TEST FAQs
We will be populating this section with answers to questions that have been submitted to backtoschool20@drewschool.org once we have more guidance from the San Francisco Department of Public Health on the health and safety measures recommended for returning to campus in some capacity this Fall.
Health and Safety FAQs
Q: What are the scenarios under consideration for a safe and successful return to campus in the fall?
Plans will be developed with close attention to the CDC’s considerations for schools and are subject to change as City (SFDPH) directives around this pandemic and shelter in place evolve. We will certainly know more throughout the summer, but are currently exploring several scenarios, keeping student safety and well-being at the forefront:
Ultimately, physical distancing requirements will drive campus availability scenarios:
1. Campus Remains Closed
• Campus remains closed to students and faculty and
learning is 100% remote.
learning is 100% remote.
2. Limited Campus Access (e.g. 50% of student body)
• Campus is restricted to lower density, not allowing for
all students to be on campus at once.
all students to be on campus at once.
3. Full campus access with physical distancing
• All students allowed on campus but social distancing
places certain constraints.
places certain constraints.
4. Full campus access
• No physical distancing constraints, with instruction
and other activities reverting to pre-pandemic policies.
and other activities reverting to pre-pandemic policies.
Our Board Sub-Committee on Health and Safety has been working hard to stay on top of public health research and guidance from the CDC, the California Department of Public Health and the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health has not yet issued school-specific guidance for the Fall of 2020.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health has not yet issued school-specific guidance for the Fall of 2020.
To open school this fall, we have prepared protocols for expanded cleaning and sanitizing of classrooms, new learning spaces to meet social distancing guidelines, masks, supplies for teaching outside, and technology expansions.
Current measures under consideration include:
- Screening
- Self-screening: All employees and students will be asked to self-screen daily and not come to work or school if they or family members are ill, show certain symptoms, or have been exposed to COVID-19 and not yet completed appropriate isolation/quarantine protocols.
- We will encourage our students and families to discuss the next best steps for them if the screening prevents them from being on campus.
- Social Distancing On Campus
- Decreased student density on campus and in classrooms.
- No outside visitors on campus.
- Closed campus (no on/off privileges throughout the day).
- Avoiding large group and in person meetings
- Use of virtual platforms for assemblies and employee meetings
- Reimagined virtual student gatherings
Note: The same social distancing rules apply to all adults and students on campus. Classrooms are being set up and arranged to accommodate social distancing rules.
- Facilities Retrofit/Adaptations
- Modification of school traffic patterns to allow for one way hallways, carefully articulated protocols for restroom use, handwashing, and sanitization.
- Examination of our ventilation systems to ensure we maximize fresh air available.
- Other Precautionary Health Measures
- Increased frequency of handwashing
- Additional hygiene stations
- Regular student and employee cleaning of desks and personal areas
- Use of face coverings for all students, faculty, and staff
.
Q: What will happen if someone in the Drew community is diagnosed with Coronavirus?
Upon diagnosis, the San Francisco Department of Public Health with immediately be notified. We will rely on their specific guidance and will follow their protocol.
Q: Have you considered how to support the mental health of our students?
Absolutely. The social and emotional health of our students is a high priority for Drew School. Social distancing and other Covid-19 health orders have certainly put a strain on typical teen social relations. Our outstanding school counselor, Angelica Cardenas (angelicacardenas@drewschool.org), is uniquely qualified and prepared to support the emotional needs of students as they navigate returning to school. Angelica’s work will be supported by our faculty and staff who continue to be attuned to the health and well-being of our students, as they were during the sudden transition to online learning in the Spring.
We look to the Fall as an opportunity to discover new ways of building relationships and connecting with each other. Certainly the renewed energy in the country to combat racism will enhance the discussions we began last year and can continue into the Fall.
Below are some resources on the HealSF website that may be useful during these challenging times:
We look to the Fall as an opportunity to discover new ways of building relationships and connecting with each other. Certainly the renewed energy in the country to combat racism will enhance the discussions we began last year and can continue into the Fall.
Below are some resources on the HealSF website that may be useful during these challenging times:
Q: How will you work to address equity and inclusion concerns around COVID (racial disparities, cultural stereotyping, preventing stigma for families with essential workers, those who contract the virus?
Our commitment to Equity and Inclusion has not wavered amidst the pandemic. We will continue to address these topics within our curriculum and ensure that our faculty, staff and administrators proactively combat stereotyping and stigma around Covid-related and social justice issues.
Q: What if I choose to keep my student home---can they still learn remotely?
Our goal is to create a flexible program that can accommodate students who are out of school for distinct periods of time or may need distance learning even when we are on campus. We will offer ongoing academic support to students who choose to stay at home but cannot perfectly replicate our in-school program and assessments.
Q: Will the School provide/require PPE?
We are not ready to make any final decisions about PPE requirements, as the situation with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic is changing rapidly. We will keep all community members informed as the situation evolves.
Q: How will you handle lunches?
As students will not be permitted to leave campus, we will encourage the preparation of homemade, bag lunches. We are also investigating a number of food delivery services for those that would prefer to pre-order meals in advance from home.
Q: Will students be able to participate in Athletics in the fall?
There are many factors at play as we plan for the seasons ahead. In general, the athletic department is anticipating offering as much as we can, as soon as we can. This will hopefully include the activities and sporting events that we are accustomed to but there is no way of knowing whether our fall athletics season will look like it has in the past. The state, county, and city will dictate what we can do, and when.
An independent, nonsectarian, coeducational college preparatory school serving grades 9–12 where teenagers’ questions, self-expression, and high ambitions are respected, supported, and at the center of the experience.
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