plan

• CDC Guidance

• TEA Guidance

• Texas Conference of SDA COVID-19 School Path to Reopening Doc

• Various Texas Public School District Reopening Plans (McAllen ISD) (Scenic Hills Academy)

(North Dallas Adventist Academy) (Burton Adventist Academy)