Family Fish Project: 2020
current thinking on September Reopening
June 29, 2020
Update: School Reopening
Dear Bridgeview Montessori Community,
I know school just ended, and I hope you have already transitioned into summer mode. However, the Commissioner of Education just released the 'Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance' for Massachusetts schools. Although it does not cover all the information we need, it does cover some basic foundational information that allows us to plan for our school's safe reopening.
The following is a list of what I do know:
All signs currently indicate that we will be able to open school in our building in September. Of course the current positive public health metrics must continue. So keep social distancing, wear your masks in public, and keep washing your hands. Stay home if you are not feeling well.
Several groups have worked together to create the safety guidelines for school buildings to open. These groups are: infectious disease physicians, pediatricians, public health experts from the Massachusetts General Brigham Health System and the Massachusetts chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics. Their process was informed by guidelines from CDC, WHO, and medical literature on COVID-19 related to children and school settings.
Because we are a small school with a spacious building, and do not rely on bus transportation to and from school, we are sure that we will be able to accommodate safety guidelines for teacher - student ratios and social distancing. Therefore, we feel we will not have to offer the 'alternating days in school with distant learning' scenario.
Although we anticipate school starting in our building, there may be periods of distance learning as mandated by the governor.
I know there are many questions about children and masks. At this time it is recommended that students in grade 2 and above wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose. Face shields are an option. Exceptions must be made for those for whom it is not possible due to medical conditions, a disability or other health or safety factors. Children will have regular breaks from wearing masks during the day. Breaks can occur when children are 6 feet apart, outside or inside with windows open. Although we have not yet formulated a policy about children and face coverings, please know that we will be sensitive to every child's appropriate developmental need.
Please remember, keeping our community safe as we come together again is our first priority. Our aim is a rigorous schedule for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting our school facility throughout the day, routine and complete hand washing by all, face coverings for most, reduced mixing of classroom groups, and classroom spaces designed for social distancing (defined as 3' - 6' apart).
As we create plans, we may be reaching out to you for some feedback where choices are an option.
We should have our plan for reopening finalized by the end of July, and we will share that with you right away. We will do our best to keep you informed as we move through the planning process.
Please click here to find Appendix A: Details on medical literature review and emerging implications (from 'Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance, Jeffery C. Riley, Commissioner).
So this is where we begin to plan for our new normal. I am so excited for our school to be full of life and learning again. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns.
Now, back to summer mode.
Yours,
Sandy
Head of School