School COVID-19 Updates

List of 10 items.

• HEALTH AND SAFETY

  How are community members screened daily in regards to their health?

  All parents will be required to download the Magnus V2 Mobile App and answer questions daily about their student(s) including checking their temperature by 7:30 am.  Faculty/staff will also use the app and need to prescreen daily by 7:30 am.  All community members will be sent information about downloading the app in mid-to-late August prior to orientation and the start of classes.

  
  

  What will the requirements be in regards to face masks and face covering?

  Students, faculty and staff must wear face masks/face covers that are made of two or three layers of material.  You may bring your own mask if it is two to three layers of material.  All community members will also be given two masks when they return to campus.  Each mask must fit securely over the nose, cheeks, mouth and under the chin.  They must be washed daily.  It is important to wear a clean mask to school. Bandanas, neck gaiters and masks with one-way valves are not permitted at school.

  
  

  Why have I been asked to send my child with a brown paper bag for mask breaks and an extra mask in a plastic bag?

  Please see Director of Health Services, Diane Sneider’s videos explaining the use of paper and plastic bags to keep masks clean during mask breaks to eat and drink water.  

  Current families can login to see the video and detailed instructions on the Resource Boards by logging in to WILD.

  
  

  Will you have new protocols for the Health Office?

  Yes, we are hoping to expand the health office staff to include another full-time nurse.  We will also have an isolation room for students who are experiencing symptoms and waiting to go home.  We will be conducting contract tracing if a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been identified in our community.

  
  

  What are the protocols in regards to hand washing?

  All people at school are required to use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the building, classrooms, and other rooms. Frequent hand washing (soap and water or hand sanitizer) is required throughout the school day. The school will provide breaks for hand washing and handwashing stations and hand sanitizer can be found throughout the school. Students may carry their own hand sanitizer.

  
  

  Is the school increasing cleaning and disinfecting during the day?

  The school will increase cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day and the evening in accordance with the Winsor School Cleaning Protocol. Increased cleaning and disinfecting (both in frequency and intensity) will be conducted by Compass Cleaning. In compliance with the CDC guidelines, cleaning has been and will continue to implement enhanced cleaning and sanitation throughout campus. Classrooms, offices, restrooms, and common areas will be cleaned and disinfected daily using hospital grade disinfecting solutions. Electrostatic sprayers have also been procured to facilitate the process.

  
  

  All frequently touched surfaces ( door knobs, hand railings, light switches, counter tops, handles, classroom desks, chairs, toilets, faucets and sinks) will be disinfected frequently throughout the school day. NanoSeptic coverings will be used on all high contact door handles. Cleaning supplies are EPA approved to disinfect for the COVID-19 virus and will be made available in each classroom. Additionally, extra cleanings and disinfecting will occur during the school day through the use of day porters.

  
  

  What type of air purification and ventilation is available?

  The RGF PHI Air Purification System is being installed in all building air handlers. This advanced system will serve to purify mechanically supplied air at high levels of purification to remove bacteria and virus particles. In addition to the above, mechanical fan coil units will be set for increased outside air intake. HEPA filters have also been added to some areas as a supplementary measure to purify the building air. This summer, we replaced 35 windows to go along with more than 200 window replacements over the last 7 years. Fresh air will be available through smoothly operating window systems.
  
  

  If my child is unable to attend in-person, can my child attend virtually instead?

  The Hybrid schedule is designed so that students may attend virtually if needed. We will have a way for students to virtually enter classrooms from home.  They will have a view of the white board and teacher, not other students.  Classes will not be recorded.  If you would like their child to remain fully remote, please contact your Division Head to inform her of your plans.

  
  

  Are the students going to different classrooms or will the teachers move from one location to the other?

  Students will move between spaces for different classes. The schedule allows for ample passing time between classes in order to allow for spaces to be sanitized and for students to move safely from one space to another. We have outfitted the Winsor campus withadditional signageto help with social distancing, including floor markings, directional tape for hallway and staircase movement and plenty of reminders for masks and hand washing.

  
  

  How are you spacing out classrooms?

  Because we are using a split division model, we were able to use only the biggest classrooms for each division. Each classroom set up ensures 6 foot separation between students. In some cases, we converted large spaces into classrooms in order to accommodate the largest class sizes.

   

• SCHEDULE

  Please note that due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 virus, Winsor’s schedules, guidelines and protocols may continue to change. We appreciate your patience as we continue to keep the health and safety of our community our top priority.

  
  

  What time does school start?

  For Lower School which will be in person on Mondays and Tuesdays, homeroom begins at 8:20 a.m. and school ends at 3:20 p.m.  With health and safety protocols in mind, Lower School students will be allowed to enter campus no earlier than 8:00 a.m.

  
  

  For Upper School School which will be in person on Thursday and Friday, the first class begins at 8:40am, and school ends at 3:30pm.  With health and safety protocols in mind, Upper School students will be allowed to enter campus no earlier than 8:20 a.m.

  
  

  What time does school end and what time do school buses depart?

  All students will be dropped off and picked up at the main entrances, 102 and 103 Pilgrim Road.  School buses depart at 3:40pm. Pickup is 3:30pm.

  
  

  Will there be an after school program this year?

  Lower School Afterschool Program will tentatively start on September 14th. Winsor is currently reviewing plans to provide after school supervision for Lower School students from 3:20-5:15 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday starting on September 14, 2020. Due to space restraints and safety protocols, Winsor will have limited availability for families to join the After School Program. More information will be released soon.

  
  

  When will orientation be for the Lower School?

  For the Lower School we will have orientation at the following times:

  • Monday 8/31 Class I 8:30 – 11:30am, Class III 1:00 – 3:00 pm 
  • Tuesday 9/1 Class II 8:30 – 11:30 am, Class IV 1:00 – 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday, 9/2 Opening Assembly Virtually

  
  

  When will classes start for the Lower School?

  For the Lower School First Week of Classes will start on Thursday, September 3rd 

  • Thursday, 9/3 – Remote Classes Begin: Students will follow their Remote learning schedule 
  • Friday, 9/4 – Students will follow their Remote learning schedule
  • Monday, 9/5 Labor Day – No School 
  • Tuesday, 9/8 – In-Person Classes Begin: Students will follow the Monday schedule Wednesday, 9/9 – Students will follow the Tuesday schedule

  
  

  When will orientation begin for the Upper School?

  For the Upper School we will have orientation at the following times:

  • Wednesday 9/2 – Class VIII Opening Assembly Virtually
  • Thursday 9/3 – Class V and Class VII On campus 
  • Friday, 9/4 – Class VII and Class VIII On campus
  • Monday, 9/7 – Labor Day, No School

  
  

  When will classes start for the Upper School?

  For the Upper School First Week of Classes will start on Tuesday, September 8th 

  • Tuesday, 9/8 – All Classes Remote
  • Wednesday, 9/9 – All Classes Remote
  • Thursday, 9/10 - All Classes On Campus 
  • Friday 9/11 – All Classes On Campus

  Is Winsor starting with the hybrid mode?

  Yes, Lower School students will have in person classes on Monday and Tuesday each week.  Wednesday all students will be engaging in virtual community activities.  Upper School students will have in person classes on Thursday and Friday. 

  
  

  I see that there are orientation days starting August 31. Are those going to be virtual?

  We welcome all students back to campus for an in person orientation program to familiarize themselves with the campus and to each other.  

  
  

  Lower School students begin orientation on August 31-Sept 1. The first day of classes for Lower School students is September 3. 

  
  

  Upper school students begin orientation on Sept 3-4 . The first day of classes for Upper School students is September 8.

  
  

  Where can I see my child’s schedule?

  Your child can access semester schedules using the personalized Online Scheduling Grid link that was emailed to families on August 12th; the information is also available in WILD.

  
  

  Is there a plan for students to make up lost in-person time on Monday holidays?

  For shorter weeks, Wednesday will generally be dropped for both divisions, and regular Monday/Tuesday schedules will run on Tuesday/Wednesday. During weeks where this happens, Lower School students will come to school Tuesday and Wednesday and Upper School will come to school on Thursday and Friday.

  
  

  Will all of the tests for classes be on the synchronous (in-person) days?

  Best practices for a hybrid schedule model stress the importance of the precious in-person time, and it is important to best use that time to support student learning. Teachers will not typically use in person classes for giving tests.

  
  

  Will Upper School still have grades?  

  Details of the grading policy are still being finalized and will be communicated soon, however, students in grades IV - VIII  will still receive letter grades this coming year.

• COMMUTING/PARKING

  What will school bus transportation be like this year?

  Winsor is partnering with First Student Transportation to provide safe and reliable transportation to all students utilizing bus transportation. The bus transportation will begin on Tuesday, September 8. The 2020-21 bus routes will include stops in Weston, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, Concord, Lincoln, Cambridge, Arlington, Belmont, Dover, Needham, Lexington, and the South Shore (Braintree, East Milton, Milton, Canton, and Mattapan). To optimize bus routes and maximum bus capacities, routes and buses will be added if necessary, including Boston neighborhoods. 

  
  

  What are the parking plans?

  Class VIII students with campus parking privileges will park, with faculty and staff, in the Longwood lot. Security and the facilities staff will monitor the entry/dismissal points for all. Faculty/Staff will continue to park in the 375 Longwood lot and enter through the MASCO gates. Faculty/staff using public transportation/walking/biking may use either the 102 or 103 entrances for arrival/departure.

   

• TECHNOLOGY

  Will students be given technology to access their remote learning?

  In addition to their iPad, students in classes I, II, III will be issued an Apple laptop to use, both in school and during all periods of remote learning. Students in classes IV-VIII will use the family provided Apple laptop as outlined in the Winsor 1:1 plan.

   

• LUNCH

  Will lunch still be provided?

  Flik Dining Services will continue to provide healthy food options to students and faculty/staff members when we return to school. We will start with cold grab & go lunch options to ensure that all physical distancing and health and safety protocols are in place. The options include: Cold sandwich selections, side salads, fruit side, vegetarian options, and gluten free options. Bottled water and milk (cartons) will be provided. Please note that everything will be prepackaged, including utensils and single serve condiments. Snacks will be packaged offerings such as granola bars, oreos, and crackers.

  
  

  Where will lunch be eaten? 

  Lunch will be consumed in the dining hall and other designated areas such as the courtyard tent, Wildcat room, Trustees Room and MPR. The dining hall will only be open during designated lunch hours. Sharing food in advisory and food deliveries are not allowed.

  
  

  Can my child bring their own lunch?

  Yes, families may opt to bring a lunch from home and will need to follow the food policy. We also encourage everyone to bring a personal reusable water bottle. Water fountains will be turned off for drinking, only the water filling stations will be operable. For more detailed information, please visit the Resource Board in the WILD Parent Portal.

   

• TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

  Are there any travel restrictions?

  If students or staff members have traveled to a location that is not currently on the list of permissible states not requiring any quarantining/testing determined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, they will be required to either quarantine for 14 days before returning to school or obtain a negative COVID test 5 days after returning home (proof of the negative test will be required upon reentry to school).

   

• PERFORMING ARTS AND ATHLETICS

  How will students take part in performing arts this year?

  The Performing Arts Department will be taking advantage of various creative online avenues to engage students and keep them connected to one another and our community through the performing arts. Look for more production and curricular information before classes begin.

  
  

  What sports will be available?

  The power of Winsor sports is a key formative experience for our girls’ development and we highly encourage all of our students to participate in the various interscholastic or club teams over the course of the year. The Eastern Independent League (EIL) has canceled the Fall 2020 athletics season. At this time, practice will begin online before September 14 and we will determine whether in-person practice will happen as soon as we can. More information will be forthcoming.

• VISITORS

  What will your visitor policy be?

  Unfortunately, parents, visitors, guests or indoor rentals will not be allowed to enter the school buildings at any time. All admissions tours or events will be virtual until further notice.

• OFF-CAMPUS PRIVILEGES

  Will students be allowed off campus?

  Off campus privileges for Upper School students are not allowed at this time. Access cards will not be distributed to students at this time. We will not allow the use of lockers at this time. Students are to bring minimal items to and from school. 

   

• TERMINOLOGY

  Synchronous Learning: A teacher and a group of students are learning together at the same time. Synchronous learning refers to learning when the group of students and the teacher are engaging in the learning process at the same time. Synchronous learning may take place in person, virtually through video, online chats, or simply timed assignments or assessments. Synchronous learning experiences provide structure to the day and allow for groups to maintain a sense of community. It is important for students to see one another and their teacher, to share how they are doing and to engage in the learning process together.

  
  Asynchronous Learning: Students learn the same material at different times, locations. Asynchronous learning refers to learning and collaboration that happens outside of the constraints of a particular time. Asynchronous learning does not mean that we forgo regular checkpoints or deadlines. In fact, deadlines and checkpoints are essential for asynchronous learning to work.

  
  In-person Learning: Students are present together in a classroom at school.

  
  Remote Learning: Students are not physically present in the classroom. Instead, learning is happening synchronously at home via zoom video conferencing and through asynchronous assignments.

  
  Quarantine: Quarantine keeps someone who was in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 away from others. If you had close contact with a person who has COVID-19:  Stay home until 14 days after your last contact. • Check your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms of COVID-19.  If possible, stay away from people who are at higher-risk for getting very sick from COVID-19. 

  
  Isolation: Isolation keeps someone who is sick or tested positive for COVID-19 without symptoms away from others, even in their own home. If you are sick and think or know you have COVID-19: Stay home until after at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and until symptoms have improved.  If you tested positive for COVID-19 but do not have symptoms: Stay home until after 10 days have passed since your positive test.  If you live with others, stay in a specific “sick room” or area and away from other people or animals, including pets. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

  
  

  Symptomatic: An individual is considered symptomatic for COVID-19 if one or more of the following symptoms is present:

  • Fever (temperature at or above 100° F) 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
  • Rash
  • “COVID toes”