We all have been learning to live with Covid as a presence in our lives. At school, we are particularly mindful of the impact of Covid on our learning community and we seek to minimize risk, and maintain a safe, healthy environment while living and learning together.

Throughout the year, we will be monitoring community and regional data, as well as new guidance from the CDC and Maryland Department of Health (DOH). 

Please note: As has been the case these past two and a half years, we will ask families to remain flexible and to work closely with us as we anticipate and respond to any changes the year might bring.

In the event that guidance changes or if we are designated by the CDC as being in a High/Red Covid Community level, there is an outbreak in the community, or a new variant emerges that presents a new or increased risk, we may adapt our approaches and implement new plans.

As we begin the year, here are the protocols/approaches that will be in place:

Daily Covid Screening

As of November 14, 2022, we will no longer require daily screening updates via the Magnus app.

We ask parents to continue to monitor student health and contact the Park nursing staff in the event your child experiences symptoms/illness.

Isolation/Quarantine

The school nursing staff will continue to be advising families on isolation/quarantine in the event of symptoms and/or a positive Covid test, referencing the latest Department of Health guidelines.

Generally, when someone tests positive for Covid, we will advise, in accordance with current Maryland DOH regulations, that the individual complete five days of isolation and, if symptom-free, a return to school with five days of masking. With the okay to return to school, the student should mask with a KN95, N95, or equivalent during those five days due to the continuing possibility of being contagious.

Notification

In the case of our Lower School, where students tend to be in closer contact for longer durations, the nurse will notify classroom cohorts in the event a student who had been in class tests positive. 

For Middle and Upper Schools, in the event that students have gathered in close concentration, the school nurse will make every effort to notify close contacts.

It is important to note here that students who isolate due to Covid will be able to get assignments from their teacher and can participate in asynchronous learning if they are well enough. Otherwise, they should be dedicated to rest and recovery; we will not provide opportunities for synchronous learning, unless the teacher confirms this is possible. Work can be made up following a student’s return, just as with any absence due to illness.

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On-campus programming and visitor policy:

We are excited to to return to normal parent/visitor programming on campus (unless, of course, conditions change).

Parents are welcome in the buildings; we will hold in-person, on-campus events like our Back-to-School Nights; guest speakers will appear on campus — although we will continue to use Zoom periodically when it best serves the community (e.g. When we want to welcome a speaker who cannot come to the area; or if the programming presents an opportunity for parents to attend from home, etc.).

Similar to our school-day protocols, parent events will be mask-optional until further notice; and in the case were we have large numbers of people in a space in high concentration, we will require well-fitting, multi-layer masks. 

Parents, of course, should self screen and should not come to campus if they have symptoms.

General Practices

The school, of course, will continue to monitor ventilation systems, ensuring adequate air exchange in our indoor spaces; teachers will take students outside as opportunities allow during the day; we will clean surfaces regularly, provide hand sanitizer, and encourage regular hand washing.