St. Jane Frances de Chantal School

• St. Jane Frances de Chantal School will continue to foster its mission: to encourage each child to achieve his or her potential through a devotion to Christ and His teachings within a diverse curriculum.
• St. Jane School has created this plan to help navigate the safe reopening of our school.
• Our plan aims to mitigate risk for students, staff members, families, and visitors and ensure that our children have meaningful learning opportunities to receive a quality, Catholic educational experience.
• The guidelines that follow are based on recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDOH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
• As we learn more about COVID-19 and the conditions that surround the pandemic, we view this plan as a fluid document that will further develop over time. Regular updates will be based on information provided by the PDOH, CDC, PDE, applicable federal, state and local agencies and neighboring school districts.
• Note: Please be advised that the information in this document is current as of the above date. Circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) are rapidly changing, and the accuracy of the information may change moving forward.
• REMINDER: This is a fluid document. Please keep in mind this document will change according to guidelines from the CDC, the PDE, PDOH and the Diocese of Allentown, Office of Education.

• Balancing the priorities of mitigating risk and opening school requires a community effort. Ultimately, the school has worked to provide staff and students with a clean, healthy facility that is ready to welcome students back to in-person learning. 
• To maintain this healthy atmosphere, one in which students can thrive spiritually, academically, socially, and safely, the school and its families must genuinely partner to think and act in the best interests of the whole community.
• What happens beyond the school day impacts what happens on campus. So we ask that families do their best to mitigate risk outside of school.  It is critically important that families honor our illness policy and keep children at home if they are sick or exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19. The same is true for the members of our staff. 
• We will enforce our health and safety guidelines out of respect to students and families who follow the requirements and the staff members who are implementing them.
• Upon arrival on Monday, August 31, 2020, each student will need a “screening” form to enter the buildings. Please complete and send with your child. Print out and send it with your child on the first day of school.
• Return to School Screening Form - Click Here to View the Form
• You may also pick up a form at the school. We will have copies available for you.
• This is just for those students who are attending in-person school and will only be required on the first day. See below for daily student screening and protocols.

• Arrival at school will be the primary monitoring and evaluation time. 
• Parents will be asked to take temperatures at home before sending students to school. 
• We will have parents complete a form that will be accessible on our website (mobile accessible as well) that parents will need to complete before sending their child to school. (The data will be collected and shared with the school nurse that will monitor students with rising temperatures throughout the day.) This is the most practical application of temperature monitoring that will insure the confidentiality of our students. 
• All students are expected to wear a face covering that meets CDC guidelines when entering the school and will report directly to their classrooms. 
• K-8 students may arrive between 7:00 a.m. and 7:35 a.m. and report directly to their classrooms. Parents and guardians of students in grades K to Grade 8 will not be able to enter the school to drop off students. 
• If a student is late, he or she will need to be escorted to the vestibule space at the school’s front entrance and wait to be admitted by a staff member.
• Preschool students must arrive between 8:20 and 8:30 a.m. and will be dismissed promptly at 11:30 a.m. 

The preschool students are subject to the same screening and protocols as K-8 students. Therefore, symptom monitoring of all students must occur prior to coming to school to keep our school community safe and healthy.  If a preschool student is late, parents and guardians should follow the same procedure outlined above. 

• As the number of car riders is expected to increase this school year, we ask for your patience and understanding, particularly during dismissal procedures.  
• All students, staff members, parents, and guardians are expected to wear a face covering that meets CDC guidelines during dismissal.
• In keeping with mandated social distancing measures and capacity limits, car riders in grades K-8 will be dismissed in small groups by last name. 
• Tentatively, buses will be picking up at the usual scheduled time. Staggered dismissal for all car riders will be utilized. More information to follow. 
• Parents may NOT wait or congregate in the parking lot as was done in the past.

• Note: For the purpose of this document, face masks, face covering, neck gaiters and face shields may be used interchangeably. A face covering is defined as a covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears. 
• The Home and School Association will purchase a neck-gaiter style face covering for each student and staff member. Wearers of neck gaiter style masks can quickly and easily slide the gaiter down around their neck and back up to their face as needed without the risk of it falling on the ground. 
• Disposable masks will be provided if a student forgets his/her face covering.
• All students, staff members, parents, guardians, and visitors are required to wear a face covering that meets CDC guidelines when entering the school. 
• Face coverings may not display any words, characters, or symbols contrary to Catholic morality.
• Masks should preferably be solid in color to align with our school’s other dress code policies. Small prints or patterns are also permissible.
• All face coverings MUST be labeled with each student’s name. 
• Families should make sure they have an adequate supply of face coverings for their children so that a clean face covering can be worn each day. 
• Each student should bring a spare face covering to school each day in case his or her face covering gets wet, tears or breaks.   
• Schools may allow students to remove their face coverings when students are at least 6 feet apart when seated at desks or assigned workspaces, while eating or drinking, or while actively engaged in physical activity.
• Students will wash or sanitize their hands before removing their face coverings. Students will wash or sanitize their hands again before putting their face coverings back on. 
• St. Jane School students are required to wear face coverings during arrival and dismissal times, when traveling in hallways and stairwells, in restrooms and all common areas, and when moving about the classroom when 6 feet of social distancing is not possible. 
• Staff members will also be required to adhere to the same parameters.
• Staff may remove a face covering only when stationary in the classroom at a safe social distance. All faculty will be provided with their own face shield for additional protection. If the teacher is moving in the classroom, a face covering must be worn.

• All staff members are required to complete a daily self-screening that includes a temperature check and answering a set of questions related to COVID-19 symptoms as per Diocesan policy. 
• Staff will consistently be made aware of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, which are reported to appear 2-14 days after exposure and may include: 
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain or body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling feverish or a temperature reading of 100.4 degrees or higher
  • Known close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19
• All screening information will be kept confidential by administrative staff and the district nurse.

• Each classroom will have a thermometer available for quick temperature checks that will occur before snack (before removing masks for eating); before lunch (before removing masks for eating); at the end of the day before going on the bus. 
• Quick temp checks will also be used for students who are complaining about headaches or not feeling well. Teacher will assess and then contact the school nurse for further guidance and direction.  
• If a student or staff member is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, he or she will report immediately to the nurse’s room, and a Daily Symptom Monitoring Form will be completed. 
• Students will need to be picked up in a 30 minute timeframe by a parent or guardian. Staff members will be instructed either to go home or to the nearest health center.
• Any other person attending to the suspected student or staff member must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 
• The room and suspected student or staff member’s work area and classroom will be thoroughly disinfected including all surfaces that he or she may have touched. 
• The suspected student or staff member must submit a release/note from a licensed medical professional before his or her return and provide proof of negative results from a COVID-19 test.

• The policy for staff, student, or other member of the school community who becomes ill or have been exposed to an individual with confirmed positive for COVID-19 would follow the CDC guidelines: 
  • If presented during school day: individuals will be brought to an isolation area. 
  • Each student will require an emergency contact that can pick up within a 30 minute time frame. 
  • Close off the area used by the sick student and do not enter before cleaning and disinfecting (Peroxy HDOX electro-static sprayer will be used.) 
• If staff/students are COVID positive -- they must stay home at least 10 days after symptom onset and be fever free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication. (If someone in the household or a close contact with a COVID positive individual -- and is not sick, must quarantine 14 days--should continue to work remotely when possible.)
• We all hope to avoid exposure to illness from COVID-19, but we need to be prepared for that possibility. If you think you have been exposed to the virus:
  • Self-quarantine away from others in a specific room in your home.
  • Contact your healthcare provider. 
  • Contact St. Jane School administration. 
  • In the event of an emergency, call 911; and follow their instructions.
• Families will be notified based on the recommendation of the local DOH and the Diocesan Office Education of any positive cases or exposure of a child/staff/faculty member. Due to privacy laws, no confirmation of individuals' identities will be given by St. Jane School staff.
• The decision to close school/class will be made at the recommendation of the local DOH and the Diocesan Office of Education.

• The Nurse’s office will be moved to the room formerly known as the Principal’s Office.
• This was done to provide a larger room, with a private bathroom, and close to the exit of school (therefore, eliminating the ill child having to walk through the building.)
• All classrooms will be equipped with no-touch thermometers and first aid supplies normally obtained from the nurse’s office to limit students’ movement throughout the school.
• Students will travel to the Nurse’s office ONLY if their symptoms pose a risk to other students.
• The school nurse or a member of the administrative support team may be called to the classroom if needed.

• Day-to-day operations will be adjusted to allow for physical/social distancing and smaller groupings. 
• A glass barrier was installed on the receptionist’s desk in the main office. Mail or parcel drop off will continue in the vestibule space at the school’s front entrance. The number of persons in the office will be monitored during all times of the day. 
• Signage that indicates closure and capacity limits will be posted.
• Students, staff members, and families should practice staying approximately 6 feet away from others.
• Student desks will all be forward facing and ultraboard Micro barriers (clear front sanitizable privacy shields) will be used on every student desk (K to 8). 
• Lockers in 7th and 8th Grade and coat closets in Kindergarten to 6th grade will not be used during this time.  
• Note that physical/social distancing should still be practiced even when wearing a face covering.
• To the extent feasible, St. Jane School classroom and learning occupancy will be based on 6 feet of separation among students and staff members. If this spacing is not achievable in the classroom setting, students will be spaced to the maximum extent possible.

• During the day, traffic patterns in hallways and stairwells will be one-way on the right side. 
• Students will be encouraged not to touch walls and fixtures when traveling in hallways and stairwells. 
• Students will be taught the proper ways of sharing the stairwells and hallways at the beginning of the school year.

• Signage communicating social distancing measures and how to prevent the spread of germs will be posted in highly visible locations throughout the school to reinforce health and safety practices, guide traffic flow, and keep required spacing between students and staff members.

• All students and staff members should avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• They should also wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently throughout the day. 
• If soap and water are not readily available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used. 
• If students or staff members have to cough or sneeze, they should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or the inside of their elbow. 
• The school nurse will instruct students in good hygiene procedures at the beginning of the school year, and numerous opportunities will be provided for students to practice what they have learned. 
• Parents and guardians are asked to reinforce good hygiene practices at home.

• Our school has been COVID free since the government shut-down.
• Prior to reopening, all areas within our school will have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. 
• We will supplement our already rigorous cleaning routine throughout the day and continue to adhere to all necessary safety precautions. 
• The general measures outlined below will be followed daily to protect students and staff members and reduce the risk of illness. 
• All staff members and contracted cleaning services will adhere to these cleaning and sanitizing standards per the frequency below.
• All high touch surfaces and objects will be cleaned and disinfected regularly. These procedures will include, but not be limited to, all materials and restrooms. 

• Deep cleaning and disinfection measures will be performed throughout the school if a student or staff member has tested positive and is confirmed to have COVID-19.
• St. Jane School has its own Peroxy HDOX Electrostatic Spraying Machine, which can be used to sanitize the building.

• Classrooms and common areas will be ventilated with an additional circulation of outdoor air when possible, using windows or doors. Air conditioning filters will be cleaned monthly.

• The school has positioned alcohol-based hand sanitizing dispensers at the main entrance to the school and Father Farrell Hall. 
• The school office, each classroom, and all common areas have an ample supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes or spray bottles of Peroxy HDOX cleaning solutions, and paper towels to disinfect frequently touched surfaces. 
• The school maintenance staff and Perfection Building Maintenance will clean and sanitize all workspaces at their designated cleaning times. 

• Learning spaces and schedules will be adjusted to allow for social distancing among staff members, students, and smaller groupings. 
• All desks will be arranged to face in the same direction, and students will have assigned seating in their classrooms. 
• Each student’s belongings will be separated from other students’ belongings and labeled in individual containers, totes, or backpacks.
• Unnecessary furniture in classrooms will be removed to maximize space and keep students from congregating closely together.
• The school will use a cohort model in all grades and attempt to restrict interactions between groups of students and keep as many homogenous populations together throughout the day to minimize risk. 
• Students will remain with their cohorts whenever possible, and teachers will travel from classroom to classroom. 
• Until further notice, students in all grades will not be permitted to visit the library to check out books. 
• Teachers will be encouraged to consider instructional opportunities that allow for engaged learning to take place outdoors on campus when time and weather permit students to break from their regular classroom environment.
• During this Global Pandemic, we believe that in-person teaching is the best mode for students’ education. However, we do recognize the desire for some families to remain at home until a vaccine or treatment is developed. It is important to us to provide a way to keep each student connected and part of our faith-filled school community. 
• A virtual learning program is being offered to students who choose not to attend live school daily due to the global pandemic. Students with underlying health conditions, households with a family member in a high-risk category or that travel to hot spots within the United States may want to consider the option.
• Details of our Virtual Learning Program can be found online at:
  Virtual Learning Summary
  Virtual Learning Agreement

• Physical Education will be held in the lot adjacent to Father Farrell Hall. A grid of 6 feet x 6 feet boxes have been painted on the lot. 
• The goal of gym classes will be to conduct them outdoors whenever possible and keep students active without using shared equipment. 
• Students will be encouraged to plan accordingly and dress appropriately for weather conditions. 
• The approach to instruction will be to plan physical activities that keep students engaged while still allowing for social distancing. 
• Special teachers [art, music, library, Spanish, computer and health] will travel to students’ homerooms to provide instruction for students in all grades. Computer Class will be flexible throughout the grades. If students utilize the computer lab, they will be assigned computers socially distanced from one another.
• Extra time will be allotted between class periods to clean and sanitize any shared equipment.

• Students will be expected to have their own supply of materials to decrease the sharing of materials between students in the classroom and minimize cross-contamination. 
• Students are encouraged to bring small bottles of hand sanitizer and packs of tissues to keep at their desks or in their backpacks.  
• The use of shared objects for student reinforcement will be avoided whenever achievable. 

• Staff members will monitor restroom use by younger students and assist with hand washing and sanitizing. 
• The number of students will be limited.
• Older students will be given instructional procedures, and maximum capacity signage will be posted on all restroom doors. 
• Stickers that communicate social distancing and hand hygiene expectations will be affixed in restrooms.

• Students will be allotted time to wash their hands before consuming food or drink.  
• In the green phase, the cafeteria will be used at a socially distanced capacity with a rotating day schedule. More information will be provided.
• In the yellow phase, use of the cafeteria in Father Farrell Hall will not occur, and students will eat lunch in their classrooms at their desks. 
• Students who order hot lunch from Maschio’s will have their options pre-packaged and delivered to their classrooms.
• Staff members will wear face coverings and gloves while helping individual students with their lunches, snacks, and drinks. 
• Water fountains will be turned off and covered in the school. 
• Students who regularly use the water fountains will need to bring bottled water to and from school each day. Both bottles and lids must be labeled with the student’s name. Bottles may not be refilled from any source of water on the school’s campus; therefore, students and families should plan accordingly.

• Outdoor recess will be scheduled on a rotational basis and follow social distancing guidelines. 
• To minimize cross-contamination that may result from students touching playground equipment, balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, and sidewalk chalk will not be permitted. 

• At this time, visitors and volunteers will not be permitted to enter the school building. 
• All meetings will be held virtually (such as parent meetings, HSA meetings and SIT meetings). 
• We will not permit regular visitation to the school to prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of exposure to our students and staff members. Parents and visitors will be allowed in the school by appointment only. 
• Whenever possible, visitations will be conducted outside of regular school hours. Unscheduled visitors will be restricted to the vestibule space at the front entrance, which will be cleaned and sanitized regularly throughout the school day. 
• Any parent or essential visitor will be subject to a temperature check using a no-touch thermometer, asked to complete a brief screening questionnaire, expected to use hand sanitizer upon entry, and required to wear a face covering that meets CDC guidelines. 
• Essential volunteers will be pre-screened and trained in procedures related to their purpose.

• All field trips and large group activities, including assemblies and performances, will not occur until restrictions are lifted, and participation can occur without accommodations. 
• All student retreats, in-person professional development for staff members, and school-related travel to off-site locations are suspended until further notice. 
• Family vacations during the school year are strongly discouraged.
• If travel is necessary, students may need to quarantine upon return and will need to complete a Return to School Screening form. A meeting with the principal and the school nurse will be necessary to determine whether returning to in-person instruction is appropriate.
• Students/staff MUST stay at home in accordance with any travel quarantine orders issued by the Governor of Pennsylvania.

• The celebration of the Mass is an integral part of our Catholic faith and the religious identity of our school. Therefore, weekly Liturgies have been scheduled for the school year. 
• However, in order to maintain social distancing of at least six feet in the Chapel, only a few classes will attend Mass in-person each week. 
• We are hoping to be able to live-stream Mass so that the rest of the students and staff can participate from their classrooms. 
• All safety precautions already in place for weekday and Sunday Masses at the main church, including the wearing of face coverings, will be followed for our weekly Liturgies in the Chapel.

• Students and staff members must understand all health and safety expectations, requirements, procedures, and protocols to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and protect our entire school community.  
• Before returning in August, staff members, the school’s maintenance personnel, and the contracted professional cleaning service will be trained remotely to ensure understanding and preparedness for the measures outlined in this Health & Safety Return-to-School Plan.
• Students will be trained by staff members on the first day of school and demonstrate their understanding of the school’s health and safety measures, in particular, those procedures which pertain to face coverings, handwashing, and hand sanitization.

• To stay up-to-date on the most current information, students and their families will need to check their email often for messages posted via Schoology and/or SchoolMessenger.
• Students and families should also routinely visit the St. Jane School website and follow the school’s social media platforms.

• The Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 [CIU20] employees housed within our school will work with students and staff members to address any well-being concerns or needs.

• While keeping St. Jane School open for the entire academic year is a priority, we will follow any mandated closures. 
• If any area of the school needs to be closed down and it is possible to keep other areas open by cleaning and sanitizing spaces quickly and separating students, we will attempt to minimize disruptions as much as possible. 
• Any closure triggered by the spread of COVID-19 cases will follow the guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Health [PDOH] and the Centers for Disease Control [CDC] in coordination with the Diocesean Office of Education.

• All students registered for the school’s Extended Care program will have their temperatures checked upon arrival to Father Farrell Hall using a no-touch thermometer, and they must sanitize their hands before entering the Extended Care facility. 
• Families are asked to utilize the school’s Extended Care program only if needed.  
• In order to maintain safe social distancing, extended care attendance will be limited. Reservations will be needed on a weekly basis for daily use of Extended Care. (A form will be created and available on our website for all to use.)
• All parents, guardians, or pre-authorized individuals must wear a face covering that meets CDC guidelines to enter Father Farrell Hall to pick up their children. 

• Thank you for your patience and support of our school. We realize this is a tremendously uncertain time. Please know that our foremost goal is to make sure that our students—your children—return for the 2020-21 school year in a safe and supportive manner.
• I would like to thank the faculty, staff, and parents that contributed a great deal of time and effort in developing St. Jane School’s  comprehensive Health and Safety Plan. It will take a combined effort to successfully implement our plan this coming year.
• We would like to thank in advance some of the key members of our team including our Pandemic Coordinator, Mr. Josh Dicker, our Health and Logistics Coordinator, Mrs. Katie Best, our Instructional Framework Coordinator, Mr. Joseph Azzolina and our Communication Coordinator, Mrs. Melissa-Starace Dittmar.
• Finally, we would like to especially thank Monsignor Radocha for his continued support of our school, our students and their families.

Q: Why isn’t a hybrid option being offered?

A: Hybrid was created for larger school districts that cannot safely social distance and need to reduce classroom and building density. This is not necessary at St. Jane School. Our current enrollment numbers as well as the physical layout of our campus will allow for all students to be socially distanced. Providing families the choice of a fully virtual or an in-person learning environment supports a level of structure that a family can plan for, and reduces exposure to the changes of students in and out of the building and to our teachers. Students are able embrace the learning environment without the constant disruption of moving from online to in-person. 

Q: Can my family switch between virtual and in-person learning?

A: Families cannot switch back and forth because the classrooms will be set up for the number of students that have selected in-person learning. However, two weeks prior to the end of the First Trimester, families may request a switch.

Q: But what if my child needs to stay home due to sickness, exposure, quarantine, etc?

A: If a student who has selected the in-person learning environment needs to stay home because they or someone in their family have been exposed to COVID, they can immediately join virtual learning. You would just need to contact your child’s teacher and Mrs. Okula to let them know. Your child can return to in-person learning after following the return to school protocol after exposure.

Q: Is one option better than the other?

A: Your child will receive the same high-quality Catholic education whether you choose in-person or virtual learning. For additional guidance, please see this School Decision-Making Tool for Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians from the CDC. St. Jane School is here to support you through this decision, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Q: When do I have to make a decision?

A: We recognize that the decision for in-person or virtual learning may be unique to each child in your family. You are able to select the learning option that best fits each child’s learning preference. I will be sending out a survey during the week of August 10 for you to indicate your choice. Please complete it by Monday, August 17 for each child registered for the upcoming school year.

With this in mind, class assignments will not be available through PowerSchool until the week of August 24, 2020. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. 

Q: What will virtual learning look like?

A: Our school day will mirror a typical day in a classroom. All students (whether virtual or in-person) will be learning together at the same time and then be provided time to complete work independently. Unless there is a transition to distance learning (meaning everyone will be virtual) lessons will only be live, and not recorded or asynchronous. In addition, we are working to identify opportunities for safe collaboration among virtual and in-person students. 

Q: What if my child needs to be absent from virtual learning due to sickness, a doctor’s appointment, etc?

A: The procedure for reporting your child’s absence will be the same whether they are virtual or in-person. Parents/guardians should call the school office (610-253-8442) between the hours of 7:00 and 8:15 to report an absence or to notify us of an appointment. Teachers should also be sent an email (preferably 24 hours before a student will not be in class due to a doctor’s appointment). 

Q: Does my child have to wear a face covering all day? 

A: If students are able to be socially distanced 6 feet apart in the classroom setting and are seated, they will be permitted to remove face coverings. We expect this will be the case in most classrooms. Classrooms will be reconfigured to achieve the recommended social distancing (3 to 6 feet). As soon as a student moves about the classroom or leaves the classroom, a face covering must be worn. Once outside the building for recess, the teacher will instruct students when it is safe to remove their masks. 

Q: Can students wear face masks with phrases, images and/or patterns on them?

A: A face covering is defined as a covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears. HSA has purchased a neck-gaiter style covering for each student and staff member. Face coverings from home may not display any words, characters, or symbols contrary to our Catholic faith. All face coverings must be labeled with each student’s name. 

Families should make sure they have an adequate supply of face coverings for their children so that a clean face covering can be worn each day. Shields can be sanitized daily; however, masks will need to be laundered or disposed of. Each student should bring a spare face covering to school each day in case his or her face covering gets wet, tears, or breaks.  

Per the State order, schools may allow students to remove their face coverings when students are at least 6 feet apart when seated at desks or assigned workspaces, while eating or drinking, or while actively engaged in physical activity.

Students will wash or sanitize their hands before removing their face coverings and place them in labeled paper bags (please provide a lunch size brown paper bag for your child). Students will wash or sanitize their hands again before putting their face coverings back on. 

1. What choices do I have for face coverings?

A: Students have the option of wearing a face mask, face shield, or gaiter. The Home and School Association has purchased a green gaiter with the St. Jane logo for all students, faculty and staff. They will be handed out the first day of school. We feel the gaiter is best, because students do not have to remove the gaiter, only lower it down when eating, drinking, or playing outside. We expect that all face coverings will be labeled with the student’s first and last name. 

Q: Will the students be eating in the cafeteria? 

A: No. To minimize movement in the school building, the children will be eating in their classrooms at this time. Students can order a pre-packaged hot lunch from Maschio’s or bring a lunch from home. Accommodations will be made for students with peanut allergies as needed. If social distancing restrictions ease, we will transition to the cafeteria.

Q: Will St. Jane School have a hot lunch program? 

Maschio’s will continue to provide lunch for St. Jane School. Maschio’s is planning a pre-packaged, touchless service this year that will be delivered to the classrooms for lunch. We are still waiting for information from Maschio’s. 

Q: Will I be able to volunteer or visit the school? 

A: To the greatest extent possible, we will be limiting visitors and volunteers into our buildings. All parent meetings will be held remotely. We will not be accepting items that students forgot at home unless they are medically necessary. All other needs will be accommodated by the school. This will include items such as lunches and homework. All visitors will be subject to a temperature check and health screening before being admitted to the office.

Q: How will students, staff, and visitors/volunteers be screened prior to entry into school buildings?

A: We are following the screening guidelines in accordance with the Diocese of Allentown which includes a screening survey and temperature check for our staff and visitors. Parents must screen their children prior to leaving home. Please refer to the Daily Symptom Monitoring Checklist to help with the identification of additional symptoms that may be related to COVID-19. A medical professional must be contacted if your child exhibits any symptoms, and the student must remain at home. This screening is an important step for maintaining our school community’s health and safety and the mitigation of COVID-19.

Q: Why aren’t temperature checks being done by school personnel prior to the student entering the school? 

A: Due to logistical limitations, we will not be checking students’ temperatures before they enter the building. It is the responsibility of parents to take their child’s temperature prior to leaving for school and then complete a Daily Temperature Form located on our school website. Students’ temperatures will be monitored throughout the day for example, prior to morning snack, prior to lunch, prior to going to recess, and before dismissal. Other temperature checks may occur if deemed necessary. Students with rising temperatures or temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher will be referred to the nurse. 

Q: What is the brand and classification of the thermometer being used?

A: We purchased a thermometer for every classroom -- Berrcom Non Contact Infrared Thermometer Model JXB-178.

Q: What should my child bring to school on a daily basis? 

A: Each child attending school should plan to bring their face covering, hand sanitizer, and a water bottle. Water fountains will not be available for use. Additionally, students should bring their backpacks with all necessary school supplies. Sharing of materials, such as pencils, art supplies, and learning manipulatives, will not be permitted.

Q: Will students have recess daily? 

A: Weather permitting, students will have approximately 25 minutes of outdoor recess daily. If students are unable to go outside, additional face covering breaks and independent activity time will be implemented. Recess will be supervised by the homeroom teacher. One class at a time will be permitted in a given play area. 

Students will need to be physically distanced while at recess. Playground equipment will not be utilized.

Q: What will parent pick-up look like? 

A: Parent pick-up at the end of the day will be staggered based on last names. We can’t give exact times until we have our busing schedule and which families chose in-person learning. Thank you for your patience.

Q: You mentioned that the doors will be left open in the classrooms for additional ventilation. What about our safety protocols? 

A: Great question! In our main building (K-6) each classroom (except 5A) has two doors. Only one classroom door will be left open, but both doors will remain locked. If there is an emergency situation and we need to lock down for any reason, the doors just need to be pulled closed. In classroom 5A, the door will be locked but will be left open. Windows will be opened by the teachers throughout the day keeping in mind that the air conditioning will also be on. In our 7th and 8th grade classrooms, classroom doors will be left open, but the main entrance to that floor will be closed and locked to the outside at all times. (Students will always have easy access to exiting all classrooms - fire safety rules apply.)

Q: What will be the process for students riding district buses in the 2020-2021 school year? (From Easton Area School District Website)

A: No more than 48 students will be assigned to any given bus, which allows for no more than two students per seat. Students will be instructed to board the bus from the back to the front. There will be “X’s” placed on each seat where students are expected to sit. Students will be instructed to sit with a sibling, if applicable. All students will be required to wear masks while on the bus. The total number of students assigned to any bus could very well be less than 48, which would allow for some or all students to sit by themselves in the seat. This will depend on the number of students who are opting out of transportation and those who are opting for full-time remote instruction. Families who wish to opt out of district transportation may do so by completing the form on the EASD website no later than August 12, 2020 and contacting Mrs. Patty Cahill in the office. 

Q: Will we be awarding outstanding attendance awards this year? 

A: While we expect everyone to be in class daily, we are not going to risk the health and safety of our school community. Attendance in school is essential, and it is proven that students are more likely to succeed in academics with consistent school attendance. However, it is critical that we as a community encourage wellness and prevention strategies to stop the spread of COVID-19. These are the most important actions we can take to ensure a safe school reopening, and to keep our school open. St Jane School has taken steps to remove barriers and provide more flexible learning methods (virtual learning) to promote behaviors that prevent the spread. The outstanding attendance award is an example of a barrier that will be removed for this school year to encourage families to make decisions that are driven by prevention and mitigation.

Q: Can students leave for doctor/dentist appointments during the day? 

A: We do not and have not ever encouraged this practice, but we understand there are times there is no alternative. Temperature screening will be done upon return. A parent must accompany the child to the front door of school for a temperature check and then may leave.

Q: Does my child have to wear a gym uniform?

A: As a convenience to families, we are encouraging students to wear their gym uniforms every day for ease of daily washing. You may still wear your regular summer uniform if you wish. The wearing of gym uniforms will be re-evaluated before the beginning of the 2nd trimester. 

Q: Will there be a relaxation of the white sneaker policy? 

A: While we exist in virtual and in-person learning, we will relax the white sneaker policy. A regulated dress code affects a certain calming influence over the behavior and actions of the students, however given the current circumstance, the white sneaker policy will be relaxed while in a dual learning environment. This means predominantly white, gray, or black with minimal to no color sneakers may be worn. We are making this decision recognizing parents may not feel comfortable with shopping in stores with their children. In addition, we realize there may be limitations on inventory and do not want this to become another stressor for families. This policy will exist as long as we continue to operate within this dual learning environment. When we are able to return to full in-person instruction, this policy will be reviewed. 

Q: Will the students attend Mass?

A: Weekly Liturgies have been scheduled for the school year. However, in order to maintain social distancing of at least six feet in the Chapel, only two grades will attend Mass in-person each week. We are hoping to be able to live-stream Mass so that the rest of the students and staff can participate from their classrooms. All safety precautions already in place for weekday and Sunday Masses at the main church, including the wearing of face coverings, will be followed for our weekly Liturgies in the Chapel.

Q: What classroom cleaning protocols will be implemented on a daily basis? What about when students are not in school? What other safety protocols are being put in place? 

A: Cleaning will be conducted throughout the day by students and teachers in order to keep our classrooms healthy and safe. Special times for cleaning will include before and after snack, before and after lunch, and at the conclusion of the day. Maintenance staff will be conducting cleaning in high traffic areas throughout the school throughout the day including door knobs, handrails, bathrooms, sinks, etc. Cleaning will be recorded and tracked daily.

Our buildings will be cleaned every evening by a professional cleaning service (Perfection Building Maintenance) who will be deep cleaning and using an electrostatic sprayer to cover all areas. The cleaning solution specifications are part of the plan. Please refer to the plan on our website for additional information. 

Other safety protocols include:  All students and staff will be expected to conduct a daily prescreening, including temperature checks, prior to coming to school. Individuals who have a fever or are symptomatic will be expected to remain at home. Students should notify the school between 7:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. (including our virtual students) if they will be absent. Faculty and Staff members should notify both the Principal and Dean of Students if they will be absent. Faculty, staff, and students must notify the school if an absence is due to COVID-19. There will be procedures in place for students and staff who fall ill during the school day. Additionally, those who display COVID-19 symptoms will be moved to an isolation space within the school building until they are able to leave the premises. We strongly urge families to have an emergency contact that can be at school to pick up any sick child as soon as possible (it is recommended at 30 minutes).

I encourage families that are coming in-person to make arrangements for days when your child may need to self-quarantine due to possible exposure or are not feeling well to come to school. 

Q: What is the communication plan if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19? 

A: St. Jane School will follow the CDC, PA Department of Health, and Diocese of Allentown guidance and will establish and maintain communication with local and state health officials regarding COVID-19 diagnosis and/or symptoms, preventative measures (including staying home when sick), good hygiene, and school-specific protocols. This includes contact tracing and recommendations for testing and quarantine. The school district will adhere to the recommendations made by the CDC, PADOH, and Diocese of Allentown. Department of Health or county and municipal health departments (CMHDs) staff will notify the school entity immediately once it is known that a person with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 was present at the school while infectious. The school will follow instructions in the guidelines to respond to the situation and will work closely with the PADOH or CMHD on risk assessment, isolation and quarantine recommendations, and other infection control recommendations.

COVID DECISION TREE FOR STUDENTS - CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PDF