Primary contact to COVID-19 occurs when you are within six feet of someone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19, for at least 15 minutes, when either person is not wearing a mask (one or none of the contacts are wearing a mask), and the infected person later tests positive for COVID-19. This can also apply to situations in which the infected person did not show any symptoms at the time of primary exposure, but it is much less likely. Close contact must have taken place within 48 hours. If both individuals were wearing face masks, it is not considered exposure.

Secondary contact (contact to a potential exposed individual) is not considered exposure to COVID-19.

The leading symptoms for COVID-19 that will require a student to be immediately sent home or to keep your child home from school are one of the following symptoms:

• Fever of 100.4 °F or higher (without medication)
• Loss of taste or smell
• Persistent cough

And/or two or more of the following symptoms:

• Chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

If there is no COVID-19 exposure, but a student exhibits symptoms of illness, and there is no risk – the student will go home and gain pediatrician clearance for whatever illness they may have and can not return until they are medically cleared accordingly. The 72 hours of no fever without medication rule still applies.

An antibody test does not give clearance for a student to return to school. The school will still follow the COVID-19 response scenarios outlined in the scenarios tab.

If the student is exposed to COVID-19, we will still follow our outlined COVID-19 scenario chart. Neither an antibody test nor a past positive will have an effect on returning to school.

A: The reopening plan for our school has been designed with a phased approach that will allow us to hold steady, prepare for interruptions, or make changes to reflect new guidance. We will maintain flexibility as we continue to monitor CDC, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and health department guidelines and recommendations from TFA’s Reopening Task Force, and the Medical Advisory Committee.

The following 6 guiding principles reflect the standards, procedures, and protocols TFA is evaluating for the implementation of our reopening in the fall. Please keep in mind that these are subject to change depending on current CDC, AAP, and health department recommendations.

1. Maintaining a Healthy Campus Environment
2. Monitoring Illness
3. Maintaining Physical Distancing (whenever possible)
4. Promoting Daily Hygiene Routines
5. Evaluating Restrictions
6. Supporting Well-Being

A: Facility team members will deep clean spaces after hours as well as wipe down door handles and hard surfaces during the day, students will partner with faculty/staff to prioritize regular cleaning practices for desks, equipment, writing utensils, and other classroom materials.

A: The following safety measures related to the classroom environment will be implemented during both Phase 2 and Phase 3:

• Student desks and tables will be arranged with the maximum social distancing measures possible.
• Student desks and tables will be arranged to reduce face-to-face positioning as much as possible.
• Water fountains will not be accessible in the classroom. All students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school each day.
• Classroom materials and furniture have been minimized for more space and less surface contamination.
• Students will use their own personal school supplies. There will be no shared supplies.
• Movement by students within the classroom will be monitored to support social distancing measures.
• Classrooms with restrooms will be monitored by faculty and enhanced disinfecting measures will be used throughout the school day.
• Student and staff groupings will remain as static as possible (Lower School) – having the same group of children stay with the same classroom.
• Students will be permitted to bring backpacks but we do ask that students only bring those items needed for school each day (lunch box, homework folder, water bottle).
• Students will use only their own assigned iPads.

A: All students will be temperature checked at arrival and prior to dismissal. Any student with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be sent home. We are asking families to perform daily temperature checks of their children before coming to school for the day. If a student has a temperature of 100.4 °F or higher, they should stay home. In addition, all employees will also be required to check their temperatures daily to ensure the health and safety of our campus.

A: Understanding that schools, by design, are not conducive to physical distancing, TFA will adhere to guidelines in order to maintain a safe learning environment. According to the CDC, AAP, and the health department, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to the virus. However, we understand for small children the rule of 6 feet distancing might be difficult to follow, so we will continually encourage and monitor good hygiene practices in the classrooms. When possible, classroom desks will be placed 6 feet apart.

A: Each classroom will be stocked with adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors including soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer, tissues, and no-touch trash cans. Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the school. Students, faculty, and staff are required to use upon entering and exiting classrooms.

A: Here is our Face Covering policy, which you can also read in Volume 3 of the Royal Reopening Guide.

LOWER SCHOOL

• Students must wear face coverings when walking into the building from carline and when exiting the building to carline, to and from classes, and when unable to physically distance by 6 feet.
• Students will not be required to wear face coverings in classrooms when appropriate physical distancing is possible, and when students are seated behind plexiglass desk shields. However, all students are welcome to wear face coverings in the classroom if they so choose. Students moving throughout the classroom must wear a face covering when they are not seated behind the plexiglass desk shield.
• Students must wear face coverings outdoors unless physically distanced by 6 feet or involved in strenuous physical activities.
• Students may remove face coverings while eating or drinking if they are stationary and distanced.
• Employees are required to wear face coverings (masks or face shields) while on campus, unless in a private office and able to physically distance by 6 feet.

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL

• Students are required to wear face coverings indoors, while walking to and from classes, and outdoors unless physically distanced by 6 feet or involved in strenuous physical activities.
• Students may remove face coverings while eating or drinking if they are stationary and distanced.
• Employees are required to wear face coverings (masks or face shields) while on campus, unless in a private office and able to physically distance by 6 feet.

CHOOSING A FACE COVERING

The biggest priority in choosing a face covering for your student is comfort. No inappropriate messages, graphics, political statements, or themes are allowed on face coverings. The administration of each division has the authority to make decisions on the appropriateness of all face coverings.

If a child forgets, damages, or loses their mask, the school will be able to provide a disposable mask for the remainder of the school day.

A: Employees are required to wear face masks while on campus, unless in a private office and able to physically distance by 6 feet.

All campus visitors including vendors will be required to use face masks while in our buildings. For more information on health and safety guidelines for campus visitors please click here.

A: All employees will also be required to check their temperatures daily to ensure the health and safety of our campus. They will be required to wear a face covering upon entering the buildings and whenever social distancing is not possible. Faculty and staff will also receive training during Pre-Planning regarding new safety procedures.

A: If a student/family should wish to remain enrolled at The First Academy, but does not feel comfortable with their student/s being on campus due to pre-existing health conditions or discomfort, Hybrid Learning will be available. This model will be individualized and may look different in each grade level/ division. Those interested in Hybrid Learning should reach out to their divisional principal. More information is available on Hybrid Learning in Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the Royal Reopening Guide.

A: Families should refer to our COVID-19 Scenario Guide for further information.

A: Families are asked to commit to keeping their child home if they are demonstrating any of the following symptoms:

• Fever of 100.4 ℉ or higher (without medication)
• Persistent cough
• Loss of taste or smell
• Or two or more of the following symptoms:
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If a student develops symptoms while at school, he/she will be isolated in a safe location, 6 feet social distancing, and wear a mask. Parents will be notified to arrange for pick up.

The Lower School, Middle, and Upper School buildings will have designated places for sick students, and they will remain there until they are picked up by a parent or guardian.

For more information, click here.

A: It will be important for the school to have knowledge if anyone has tested positive for COVID-19, resides with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and/or has come in direct contact within a 14-day period with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Tracing diagnosed cases within our school community will allow us to have a better understanding of the overall school-wide health condition, localized to campus, building, and classroom. Additional details can be found online here.

A: A student or staff member who tested positive may return to school when:

• At least 10 days have passed since the date of the first positive test.

AND

• Are symptom-free for at least 72 hours (no cough or shortness of breath).

AND

• No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of no fever) without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

A: In the unlikely event that our local community experiences a spike in COVID-19 cases and an interruption of on-campus learning occurs, we will be prepared to shift to Remote Learning for all students immediately and effectively. With the implementation of technology platforms during on- campus learning, the goal is to make this transition for students and parents as seamless as possible.

• Remote Learning will be intentionally enhanced and will include many of the components of a traditional school day
• All students will remain home and instruction will be delivered remotely through technology platforms (Zoom/SeeSaw/Google Classroom/Canvas)
• A structured schedule for each grade level will be established
• Synchronous instruction will be delivered through video conferencing with your child’s teacher
• Students will have daily opportunities to connect with one another remotely
• Remote Learning school day would mirror closely the on-campus learning schedule with minor adjustments

A: The Phases discussed directly correlate with State & CDC Phases.

• Phase 1: School building is closed based on a government directive and delivery model will shift to Remote Learning. Remote Learning will be intentionally enhanced and will more closely mirror a traditional school day should we need to return to Remote Learning.
• Phase 2: School building is open to students with enhanced social distancing and safety measures and the delivery model will be On-Campus Learning or Hybrid Learning.
• Phase 3: School building is open to students with social distancing and safety measures and the delivery model will be On-Campus Learning or Hybrid Learning.
• Phase 4: School is open with normal routines and safety measures. The delivery model will be On-Campus Learning.

A: All Lower School students are required to be dropped off for school using the Lower School carline. In order to comply with the recommendation of limiting nonessential visitors on campus, parents walking students on campus or in the building will not be permitted during Phase 2 and Phase 3.

The following safety measures related to arrival will be implemented during both Phase 2 and Phase 3:

• Families will have a designated arrival/dropoff side of the carline based on the grade level of the youngest sibling in the family:
  • KPrep through 1st Grade: right side of the carline closest to the school building
  • 2nd Grade-5th Grade: left side of the carline closest to the parking lot
• All student temperatures will be checked using a non-touch thermometer at carline. Any student with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be permitted to come to school.
• Morning Care for students arriving prior to 7:50am:
  • KPrep/TK/Kindergarten students will be safely escorted into the building
  • 1st-5th Grade students will proceed to the Natalie Thomas Gym and will be grouped by homeroom with social distancing measures
• Entry Points:
  • KPrep/TK/Kindergarten students will enter the building using the side door closest to the parking lot
  • 1st-2nd Grade students will enter the building using the right door of the front lobby
  • 3rd-4th Grade students will enter the building using the left door of the front lobby
  • 5th Grade students will enter the building using the back side door closest to the Natalie Thomas Gym

A: All students are required to be picked up from school using the Lower School carline. In order to comply with the recommendation of limiting nonessential visitors on campus, parents walking in the building for dismissal will not be permitted during Phase 2 and Phase 3.

The following safety measures related to dismissal will be implemented during both Phase 2 and Phase 3:

• Families will have a designated pickup side of the carline based on the grade level of the youngest sibling in the family:
  • KPrep through 1st Grade: right side of the carline closest to the school building
  • 2nd Grade-5th Grade: left side of the carline closest to the parking lot
• Exit Points:
  • KPrep/TK/Kindergarten students will exit the building using the side door closest to the parking lot
  • 1st-2nd Grade students will exit the building using the right door of the front lobby
  • 3rd-4th Grade students will exit the building using the left door of the front lobby
  • 5th Grade students will exit the building using the back side door closest to the Natalie Thomas Gym
• Early student check-out will not be allowed after 2:20 pm unless previous arrangements have been made with the classroom teacher or the front desk receptionist.

A: Upon arrival all students, faculty, and staff will have their temperature checked by a touchless thermometer. Any students with a fever of 100.4 or higher will be asked to return home.

• If a student has a temperature of 100.4 or higher on the first check, another thermometer will be used. If it reads 100.4 or higher using a second thermometer, then the student can wait in their car for 10 minutes to be re-checked. If a temperature of 100.4 or higher is detected for a third time, he/she will remain out of school for 3 days.
• We will also be checking student temperatures when they leave campus to make sure they are sent home symptom-free.
• Middle & Upper School students will enter and exit through the front lobby each day to make sure their temperature is checked upon arrival and dismissal.
• If using the Upper School carline to drop off your child: Students will remain in the car until temperature and symptom checks are completed.
• If parking in the student parking lot: Temperature/symptom checks will take place as students walk to the Upper School building in front of the Field House.
• If dropping off in the Lower School carline because of a younger sibling: You will be checked before you exit the car. Enter the MS/US building using the Upper School Lobby.

A: Students will be educated on facility movement expectations. Faculty/staff will be available and positioned to assist.

A: We ask parents to utilize the car line at all times unless your child has to be picked up outside of normal arrival and departure times. Parents will not be able to walk in to pick up at dismissal.

A: Carpooling is a personal preference. Any child with a fever of 100.4 will need to leave school directly from the carline with whoever is driving them.

A: For Lower School students, please notify your child’s teacher and kerryanncole@thefirstacademy.org prior to picking your child up. Notification should be made first thing in the morning unless an emergency arises. Students may not be checked out early beginning at 2:20pm without prior notification.

For Middle and Upper School students, to pick up or dismiss a student early from school email msattendance@thefirstacademy.org or usattendance@thefirstacademy.org. Parents should not come into the US Lobby to pick students up. Parents picking up will use the Upper School loop, pull up outside the lobby doors, and call 407-206-8630. Your child will be called out of class to meet you at your car. Students who drive themselves will be dismissed at the designated time according to the email sent by the parent. Students will come to the Upper School lobby to sign out and get a temperature check, then be dismissed to leave.

A: If a parent needs to drop something off to their child (lunch, athletic gear, etc.) during the school day, they are asked to follow their division’s process for picking up their child early.

A: In Phase 2 and 3 visitors to the Lower, Middle and Upper School buildings will be limited. For more information on the Phases, please read our Royal Reopening Guide Volume 1 and Volume 2.

A: We will continue to offer After Care until 6:00pm. Students must be pre-registered each week to attend After Care. Because space may be limited, priority registration will be given to those students with Unlimited Use tickets. Drop-in use (without pre-registration) will not be guaranteed.

The following safety measures related to After Care will be implemented during both Phase 2 and Phase 3:

• All students going to After Care will have their temperatures checked prior to leaving the homeroom class. Any student with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be permitted to go to After Care and will need to be picked up.
  Students will be grouped from different classes and grade levels for After Care but this will be minimized as much as possible.
• Social distancing measures will be implemented in all After Care classrooms.
• The same health and wellness measures used in the classroom will be used in After Care.
• Parents will not be permitted in the building for pickup. All students will be escorted to the side door closest to the Lower School parking lot for pickup.

For more information on After Care, visit the Back to School Information section below.

A: We will continue to offer After Care until 6:00pm. Students must be pre-registered each week to attend After Care. Because space may be limited, priority registration will be given to those students with Unlimited Use tickets. Drop-in use (without pre-registration) will not be guaranteed.

The following safety measures related to After Care will be implemented during both Phase 2 and Phase 3:

• All students going to After Care will have their temperatures checked prior to leaving 7th period class. Any student with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be permitted to go to After Care and will need to be picked up.
• Students will be grouped from different classes and grade levels for After Care but this will be minimized as much as possible.
• Social distancing measures will be implemented in all After Care classrooms.
• The same health and wellness measures used in the classroom will be used in After Care.
• Parents will not be permitted in the building for pickup. All students will be dismissed via the Upper School Lobby.

For more information on After Care, visit the Back to School Information section below.

A: We will continue to offer After Care until 6:00pm. Students must be pre-registered each week to attend After Care. Because space may be limited, priority registration will be given to those students with Unlimited Use tickets. Drop-in use (without pre-registration) will not be guaranteed.

The following safety measures related to After Care will be implemented during both Phase 2 and Phase 3:

• All students going to After Care will have their temperatures checked prior to leaving 7th period class. Any student with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be permitted to go to After Care and will need to be picked up.
• Students will be grouped from different classes and grade levels for After Care but this will be minimized as much as possible.
• Social distancing measures will be implemented in all After Care classrooms.
• The same health and wellness measures used in the classroom will be used in After Care.
• Parents will not be permitted in the building for pickup. All students will be dismissed via the Upper School Lobby.

For more information on After Care, visit the Back to School Information section below.

A: We are evaluating various levels of restrictions across our school campus. In order to control and monitor the environment under shifting health conditions, movement on and off school campuses will have to be reshaped: checking students in and out of school, volunteering, parent and student-led conferences, etc. There will be a strict protocol for any visitor entering campus regarding substitutes, tutors, college representatives, vendors, and any other external individuals visiting The First Academy.

A: For division-specific information including arrival & dismissal, recess, and more, please visit the links below.

• Preschool – 2’s & 3’s
• Lower School
• Middle & Upper School
• The Classical School & The First Hope

A: Depending on the phase we are in (phase 2 or 3) will determine the protocols in place for students moving across campus to areas like the Library and Recess.

• The special area teachers for art and music will come to the grade-level classroom.
• PE classes will take place in the Natalie Thomas Gym, Cramer Family Field House, and on the Lower School field. Planned activities will take into account social distancing measures as well as limiting the sharing of equipment among students.

A: Because social distancing is challenging during class change times, students are encouraged to wear a face mask/covering. Hand sanitizer will be readily available in the hallways. Students are encouraged to maintain social distancing in the hall by not touching, hugging, or high fiving.

A: The First Academy will post signs in highly visible locations that promote everyday protective measures and describe how to stop the spread of germs. Hand sanitizer stations will be placed outside all bathrooms. Students will use the hand sanitizer outside the restroom door before entering. After using the restroom, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can use your elbow to open the restroom door handle when exiting to avoid touching the door handle. Classrooms with restrooms will be monitored by faculty and enhanced disinfecting measures will be used throughout the school day

A: The following safety measures related to the school lunch program will be implemented during Phase 2:

• Lower School students will eat lunch in the classroom.
• Students will still have access to purchase a school lunch and the lunch will be delivered to the classroom each day.
• Only individual student snacks will be allowed in the classroom. Each student may bring his/her own snack from home. There will be no shared or group snacks.
• Students will wash/sanitize their hands before and after eating lunch and snack.
• Desks will be cleaned at the completion of lunch daily.

The following safety measures related to the school lunch program will be implemented during Phase 3:

• Students will eat lunch in the Gather Space, Alumni Commons, and the Natalie Thomas Gym on either a staggered or rotating schedule.
• Social distancing measures will be implemented.
• Only individual student snacks will be allowed in the classroom. Each student may bring his/her own snack from home. There will be no shared or group snacks.
• Students will wash/sanitize their hands before and after eating lunch and snack.

A: Students may choose to eat in the Gather space, Natalie Thomas Gymnasium, and Alumni Commons. These areas will not be socially-distanced. When possible, students will be encouraged to practice social distancing measures.

For parents who want their student to eat in a designated socially distanced environment, there will be a specific classroom available. Parents should contact their divisional principal to discuss the socially distanced lunch option.

A: During Quarter 1 and 2, students will remain in their classrooms to watch the chapel presentation.

A: The Boyd-Moline Library will not be open to students before or after school during Phase 2 or 3.

Accelerated Reader testing will be open for home-use and students may also test in class using their own assigned iPads.

Library staff will establish a streamlined book-checkout process for students and parents who would like to access reading material from the library and books will be delivered to the classroom.

The following safety measures related to the library will be implemented during Phase 2:

• Students will not travel to the Boyd Moline Library for weekly storytime (KPrep-2nd Grade Only) and checkout.
• The library staff will come directly to the classroom each week for storytime (KPrep-2nd Grade) or for a library skill lesson (3rd-5th Grade).

The following safety measures related to the library will be implemented during Phase 3:

• Classes will resume weekly library visits but the scheduled time may be staggered and times may be amended to allow for safe travel in the hallways.
• All students and faculty will use hand sanitizer before entering and exiting the library.
• Social distancing measures will be implemented during weekly library visits.

A: Many of our on-campus events have been modified, shifted to a virtual platform, or canceled for the first semester. Families can review the most up-to-date calendar for 2020-2021 HERE.

Our Athletics Team is working diligently to prepare for the fall sports season. As always, we must follow the guidelines provided by the FHSAA in regards to athletic practices, contests, etc. As more information is provided to us, we will share that with families. We will hold tryouts for fall sports this summer, and all of the information for those tryout sessions can be found HERE.

All first semester Fine Arts events will be virtual or modified. More information will be shared for each event as they near. Additionally, information for second-semester events will be distributed as soon as possible. We will continue to follow the guidelines as outlined by the CDC, AAP, and the Health Department.

A: All on-campus and off-campus field trips will be scheduled for later in the school year (likely second semester) except for the Senior activities planned for the first three days of school.

A: PE classes will take place in the Natalie Thomas Gym, Cramer Family Field House, and on the Lower School field. Planned activities will take into account social distancing measures as well as limiting the sharing of equipment among students.

A: Students will participate from home with synchronous classroom instruction being delivered through video-conferencing technology.

• Each classroom will have a daily schedule of instruction and students participating in Hybrid Learning will follow that same schedule at home.
• Live Streamed lessons will include the core subjects of instruction as well as art and music (Lower School).
• Students will “join” their classes each day for different periods of instruction remotely through video conferencing.
• The teacher will monitor student progress through video conferencing as if the student were in the classroom.
• Younger students will need parental support
• Parents will need to assist with accessing instructional materials from the school on a weekly basis and returning them for grading

A: If a student/family should wish to remain enrolled at The First Academy, but does not feel comfortable with their student/s being on campus due to pre-existing health conditions or discomfort, Hybrid Learning will be available. This model will be individualized and may look different in each grade level/ division. Those interested in Hybrid Learning should reach out to their divisional principal.