Responding to COVID-19
In consultation with medical professionals and following guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health, Pace Academy began the 2020-2021 school year in person on August 12.
Like the American Academy of Pediatrics, we understand that schools play a vital role in children’s development and overall well-being. Our goal is to maintain the health, safety and mental wellness of our entire community while providing the nurturing and academically rigorous school environment unique to Pace.
We recognize that we cannot know the specific health and wellness challenges each of our families faces, and we understand that it is impossible for us to meet the needs of every student. Therefore, we are supporting parents who choose to keep their children home, and we have invested heavily in technology in an effort to create an equitable experience for those learning remotely (see Our Plan for Remote Learning). We ask that families work in concert with their physicians to determine whether a child attends school in person.
Remaining open in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic requires the full commitment of every member of our community. We expect our faculty, staff and parents to lead by example, modeling proper behavior and good judgement for the children in our care. We understand that there are risks involved with in-person, but we know that we can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by closely monitoring the situation and abiding by certain protocols.
We ask for patience, understanding and flexibility as we continue to navigate ever-changing circumstances, and we thank you for your cooperation.
Virtual Learning
We understand that the spread of COVID-19 may necessitate a move to remote learning, at least for some period of time. Should that be the case, our faculty and staff are prepared to make a full transition to virtual learning using Zoom as our primary platform for communication.
In addition, we recognize that members of our community face specific health and wellness challenges, and that it is impossible for us to meet the needs of every student. Therefore, we support parents who choose to keep their children home, and we ask that families work in concert with their physicians to determine whether a child attends school in person.
To accommodate children learning from home, we have invested in two-way Zoom technology, which allows students learning remotely to remain part of the on-campus classroom experience. From home, students are able to observe and interact with their teachers and fellow students, and classroom boards and presentations are concurrently available in real time.
Our Shared Commitment
A safe return to school requires universal cooperation and commitment. Pace takes seriously the health risks associated with COVID-19 and expects all community members—students, parents, faculty and staff—to do the same.
We ask that all students, faculty, staff and members of their households answer the following questions before arrival on campus each day:
OUR PROCEDURES & PROTOCOLS
KNIGHTS RETURN: COVID FAQs
- What is the COVID Response Team?
- My child doesn’t feel well… who do I call?
- If one of my children is asked to quarantine due to exposure, will his/her sibling(s) be required to stay home from school?
- Will you let everyone know if someone in the Pace community has tested positive for COVID-19?
- If I or my child test positive for COVID-19, who do I notify?
- I have been tested for COVID-19 but have not yet received the results. Can I come to school?
- If there is a positive COVID-19 case in my classroom, will I have to quarantine?
- Why do some people return to campus sooner than others after a COVID case?
- I thought that the CDC changed its policy to recommend a shorter quarantine period?
- Is there a specific face covering I should wear?
- Are Lower and Middle School students required to wear face coverings during PE and recess?
- When is it okay for me to take off my face covering while on campus?
- If Middle and Upper School students bring their own technology devices, is there a preferred device?
- Can I come to campus to have lunch with my Lower School student?
- How do you ensure social distancing among your youngest students?
- I am concerned about the behavior of another Pace family. What should I do?
- What if I don’t feel safe sending my child to school?
- Should I get a flu shot this year?
- My family is planning to travel soon. Can my children come back to school after taking a vacation?
- I still have questions, what do I do?
What is the COVID Response Team?
My child doesn’t feel well… who do I call?
If one of my children is asked to quarantine due to exposure, will his/her sibling(s) be required to stay home from school?
Will you let everyone know if someone in the Pace community has tested positive for COVID-19?
If I or my child test positive for COVID-19, who do I notify?
I have been tested for COVID-19 but have not yet received the results. Can I come to school?
If there is a positive COVID-19 case in my classroom, will I have to quarantine?
Why do some people return to campus sooner than others after a COVID case?
I thought that the CDC changed its policy to recommend a shorter quarantine period?
Is there a specific face covering I should wear?
Are Lower and Middle School students required to wear face coverings during PE and recess?
When is it okay for me to take off my face covering while on campus?
If Middle and Upper School students bring their own technology devices, is there a preferred device?
Can I come to campus to have lunch with my Lower School student?
How do you ensure social distancing among your youngest students?
I am concerned about the behavior of another Pace family. What should I do?
What if I don’t feel safe sending my child to school?
Should I get a flu shot this year?
My family is planning to travel soon. Can my children come back to school after taking a vacation?
I still have questions, what do I do?
* Please note that these guidelines are subject to change as the situation unfolds and additional information becomes available.
YOUR COVID SCHOOL SUPPLIES
-
Face Covering: Find a mask or similar face covering that suits your sense of style and comfort. Sport the face covering for several days prior to our return to school to ensure you are comfortable wearing it for long periods of time. Always carry an extra face covering in your backpack. In putting our protocols into action, we have observed issues with neck gaiters, particularly for our youngest students. They simply do not fit properly and slip off their faces far too often. Therefore, we are asking that all students wear only cloth face masks (without respirators) during the school day. Gaiters will be permitted for Middle and Upper School student-athletes participating in after-school athletic activities, but must fit snuggly.
-
Personal Technology Device(s): Middle and Upper School students are asked to bring their own laptops or tablets to school each day to help us minimize the sharing of technological devices. Devices should be taken home at the end of each day. Mac-compatible devices are preferred, but all are welcome.
-
Sanitizers: We will provide hand sanitizer and hand-sanitizing stations throughout campus. Feel free to carry a personal supply of hand sanitizer or hand-sanitizing wipes with you as well.
-
Water Bottle: Bring a clean, reusable water bottle to avoid sharing water sources.
CONTACT OUR COVID response TEAM
Pete Dewar, MA, ATC
Head Athletic Trainer
Anna Gretchen, B.S.N., M.S.N.
Lower School Nurse
Megan Turner, B.S.N., R.N.
Middle and Upper School Nurse
Our Advisers
In partnership with a team of healthcare advisers and campus administrators, the COVID Response Team is composed of Head Athletic Trainer Pete Dewar, Lower School Nurse Anna Gretchen, Middle and Upper School Nurse Megan Turner and a part-time contact tracer, who are all certified in COVID contact tracing by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. We have and will continue to follow the guidance and guidelines set forth by the Georgia Department of Public Health, the CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics to ensure that our campus remains as safe and healthy as possible.