Sample Physical PS/LS Classroom Set-Up

Pre-K:

• Students will sit on individual rugs with assigned lap desks spaced 6’ apart for whole group instruction.

• Students will rotate in assigned groups of 2-3 at assigned times through stations marked by circles on the floor spaced at least 3’ apart for small group instruction and socially-distanced indoor play.  

Kindergarten — Grade 3:

• Students will sit at desks spaced 6’ apart facing the same direction for whole group instruction.
• Students will rotate in assigned groups of 2-3 at assigned times through stations marked by circles on the floor, spaced at least 3’ apart for small group instruction and socially-distanced indoor play. 

All PS/LS Classrooms:

• Floor markings will maintain 3-6’ of distance between children when lining up at the door or to wash hands.
• Coats and backpacks will go into cubbies, which students can access on a staggered basis. 

Movement Within Classrooms:

• Students should remain 3-6’ apart whenever they are indoors. The physical set-up of our rooms and our carefully planned introduction into this new environment will support that standard.
• Every attempt will be made by teachers and adults to remain 3-6’ apart from students whenever possible. However, due to the relational nature of teaching and emotional and physical needs of young children, we do expect there will be times when adults need to be less than 3-6’ away from students.

Storage of Personal Belongings

• Coats and backpacks will go into cubbies, which students can access on a staggered basis. 
• Students will be asked to bring materials for individual use from home to store at their assigned seats. A list will be provided at a later date from homeroom teachers.
   

Door and Hallway Flow

• One way paths will be marked within the building.
• Doors will be used by as few cohorts as possible.

OutDOOR Space

Playground

• The Primary and Lower School playgrounds can be used by one grade level at a time. 
• Students will be instructed not to touch each other on the playground. A variety of games to support this kind of play will be introduced and practiced that students may choose to participate in.

Outdoor Classrooms

• We plan to take full advantage of our beautiful outdoor campus to provide a variety of safe outdoor classroom options, including tents and shaded areas.
• These outdoor classrooms will be accessed on a scheduled rotation of specialist classes and homeroom classes. 
• Several shaded areas will be turned into outdoor classrooms with the use of tree stumps as seats to ensure safe distancing among students. 
• Whenever possible, homeroom teachers will be encouraged to take full advantage of outdoor space for both instructional time and frequent physical movement breaks.

Lunch & Snacks 

• Boxed lunch or hot lunches will be provided by FLIK dining services.
• Lunch can be eaten outdoors or in the classroom. If it's eaten inside, students are all seated 6' apart and do not talk while their masks are off. Windows are opened whenever possible. 
• Individually packaged snacks will be provided by Derby to all students, eaten in the same arrangement described above.
• Before and after eating, students will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. Both are equally effective and can be used interchangeably. 

Small Group Instruction & Play

We feel we can safely address the needs of our students for small group instruction and play with specific adjustments to our PS/LS classrooms and routines. Our large classroom spaces and small cohort size means we can accommodate areas for whole group instruction with students spaced 3-6’ apart. We'll clearly mark seating arrangements for 3’ separation of smaller groups of 2-3 children for both play and small group instruction. Students would be assigned to these smaller groups and rotate together at predetermined times through the stations set up by the teacher. Younger students can sing a song or two in their classrooms with their teacher as long as they are masked and at their desks 6' apart.

Sample Daily Schedule

Physical Activity

We recognize the critical importance of physical activity throughout the school day. An additional recess break has been added to our schedule (three total). PE can be done by grade level instead of HR as long as they're outside and masked.

Shared Language and Intentional Instruction of New Routines

• We recognize the time and attention it will take to instill these new routines, as well as inspire young children to understand the importance of following them.
   
• We’ll use visuals, and practice positive reinforcement.
   
• Our school counselor is developing shared positive language to be used consistently across the school for all faculty and staff with students of any age.
   
• We don't expect all students can manage these new routines and expectations on the first day. We'll build in time to allow students to adjust to these new realities in a specific reopening schedule with shorter days for the first two weeks of the year.

Increased social/emotional support and instruction

• In addition to a gradual roll-out, we recognize the need for increased emotional support during this time of transition and sensitivity to individual student needs. 

• Our school counselor will be working with teachers to incorporate emotional support lessons into our early days of Open Circle curriculum.

• Support staff will be available to assist individual students as needed in the first weeks of school.

HVAC Adjustments

• Air filters for the HVAC systems will be changed out on a more frequent basis. In addition, classroom windows will be open to allow for additional fresh air (weather permitting.)

Bathroom Space

• Bathroom spaces within our building will be cleaned on a daily basis.
• Kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms all have their own bathrooms. 
• Pre-K, Grade 2, and Grade 3 bathrooms will be designated and separated by grade-level and only one student will be allowed in at a time. Clear signage will be posted so that students and teachers can tell whether a bathroom is occupied or not. 

Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures

• The drop-off and pick-up procedure and schedule will be updated and revised to eliminate contact between adults and faculty contact with vehicles and to stagger student entrance and exit of the building. This procedure will be communicated clearly to you before the beginning of school. 
• All adults must wear a mask during drop-off and pick-up procedures any time outside the car or when a car door or window is open.

• Family members will only be allowed out of their car to assist their child with entering or exiting their vehicle. Family members should stay in close vicinity of their cars during pick-up and drop-off times and are not allowed any other place on campus.

Building Use & Visitor Policy for PS/LS

• The PS/LS building is open only to enrolled students, faculty, and essential staff who have health clearance (daily) to enter. Family members will not be allowed to enter the building. 
• All family communication should be directed via email or phone to Laurie Potter (PS/LS Office Manager) and/or to the receiving teacher at drop-off time. Meetings between faculty members and family members will be done remotely.
• The nurse’s office will be moved to the Sylvester Building to allow access for all students and proper quarantining protocols.
• Once school begins, pre-approved and scheduled visitors will complete a health screening prior to entering campus.