Strong academics
in a joyful,
safe environment
Covid-19
Updates & Resources
The protocols outlined below are intended to meet our goals of maximizing student learning and minimizing the impact of COVID-19.
Health and Safety Procedures for Covid-19
Mask Guidance
Masks are optional for all staff and students. Please note, there will be times when mask-wearing will still be required at school, such as:
- After isolation from COVID-19 illness through Day 10
- If a student becomes sick at school and is waiting to be picked up
- Whenever the school deems it necessary due to high levels of community transmission in school or the local area
While wearing a mask is optional, it important to note that wearing a mask offers effective protection from COVID-19 and other illnesses even if others are not wearing one.
Covid-19 Illness
- Isolate at home for at least 5 days*. The day count begins the day after the positive test or onset of symptoms.
- If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are significantly improved, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation after Day 5.
- If you have a moderate illness (if you experienced shortness of breath or had difficulty breathing) or severe illness (you were hospitalized) due to COVID-19 or you have a weakened immune system, you need to isolate through Day 10.
*The isolation period for Beginners and Nursery students remains at 10 days due to the difficulty in wearing masks appropriately at all times around others for 10 days.
** KN95 and KF94 masks are preferable; surgical masks are acceptable.
Covid-19 Exposure
- Monitor for symptoms (See below)
- If you have even one, perform a rapid test
- If negative, come to school
- If positive, notify Carissa
- If you have even one, perform a rapid test
- Masking is recommended
- Testing is recommended on Day 5 following exposure but not required.
Symptom Screening
We ask all students and employees to self-screen for respiratory disease symptoms daily.
Students or school personnel experiencing ANY symptoms listed below will:
- Perform a rapid antigen or PCR test
- If negative, AND no fever for at least 24 hours AND no known case of COVID-19 in the household within the last 14 days, come to school
- Masking is recommended
- If negative, AND feeling feverish (< 100°F) OR have a known case of COVID-19 in the household within the last 14 days, stay home until symptoms resolve and continue to test for COVID-19
- If positive, notify Carissa
- If negative, AND no fever for at least 24 hours AND no known case of COVID-19 in the household within the last 14 days, come to school
- Continue to test each day symptoms persist
Tests are available at school if needed.
** KN95 and KF94 masks are preferable; surgical masks are acceptable.
Respiratory disease symptoms include:
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- Fever (100°F or above) or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
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Sick Policy
All cases of contagious and communicable diseases including but not limited to COVID-19, cold, flu, conjunctivitis, fifth disease, and head lice must be reported to the school immediately. Parents/Guardians of children who may have been exposed may be notified as recommended by the School Nurse and the Stamford Health Department.
Students may not attend school with a fever or other symptoms of a contagious or communicable illness, including coughing, sneezing or “runny” noses (not due to allergies). Students must be fever-free (without Tylenol or other fever-reducing medication) for 24 hours before returning to school. We reserve the right to send home children who may infect others with colds or other contagious illnesses. If your child becomes ill in school, you will be notified immediately. A child who is ill may transmit their illness to others and also does not benefit from being in school while feeling sick.
Resources to Support Kids and Families
- Talking to Kids About Coronavirus—Child Mind Institute
- 10 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Covid-19—PBS Newshour
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus—PBS Kids for Parents
- How You and Your Kids Can De-Stress—PBS Kids
- What is Social Distancing?—CBC Kids