The 2020-2021 school year is now underway.  We all recognize this school year is like no other we have ever experienced.  It will take all of us working together to minimize the impact COVID-19 will have on our school.  It is our goal to keep you updated as we make adjustments to our Back to School Plan or when COVID impacts our school.  Please know there will be some information that we cannot share as it relates to the confidentiality of our students and employees but we will keep you updated to the best of our ability. We encourage you to regularly check the NCA Dashboard as we will provide updates and information there. 

Our plan was updated on August 7 and updated again on October 1.  We encourage our families to submit questions that may not be listed below and we will do our best to either add it to our FAQs or respond directly to you. You can submit your question directly to msearson@newcovenant.net or by clicking here.

 Q.  What happens when NCA is notified of a positive case?

1. We immediately contact the positive individual to first determine the window of exposure (that window of exposure usually begins 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms).  We interview the positive case to identify any individuals who may have been exposed. School established guidelines will then be followed. Exposed individuals may be directed to quarantine or be asked to closely monitor for symptoms.

Q.  Can someone be released from the 14 day quarantine with a negative COVID test result?

1. No, since symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear.  The full 14 days need to be implemented to ensure the individual does not become positive.

Q.  Is the rest of the family of a close contact required to quarantine?

1. No.  

Q.  Is the immediate family of a positive case required to quarantine?

1. Yes.  Family members would likely be considered close contacts of the positive case.  The positive individual should be in isolation which means they should be separated as much as possible from the rest of the family until they meet the criteria to be released.

Q.  What will happen if my student is out for an extended period of time?

1. We are expecting higher than normal absenteeism.  Teachers will utilize virtual tools to allow students to access live or recorded instruction when necessary while they are absent. We are also working to provide each student a device that they will have for the entire school year. 

Q.  If a student or teacher tests positive will that entire class be required to quarantine?

1. For classes where the students are together as a group (especially elementary) throughout the day that would be a strong possibility.

Q.  When can my student return to school if they were positive?

1. CDC guidelines returning to school and/or refer to the Health Decision flow chart located on this page.

Q.  Will students be required to wear masks during the school day?

1. Students in grades 5-12 will be required to wear face coverings. In accordance with CDC guidelines, face coverings for students grades PK - 4th are strongly recommended.

Q.  Will the school be taking student temperatures before they enter the building?

1. At this time temperature checks will not be taken.  Parents are strongly encouraged to daily monitor their child’s health and symptoms. Daily temperature checks are being done for students participating in extracurricular activities.

Q.  What steps is NCA taking in the area of prevention?

1. This will be a major area of focus. Through the summer plans and protocols will be developed. Below is a broad overview of some of these areas:

• Student/faculty/staff COVID prevention education 

• Regular cleaning/disinfecting of our facilities (by custodial staff and in some cases faculty/students/staff)

• Classroom environment 

1. Maximizing physical space in rooms (removing unnecessary furniture)

2. Desks spaced as much as possible and pointed the same direction

3. Disinfecting of student spaces 

• Non-classroom spaces (hallways, bathrooms, cafeteria, gym, locker rooms, playground).

1. Implementation of procedures addressing movement throughout buildings

2. Implementation of procedures addressing social distancing to the extent we are able 

3. Addressing large group settings...lunch, chapel, choir/band, recess, busses 

Q.  What would constitute the need for NCA to pivot to virtual learning?

1. Our chief concern is that the individuals who are vital to the day to day operations of our school remain healthy.  If this group were to be significantly impacted we would have to consider a short term move to virtual learning.

A high number of positive cases throughout the school might result in pivoting to virtual learning. We have been given recommendations to consider as it relates to the percentages of positive cases. 5% in one day, 4% in two days, 3% in three days. A two week closure would be recommended. 

Q.  How will NCA respond to someone exhibiting symptoms during the school day or if we are made aware of a confirmed case of COVID?

1. We will follow specific protocols and procedures for both scenarios that have been provided by national, state and local health officials. 

• Examples include: 

• Designated space for isolating symptomatic individual until they can leave our building

• Protocol for cleaning areas impacted by those individuals

• Protocols for return to school after displaying symptoms

• Protocols for those who may have been exposed (health department will be involved in any confirmed cases)