Covid-19 Response
Covid-19 Response
Ebenezer Preparatory School’s Reopening Plan - July, 31, 2020
Ebenezer Preparatory School is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all its students, parents, employees, and guests. We have developed the following Pandemic Response Plan (PRP) for the 2020–2021 school year that will guide our decisions regarding the reopening of our campus to students and employees as well as our overall program. We recognize that through the implementation of the following coordinated efforts, we can greatly reduce, not eliminate, the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. We strive to balance our mitigation policies with the known benefits of children experiencing in-person learning at school.
Resources and Guiding Entities
Ebenezer Preparatory School’s Pandemic Response Plan is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), NewYork State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the American Academy of Pediatrics, federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) standards related to COVID-19, and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive orders as they pertain to COVID-19. Inaddition, a committee of Ebenezer Preparatory School’scommunity members with varied expertise worked together to develop this plan.
As part of our planning, Ebenezer Preparatory School has taken into account the mounting evidence regarding COVID-19 in children and adolescents, including the role they may play in transmission of the infection. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, COVID-19 appears to behave differently in children and adolescents than other common respiratory viruses, such as the flu, on which much of the current guidance regarding school closures is based. Although children and adolescents play a major role in amplifying influenza outbreaks, to date, this does not appear to be the case with COVID-19. Although many questions remain, the preponderance of evidence indicates that children and adolescents are less likely to be symptomatic and less likely to have severe disease resulting from SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19] infection. In addition, children may be less likely to become infected and to spread infection.
Implementation
To be effective, Ebenezer Preparatory School’s safety plan requires the full cooperation of all our community members, and everyone is responsible for implementing and complying with the School’s PRP. This plan includes steps—such as signage placement, face coverings, physical distancing, screening procedures, contact tracing and enhanced cleaning that Ebenezer Preparatory School is taking to mitigate COVID-19 contagion. This PRP addresses the health and safety procedures that Ebenezer Preparatory School has implemented and the responsibilities of the School and its community members, including:
- 1. prevention procedures, including hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
- 2. procedures for safe physical distancing and limiting visitors, including parents.
- 3. cleaning, sanitizing, and ventilation information.
- 4. screening procedures and policies for anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.
- 5. prompt identification and isolation of sick individuals and protocols for contact tracing.
- 6. protection and controls for student pick-up and drop-off.
- 7. employee training and ongoing communications.
- 8. food protocols/food allergies.
- 9. Mental Health/Behavioral and Emotional Support Services.
(1) REOPENING OF IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
School Program: On-Campus Learning and Distance Learning
We are excited to welcome students back to Ebenezer Preparatory School for on-campus learning. Our plan is to start the 2020-21 school year with a blend of on-campus and remote learning. Safeguarding the health of our community members is our top priority, and we are prepared to switch to distance learning throughout the school year should public health guidelines require us to do so.
Students (parents/guardians) and employees will be expected to conduct a daily Covid19 self check at home on the Frontline mobile app to assess whether they are healthy to attend school. Employees will enter through the East 53rd Street entrance beginning at 7:40 AM;studentswillstartarrivingby7:50AM.Everyone will be temperature screened in the lunchroom by staff protected with PPE prior to entering. Students should form a socially distant line starting from Ebenezer’s backyard chain link fence in the direction of Foster Avenue. Signage will be placed throughout the parking lot, East 53rd Street and school, maintaining distance and indicating the direction of the flow of traffic. No one will be allowed to enter the building prior to 7:40 AM. Everyone who passes the screening will be allowed to enter the building
Once admitted to the building, students will go directly to their respective classrooms where they will be received by their teacher. They will sit at their assigned desk and will review the guidelines for safety. The Guidelines for Safety checklist is to remind students about safety protocols for on-campus learning.
We plan to offer a full-day schedule that includes lunch served in the classrooms when students are on campus. Students will remain in their classrooms in grade cohorts with their classroom teacher. Teachers will move from room to room to provide specialized instruction as necessary. Teachers will sanitize hands and/or wash hands after leaving each room
Students must bring cold lunches from home or hot lunch in athermos.There will be no access to a microwave for hot lunches. Lunches requiring water (cup anoodles,etc.)are NOT allowed. Lunches and snacks, including drinks, must be able to be opened by the student to prevent the teacher from having to handle any student’s lunch. Lunches provided by the school cook will be revisited at a later date.
Students will wash hands prior to eating at their desks and will use hand sanitizer after lunch. They will also wipe down their desk after lunch.
Students (parents/guardians) and employees will be expected to conduct a daily Covid19 self check at home on the Frontline mobile app to assess whether they are healthy to attend school. Employees will enter through the East 53rd Street entrance beginning at 7:40 AM;studentswillstartarrivingby7:50AM.Everyone will be temperature screened in the lunchroom by staff protected with PPE prior to entering. Students should form a socially distant line starting from Ebenezer’s backyard chain link fence in the direction of Foster Avenue. Signage will be placed throughout the parking lot, East 53rd Street and school, maintaining distance and indicating the direction of the flow of traffic. No one will be allowed to enter the building prior to 7:40 AM. Everyone who passes the screening will be allowed to enter the building
Once admitted to the building, students will go directly to their respective classrooms where they will be received by their teacher. They will sit at their assigned desk and will review the guidelines for safety. The Guidelines for Safety checklist is to remind students about safety protocols for on-campus learning.
We plan to offer a full-day schedule that includes lunch served in the classrooms when students are on campus. Students will remain in their classrooms in grade cohorts with their classroom teacher. Teachers will move from room to room to provide specialized instruction as necessary. Teachers will sanitize hands and/or wash hands after leaving each room
Students must bring cold lunches from home or hot lunch in athermos.There will be no access to a microwave for hot lunches. Lunches requiring water (cup anoodles,etc.)are NOT allowed. Lunches and snacks, including drinks, must be able to be opened by the student to prevent the teacher from having to handle any student’s lunch. Lunches provided by the school cook will be revisited at a later date.
Students will wash hands prior to eating at their desks and will use hand sanitizer after lunch. They will also wipe down their desk after lunch.
On-Campus Learning
Ebenezer Preparatory School is a Christian day school with 16 employees that enrolls fewer than 90 students from Nursery to Grade 8. Our school’s physical and human resources enable us to provide an at-school, in-person education under new health and safety guidelines. Due to our small class sizes of less than 12 students pergrade,classes will be held in their respective classrooms with students seated in a socially distant fashion. All staff and students will be required to wear a mask or face shield while in school. Students in each grade will remain as a cohort and will receive instruction from their class teacher and a specialized teacher,asnecessary.Specialized teachers will wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer before entering another room.
In order to decrease the daily population of students and staff on campus, students will attend classes on different days. We plan to offer on campus instruction from Monday Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:45 PM. The speciality teachers- Spanish, Math, Science and Social Studies- will go to each classroom to provide instruction. Grades 1-8 will receive Computer classes completely online. Other program modifications will include: limiting student hallway travel during the day, limited in-person, large group meetings and activities so that no music, dance, drama, physical education, field trips, Early Childhood Extended Day or After School classes will be held. Chapel services and lunch will be held in each individual classroom instead of using the sanctuary or lunchroom. Students and staff will continue to use separate, grade designated bathrooms, which will be regularly disinfected during the day. This will be conducted by the school custodian.
On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, students in Nursery through Grade 5 will attend classes on campus from 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM. These students will then work remotely on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
On Thursdays and Fridays, students from Grade 6 through Grade 8 will attend classes on campus from 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM. They will then work remotely on Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
In order to decrease the daily population of students and staff on campus, students will attend classes on different days. We plan to offer on campus instruction from Monday Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:45 PM. The speciality teachers- Spanish, Math, Science and Social Studies- will go to each classroom to provide instruction. Grades 1-8 will receive Computer classes completely online. Other program modifications will include: limiting student hallway travel during the day, limited in-person, large group meetings and activities so that no music, dance, drama, physical education, field trips, Early Childhood Extended Day or After School classes will be held. Chapel services and lunch will be held in each individual classroom instead of using the sanctuary or lunchroom. Students and staff will continue to use separate, grade designated bathrooms, which will be regularly disinfected during the day. This will be conducted by the school custodian.
On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, students in Nursery through Grade 5 will attend classes on campus from 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM. These students will then work remotely on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
On Thursdays and Fridays, students from Grade 6 through Grade 8 will attend classes on campus from 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM. They will then work remotely on Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Mitigation Strategies
We recognize that through the implementation of coordinated efforts, we can greatly reduce, not eliminate, the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. Ebenezer Preparatory School strives to balance our mitigation policies with the known benefits of children experiencing in-person learning at school.
Ebenezer Preparatory School has implemented basic infection prevention measures, including the promotion of handwashing and respiratory etiquette and the use of face coverings/face shield and physical distancing. Continual on-campus learning will only be possible with all of us working together to follow these health and safety guidelines, on and off-campus.
Ebenezer Preparatory School has implemented basic infection prevention measures, including the promotion of handwashing and respiratory etiquette and the use of face coverings/face shield and physical distancing. Continual on-campus learning will only be possible with all of us working together to follow these health and safety guidelines, on and off-campus.
Travel and Transportation
Employee’s non-essential business travel is restricted, and we ask that all community members limit non-essential travel. EVERYONE is required to wear a mask while traveling on the bus, train, cab, uber, or lyft while traveling to and from school. We are asking that everyone planning to return to the facility remain in quarantine for 2 weeks prior to the first day of school. EVERYONE returning to campus must also provide proof of a NEGATIVE COVID 19 test within one week of returning to school. Proof of a NEGATIVE COVID 19 test will also be required upon returning from the Christmas, Mid-winter and Easter recess.
Strategies for Prevention
How Germs Spread:Illnesses such as the flu (influenza) and colds are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs and gastrointestinaltract.The flu and cold susually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the virus is inhaled by another person. Other viruses are spread by infected persons passing germs through food or ineffective hand washing. Germs are also spread by droplets when a person touches something that is contaminated with a virus and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. The length of time germs can live on certain surfaces depends on the actual virus.
Our basic educational message is:
1. Cover Your Cough Wash
2. Your Hands Often
3. Stay Home If You’re Sick
4.Wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Cover Your Cough : We teach our students coughing and sneezing etiquette using the instructional videos and/or demonstrations. We will have an ample supply of tissues available in each classroom and school area. We will give students time to wash their hands throughout the school day.
1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze OR
2. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
3. Clean your hands after you cough or sneeze.
Wash Hands Often : Frequent handwashing is critical in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Handsanitizer dispensers(thatusesanitizers of greater than 60 percent alcohol) are at entrances and other locations throughout the school. Students, employees, parents, and visitors (if allowed in the building) will wash or sanitize their hands after entering the building. Everyone is instructed to frequently wash their hands throughout the day for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, but especially at the beginning and end of their time on campus, after coughing or sneezing in their hands, before and after meal times, and after using the restroom. Each classroom and public space will be wiped down with disinfectant wipes frequently throughout the day by all members of the staff.
1. Wet hands, apply soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
2. Thoroughly rinse under warm, running water.
3. Dry hands completely with a paper towel. Use a paper towel to turn off faucet handles and open restroom doors.
Stay Home if You’re Sick : A primary strategy against the spread of illness is for sick people to stay home from school. This includes students, staff and volunteers.
Hand Washing and Respiratory Etiquette Websites:
CDC Coughing & Sneezing
CDC Your Coughs & Sneezes: Video (0:19)
CDC What You Need to Know About Handwashing (2:00)
Our basic educational message is:
1. Cover Your Cough Wash
2. Your Hands Often
3. Stay Home If You’re Sick
4.Wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Cover Your Cough : We teach our students coughing and sneezing etiquette using the instructional videos and/or demonstrations. We will have an ample supply of tissues available in each classroom and school area. We will give students time to wash their hands throughout the school day.
1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze OR
2. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
3. Clean your hands after you cough or sneeze.
Wash Hands Often : Frequent handwashing is critical in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Handsanitizer dispensers(thatusesanitizers of greater than 60 percent alcohol) are at entrances and other locations throughout the school. Students, employees, parents, and visitors (if allowed in the building) will wash or sanitize their hands after entering the building. Everyone is instructed to frequently wash their hands throughout the day for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, but especially at the beginning and end of their time on campus, after coughing or sneezing in their hands, before and after meal times, and after using the restroom. Each classroom and public space will be wiped down with disinfectant wipes frequently throughout the day by all members of the staff.
1. Wet hands, apply soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
2. Thoroughly rinse under warm, running water.
3. Dry hands completely with a paper towel. Use a paper towel to turn off faucet handles and open restroom doors.
Stay Home if You’re Sick : A primary strategy against the spread of illness is for sick people to stay home from school. This includes students, staff and volunteers.
Hand Washing and Respiratory Etiquette Websites:
CDC Coughing & Sneezing
CDC Your Coughs & Sneezes: Video (0:19)
CDC What You Need to Know About Handwashing (2:00)
Face coverings/Face Shields
Everyone must wear a face covering while on campus—including during drop-off and pickup — and provide their own face coverings. Students should have two clean face coverings available each day at school. Extra face masks will be available on campus. According to public health officials, individuals can spread COVID-19 to others even if they do not feel sick. While not a substitute for physical distancing, the use of face coverings is an important way that we, as a community, can protect each other by mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
Alternative provisions may be made with consideration for medical reasons and age. These will include a face shield, desktop sneeze guard or an officially approved equivalent. These provisions will be made to accommodate eating and drinking, outdoor and physical activities, instructional time when physical distancing can be maintained and additional preventative measures are in place. CDC guidelines provide general considerations for wearing and maintaining a face covering, including the following:
1. The mouth and nose are fully covered.
2. The covering fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps.
3. The wearer does not have any difficulty breathing while wearing the covering.
4. The face covering can be tied or otherwise secured to prevent slipping.
Hand Sanitizer Stations will be distributed at key locations throughout the facility to promote cleaning when access to the sink is not available.
Alternative provisions may be made with consideration for medical reasons and age. These will include a face shield, desktop sneeze guard or an officially approved equivalent. These provisions will be made to accommodate eating and drinking, outdoor and physical activities, instructional time when physical distancing can be maintained and additional preventative measures are in place. CDC guidelines provide general considerations for wearing and maintaining a face covering, including the following:
1. The mouth and nose are fully covered.
2. The covering fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps.
3. The wearer does not have any difficulty breathing while wearing the covering.
4. The face covering can be tied or otherwise secured to prevent slipping.
Hand Sanitizer Stations will be distributed at key locations throughout the facility to promote cleaning when access to the sink is not available.
Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Ventilation
Ebenezer Preparatory School uses CDC-approved, eco-friendly medical-grade disinfectants and has implemented updated cleaning, disinfecting, and ventilation practices. This includes routine cleaning and disinfecting throughout the facility. Bathrooms will be cleaned by the custodian after 11:00am and after 1:00pm, after classes have used the facility. A log of the bathroom cleaning will be posted in each bathroom and maintained in the main office by the secretary.
We will administer increased frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas and items, such as toys, manipulatives, door handles, railings, and the copy machine, atleast 4 times daily. This will be implemented by the school custodian and/or class teachers.
Ventilation: We will increase ventilation with outdoor air to the greatest extent possible (e.g., opening windows and doors) while maintaining health and safety protocols, particularly for younger students.
We will administer increased frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas and items, such as toys, manipulatives, door handles, railings, and the copy machine, atleast 4 times daily. This will be implemented by the school custodian and/or class teachers.
Ventilation: We will increase ventilation with outdoor air to the greatest extent possible (e.g., opening windows and doors) while maintaining health and safety protocols, particularly for younger students.
Limiting Campus Access
As virus spread is more likely between adults, we are restricting parent and visitor access to the lobby or main office. All parents and visitors must enter through Kings Highway entrance (by appointment only), wear face coverings, and be screened upon arrival.
Teachers will schedule meetings with parents/guardians by telephone or Zoom conferences until further notice. One in person meet and greet is being considered for parents of each grade to meet the child’s teacher. Each grade will have a 45 minute period in the playground to discuss pertinent information. Social Distancing and face masks will been forced. Grade meetings will best aggered throughout the day to minimize disruption and overcrowding.
Teachers will schedule meetings with parents/guardians by telephone or Zoom conferences until further notice. One in person meet and greet is being considered for parents of each grade to meet the child’s teacher. Each grade will have a 45 minute period in the playground to discuss pertinent information. Social Distancing and face masks will been forced. Grade meetings will best aggered throughout the day to minimize disruption and overcrowding.
Physical Distancing, Student Cohorts, and Group Gatherings
All individuals at Ebenezer Preparatory School will maintain a safe physical distance of six feet as feasible. Signage throughout the School will reinforce physical distancing.
Ebenezer Preparatory School will maintain cohorts of students and teachers to minimize crossover among children and adults within the School. We will minimize travel throughout the building when feasible. The Spanish, Math, Social Studies and Science teachers will travel to classrooms to facilitate learning. In addition, teachers will take advantage of Ebenezer Preparatory School’s outdoor learning spaces when possible. Teachers will wash hands or use hand sanitizer upon leaving a room and before entering another room.
We will limit in-person large group meetings. We are reimagining how we come together as a community, including the opportunity for students to perform and speak in public through virtual and small group settings. Daily chapel services will no longer occur in the sanctuary. Each class teacher will have a 30 minute chapel in his/her respective class. At least one school wide Zoom chapel service will be conducted each week.
Ebenezer Preparatory School will maintain cohorts of students and teachers to minimize crossover among children and adults within the School. We will minimize travel throughout the building when feasible. The Spanish, Math, Social Studies and Science teachers will travel to classrooms to facilitate learning. In addition, teachers will take advantage of Ebenezer Preparatory School’s outdoor learning spaces when possible. Teachers will wash hands or use hand sanitizer upon leaving a room and before entering another room.
We will limit in-person large group meetings. We are reimagining how we come together as a community, including the opportunity for students to perform and speak in public through virtual and small group settings. Daily chapel services will no longer occur in the sanctuary. Each class teacher will have a 30 minute chapel in his/her respective class. At least one school wide Zoom chapel service will be conducted each week.
Physical Barriers
Mobile plexiglass physical barriers will be used throughout the facility, such as on employee and teacher’s desks, and the Canteen. Barriers will also be installed in bathrooms with more than one sink, in the Science lab, and Technology classroom between computers.
Shared Items and Water Fountains
Teachers will limit the sharing of classroom materials and workspaces between students and will sanitize items as needed. Each class will be supplied with disinfectant wipes to sanitize as needed. Only items that can be easily disinfected will be used.
No personal toys will be allowed on campus.
The water fountains will NOT be used, they will be disabled until further notice. Students and employees should bring their own clearly labeled, filled water bottles to school.
No personal toys will be allowed on campus.
The water fountains will NOT be used, they will be disabled until further notice. Students and employees should bring their own clearly labeled, filled water bottles to school.
Social-Emotional Support
Supporting our students’ social-emotional development is more important than ever during these trying and uncertain times. Teachers will provide resources to students and parents that will address the mental health and emotional and behavioral needs to the school community. Training for staff will be provided using videos and small group instruction. This will include how to identify and support students having difficulty with transitioning back into the school setting.
The school will conduct a school-wide Zoom meeting to discuss the plans for the upcoming year. At that time everyone will be apprised of the specifics of the plans and the daily routines for in-school learning. The plan will also be posted on the school website and emailed to each family. The plan will be revisited periodically to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and its implementation.
The school will conduct a school-wide Zoom meeting to discuss the plans for the upcoming year. At that time everyone will be apprised of the specifics of the plans and the daily routines for in-school learning. The plan will also be posted on the school website and emailed to each family. The plan will be revisited periodically to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and its implementation.
Considerations for Parents
Children are looking to their parents to let them know how they should be feelingabout things. As much as possible, parents should try to be a non-anxious presence in their children’s lives and communicate their confidence in their children’s ability to cope with stressful situations, including going back to school.
Parents are encouraged to help children reestablish routines at home that will help prepare them for coming back to school. This linked article from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has some great suggestions to prepare for reentry. Once parents read through Ebenezer Preparatory School’s PRP and understand more about the 2020–21 school year, they are encouraged to communicate clearly with their children about the return to school to begin to prepare them for how things are going to look different this school year. Frequent brief conversations—e.g., “See how the mailman has a mask on? You and your teachers will wear masks at school, too!”—are recommended instead of one ortwolong conversations that hash out all of the changes.
Parents are encouraged to reinforce the idea that children have agency in keeping themselves safe and healthy rather than emphasizing the many unknowns. Although no one knows exactly what the school year will bring, it is important that children feel a sense of comfort knowing that there are specific things they can do (e.g., hand washing and maintaining a safe distance) to help keep themselves and others healthy. Ample evidence shows that maintaining balanced nutrition, getting moderate exercise, practicing mindfulness, establishing good sleep habits, and having adequate social support are the best ways to counteract the effects of stress on children (and adults). Little things can help to make big improvements in the reduction of stress!
Parents can help the School by communicating with their children that although every family has dealt with COVID-19 differently, Ebenezer Preparatory School’s community supports each other. There will be a different set of expectations at school, and wehope that everyone will respect differences in how families have approached dealing with the virus.
Parents are encouraged to help children reestablish routines at home that will help prepare them for coming back to school. This linked article from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has some great suggestions to prepare for reentry. Once parents read through Ebenezer Preparatory School’s PRP and understand more about the 2020–21 school year, they are encouraged to communicate clearly with their children about the return to school to begin to prepare them for how things are going to look different this school year. Frequent brief conversations—e.g., “See how the mailman has a mask on? You and your teachers will wear masks at school, too!”—are recommended instead of one ortwolong conversations that hash out all of the changes.
Parents are encouraged to reinforce the idea that children have agency in keeping themselves safe and healthy rather than emphasizing the many unknowns. Although no one knows exactly what the school year will bring, it is important that children feel a sense of comfort knowing that there are specific things they can do (e.g., hand washing and maintaining a safe distance) to help keep themselves and others healthy. Ample evidence shows that maintaining balanced nutrition, getting moderate exercise, practicing mindfulness, establishing good sleep habits, and having adequate social support are the best ways to counteract the effects of stress on children (and adults). Little things can help to make big improvements in the reduction of stress!
Parents can help the School by communicating with their children that although every family has dealt with COVID-19 differently, Ebenezer Preparatory School’s community supports each other. There will be a different set of expectations at school, and wehope that everyone will respect differences in how families have approached dealing with the virus.
Student Drop-off and Pickup
We appreciate everyone’s patience as new health and safety protocols may extend the duration of arrival and dismissal. Everyone should wear face coverings when they arrive on campus and while on campus.
During student drop-off from the East 53rd Street entrance, students and staff will wear face coverings, maintain six feet of physical distance whenever possible, and avoid physical contact with other individuals.
Students and students arriving with parents will present themselves to the Sign-in Desk for the daily health check. They must present their clearance document from the Mobile Health Screening App and have their temperature taken before being admitted to the building. Parents will not be allowed to escort their child to the classroom to decrease chances of infection. If necessary, a staff member will escort the child to their classroom.
During student drop-off from the East 53rd Street entrance, students and staff will wear face coverings, maintain six feet of physical distance whenever possible, and avoid physical contact with other individuals.
Students and students arriving with parents will present themselves to the Sign-in Desk for the daily health check. They must present their clearance document from the Mobile Health Screening App and have their temperature taken before being admitted to the building. Parents will not be allowed to escort their child to the classroom to decrease chances of infection. If necessary, a staff member will escort the child to their classroom.
Dismissal will be as follows:
Early Childhood Students (Nursery-Grade 2) will be dismissed to the Kings Highway entrance. A designated staff member will identify the parent and will call the child to the door for pickup. If more than one child from a family is being pickedup, they will also be dismissed using that exit.
Students in Grades 3 through Grade 8, and ALL VAN students will be dismissed through the East 53rd Street Exit. Students being picked up by parents will remain in their classrooms until their parents arrive. Once the parent arrives at the gate, the child will be released.
Older students who travel on their own will be dismissed promptly at 2:45PM. There will be NO CANTEEN service after school or loitering in the school or backyard.
Students in Grades 3 through Grade 8, and ALL VAN students will be dismissed through the East 53rd Street Exit. Students being picked up by parents will remain in their classrooms until their parents arrive. Once the parent arrives at the gate, the child will be released.
Older students who travel on their own will be dismissed promptly at 2:45PM. There will be NO CANTEEN service after school or loitering in the school or backyard.
Deliveries/Parent Visits
The secretary will maintain the log in the Main Office for all visitors to the building. This includes ALL deliveries, government officials, and parents. This log will include name of visitor, date and time, nature of visit, time and duration of visit.
All deliveries will be to the Kings Highway entrance to the building. Delivery personnel must wear masks for entry.
Parents/guardians will not be allowed beyond the Kings Highway lobby to deliver items to students. Should a parent require an appointment, they MUST make an appointment PRIOR to coming to the school and MUST wear a mask. Appointments must be made for visits to the main office, to see the principal, or to meet with a teacher. The only exception for an appointment is in the event of a medical emergency for immediate pickup.
All deliveries will be to the Kings Highway entrance to the building. Delivery personnel must wear masks for entry.
Parents/guardians will not be allowed beyond the Kings Highway lobby to deliver items to students. Should a parent require an appointment, they MUST make an appointment PRIOR to coming to the school and MUST wear a mask. Appointments must be made for visits to the main office, to see the principal, or to meet with a teacher. The only exception for an appointment is in the event of a medical emergency for immediate pickup.
(2)Monitoring of health conditions
Health Screenings and Symptom Assessment and Reporting
We will continue to inform and encourage families and employees to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. As defined by the CDC, individuals with COVID-19 may have any of the following symptoms, which may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle or body aches, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Also according to the CDC, this list of symptoms does not include all possible symptoms. Please contact your healthcare provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Ebenezer Preparatory School has implemented the following policies and procedures to assess a person’s health status prior to entering the School, to provide guidelines for screening individuals before they are allowed to enter the building, and to provide a process for families to report when they are sick, experiencing symptoms, or if they or anyone in their house hold have come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Ebenezer Preparatory School has implemented the following policies and procedures to assess a person’s health status prior to entering the School, to provide guidelines for screening individuals before they are allowed to enter the building, and to provide a process for families to report when they are sick, experiencing symptoms, or if they or anyone in their house hold have come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Before arriving on campus
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or knows that they have COVID-19 should isolate at home. In addition, parents should communicate with the School—using the methods listed below—if one of them or a member of their household tests positive for COVID-19, experiences symptoms of COVID-19, or has close contact* with someone who is positive or symptomatic of COVID-19.
*CDC currently defines “close contact” as “someone who was within six feet of an infected person for atleast 15 minutes starting from 48 hours before illness on set until the time the patient is isolated.”
Parents should take their children’s temperature before arriving on campus and keep their child home if they have a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit or above.
Parents should continue to report student absences, COVID-19 symptoms, close contacts, and COVID-19 diagnoses via the Frontline mobile app.
Parents and staff will receive a daily reminder from the Frontline mobile app, which will remind them to monitor their/ their child’s health and stay home if they are sick or showing symptoms. Only persons who have received clearance will be allowed to enter the building.
*CDC currently defines “close contact” as “someone who was within six feet of an infected person for atleast 15 minutes starting from 48 hours before illness on set until the time the patient is isolated.”
Parents should take their children’s temperature before arriving on campus and keep their child home if they have a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit or above.
Parents should continue to report student absences, COVID-19 symptoms, close contacts, and COVID-19 diagnoses via the Frontline mobile app.
Parents and staff will receive a daily reminder from the Frontline mobile app, which will remind them to monitor their/ their child’s health and stay home if they are sick or showing symptoms. Only persons who have received clearance will be allowed to enter the building.
Screening Procedure for Employees and Students
A face covering is meant to protect others, therefore all employees, parents, visitors,and students are required to wear a mask/face shield on campus, especially when physical distancing is not feasible
1. Employees and students must enter through the East 53rd Street entrance upon arrival.Upon arrival, employees and students will form one line, maintaining at least six feet of distance from others, where possible. Only one student is allowed at the Sign-In Desk at a time.
2. Everyone will receive a daily temperature check once they arrive on campus. Anyone with a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit or above must immediately leave the campus.
3. Essential visitors will be limited, and all other non-essential visitors must have an appointment prior to being screened and admitted.
4. Individuals who receive clearance from the Frontline app and temperature check will be allowed to enter.
5. Anyone with a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit or above will not be allowed to enter and must immediately leave the facility.
6. If the screening reveals any COVID-19 symptoms, the individual will immediately leave the campus or will report to a designated isolation room until their condition can be evaluated by the appointed designee to determine the appropriate next steps.
7. All individuals should wash or sanitize their hands after entering the building.
1. Employees and students must enter through the East 53rd Street entrance upon arrival.Upon arrival, employees and students will form one line, maintaining at least six feet of distance from others, where possible. Only one student is allowed at the Sign-In Desk at a time.
2. Everyone will receive a daily temperature check once they arrive on campus. Anyone with a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit or above must immediately leave the campus.
3. Essential visitors will be limited, and all other non-essential visitors must have an appointment prior to being screened and admitted.
4. Individuals who receive clearance from the Frontline app and temperature check will be allowed to enter.
5. Anyone with a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit or above will not be allowed to enter and must immediately leave the facility.
6. If the screening reveals any COVID-19 symptoms, the individual will immediately leave the campus or will report to a designated isolation room until their condition can be evaluated by the appointed designee to determine the appropriate next steps.
7. All individuals should wash or sanitize their hands after entering the building.
(3)Containment of potential transmission of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Policies for Individuals Exhibiting Symptoms at School
If a student is sick or experiencing symptoms at school, the teacher or other designated adult will escort the student directly to the isolation room. The isolation room is fully equipped with a bathroom and sink, and is located on the first floor. Both escort and student should wear face coverings and gloves. The isolation room will be completely and vigorously cleaned before being used again.
Employees who become sick or experience symptoms while at school should leave the building immediately or report to the designated isolation room until they are able to leave the School.
Students and teachers having contact with the person exhibiting symptoms will remain quarantined in their classroom until parents are contacted for pickup. Students and staff will remain quarantined at home for 14 days as per NYCDOE policy. Parents of students will be contacted via phone and/or email, as necessary.
Should symptoms manifest in more than one classroom, or if 2 or more cases present school-wide, the entire school will close and remote learning will be implemented beginning the following week. Parents will be notified via phone and/or email. School closure will also be posted on the school website. Two week protocol will be implemented and NYC Dept of Health will conduct contact tracing. All school records will be made available to the NYC Dept of Health prior to school closing by school administrator and/or secretary.
The school facility will be thoroughly cleaned after closing.
Ebenezer Preparatory School has implemented a specific COVID-19 health support policy that promotes everyone staying at home when they are sick or displaying symptoms of COVID-19, when household members are sick or displaying symptoms of COVID-19, or when required by a health care provider to isolate or quarantine themselves or a member of their household.
Employees who become sick or experience symptoms while at school should leave the building immediately or report to the designated isolation room until they are able to leave the School.
Students and teachers having contact with the person exhibiting symptoms will remain quarantined in their classroom until parents are contacted for pickup. Students and staff will remain quarantined at home for 14 days as per NYCDOE policy. Parents of students will be contacted via phone and/or email, as necessary.
Should symptoms manifest in more than one classroom, or if 2 or more cases present school-wide, the entire school will close and remote learning will be implemented beginning the following week. Parents will be notified via phone and/or email. School closure will also be posted on the school website. Two week protocol will be implemented and NYC Dept of Health will conduct contact tracing. All school records will be made available to the NYC Dept of Health prior to school closing by school administrator and/or secretary.
The school facility will be thoroughly cleaned after closing.
Ebenezer Preparatory School has implemented a specific COVID-19 health support policy that promotes everyone staying at home when they are sick or displaying symptoms of COVID-19, when household members are sick or displaying symptoms of COVID-19, or when required by a health care provider to isolate or quarantine themselves or a member of their household.
Contact Tracing
If someone within the community contracts COVID-19, contact tracing will be used to identify and notify people who may have been exposed at school, and also to determine the exposed areas and equipment within the building. These areas and equipment will be disinfected per CDC guidelines. Contact tracing is part of the process of mitigating the spread of infection. Ebenezer Preparatory School has a plan to work with public health officials if a community member tests positive for COVID-19. The contact tracing team and/or local public health officials will work with the infected person to identify close contacts and will notify community members who may be close contacts. Patient confidentiality will be maintained. Instructions that follow current CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance will be provided to the infected person and all close contacts regarding isolation and quarantine.
Returning to school
Anyone who is absent or sent home due to illness shall not be permitted back in school again until:
1. They have been fever and fever medication free for at least 72 hours.
2. They are symptom free.
Please consult your family’s health care provider if you have specific concerns about you or your child’s health or would like further medical evaluation.
Anyone who is absent due to a positive COVID-19 test shall not be permitted back in school until at least 14 days after the positive test result. They must present a test showing they are negative prior to being readmitted.
Anyone who is absent due to close contact with a person who has COVID-19 shall not be permitted back in school until 14 days after last exposure. This person should check temperature twice daily and be observant for any onset of symptoms. They should also stay away from anyone who is at higher risk for getting sick.
In addition to the aforementioned requirements, anyone who is required to be off-campus due to a COVID-19-related concern must consult and receive medical clearance before being allowed back on campus. Proof of medical clearance must be provided to the school. Parents are free to use their personal physician or a state/city run testing facility. All of this will be done in compliance with the local Health Department.
1. They have been fever and fever medication free for at least 72 hours.
2. They are symptom free.
Please consult your family’s health care provider if you have specific concerns about you or your child’s health or would like further medical evaluation.
Anyone who is absent due to a positive COVID-19 test shall not be permitted back in school until at least 14 days after the positive test result. They must present a test showing they are negative prior to being readmitted.
Anyone who is absent due to close contact with a person who has COVID-19 shall not be permitted back in school until 14 days after last exposure. This person should check temperature twice daily and be observant for any onset of symptoms. They should also stay away from anyone who is at higher risk for getting sick.
In addition to the aforementioned requirements, anyone who is required to be off-campus due to a COVID-19-related concern must consult and receive medical clearance before being allowed back on campus. Proof of medical clearance must be provided to the school. Parents are free to use their personal physician or a state/city run testing facility. All of this will be done in compliance with the local Health Department.
Training and Preparedness
This document will serve as Ebenezer Preparatory School’s response plan for COVID-19. The School will provide employees with pandemic preparedness training and additional resources will be available upon request
Additional communications and training will be ongoing as COVID-19 guidelines and requirements change.
Additional communications and training will be ongoing as COVID-19 guidelines and requirements change.
Additional Information for Employees
Employee Absence Notification Employees should notify administration of their absence and continue to report absences, COVID-19 symptoms, close contacts*, and COVID-19 diagnoses.
*CDC currently defines “close contact” as “someone who was within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 48 hours before illness onset until the time the patient is isolated.”
Employees Who Become Sick at School
Employees who become sick or experience symptoms while at school should notify administration and leave the school immediately or report to the designated isolation room until able to leave the School.
Employees who are absent for four or more days must provide a medical provider’s note covering the days absent. Employees who have exposure concerns due to underlying health conditions must contact administration.
*CDC currently defines “close contact” as “someone who was within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 48 hours before illness onset until the time the patient is isolated.”
Employees Who Become Sick at School
Employees who become sick or experience symptoms while at school should notify administration and leave the school immediately or report to the designated isolation room until able to leave the School.
Employees who are absent for four or more days must provide a medical provider’s note covering the days absent. Employees who have exposure concerns due to underlying health conditions must contact administration.
(4) Closure of school facilities and in-person instruction, if necessitated by widespread virus transmission.
Distance Learning if Campus is Closed
We learned a lot through our distance learning experience in the spring, and if we are required to move to full distance learning, our students will still experience the meaningful and joyful learning that is a hallmark of Ebenezer Preparatory School’s education. Students will participate in developmentally appropriate schedules that are a balance of live and recorded content. Ebenezer Preparatory School will continue to utilize a number of digital tools—including Zoom, Google Educational Tools and Class Dojo—for learning, engagement, and assessment. Teachers will be free to include additional learning resources as needed.
Emergency School Closure:
If infection cannot be contained, or if closure is otherwise necessary and/or required by public health or government officials, an email and text message blast will be sent to the school community and also posted on the school’s website and social media. The distance learning schedule will be quickly implemented.
Students will be sent home with all necessary books and materials to resume distance learning on that day. No students will be admitted to the building once the decision has been made to close due to possible contamination.
Teachers who have not been exposed and are showing no symptoms will be admitted, if needed, to better prepare for distance learning. The administration and secretary will also be admitted to prepare necessary documents to be shared with local Health Department officials for contact tracing. This includes, but is not limited to, Frontline Reports, daily health check in logs, logs of visitors, cleaning protocols, etc.
Once the school has been closed due to possible contamination it will remain closed for a minimum of two weeks to allow for mandatory quarantine. At the end of the two week quarantine the school will consider reopening.
Every staff member and student will have to present proof of being clear of the coronavirus prior to being readmitted to the school.
Ebenezer Preparatory School is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all its students, parents, employees, and guests. This PRP will be updated asfederal,state, and local guidelines and regulations change.
Respectfully submitted,
Ebenezer Preparatory School Community
Students will be sent home with all necessary books and materials to resume distance learning on that day. No students will be admitted to the building once the decision has been made to close due to possible contamination.
Teachers who have not been exposed and are showing no symptoms will be admitted, if needed, to better prepare for distance learning. The administration and secretary will also be admitted to prepare necessary documents to be shared with local Health Department officials for contact tracing. This includes, but is not limited to, Frontline Reports, daily health check in logs, logs of visitors, cleaning protocols, etc.
Once the school has been closed due to possible contamination it will remain closed for a minimum of two weeks to allow for mandatory quarantine. At the end of the two week quarantine the school will consider reopening.
Every staff member and student will have to present proof of being clear of the coronavirus prior to being readmitted to the school.
Ebenezer Preparatory School is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all its students, parents, employees, and guests. This PRP will be updated asfederal,state, and local guidelines and regulations change.
Respectfully submitted,
Ebenezer Preparatory School Community
