ICS Fall 2020 School Plan

*If you have a child attending Monroe, please also review the Monroe plan. 

As what we know about COVID-19 keeps changing, the following is an initial plan for Fall 2020.  Our plan and regulations shared today may change as we near the start of school, August 17. CSF will do our best to communicate clearly and consistently over the course of the next month.

When drafting our initial school plan, the administrative team consulted local doctors, evaluated numerous school re-opening scenarios across the country and the world, and took the time to process your feedback and comments in the Fall 2020 survey. We found the following resources especially helpful in our planning: COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry from the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC's reports and resources.

Our overall plan for fall includes the following three scenarios: 

1. 100% of teachers and students back in the school building
2. 50% in-person, 50% distance-delivery (known as A/B) for all students and faculty
3. 100% distance-delivery 

At this time, we intend to go with option 1: welcome all students and faculty back into the school building on August 17 with the following COVID-19 mitigation measures.  

Masks 
Students and staff will be required to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. Masks will be provided by the school but students and staff can bring and wear their own if they’d like.  We are continuing to look into opportunities for students and staff to have breaks from wearing masks throughout the day while maintaining social distancing. 

Staggered Arrival and Departure Times
This will involve an extension of the school day from 2:20 to 3 p.m. This does not mean your child needs to be present until 3 p.m., but the extra time will allow for staggered arrival and departure times. Most academic content will be delivered during the morning hours when students are more focused. More details to follow.

Recess/Lunch Time Precautions
This will include socially distanced lunches and staggered recess times.

Sick Policy 
Students or staff exhibiting fever or symptoms not associated with allergies or other pre-existing conditions will not be able to attend in-person school until they are cleared by a medical provider. Distance-delivery of education will be available. 

Visitors 
As recommended by the CDC and American Association of Pediatrics, visitors will be restricted from entering the building. 

Classroom Mitigation Measures
To include sanitizing, hand-washing, and social distancing whenever possible. Enhanced cleaning procedures will be in place throughout the building.

Travel
Anyone who is traveling is asked to wear eye protection (goggles or a face shield) in addition to a face mask while traveling by plane, train or bus. This will reduce the risk of COVID-19 being contracted while traveling. Upon returning to Alaska, travelers must follow current state mandates for interstate travel. See https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/ for details.  Please contact Lorna Illingworth at 907-388-9696 if you need a face shield. 

Specials
Given our large gymnasium and outdoor space, we will continue to provide opportunities for physical education for all children at ICS. Information specific to choir, band, orchestra, and general music will follow at a later time.
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After School Program
We intend to hold our After School Program this year. Program structuring and procedures will be based on COVID-19 Mitigation recommendations and best practices for child care. 

As a Catholic school, we are dedicated to educating the whole child. Interpersonal interactions and play are integral parts of our educational philosophy. That said, as more information becomes available in regards to COVID-19, the regulations above may evolve and our plans may need to change. We ask that you, our families, join us in being flexible and open to change. It is  not an easy task for any of us, but given current times, it's necessary. 

These expectations and regulations are a work in progress. Your feedback is welcome as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.