We recognize that through the implementation of coordinated efforts, we can greatly reduce, not eliminate, the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. Trinity School strives to balance our mitigation policies with the known benefits of children experiencing in-person learning at school.
We have implemented basic infection prevention measures, including the promotion of handwashing and respiratory etiquette and the use of face coverings and physical distancing. Continual on-campus learning will only be possible with all of us working together to follow these health and safety guidelines, on and off-campus.
Handwashing
Frequent handwashing is critical in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Hand sanitizer dispensers (that use sanitizers of greater than 60 percent alcohol) are at entrances and other locations throughout the school. Students, employees, parents, and visitors should wash or sanitize their hands after entering the building. Everyone is instructed to frequently wash their hands throughout the day for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, but especially at the beginning and end of their time on campus, before and after mealtimes, and after using the restroom.
Respiratory etiquette
Everyone should cover their mouth and nose with their sleeve or a tissue when coughing or sneezing and avoid touching their face, in particular their mouth, nose, and eyes, with their hands. They should dispose of tissues in provided trash receptacles and wash or sanitize their hands immediately afterward. Respiratory etiquette signage will be displayed throughout the School.
Face coverings
Everyone must wear a face covering while on campus—including during drop-off and pickup—and provide their own face coverings. Students should have two clean face coverings available each day at school. According to public health officials, individuals can spread COVID-19 to others even if they do not feel sick. While not a substitute for physical distancing, the use of face coverings is an important way that we, as a community, can protect each other by mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
Exceptions may be made with consideration for medical reasons and age and to accommodate eating and drinking; outdoor and physical activities, including P.E.; and instructional time when physical distancing can be maintained and additional preventative measures are in place.
- Do NOT use face coverings that have a valve or vent
- Wash your hands before putting on your face covering
- Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
- Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face, top of your nose, and under your chin
- Make sure you can breathe easily
Face coverings do not have to be worn by employees when they are alone in their classroom or office.
Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Ventilation
Trinity uses CDC-approved, eco-friendly medical-grade disinfectants and has implemented updated cleaning, disinfecting, and ventilation practices. This includes routine cleaning and disinfecting throughout the campus. We will administer frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas and items, such as toys, manipulatives, door handles, elevator panels, railings, copy machines, and water fountains.
All students and employees will practice healthy hygiene, including frequent handwashing, throughout the day.
If someone within the community contracts COVID-19, contact tracing will be used to identify and notify people who may have been exposed at school, and also to determine the exposed areas and equipment within the building. These areas and equipment will be disinfected per CDC guidelines.
The School’s HVAC system allows for the maximum amount of incoming fresh air, air recirculation is being limited, and ventilation systems are being properly used and maintained. Trinity will continue to maintain an aggressive filter replacement schedule to support the best air quality.
Limiting Campus Access
As virus spread is more likely between adults, we are restricting parent and visitor access to student learning spaces.
- All parents and visitors must enter through the main reception area, wear face coverings, and be screened upon arrival.
- There may be occasions when parents are invited onto campus for meetings and events.
Physical Distancing, Student Cohorts, and Group Gatherings
All individuals at Trinity School will maintain a safe physical distance of six feet as feasible. Signage throughout the School will reinforce physical distancing.
The School will maintain cohorts of students and teachers to minimize crossover among children and adults within the School. We will minimize travel throughout the building when feasible, including a Flik lunch being delivered to classrooms and Specials teachers (excluding P.E.) traveling to classrooms to facilitate learning. In addition, teachers will take advantage of Trinity’s outdoor learning spaces when possible.
We will limit in-person large group meetings. We are reimagining how we come together as a community, including the opportunity for students to perform and speak in public through virtual and small group settings.
Physical Barriers
Mobile physical barriers will be used throughout the campus, such as on the reception desk, on student tables, and in learning support rooms.
Shared Items and Water Fountains
Teachers will limit the sharing of classroom materials and workspaces between students and will sanitize items as needed. Only items that can be easily disinfected will be used.
No personal toys will be allowed on campus.
Students and employees should bring and use a refillable water bottle and use the water bottle refilling stations as well as faucets in classrooms. Please label your child’s water bottle. Water fountains will be available for refilling bottles only.
Travel and Field Trips
Employee’s non-essential business travel is restricted, and we ask that all community members limit non-essential travel.
Off-campus field trips will be restricted.
Student Drop-off and Pickup
Carpool schedules will remain the same for the 2020–21 school year. We appreciate everyone’s patience as new health and safety protocols may extend the duration of carpool.
- For the health and safety of our community, drivers need to remain in cars and not park and walk up to or through the carpool area, including the dismissal table.
- This year, parents will not be able to walk their child into their classroom.
- Everyone should wear face coverings when they arrive on campus.
- During student drop-off and pickup, employees will wear face coverings, maintain six feet of physical distance whenever possible, and avoid physical contact with other individuals.
Deliveries
Parents will not be allowed beyond Reception to deliver items to students. We will receive all deliveries at the loading dock or Reception.