BACK TO SCHOOLveracross-files.s3.amazonaws.com/wcds/232/Back to School...W E L C O M E Dear Families, We are anticipating the start of another wonderful Westchester school year on

BACK TOSCHOOL

2020-2021

HEALTHY WILDCATS, WESTCHESTER STRONG

2045 N. Old Greensboro Road, High Point, NC 27265336.869.2128 | www.westchestercds.org | @WestchesterCDS

WELCOME

Dear Families,

We are anticipating the start of another wonderful Westchester school year on August 26. As we work diligently to get ready for our students, we are providing the information in this guide to help you know what to expect and take practical steps to prepare as a family.

We recognize there will be some things that are different this year, but we are excited for the opportunity to have our school community together. While we are planning to be in session on our campus, there may be times when we are required to shift our operations to a distance learning format for some or all students. Please be assured that our faculty and staff are prepared to provide outstanding instruction and nurturing support of your children in any format.

Westchester students will grow and learn this year. They will be inspired to strive for excellence in arts, athletics, academics, and moral character. That is our promise. In return, we ask for your cooperation and partnership in promoting a healthy and safe school environment. We all must do our part to protect one another from illness while COVID-19 remains a public health concern.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education this year. We look forward to our journey together.

All the best,

Cobb Atkinson

CONTENTS

Contents4 What’s New5 Getting Ready6 Summer Checklist7 What to Bring8 What to Expect8 School Arrival10 Bus Transportation12 During the School Day14 After-School and Extracurricular Activities15 Facilities16 Health and Wellness18 When to Stay Home20 Operations Phases21 Distance Learning22 FAQs23 Next Steps

School ContactsFront Office: 336.869.2128

Mr. Cobb Atkinson, Head of [email protected]

Dr. Mark Braun, Head of Upper [email protected]

Mrs. Mary Keever, Head of Middle [email protected]

Mrs. Blair Hawley, Head of Lower [email protected]

Mr. Adam Schwartz, Director of [email protected]

Mrs. Penny Rowe, Director of [email protected]

Mrs. Amie Carey, Assistant Director of Finance, Director of Transportation

[email protected]

Mr. Terry Andrews, Director of [email protected]

Mrs. Raegan Atkinson, Director of College [email protected]

Mrs. Heather Singer, School [email protected]

Mrs. Kay Chapman, Director of Health [email protected]

Mrs. Dawn Frank, [email protected]

School HoursMonday - Thursday

8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Friday8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Important DatesAugust 24-25

Back-to-school events (schedule TBA)

August 26First day of school

The information included in this guide is given according to the health guidance available at the time of publication and is subject to change at any point new information becomes available.

mailto:[email protected]












Parent, Student and Faculty PortalsDuring the summer, Westchester has moved many of its databases and business processes to a new school information system called Veracross. With this system, you will have access to a new online portal that includes student schedules, grades, account information, calendars, directories, and a library of other school documents and resources. Update your family contact information, pay bills, subscribe to calendars, and see copies of past school email messages. We encourage you to log in frequently throughout the year. To log in, visit http://portals.veracross.com/wcds. For assistance with setting up your account, contact Dawn Frank, Registrar, at [email protected].

Wilson Student CenterWe are delighted to celebrate the opening of a new building for the 2020-21 school year! The Wilson Student Center is located in the heart of campus and includes a new dining hall, kitchen, health suite, counseling office, senior lounge and collaborative study space. These spaces will allow additional square footage for us to spread out this year while further promoting student wellness and community. Look out for upcoming opportunities to see this new facility!

WILSON STUDENT CENTER

WHAT ’S NEW

WILSON STUDENT CENTER

4 W E S T C H E S T E R C O U N T R Y D A Y S C H O O L


Our reopening task force has been working throughout the summer on our operational plans for this school year.

Classroom ConfigurationAnalyzing available space through a real estate analysis and setting up classrooms with appropriate distancing

SignageEntry requirements, health reminders, distancing markers, and directional signage being applied throughout campus

Hand Sanitizer StationsHand sanitizer stations installed at classroom doors and at building entrances

Health ScreeningTemperature check and health form introduced to screen individuals coming to campus

Policies and ProceduresNew protocols for a variety of campus operations, including cleaning, response to illness during the school day, visitors, and more

Professional DevelopmentOnline training courses for teaching faculty to expand their knowledge of tools and best practices that can be used in the classroom or in distance learning if needed

SchedulingRefining class schedules with overall student wellness in mind, particularly for distance learning, based on student, faculty, and parent feedback from the spring, and research on best practices in online instruction

GETTING READY

H E A LT H Y W I L D C AT S , W E S T C H E S T E R S T R O N G 5

Summer ReadingReading lists and summer assignments are posted on the Parent Portal. Be sure to review what is posted for each grade or class and complete before the first day of school.

Health FormsAll students must have the Medication Administration form completed and signed by a physician. Additional forms may need to be completed for allergies or other health conditions. Copies of these forms are posted under Helpful Links on the Parent Portal. They must be submitted through the Magnus Health website or app by the first day of school.

• Medication Administration (All Students)• Kindergarten Health Form• Allergy Health Care Plan• Asthma Emergency Care Plan• Diabetes Medical Management• Seizure Action Plan

ImmunizationsNorth Carolina requires children that attend school to receive all required immunizations appropriate for their age. Please review and complete the state requirements for kindergarten, 7th grade and 12th grade.

Sports PhysicalStudents in grades 6-12 who are planning to participate in athletics this year must have a physical and complete the necessary paperwork with a primary care provider. The completed form must be submitted through the Magnus Health website or app by the first practice.

Save the DateMark Monday, August 24, and Tuesday, August 25, on your calendar. Details to come regarding meet-your-teacher and orientation for new families.

No Need to Shop for School Supplies!Tuition and fees cover most of the classroom supplies, so no need to worry about shopping right now! In Lower School, individual school supply kits will be provided, including a Chromebook or iPad for each student. Middle and Upper School students will receive some supplies at school and may want to purchase other items based on their preference. Teachers will speak with students about the needs of each class when the school year begins.

Make sure to check off these to-dos by August 26:


SUMMER CHECKLIST


WHAT TO BRINGPlease have your child bring the following items to school each day:

Face CoveringsStudents Pre-K through 12 will be required to wear a face covering at school. Everyone will wear a face covering on campus as a simple way to help protect one another. Students should have two (2) masks or face coverings at school each day in case one becomes wet or dirty during the day.

Any mask or buff/neck gaiter that covers the nose and mouth is acceptable. We will provide one buff/neck gaiter for each student. We are suggesting this style of face covering since it can be worn around the neck and easily pulled up and down as needed without worrying about it being misplaced or touching other surfaces.

During the school day, there will be times when students will be able to remove their face covering outdoors or when proper physical distancing allows.

BackpackAll students should bring a backpack to school each day. Middle and Upper School students should expect to carry their backpacks with them throughout the school day. Lockers will not be used in Middle and Upper School this year in order to allow for students to distance themselves when moving in the hallways. Rolling backpacks are recommended for Middle School students to help protect their developing spines.

Water BottleStudents should bring a water bottle to school each day. Per current public health guidelines, drinking fountains will not be in use. Bottle filling stations will be available for use, and classroom sinks will be available to refill water bottles.


Before-School CareBefore-School Care will be offered 7:00-7:30 a.m. each day for an additional fee. When students arrive before 7:30 a.m., a parent should escort their child to Room 103 (Lower School Art Room) in Smith Hall to have their child’s temperature checked.

Arrival Times and Drop-Off LocationsRegular school drop-off is between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. each day. Students riding together should arrive at the drop-off location for the youngest student. Lower School drop-off is in the carpool circle (Cascade Drive entrance), Middle School drop-off is behind Wilson Student Center (new driveway behind Rives and Kester halls), and Upper School drop-off is at the Finch Center (North Old Greensboro Road entrance). Temperature checks will be taken at these points.

Health ScreeningAll students and faculty must fill out a Health Screening Form daily before arriving for the school day. It will ask about symptoms and potential exposures to COVID-19. The form will be filled out through the Magnus Health website or app.

Temperature CheckA faculty/staff member will do a contactless temperature check of each student upon arrival. Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or above will not be allowed to stay at school.

Face Coverings and DistancingAll students will be required to wear a face covering during arrival as they walk to their classrooms. We encourage members of the school community to greet one another by waving, showing a thumbs-up or saying hello and to refrain from handshakes and hugs for now. Please allow space between yourself and others as possible.

LockersLockers will not be utilized for grades 6-12 for now in order to allow students to maintain physical distancing in hallways and during class transitions. Locker use may be allowed again if/when social distancing is no longer needed.

School Arrival

WHAT TO EXPECT


Lower School (PK-5)Carpool Circle

Upper School (9-12)Finch Center

Middle School (6-8)Wilson Center Driveway

Bus TransportationRives Hall

School Arrival 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.

Front OfficeAfter 8:00 a.m.

Late ArrivalStudents who arrive after the start of the day should be escorted to the front office in Phillips Hall to have their temperature checked before going to class. The Health Screening Form should be completed before arrival.

Parking DecalAll Westchester faculty, parents and student drivers will receive a parking decal for their car at the beginning of the year. The decal is a window cling that should be applied on the inside of your front windshield. Place the decal in the bottom corner of your windshield on the passenger side. The parking decals are a part of our campus security initiative and also identify you as a Westchester community member upon arrival to campus for athletic and special events.

Student DriversStudents with a driver’s license may park on campus during the school day after filling out the required student driver permission form and gaining approval. Student parking is next to the Finch Center.


About Westchester BusesWestchester provides daily bus transportation to and from several points in the Triad. Our buses pick up and drop off students at central locations and are open to riders for an additional fee. All Westchester bus drivers hold commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).

Lower School bus riders are escorted to their bus by a teacher each afternoon, and drivers do not permit students to leave the bus if a parent or guardian is not at the bus stop at the end of the day. If a parent/guardian is not present at the bus stop, the student is returned to campus and placed in After-School Care until a parent arrives to pick them up.

Information about registering for bus transportation will be shared by email soon. Families who register to ride the bus should also complete the bus agreement as part of the forms for the new school year that will be posted in Magnus Health.

Bus Procedures for COVID-19

• Parents should complete the Health Screening Form before their child gets on the bus in the morning.

• While waiting at the bus stop, riders should maintain 6-foot distancing until boarding.

• A contactless temperature check will be taken upon bus entry. Any student with a temperature greater or equal to 100 degrees will not be allowed to board the bus.

• Hand sanitizer will be used prior to boarding and disembarking.

• Students will sit one person to a seat (unless with a family member).

• A face covering should be worn while on the bus.

• Additional sanitation and cleaning will be done between each use.

Bus Transportation

WHAT TO EXPECT


CONVENIENT AND SAFE Westchester Country Day provides convenient and safe transportation to and from the campus. Lower

School children who use our transportation system are escorted to their bus by their teacher(s) each

afternoon, and our drivers do not permit students to leave the bus if a parent or guardian is not at the

bus stop at the end of the day. If a parent or guardian is not present to pick up a student, the child is

returned to the campus and placed in after school care until a parent arrives to pick them up. All our

school bus drivers hold commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).

2019-2020 Routes *Times are subject to change once school begins.

Asheboro/Archdale/Trinity/Thomasville

Stop Morning Pick-up

M-TH Drop-off

FRI Drop-off

Cost Per Year

ASHEBORO: Food Lion, Point South Village, Randleman 6:50 AM 3:55 PM 2:30 PM $1,100

ARCHDALE: Lowes Foods, Hwy 311 7:10 AM 3:40 PM 2:10 PM $1,100

TRINITY: I-85 and Finch Farm Road 7:25 AM 3:30 PM 2:00 PM $1,100

THOMASVILLE: Tom A. Finch YMCA, Mendenhall Street 7:30 AM 3:20 PM 1:50 PM $1,000

High Point/Lexington


M-TH Drop-off

FRI Drop-off

Cost Per Year

HIGH POINT: High Point Country Club, Country Club Drive N/A 3:20 PM 1:50 PM $450

LEXINGTON: Parking lot on 3rd and Salisbury Street 7:25 AM 3:50 PM 2:20 PM $1,050

Greensboro/Jamestown/North High Point


M-TH Drop-off

FRI Drop-off

Cost Per Year

GREENSBORO: Sedgefield Country Club Utility lot, Forsyth Drive 7:00 AM 3:50 PM 2:15 PM $1,050

JAMESTOWN: Whittington Hall Pool lot, Thora Drive 7:10 AM 3:40 PM 2:05 PM $1,050

N. HIGH POINT: Deep River Rec. Center, Skeet Club Road 7:20 AM 3:30 PM 1:55 PM $1,000

Rev 7/28/20

2020-21 Bus Routes


Classroom SetupClassroom seating will be arranged with 6-foot distancing and facing in the same direction, when feasible.

Hand-WashingFrequent hand-washing will be built into the daily routine. Hand sanitizer stations have been added to classrooms and building entrances and are encouraged during class transitions.

Face Coverings/MasksAll staff, faculty, and students PK-12 are expected to wear a face covering to protect each other and minimize risk of exposure. Breaks will be planned throughout the day when students can remove masks while socially distanced. Masks will not be worn during PE, recess or while eating lunch.

Grouping of StudentsStudents in Lower and Middle School will be grouped in cohorts, and schedules will be arranged to limit mixing between groups. Upper School class selections make it more difficult to form cohorts, which is why Healthy Wildcat Ways (hand-washing, face coverings, and physical distancing) must be maintained throughout the school day.

Class ChangesSignage will mark one-way traffic flow through buildings. Students will be encouraged to allow space between themselves and others when moving throughout campus. Middle and Upper School classes will have staggered dismissal times to minimize crowding in hallways.

During the School Day

WHAT TO EXPECT

LunchWestchester Food Service staff will prepare and serve lunch for students from the new kitchen in Wilson Student Center. Lunch is provided daily and is included in tuition. In order to provide our families with flexibility, students may choose to bring a packed lunch this year. (Refunds for lunch will only be given for days the entire school is in Phase Red distance learning.)

To keep student groupings consistent and limit the number of individuals in the space at one time, some students may eat in the dining hall while others may eat outdoors or in their classroom. Disposable food containers and utensils will be used. Food Service staff will continue to follow local health department requirements for cleaning and food safety.

Enrichment ClassesTeachers will push into homeroom classrooms for Lower School enrichment classes such as music, art, and technology in order to limit student movement throughout campus. Students will be provided with their own supplies for these classes.

Physical EducationStudents will go to PE with their cohort and will be able to remove their face coverings for physical activity. PE will be held outdoors as much as possible (weather permitting). Please have your child dress appropriately for the day’s weather and remember to send a jacket on cooler days.

RecessPlayground times will be scheduled to limit the number of classes playing at one time. Classes will stay together with their cohort and utilize additional outdoor play spaces, such as the Lower School courtyard, baseball field, and soccer field. Students will be able to remove their face coverings during recess.

DismissalStudents will be taught routines to maintain distancing and use hand sanitizer upon leaving campus. Pick-up at dismissal will take place in the same locations as drop-off during arrival at the beginning of the day. Teachers are available until 3:30 p.m. to meet with students. Students in grades PK-8 who are not to be picked up by a parent at dismissal or after meeting with a teacher should go to the After-School Care program until a parent arrives.



After-School CareStudents in grades PK-8 must be supervised by an adult on campus at all times. After-School Care will be offered until 6:00 p.m. each day for an additional fee. Temperatures will be checked at the beginning of the program, and students will be grouped into cohort groups to limit exposure. Weather permitting, extended outdoor play and organized games will be the main activities for the first hour. Prepackaged snacks will be served and eaten in socially distanced spaces. Students will continue to play with toys and games with Wildcat friends in their cohort groups, but will wear masks if indoors. Toys, games, and spaces will be cleaned and sanitized between use.

AthleticsWestchester offers Middle School and Varsity teams during the fall, winter and spring sports seasons. The fall season tryouts/practices will begin on August 17 (most Varsity teams) and August 26 (Middle School teams and Girls Varsity Golf ). The athletic director, trainer and school nurse will work together to implement the guidelines from the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) to promote student-athlete health and safety. Specific details will be shared with teams as they begin their seasons. The fall season game schedules will be posted on the WCDS website when finalized.

ArtsUnfortunately due to the need for physical distancing and the heightened exposure potential that has been shown to occur with singing, our usual vocal and theater arts offerings may have to be limited this year. As always, there will be opportunities for arts integration within the classroom curriculum and enrichment classes will continue. Some music courses are being redesigned to focus on other areas of music. We will provide an update on extracurricular arts offerings, such as Footnotes and our fall musical production, as more information becomes available.

WCDS School of MusicPrivate music lessons in piano, violin, guitar, and voice are available to students for an additional fee. These classes can be scheduled either during the school day or after school. These opportunities will be available this year with added health and sanitation precautions taken. Registration information will be shared at the start of the school year.

After-School and Extracurricular Activities

WHAT TO EXPECT


CleaningThis year, new procedures will be implemented to help us sanitize surfaces throughout campus, especially frequently touched areas. We will be disinfecting our buildings with IsoKlean chemical on Sunday afternoons/evenings. It is an EPA registered, hospital grade disinfectant. Beyond the ability to spot sterilize contact surfaces, the IsoKlean chemical has a residual effect that leaves the surfaces sterile and sanitary for five days after the spray application. It does not leave a residue on surfaces, so it is safe for use in classrooms and throughout the school.

Throughout the school day, faculty and staff will clean surfaces in their areas frequently using products recommended by the CDC. Desks and tables will be cleaned between use. Additional cleaning will take place nightly.

Indoor Air QualityWe are monitoring indoor air quality and continuing routine maintenance schedules for our facilities. With the dining being in the new Wilson Student Center, we have added iWave ion generating air purification to that building. When air passes through the system, ions produced by the device reduce pathogens, allergens, particles and odors in the air. The iWave device has been shown through independent lab testing to reduce a wide variety of pathogens, including COVID-19.

SignageSignage will be used throughout campus to direct traffic flow and remind students and faculty/staff of appropriate distancing. We also will post educational signage to remind the school community of our Healthy Wildcat Ways.

Facilities

Parent CommitmentTo promote the health, wellness and safety of our entire school community, each family will be asked to sign a Parent Commitment. This is an agreement that you will self report exposure, symptoms or diagnosis of COVID-19 and keep your students home when they are sick. You will be asked to sign the commitment as you fill out the required paperwork in Magnus Health.

AttendanceThe school absence policy will be adjusted this year to encourage students to be cautious and stay at home when they are sick.

Health SuiteThe new health suite in the Wilson Student Center will improve our capacity for responding to health concerns and providing care when needed. This expanded space includes a waiting room and separate isolation area for sick individuals. The school has stocked the appropriate PPE, extra masks, and cleaning supplies.

Public Health PartnershipOur close partnership with the Davidson County Health Department will guide us in decision making should we have an exposure on campus, including if and when individuals should quarantine and when we should consider switching our campus operations to a different phase throughout the year.

Health EducationSchool Nurse Kay Chapman will continue health education throughout all grade levels with a special emphasis on preventing the spread of illness. We are calling these steps our Healthy Wildcat Ways.

School Counseling and WellnessSocial and emotional support for students will be available through small group meetings (advisory) and individual counseling. Topics of focus may include transitioning back to school, social isolation, anxiety, and stressors. Academic support is also available in each division.


It will take all of us working together this year to promote our collective health and wellness. With everyone’s help and by taking certain strategic precautions on our campus, we can minimize risk and maintain a healthy school community.

HEALTH & WELLNESS


About COVID-19COVID-19 is thought to be spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough or sneeze. Symptoms appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:


Our Parent Commitment asks everyone to work together to prevent the spread of illness by staying at home if you are not feeling well. Members of our school community are asked to self report COVID-like symptoms, potential exposure or a COVID-19 diagnosis.

WHEN TO STAY HOME

Confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 should be reported to Kay Chapman, Director of Health Services, at [email protected]. All information about suspected cases of COVID-19 is confidential.

• Fever or chills• Cough• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing• Fatigue• Muscle or body aches

• New loss of taste or smell• Sore throat• Congestion or runny nose• Headache• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Schoolwork from HomeWhen students are excluded from school due to COVID-19 diagnosis, exposure, symptoms or other illnesses, we will follow our usual practice of working with families to send schoolwork home. In instances of longer absence due to COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure, opportunities may be arranged for students to connect with their classrooms virtually. The expectation will be a commitment to health and wellness first and that students will complete work from home as they feel well enough to do so. Parents and students should stay in communication with their teachers and Kay Chapman, Director of Health Services, about their condition. We will work individually with families depending on the circumstances of the absence.

High-Risk StudentsInformation will be collected in Magnus Health about high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19. Parents are responsible for updating the medical record in Magnus and notifying the school if a student has a condition deemed high risk. We will work with parents and the student’s physician to arrange plans for decreasing risk of exposure to COVID-19.


WCDS 2020-21 COVID-19 Exclusion Policy

Our policy for when students cannot attend school due to illness has been updated this year and we will be following it carefully. Students and faculty/staff who are not well should not come to campus until they are symptom free for the appropriate amount of time. Students who develop symptoms while at school will be moved to a separate isolation area until picked up. Faculty/staff will be sent home immediately. Students and faculty will be excluded from being on campus for the following situations:

SymptomsFever (100 degrees or greater), chills, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, new cough, new loss of taste or smell, muscle/body aches, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, excessive runny rose, congestion

• Negative diagnosis: Return to school when fever free and feeling well for 48 hours. Physician note may be required.

• Diagnosis of another illness (strep, ear infection, etc.): Accounting for symptoms, students may return to school with a physician note. Must be fever free for 48 hours without fever reducing medication.

COVID-19 Diagnosis, No SymptomsReturn to school 10 days after positive COVID-19 test, assuming no symptoms since the test.

COVID-19 Diagnosis with SymptomsReturn to school 10 days after symptoms appeared, if fever free for 48 hours without fever-reducing medication and improvement of respiratory symptoms.

COVID-19 Exposure in Past 2 Weeks, No SymptomsReturn to school 14 days after last close contact, if no symptoms develop and no positive test.

Other Possible Exclusions:• Travel internationally or to a destination under CDC travel Level 3 health notice.

Return to school 14 days post return (10 school days).

• Community exposure, per recommendation of the Davidson County Health Department. Return to school according to health department’s direction.

• Individuals in the same household as someone being tested or symptomatic for COVID-19. Return to school following guidance from the Director of Health Services.


Campus status could change throughout the year based on the public health response to COVID-19. As of now, we are planning to begin the school year in Phase Yellow, with on-campus instruction and moderate physical distancing.

OPERATIONS PHASES

Analyze data and recommendations from the CDC, local health departments, state, local and independent school organizations (NCAIS, SAIS, NAIS), and state government guidelines.

Green Phase

On-campus instruction, traditional school

operations

Increased cleaning, sanitation, and health screening protocols.

Regular class schedule with core classes,

enrichment/electives, arts, and athletics (as allowed by

NCISAA).

Off-campus field trips or activities at the discretion of

location’s guidelines.

Enhanced education on healthy hygiene, PPE use,

physical distancing.

Frequent handwashing or hand sanitizer incorporated into daily routine (entering and exiting the building,

before and after snack and lunch, before and after

outdoor play/PE)

Yellow Phase

On-campus instruction, moderate physical

distancing

Limit mixing of student groups. Follow social

distancing and group in cohorts as much as

possible. Large gatherings changed to a different

format or canceled.

Regular class schedule with core classes,

enrichment/electives. Arts continue as far as distancing can be

maintained. Athletics continue at the discretion of

NCISAA.

Lunch provided but students may eat in

alternate locations when social distancing is not feasible in dining hall.

Off-campus field trips or activities at the discretion of

location’s guidelines.

All students, faculty/staff, and visitors to campus must pass health screening to be on campus. Visitors may be

limited.

Orange Phase

Hybrid instruction, high physical distancing

Capacity limited on campus. All students will

have time to learn on campus some days and

learn from home the rest of the week. Keeping the youngest Wildcats on

campus every day will be prioritized since learning is

most challenging to recreate at a distance for

this age group.

Core classes, enrichment/electives, and advisory will continue. Arts may continue at reduced

capacity as distancing allows. Athletics continue at

the discretion of NCISAA.

Classes may meet in alternate locations or outdoors to maintain physical distancing.

Off-campus trips canceled or postponed.

Students, faculty/staff and essential visitors must pass health screening. Visitors to

campus limited. Virtual meetings encouraged.

Red Phase

Distance learning instruction, campus closed

to students

All classes will continue virtually with a combination

of synchronous and asynchronous learning,

including opportunities for enrichment, advisory, and electives. The daily class

schedule may be adjusted for distance learning.

Arts, athletic teams and other groups encouraged to

meet virtually.

All trips canceled or postponed.

Campus closed to visitors, and only essential workers

allowed on campus.

Assess campus status and evaluate next steps as new guidance is released.

Early Withdrawal Policy of enrollment remains in effect. Refunds offered at end of school year for canceled class trips (6-12), transportation on a per-day basis (Orange, Red Phases), and food service on per-day basis (Red Phase). No refunds for tuition,

athletic and arts programs, or field trips.

https://www.westchestercds.org/file/admissions---documents/EWP.pdf


DISTANCE LEARNINGIf needed, some (Phase Orange) or all (Phase Red) of our students may have to continue their learning from home in a virtual format at some point during the year. It is our priority to maintain on-campus instruction as long as it is safe and feasible to do so, but we must go into the year knowing there is the chance we could be required to shift to a different operations phase. Our faculty are entering the new year prepared.

Deciding to Shift to Distance LearningAs pictured in the flow chart on the previous page, the decision to go to hybrid or full distance learning operations would be determined by school leadership based on such inputs as directives from the local health department due to a COVID-19 outbreak, a statewide stay-at-home order or other unforeseen scenarios. We will try to provide as much advanced notice of a change in our operations from in-person to virtual instruction as possible given the circumstances.

What’s New This YearIn preparation for the 2020-2021 school year, the faculty and administration have developed a dynamic and robust plan for distance teaching and learning, should we need to conduct school in this manner. During the summer, faculty pursued extensive professional development on best practices in online instruction provided by the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools, and additional professional development was offered internally by our own technology faculty.

In response to the training and feedback we received from students, faculty and parents last spring, we have outlined a philosophy of digital teaching and learning. Some of the improvements include:

• Streamlined organization of activities and deadlines.

• Different schedules for Middle/Upper that account for advisory, clubs, meeting with faculty and overall wellness.

• Sessions will involve a blend of screen time and off-line activities, as well as real-time interaction with faculty and peers.

A shift to hybrid instruction or full virtual instruction in Phase Orange or Red would be different from what an individual student might do during a school absence due to

COVID-19. Students who are sick will still primarily arrange to complete schoolwork and schedule make ups with their teachers on an individual basis as has been the routine.

How is Westchester opening the year with students on campus?As a small, independent school, we are able to open with all of our students attending on campus because of our size and campus space. This summer the Reopening Task Force conducted a real estate analysis and determined that our campus could accommodate all of our students in seating arrangements that are distanced appropriately according to the toolkit for schools from the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

Why will students in all grades be wearing masks?When the school year begins, students in all grades will be required to wear a face covering or mask over their nose and mouth during the school day. Covering our faces is a simple way we can help protect one another from the spread of illness. We have made this decision based on guidance we have received from the medical community. While the requirement is universal, the application will be carried out with appropriate expectations for age and development Pre-K through 12. Students will be educated on proper face covering use, and their use will be built into the routine of the school day. There will be times throughout the day when students will not have to wear it, including during physical activity, lunch, or when everyone can space out outdoors. We will evaluate how this is going throughout the year and adjust as needed.

What is the new cleaner WCDS is using this year, and is it safe?One of the many strategies we are using to limit the spread of illness on our campus this year is a disinfectant called IsoKlean, which will be used to treat surfaces in an empty campus each Sunday afternoon. The treatment remains effective for five days with no residue. It is a cleaner used in hospital surgical settings and is safe to use in classrooms. There is no chemical accumulation on surfaces; it is not a coating product, but rather removes the biofilm. It is not only a bactericide, but also a virucide, fungicide, and has active ingredients that have been proven to kill COVID-19.

Will visitors be allowed on campus?In Phase Yellow, we are limiting visitors to campus. We encourage people to hold meetings virtually when feasible and kindly ask that visits to campus are kept to those that are essential for learning and business purposes. At this time, we regret we are not able to host parents for lunch with your child. Any visitors who do come to campus for essential reasons will be asked to wear a mask, complete a Health Screening form, and pass the temperature check.

Will classes be able to go on field trips?In Phase Yellow, field trips are permissible if the destination allows and the same precautions for health and safety can be maintained. Some classes may choose to postpone certain trips due to availability of the destination or out of an abundance of caution for the health and wellness of the class. Teachers may find alternative virtual field trip opportunities and creative activities to try instead. Details about specific trips and traditions will be shared as they come.


FAQ

NEXT STEPSCheck Off Your ChecklistRefer to the Summer Checklist on page 6 and complete these items before the first day of school.

Make PlansWhile we desire to have all of our students on campus for the full school year, we must also prepare to be flexible and have a plan. Please take time as a family to discuss what you will do should your child run a fever or have other symptoms, or if someone in your family has exposure to COVID-19 during the school year. Develop a plan now for how you can adapt your routines if we are required to shift to distance learning.

Stay PositiveWe want our students to have a successful start to a new school year. Parents, teachers and coaches can have a great impact on our students’ attitudes and outlook for the year by staying positive and providing encouragement. We are confident our students will adapt and grow as they experience the new protocols for this year. We can approach this year as an opportunity to practice some of our character traits, such as courage, joy, creativity, humility and determination.

Encourage Healthy Wildcat WaysModel healthy hygiene practices such as frequent hand-washing and talk to your child about ways to limit the spread of germs, such as covering a sneeze or cough with the bend of your arm. Encourage your child to participate in physical activity, eat healthy, and get enough rest each day. You can also practice social distancing and wearing face coverings when in public.

Ask QuestionsWe are here to help and are happy to answer any specific questions you have for your family. If you would like to discuss these back-to-school plans or any of the processes outlined in this guide, please contact your division head or one of our administrative team. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Please Note: The plans outlined in this guide were developed given what information and guidance was available at the time of publication and are subject to change at any point during the school year.



BACK TOSCHOOL

2020-2021

HEALTHY WILDCATS, WESTCHESTER STRONG

2045 N. Old Greensboro Road, High Point, NC 27265336.869.2128 | www.westchestercds.org | @WestchesterCDS

Documents

BACK TO SCHOOLveracross-files.s3.amazonaws.com/wcds/232/Back to School...W E L C O M E Dear Families, We are anticipating the start of another wonderful Westchester school year on