Response to the Spread of COVID-19

All learning will be remote.

WT will be open for in-person instruction based on the individual divisional models which include fully in-person instruction, hybrid instruction which blends both in-person and virtual instruction, or fully virtual instruction as selected by the parents/guardians of each child.

WT will be fully open for in-person instruction for all students using our regular model.

The pandemic coordinator and team are responsible for facilitating WT’s planning process, monitoring implementation of our Health and Safety Plan, and continued monitoring of local health data to assess implications for school operations and potential adjustments to the Health and Safety Plan throughout the school year. The Pandemic Coordinator and Team are responsible for the Health and Safety Plan Development, serving on the Pandemic Crisis Response Team playing a role in within-year decision making regarding response efforts in the event of a confirmed positive case or exposure among staff and students.

A team of WT parents and others who have specialized expertise in Covid-19 treatment, research, and data will serve as advisors to the Pandemic Team and assist with assessing and implementing the WT Health and Safety Plan.

The Academics 2020 and Beyond Task Force is responsible for the development of the academic program related to the reopening of school. The Task Force is made up of the Head of School, the Division Directors, Director of Programs, Director of Academics and Representatives from each Divisional Faculty. In addition to the academic programming work, the group will serve as a resource for feedback and suggestions on the health and safety plan.

The Operations 2020 and Beyond Task Force is responsible for the development and implementation of operational adaptations for non-teaching positions and offices. The Task Force is made up of the Head of School, the Assistant Head for Operations, and representative members of the administration and non-teaching employees. The group will also serve as a resource for feedback and suggestions on the health and safety plan.

• Home Health Screening: Prior to leaving home, all students must complete a home health screening through Ruvna. Upon arriving at school, each student must show the QR clearance code to a staff member. Parents may forward the QR students to their child’s device or, for younger children, show the code to the staff member upon arrival. Students who do not have devices to show their pass or who did not complete the screening will be checked in by a staff member. Learn more about the Daily Screening Process.
• Arrival Locations: To allow for appropriate physical distancing, arrival locations are staggered around the campus. Arrival Door Assignments are listed below. No student may arrive before 7:30 a.m., and parents/guardians/caregivers may not enter the building with students.
• Designated Gathering Areas: Students arriving between 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. must proceed to the Designated Gathering Area described below after being checked in. Students are not allowed in classrooms until 8:00 a.m. unless they have a previously scheduled appointment with a teacher.
• Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. must proceed directly to their classrooms from their designated entrance.
• Members of the same family or carpool may enter through the same door. Please select the Arrival Door Assignment for the youngest student.

Arrival Door Assignments

Grade Level(s)	Assigned Entrance
Pre-K, K, Grade 1	Molloy Posner Hall Morewood Entrance
Grades 2–5	Molloy Posner Hall Ellsworth Entrance
Grades 6–8	Molloy Posner Hall Stadium Scoreboard Entrance (Enter the back parking lot from Ellsworth and slowly proceed to the stadium scoreboard entrance of the gym.)
Grades 9–10	Upper School Building Main Entrance
Grades 11–12	Upper School Building Student Entrance
Lower and Middle School Bus/Van Arrival	Molloy Posner Hall Bayard Entrance
Upper School Bus/Van Arrival	Appropriate Upper School Building Grade Level Entrance

Before School Designated Gathering Areas
Prior to 8:00 a.m., students must proceed directly to these designated locations and must adhere to physical distancing guidelines in these spaces.

Grade/Division	Location
PK, K, Grade 1	Designated Kindergarten Classroom, Molloy Posner Hall
Grades 2–5	Falk Auditorium, Molloy Posner Hall
Middle School	Finkel Library and Designated Classrooms, Molloy Posner Hall
Upper School	Hilda Willis Room (max 25) or Dorrance Library (max 25), Upper School Building

A Dismissal Zoom channel will be established to communicate to all classrooms. Faculty will dismiss students to carpool and/or bus/van when students names are called.

• Walk-Up: Parents/Guardians who walk and arrive at dismissal time should proceed to the assigned exit for their child. Parents/Guardians must be masked and maintain appropriate physical distancing.
• Car/Carpool: Lower School and Middle School students who arrive/leave by car must exit at the assigned exit listed below. Families with more than one student should use the assignment of the youngest student for arrival and dismissal. Please display carpool sign distributed with school materials on dashboard; Students will be called to come to your car upon your arrival.
• Bus/Van: All bus/van students must exit on Bayard Street.
• Supervised Study/WT After Care: Students must report directly to the designated location.
• Athletics, Fine Arts, and Extracurricular Activities: Students must report directly to their designated locations.
• Upper School students who do not have a class last period may leave campus by signing out in the Upper School Office.

Grade Level/Division	Assigned Exit
Pre-K, K, Grade 1	Molloy Posner Hall Morewood Exit
Grades 2–5	Molloy Posner Hall Ellsworth Exit
Grades 6–8	Molloy Posner Hall Stadium Scoreboard Exit (Enter the back parking lot from Ellsworth and slowly proceed to the stadium scoreboard entrance of the gym.)
Grades 9–12	Either Upper School Exit
Lower and Middle School Students Leaving by Van/Bus	Molloy Posner Hall Bayard Exit
Upper School Students Leaving by Van/Bus	Either Upper School Exit

We do not recommend carpooling with other families to school. However, we understand there may be some instances when it is necessary. Should you have to do so, we ask that you please follow the Center for Disease Controls steps, "to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19":

• Stay home if you are sick or had close contact with someone who has the coronavirus.
• Everyone in the car must wear a mask.
• Everyone in the car must wash or sanitize their hands.
• Keep the car windows lowered to increase ventilation inside the car.
• Run the car's ventilation system in non-recirculation mode.

Transportation will begin on Tuesday, September 8, supporting students as their grade level is phased in. (See Learning Models above.)

Families and students must remain vigilant for symptoms and must follow all guidelines for reporting symptoms and remaining home from school as outlined in the Division Handbooks and in the Procedures Regarding Exposure to COVID-19.

• Students are directed to sit one student per seat (except those from the same family), near the window. Students must stay seated and quiet during the bus ride. Students will face forward for the duration of the trip.
• Students will seat the bus/van back to front during loading, and exit front to back when they are unloading.
• Students will get on or off the bus/van only at their assigned stop.
• The first two seats on either side of the driver must be left vacant.
• Students must wear masks at all times.
• When possible windows should remain open.

• Adults within the school should attempt to maintain a distance of 6 feet from other people as much as possible. Office partitions and protective shields will be installed where needed for additional protections.
• Using the cohort model, limited numbers of students will be in classrooms at any given moment with some students learning from a remote location. Classroom seating will be arranged with physical distancing guidelines (6 feet of separation throughout the day) to the maximum extent feasible. Interaction among groups of students will also be restricted.
• Signage is being installed throughout the building to indicate directional movement in hallways and stairwells. Students and employees will be instructed on the importance of adhering to the signage.
• In Middle and Upper School, students will be instructed to maintain physical distancing during passing periods and faculty may stagger dismissals from class periods to minimize the numbers of students in the hallway at any given moment.
• Upper School students with free/unassigned periods will be scheduled into indoor and outdoor spaces to minimize large groups and violations of physical distancing.
• With the exception of physical education, all Lower School special classes (art, music, science, library, technology, etc.) will consider unique programming needs and plan activities using the same COVID-19 transmission risk-mitigation protocols outlined in this document and may deliver instruction in grade level classrooms and not in specialist classrooms.
• Student furniture and seating are being evaluated to ensure social distancing in classrooms.
• Large communal spaces (i.e. libraries, Hilman Dining Hall, Hilda Willis Room, auditorium), and outdoor spaces may be used as classrooms to allow for larger physically distanced groups of students.
• Students will be safely provided regular opportunities for physical education, outdoor play, and recess for students. When in communal or outside recess areas, emphasis will be placed on cohorting students and limiting the size of participating groups. Outdoor equipment will be cleaned and disinfected between group uses.
• Restroom occupancy will be limited, and students will follow physical distancing guidelines when transitioning to the restroom.
• No full-school or large group gatherings will be held in person and will be replaced by virtual gatherings when possible.
• WT school playgrounds and outdoor play spaces are for the use of students during the school day and are closed to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in consideration of school hours and after-school activity use of our facilities. For the healthy and safety of our school community, we ask that families respect physical distancing and face covering guidelines during the use of our playgrounds and outdoor play spaces at all other times.

• Hygiene, inclusive of hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, use of face masks, will be taught with the manner and frequency appropriate per grade and reinforced at the start of every day (via posters, video and live instruction) and throughout the day. Social distancing will be maintained during the daily entry process and face coverings must be worn.
• Hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol) stations are located throughout the building, and faculty and students will be instructed in their location and proper usage.
• Handwashing will be built into the school schedule.
• Touchless paper towel dispensers are installed in the restrooms.
• Water fountains will be disabled but water bottle filling stations will remain available.
• Signs will be posted on how to stop the spread of COVID-19 (properly washing hands, promoting everyday protective measures, and properly wearing a face covering) in visible locations throughout the buildings.
• WT will periodically share information from public health organizations such as the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health on hygiene and disinfection strategies for COVID-19 transmission prevention at home and in the community.
• Hygiene supplies including face coverings, soap, tissues, hand sanitizer, and paper towels to ensure adequate inventory in classrooms, restrooms, and spaces throughout the campus will be regularly monitored.

Any employee or student who is ill must stay home regardless of whether or not the illness is COVID-19 related. Employees and students must remain home until they have been fever-free for 48 hours without medication.

• The School Nurse and other staff members will monitor State, Allegheny County Health Department, and federal guidance on COVID-19 transmission in our community.
• All families will have the option to enroll their child(ren) in remote learning at any time for the protection of their vulnerable students or family members. Families will work with their division director on their needs.
• Families who have students in a high-risk health category should connect with the School Nurse to discuss reopening procedures and distance learning options.
• Staff who are in a CDC classified high-risk category should speak to the Director of Human Resources about their specific situation and about working options that may include working remotely.
• Remote Learning will include opportunities to videoconference into classrooms to participate in the academic program remotely. Students needing a fully virtual experience will receive regular check-ins from a teacher and/or counselor.

Pregame Protocol (2019-2021 NFHS Officials Manual, page 16, 1.8)

• Limit attendees to the referee, head coach, and one captain from each team with each coach standing on the center circle on each side of the division line.
• All individuals maintain a social distance of 6 feet or greater at the center circle.
• Suspend handshakes prior to and following the Pregame Conference.

Participants allowed during each HOME contest at WT:

• Every contest will have the following individuals present for competition: 10 players (per team), 4 coaches (per team), 3 officials (could be 2), 1 time keeper, and 1 official scorebook official.
• Due to space constraints, no spectators from either team will be allowed in the gym either for practice or competitions. Games will be livestreamed.
• The WT Athletic Trainer will have a designated, socially distanced location in the gym.
• Parents/guardians must meet their child/children outside and may not enter the building.
• Coaches and Athletes should adhere to the most current orders from Pennsylvania Secretary of the Department of Health Order
• All members of the coaching staff must complete the health screening as well as all game personnel (officials, scorekeepers, etc.)

Officials Table (2-1-3)

• The host should sanitize the table before the game and at half time.
• Place officials table sufficiently away from the sideline to allow for additional space for substitutes.
• Limit seats at the table to essential personnel which includes home team scorer and timer with a recommended distance of six feet or greater between individuals. Other personnel (visiting scorer, statisticians, media, etc.) may not be deemed essential personnel and consider an alternate location for them.
• Table personnel should adhere to the current Pennsylvania Secretary of the Department of Health Order

Pre and Post Game Ceremony

• Suspend the pregame introduction handshakes.
  • This includes shaking opposing head coaches and officials prior to the game.
• Suspend post game protocol of shaking hands.

Due to the perpetual fluidity of COVID-19, these guidelines are subject to change. In order to participate in practices and competition, ALL participants must adhere to these guidelines to ensure its strategic implementation and the safety of our student-athletes, coaching personnel, WT staff, and our WT community.

Any student who has traveled outside of Pennsylvania is expected to self-isolate in accordance with the Winchester Thurston School pandemic plan guidelines prior to a return to sports-related activities.

The question of recent travel needs to be asked on a questionnaire by the coach to determine means of tracking.

Face Coverings

• Masks MUST be worn at ALL TIMES during training and conditioning.

Training

• Training will involve individual skill development, cardiovascular training, and team activities.
• Coaches MUST tailor their training sessions to include social distancing as much as possible when student-athletes are not participating.

Facility Usage During Practice Sessions

• Teams are allowed to have up to 25 individuals per training session (indoors). This includes coaching personnel. ONLY WT coaches are allowed to conduct these training sessions.
• Coaches will determine which student-athletes will participate in each Pod. Coaches may also make the determination to have less than 25 individuals. Working in smaller groups indoors is encouraged.
• Weight room will be open for use ONLY in groups of five or less. This includes the coaching personnel (coaches MUST be in the weight room to supervise).

Use of Athletic Equipment

• Officials Uniform and Equipment
  • Long-sleeved shirts are permissible.
  • Electronic whistles are permissible (supplies are limited).
    • Choose a whistle whose tone will carry inside.
    • Cloth face coverings are permissible.
    • Officials should have face coverings readily available in the event they will be conversing with players/coaches/game personnel within six feet.
  • Gloves are permissible
• If a student-athlete is unable to gain access to necessary equipment for his or her training session, he or she should reach out to their head coach prior to the training session. Equipment, clothing, or shoes WILL NOT be shared.
• Equipment Considerations
  • Shoes
  • Jersey (designated for each student-athlete for the season)
  • Socks
  • Basketballs
  • Individual Towels
  • Mouth Guards

Hydration

• Each student-athlete and coach will bring his or her own water bottle. Suggestion: Fill a 1-gallon milk container with water and freeze 24-hours prior to each training session. Remove from the freezer the night before the training session.

Permitted Physical Activity

• Limited during pre-season conditioning period

Campus Entrance and Exit Strategies

• Student-athletes should dress at home if they are in an alternate week or learning or hybrid learning. Bring ANY additional clothing, equipment, and water bottles with them for each training session.
• Student-athletes CANNOT arrive more than 15 minutes prior to the start of their training session.
• Student-athletes should enter through the main gym entrance when they arrive for practice. They will exit through the gym exit at the rear of the gym.
• Coaching personnel MUST wear masks at all times in the presence of student-athletes.
• No spectators will be allowed (this includes practices and/or competitions).
• Students must leave campus within 15 minutes of the conclusion of practice. No loitering around campus.

Pre-Training Session Screenings

• Each head coach will be responsible for executing screenings and recording attendance.
• Every student-athlete participating in any training session will have his or her temperature checked.
• Every student-athlete participating in any training session will fill out a short questionnaire.
• If a student-athlete has a temperature higher than 100.4, he or she will be sent home and not be allowed to participate in sports-related activities until the temperature is below the CDC standard for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medication. The student-athlete will need a doctor’s note to return. The doctor’s note should be given to the Director of Athletics or Assistant Director of Athletics.

Hand Sanitizing

• EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
  • Basketball
    • Ball shall be sanitized as recommended by the ball manufacturer and not used for warm-ups.
    • The host school should ensure that the ball is sanitized during timeouts and between quarters. ·
    • Sanitizer should be provided by the host team at the table.
    • Cloth face coverings are permissible for players.

Coaching staff and other bench personnel shall follow the current Pennsylvania Secretary of the Department of Health

• A “COVID Caddy” will be distributed to each head coach. The caddy will include:
  • Non-touch Thermometer
  • Gloves
  • Face masks
  • Sanitation wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Return to Sports Folder
  • Screening questionnaire
  • Attendance and Tracking Sheet
  • Procedures for positive screen
• Prior to and after every practice or competition, student-athletes will use hand sanitizer and sanitation wipes to wipe down equipment.
• Student-athletes and coaches will use hand sanitizer during all water breaks.
• After the training session is completed, every student-athlete will reapply his or her mask.
• ONLY coaches will handle equipment (i.e. cones, ladders, hurdles, etc.).

• 25-person max inside the gym (during training sessions). This includes all coaching personnel and players.
• To promote social distancing, we will move our “benches” to the bleacher side of the gymnasium, so the extra players can be spread out on the bleachers and not along the one wall.
• Masks inside the building are mandatory. This includes while playing.
• The equipment MUST be cleaned before and after practices. Cleaning supplies will be in the COVID caddy.
• Mask breaks can be done during practice OUTSIDE. There are three ways to exit the building from the gym that are convenient.

PIAA Return to Competition: Individual Sport Considerations