First Presbyterian Day School is committed to the health and safety of our students,
faculty, staff, and families. These priorities dictate the information contained in our
Return to Campus Plan. Families should use this plan to understand the protocols that
will be implemented for our students throughout the year. This plan addresses
guidelines for on-campus learning (in person and virtual) as well as practices if we are
required to provide off-campus learning.
COVID-19 health issues and concerns are ever-changing, but we feel this plan provides
guidelines to meet the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and
community, while continuing to provide an exceptional academic experience.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to
everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of
God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7
Modes of Operation
Blue
(NO MODIFICATIONS)Blue Plan allows for traditional operations standards and full campus use. There are no restrictions in regards to class size or spacing, group gatherings, visitors, or events.
Green
(LIMITED MODIFICATIONS)Green Plan allows for traditional operations while following specific health precautions, including appropriate distancing, sanitizing, use of face coverings, and other modifications in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements. After-school care will be offered with limited modifications. Large group gatherings (lunch, chapel, assemblies, etc.) will be limited in various degrees to assure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
Yellow
(HEIGHTENED MODIFICATIONS)Yellow Plan allows for daily on-campus learning with heightened modifications. In this plan our students would have less movement around the building. Limitations would include no outside campus visitors, no use of communal materials, temperature checks upon entry, and no early room arrivals. Hours for
after-school care could be limited based on restrictions.
Red
(OFF-CAMPUS LEARNING)Red Plan implements off-campus learning for all students in grades K5-6th. Both asynchronous (videos) and synchronous (live) instruction will be available to students through our learning management
systems (K5-3rd: Seesaw; 4th-6th: Google Classrooms). These systems would allow access to lessons, announcements, assignments, and feedback in one location.
*K3-K4 is recognized as a day care facility; therefore, it is considered an essential service. We will house K3-K4 during all plans unless a complete business shutdown is enacted by local, state, or federal
authorities.
*Virtual learning will be available for all students who need to utilize it during the Blue, Green, and Yellow Plans.
Health and Safety
COVID-19 INFORMATION
COVID-19 is an infectious disease that spreads primarily through droplets of saliva when people cough, sneeze, or talk. While children generally experience mild to no symptoms, they can be a risk for
transmission of the virus.
These guidelines have been developed through the following sources: Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH), Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA), Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), medical professionals from area hospitals/clinics, and meetings with local, independent schools. Knowing that each of these resources has slightly different recommendations, we have developed guidelines that will allow FPDS to provide the best and safest learning environment.
Symptoms of COVID-19 for screening include the following:
• Fever (or a measured temperature equal to or greater than 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit) • Chills
• Cough • Fatigue
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Muscle or body aches
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose • Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or
Learning Matrix
In-room. 5th/6th grade teachers will transition to classes instead of students.
All classes have time allocated for outside free play within grade levels throughout the day and at teacher discretion.
s.
Learning Matrix
The following items are details to elaborate on various subjects noted in the mode of
learning matrix. Please coordinate the number in the matrix with the footnotes below.
(1) ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
The following are guidelines for entry and exit of campus each day:
• Parents should check their child(ren)’s temperature and for any symptoms each morning. If a child exhibits any signs of illness, we ask that parents do not bring their child(ren) to school. • PLEASE do not administer Tylenol or other fever-reducing agents to a child with symptoms and send them to school. While we understand the needs of our families to work, we must also consider the health and well-being of our entire FPDS community. PLEASE err on the side of caution when determining whether to send your child to school. A day, a few days, or a few weeks of inconvenience for you may serve in keeping our entire student body and staff on campus throughout the year. We will have resources in place for your child to continue learning while at home.
• We ask that students not arrive on campus until 7:30 a.m. each day.
However, we understand that some of our families need an earlier option due to their
profession. Staff will be available for early room at 7:15 a.m. each morning for those parents who MUST drop-off at that time. Students will be asked to wear their face
covering while in early room.
• Face coverings will be required of all students as they enter the building, as they exit the building, and as they transition in the hallways. This is to serve as a protective measure during high-traffic times of the school day.
• Under the Green Plan, temperatures will be spot-checked upon arrival and sporadically throughout the day. Under the Yellow Plan, students will have their temperature taken upon entry to campus and sporadically throughout the day.
(2) FACE COVERINGS
Our student population is at low-risk for contraction of COVID-19 and on a much lesser level can transfer the illness while exhibiting no symptoms. Face coverings are meant to protect others in case the wearer is infected but is asymptomatic. Until instructed otherwise, our students and staff will wear face coverings as they enter school, as they exit school, and as they transition from one area of campus to another. Each of these are high-traffic times that will help protect both our students and our staff. All students may be asked to wear face coverings at other times, such as a teacher request for a class, or when social
distancing is not possible. These recommendations and requirements may change based on guidance from our health officials.
FPDS has ordered a gaiter-style face covering for every student and every staff member. If a student or staff member prefers to wear a traditional-style mask, they are welcome to do so, but these masks must be solid colored (black, white, or blue) and free of any designs, writings (including monograms), or pictures. Personalization for purposes of tracking should be placed on the inside of the face covering. (3) VISITORS
The following are guidelines for our families when we are in the Green or Yellow Plan:
• FPDS will need to limit parents and visitors who come on campus. This may include, but not be limited to, classroom visits, lunch, birthday celebrations, etc. We will provide updates to our families on these limitations.
• After-school care pick-up will operate through the information desk inside the doors of the Day School entrance (Pinehurst Street). Parents will wait outside the doors and staff will bring your child(ren) to the desk for dismissal. Staff members will check-out students upon exit to provide a touchless process.
• Students who need to be dropped off after the school day has begun should use the intercom by the Day School entrance upon arrival to notify the office. A staff member will come to the door for a temperature check and to admit the student.
• If a student needs to be picked-up before dismissal, parents should use the intercom by the Day School entrance upon arrival. A staff member will call the student down for dismissal.
(4) VIRTUAL LEARNING
Feedback provided in conversation with parents, teachers, administrators, and board members,
combined with documented responses from our parent surveys, has been used to develop an expanded online learning experience for our students. Our faculty and staff have received training this summer in Seesaw and Google Classrooms to better provide our virtual learning. They will also have opportunities during in-service to continue preparing best practices for virtual learning. Virtual learning will be
available for students in grades K5-6 who need to utilize it during the Blue, Green, and Yellow Plans. Students in grades K5 through 3rd will navigate learning using the Seesaw app, which will provide teaching videos, learning material, and even virtual field trips, all while teaching that student a sense of accountability. Students in 4th through 6th grades will utilize Google Classrooms, navigating a learning software developed specifically to teach live classroom instruction with elements of personal design, with the ability to operate as though he or she is actually in the classroom. All students will also retrieve and submit assignments, while receiving real-time feedback from our faculty. Whether you are a
dual-working family or a stay-at home parent, this plan is made so that a student is still within the FPDS classroom, even if he or she is sitting at home.
K5-2ND GRADE VIRTUAL LEARNING
• Students will utilize Seesaw as their learning management system. Seesaw allows teachers to share lessons, assignments, and feedback through one outlet. Teachers can submit
lessons and feedback through video or written form. Students can submit responses through written or video form.
• Pre-recorded video lessons, along with instructions for completing all assignments, will be available on Seesaw each day.
• 1st and 2nd graders will utilize Scholastic Science Spin and Social Studies Magazine for science and history lessons.
• Students in virtual learning will also have access to daily devotionals (recorded), chapel services (recorded), and weekly visits with teachers and classmates (Zoom or other video conferencing software).
3RD GRADE VIRTUAL LEARNING
• Students will utilize Seesaw as their learning management system. Seesaw allows teachers to share lessons, assignments, and feedback through one outlet. Teachers can submit
lessons and feedback through video or written form. Students can submit responses through written or video form.
• Weekly assignments will be posted each Friday for the next week’s lessons.
• Each teacher plans an essential subject area for best teaching and learning to take place. These teachers will record that day’s lesson in class for their essential subject area; there will be a daily recording of a math lesson, a language arts lesson, a reading lesson, and a
science or history lesson. Core subject recordings will be uploaded each day to Seesaw. • Students in virtual learning will also have access to daily devotionals (recorded), chapel services (recorded), and weekly visits with teachers and classmates (Zoom or other video conferencing software).
• Teachers will check-in with parents twice a week for educational and health updates. • Teachers will utilize video conferencing options to interact with off-campus students and provide any necessary instruction.
4TH GRADE VIRTUAL LEARNING
• Students will utilize Google Classroom as their learning management system. Google Classroom allows teachers to share lessons, assignments, and feedback through one outlet. Teachers can submit lessons and feedback through video or written form. Students can submit responses through written or video form.
• Weekly assignments will be posted each Friday for the next week’s lessons.
• Each teacher plans an essential subject area for best teaching and learning to take place. These teachers will record that day’s lesson in class for their essential subject area; there will be a daily recording of a math lesson, a language arts lesson, a reading lesson, and a
science or history lesson. Core subject recordings will be uploaded each day to Google Classroom.
• Students in virtual learning will also have access to daily devotionals (recorded), chapel services (recorded), and weekly visits with teachers and classmates (Zoom or other video conferencing software).
5TH-6TH GRADE VIRTUAL LEARNING
• Students will utilize Google Classroom as their learning management system. Google Classroom allows teachers to share lessons, assignments, and feedback through one outlet. Teachers can submit lessons and feedback through video or written form. Students can submit responses through written or video form.
• As 5th and 6th grade are departmentalized at FPDS, students will be able to access live class lessons in their core subjects. Core subjects for each student will be English (literature and language arts), math, Bible, history, and science.
• Each departmentalized subject area teacher will record each day’s lesson and upload it to Google Classroom. Students who are off campus, but unable to join the live session can watch it at a later time.
• Students who are on campus or off campus can access the daily lesson as a form of review if needed.
• Students in virtual learning will also have access to daily devotionals (recorded), chapel services (recorded), and weekly visits with teachers and classmates (Zoom or other video conferencing software).
• Teachers will check-in with parents twice a week for educational and health updates. • Teachers will utilize video conferencing options to interact with off-campus students and provide any necessary instruction.
*FPDS faculty will be utilizing Seesaw and Google Classroom during our on-campus instruction so that both students and families are familiar with navigating these resources. *K3-K4 is recognized as a day care facility; therefore it is considered an essential service. We will house K3-K4 on campus during all plans unless a complete business shutdown is
(5) ATTENDANCE POLICY
Maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our learning community is of utmost
importance. The following procedural steps will be taken when dealing with potential
illness on and off campus:
• Students who become symptomatic while at school will be immediately placed in an isolation room, asked to wear a face covering, and remain under staff supervision. Parents will be contacted and the student will leave campus. Cleaning guidelines and disinfecting procedures will be implemented for any potential contact areas.
• Any student who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be asked to self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of the onset of symptoms and be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours without the aid of a fever-reducing agent.
• Any student who experiences any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (listed above) should self-isolate and be tested for COVID-19. If the test is negative, he or she can return to school when fever free, without the aid of a fever-reducing agent, for a minimum of 24 hours. • Any student who lives with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 and cannot live separately will be asked to quarantine for 14 calendar days from the last point of contact with the confirmed case.
• Any student who lives with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, but has not been determined to have high-risk contact, and can make arrangements to live separately, will be asked to monitor their symptoms.
• Any student who lives with someone experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate until that person receives results of a test determining whether or not they have COVID-19.
• Students in a class with a positive test (teacher or student) will be allowed to continue learning on campus as long as the FPDS health protocols have been fulfilled in the class (ie. social distancing, sanitizing practices, etc.). All students should continue to monitor their symptoms.
• Virtual learning will be provided for students unable to be at school due to illness or exposure.
• The MAIS, our state association and accrediting body, requires a student not to have more than 20 total absences during a school year. Absences due to COVID-19 will not
count against total absences. For any absences that would exceed this total, medical
documentation would need to be presented to the FPDS Board of Directors.
FPDS recognizes that information and data is changing daily; therefore, this plan is fluid
and could change daily. We will adhere to the protocols and procedures that are
(6) SPECIALS/CHAPEL
• Our specials are an important part of the school day at FPDS. These courses help our young people discover talents and engage creatively in a variety of different classes, including art, music, Idea Lab (1st-6th grade), Elevate (3rd-6th grade), and library.
• Students will attend class in the special teacher’s room unless restrictions would limit us to classroom meetings.
• Chapel is our weekly time to worship together through prayer, singing, and studying God’s Word. Our theme this year is ‘Awakening: Preparing for Revival’ and our theme verse is Isaiah 64:1 - “Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down...”
• In our Green Plan, students will attend chapel in the sanctuary beginning after Labor Day, adhering to social distancing guidelines. In our Green Plan (before Labor Day) and our Yellow Plan, students will watch recorded chapel services in their classroom.
(7) SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
We have attempted to consolidate our supply list so that it is easier to navigate, removing items that the school will be providing for our students. Recognizing that certain supplies (sanitizing wipes, multi-purpose cleaner, paper towels, disinfectant spray, facial tissues) may be in short supply, we have removed these from our list. If you come across these items and want to purchase one or two for the school year, whether now or in January, feel free to do so, as we will have needs throughout the year. The school supply list is available at the following link:https://fpds.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2020-School-Supply-List.pdf (8) HYGIENE AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
The following steps will be taken to ensure a safe and clean environment for our students,
faculty, and staff:
• Students, faculty, and staff will wear face coverings as they enter campus, exit campus, and in transition from one area of campus to another.
• Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is the number one way to reduce the risks of infections and illness. Teachers will model and instruct proper procedures for
washing hands, along with daily reminders to avoid touching their face.
• Alcohol hand sanitizer will be available in classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and at school entrances/exits.
• Students will be asked to wash their hands during key times, such as: • before and after eating
• after the use of restrooms
• after blowing their nose or sneezing • after P.E. or recess
• Classrooms will be disinfected throughout the day by teachers. Faculty will use
EPA-approved COVID-19 resistant disinfectant spray on desks, tables, and other frequently touched surfaces. Lysol spray and disinfectant wipes will be used on doorknobs, work areas, and shared items, such as toys and play items.
The following safety procedures and precautions will be used throughout campus:
• Social distance throughout the building as is feasible.
• Arrange desks or seating for social distancing to the extent possible.
• Keep students in cohort groups that stay together as much as possible during the day. Mixing between groups will be limited but could happen during particular times (P.E., recess, after-school care, etc.).
• Limit the sharing of personal items and supplies, such as crayons, pencils, etc.
• Students’ personal items will be stored separately in labeled containers, cubbies, etc. • Limit small group and other close-contact activities to 15 minutes or less in order to minimize sustained exposure.
• Clean tables and shared in-class items throughout the day. • Disinfect supplies for daily use.
• Limit the number of students at one time in restrooms.
• Alcohol-based sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) will be available in classrooms, restrooms, school entrances and exits, and throughout the building.
• SEJ, the FPDS cleaning service provider, has taken extra steps since the spring to insure that the building is sanitized in the most effective means possible. One such step is the use of an approved disinfectant chemical with a shorter dwell time that is proven to be a more effective disinfectant against COVID-19.
• High touch surfaces will be cleaned throughout the day, with an extra emphasis in the classrooms being used, restrooms, and main entry areas.
(9) FOOD SERVICES
Lexington Independent, the FPDS food services provider, has partnered with our administration to implement measures that will provide quality food products for our students in the safest manner possible.
The following are procedures that will allow FPDS to have a flexible approach to
continuously improve and safely meet the needs of our faculty, staff, and students:
• All food service employees will wear a mask and gloves while preparing and serving food. Food service employees will also receive daily temperature checks and answer protocol questions before beginning their work day.
• Equipment and operational spaces will be cleaned and sanitized daily. Food prep spaces are sanitized throughout the day.
• Discontinued use of self-service food stations (salad bar, beverage station, etc.) for the foreseeable future. Pre-packed salads, pre-packaged ‘a la carte’ items (french fries, chicken tenders, etc.), and bottled drinks will be available daily.
• Wrapped cutlery packets will be provided with each meal instead of the traditional utensil disperser.
• Condiments and sauces will be available for distribution by faculty and staff to our students.
• Lexington is implementing a pre-pay system for our families in order to provide a touchless food delivery system for students. Families may order for the month, by the week, or daily (daily must be placed the night before). Students will also have the opportunity to place orders when they arrive at school.
(10) OFF-CAMPUS LEARNING
Our FPDS off-campus learning plans were developed to provide daily, structured, virtual learning for our students if we were instructed to close our campus. While we have no plans or intention of moving to off-campus leaning, we do understand that the health and safety of our community could lead to the directive of implementing off- campus learning.
These plans will provide consistency and regularity through designated class times, learning management systems, and grade-level guidelines. The proposal below outlines what off-campus learning would look like if we were to apply our Red Plan.
The following provide some general information about our off-campus learning. Grade level principals will be providing more detailed information in the coming weeks about schedules, class management, and other daily expectations.
• Designated times are for live classroom instruction. ‘A’/‘B’ schedules will run in an
alternating week plan (ie. Week 1: ‘A’ Schedule; Week 2: ‘B’ Schedule; Week 3: ‘A’ Schedule, etc.). Students who are unable to attend live meetings will be able to access recordings of the live class.
• Teachers will load lesson plans and assignments each Friday for the following week. Videos of live lessons will be posted each day for those unable to attend the live session and also for review purposes.
• Daily tutorial times (‘office hours’) are optional opportunities for students to ask questions or seek clarification on that day’s or tomorrow’s assignments. Students do not have to attend unless extra instructions help is needed.
• Special subject teachers will provide weekly lessons for distribution throughout the week. These will be spaced to allow students an outlet for additional creative engagement during the week.
• Bible is taught as a subject area course in 3rd-6th grades. For students in grades 1st and 2nd, Bible teachers will prepare recorded video lessons that will be distributed throughout the week. Teachers will also have devotionals with their students each day.
Off-Campus Learning: Third and Fourth Grades
‘A’ SCHEDULE
M,W,F: 9:00-11:00
Reading and Language Arts
T, TH: 9:00-11:00
Math and Science/History
M-F: 1:00-2:00
Optional daily tutorial for students
needing subject area help.
‘B’ SCHEDULE
M,W,F: 9:00-11:00
Math and Science/History
T, TH: 9:00-11:00
Reading and Language Arts
M-F: 1:00-2:00
Optional daily tutorial for students
needing subject area help.
Off-Campus Learning: Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade
MONDAY-FRIDAY M,W: 9:00-10:00
Reading and Language Arts
T, TH: 9:00-10:00
Math and Social Studies/Science
M-TH: 1:00-2:00
Optional daily tutorial for students needing subject area help.
F: Varied Learning
Specials, virtual field trips, feedback, needed tutoring.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL
Off-Campus Learning: Fifth and Sixth Grades
‘A’ SCHEDULE M,W,F: 8:30-11:05 8:30-9:151st Period
9:25-10:102nd Period
10:20-11:053rd Period
T, TH: 8:30-11:05 8:30-9:15Homeroom
9:25-10:104th Period
10:20-11:055th Period
M-F: 1:00-2:00Optional daily tutorial for students
needing subject area help.
‘B’ SCHEDULE M,W,F: 8:30-11:05 8:30-9:15
Homeroom
9:25-10:104th Period
10:20-11:055th Period
T, TH: 8:30-11:05 8:30-9:151st Period
9:25-10:102nd Period
10:20-11:053rd Period
M-F: 1:00-2:00COMMUNICATION
In an effort to combat misinformation and provide the most consistent message in a time of constant change, the following resources are available for questions you may have about our returning to school or other topics.
If you have questions regarding learning structures or other grade-level questions,
please email your principal:
• Preschool (K3-K4) Cathy Miller ([email protected]) • Lower School (K5-2nd) Paula Clark ([email protected]) • Upper School (3rd-6th) Emily Oswalt ([email protected])
If you have questions regarding speaking to your child(ren) about COVID-19 or other
questions regarding the emotional well-being of your child(ren),
please email our counselor:
• Counselor Jennifer Dryden ([email protected])
If you have questions regarding technology use with our learning systems,
contact our IT director:
• Technology Trey Tracy ([email protected])