Response to the Spread of Coronavirus

WT will remain closed for on-campus learning and all instruction will follow our Remote Learning Plan.

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.

• 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.

Details on these protocols are being finalized at this time.

All persons on campus will be required to wear face masks/coverings. Those failing to comply with this requirement will not be allowed on campus. Employees who must be in close proximity to students who are unable to wear a cloth face covering will be asked to use a mask in combination with a face shield when working with these students.

• Face coverings may be removed when outside and at least 6 feet apart and: when eating or drinking, during outdoor recess, or having a “face covering break.”
• Employees will be provided 5 reusable face coverings.
• Students are required to bring in their own face coverings. Face coverings must be plain or with a simple pattern or design with no words or slogans.
• Exceptions to this requirement due to medical conditions or other circumstances will be made on a case-by-case basis by the School Nurse in conjunction with the school nurse, physicians, mental health professionals, and the appropriate school administrator(s).
• Education will be provided to staff and students on the proper use of face coverings to cover the nose and mouth, how to maintain hand hygiene when removing face coverings for meals and physical activity, and for replacing and maintaining (washing regularly) face coverings.

• 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 24 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.

Traveled Students

• Any student who has traveled by airplane and/or to areas considered as “Hot Spots” would be asked to self-isolate for 14 days prior to a return to sports-related activities.

(If the Head of School deems this phase unnecessary, WT Athletics will immediately begin at Phase II)

Per Head of School: students who travel by airplane and/or have traveled to areas of the country that are considered locations high in COVID-19 spread, may need to isolate for 14 days. The question needs to be asked on a questionnaire by the coach to determine means of tracking.

Training

• This phase will involve individual skill development, cardiovascular training, and non-contact activities ONLY.
• Coaches MUST tailor their training sessions towards individual development that maintains social distancing.

Facility Usage

• Teams are allowed to have up to 25 individuals per training session (outdoors). 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. The same Pod will ALWAYS be maintained throughout the entire Phase II period. Coaches may also make the determination to have less than 25 individuals in a Pod (the same Pod integrity will be maintained with smaller groups).
• In case of inclement weather, all student-athletes will go to the Cafeteria to help maintain social distancing.
• Weight room will NOT be open for use.

Usage of Athletic Equipment

• 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
  • Gloves
  • Sticks (FH)
  • Goggles (FH)
  • Shin guards
  • Tennis rackets
  • Golf clubs

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 Contact

• Not allowed during Phase II

Campus Entrance and Exit Strategies

• Student-athletes MUST dress at home and 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.
• Drop-off will occur at the Ellsworth Circle. Pick-up will occur at the Bayard Circle. Student-athletes will have masks worn upon arrival. Masks may be removed at the beginning of their training session.
• Coaching personnel MUST wear masks at all times in the presence of student-athletes.
• Coaches MUST have practice slots pre-scheduled with the AD and Assistant AD. There will be no more than 1 team on campus at a time.
• No spectators will be allowed during Phase II or Phase III until approved by WT administration (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 99.5, he or she will be sent home and not be allowed to participate in sports-related activities until the temperature is below 99.5 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

• A “COVID Caddy” will be distributed to each head coach on or before July 6, 2020. 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.).

• Includes ALL requirements of Phase II plus sport-specific practice and competition.
• Teams will be split between Varsity and JV (if applicable) to help maintain social distancing. Coaches will determine which student-athletes will represent each team. Each team will be treated as a Pod like in Phase II.
• Teams will be rescreened after school and before athletics
• Close contact in locker rooms and during events will occur during this phase.
• WT after school will have restrictions (class size to limit close contact)
• Visiting teams will be screened prior to each contest.
• Officials will be screened prior to each contest.

Practices and Competitions

Coaches can tailor their practices and competitions towards regular sports-related activities. Student-athletes should maintain social distancing as much as possible when they are not competing.

Facility Usage

• Teams are allowed to have the full roster for participation. This number should not exceed 250.
• Weight room will have the following guidelines:
  • A maximum of 8 individuals at any given time. This is to include coaching personnel.
  • By reservation only through the AD’s office.
  • A maximum of 40 minutes (i.e. 10:00 – 10:40). Reservations will be on the hour.
  • Each coach is responsible for wiping down ALL equipment BEFORE and AFTER use.

Usage of Athletic Equipment

• If a student-athlete is unable to gain access to necessary equipment for his or her practice or competition, he or she should reach out to their head coach prior to participation. Equipment, clothing, or shoes WILL NOT be shared.
• Equipment Considerations
  • Shoes
  • Jersey (designated for each student-athlete for the season)
  • Socks
  • Gloves
  • Sticks (FH)
  • Goggles (FH)
  • Shin guards
  • Tennis rackets
  • Golf clubs

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 practice or competition. Remove from the freezer the night before the workout.

Permitted Physical Contact

• In accordance with sports-specific rules and regulations

Before Practice and Before Competition Screenings

• Each head coach will be responsible for executing screenings and recording attendance.
• Every student-athlete participating in any practice or competition will have his or her temperature checked.
• Every student-athlete participating in any practice or competition will fill out a short questionnaire.
• If a student-athlete has a temperature higher than 99.5, he or she will be sent home and not be allowed to participate in sports-related activities until the temperature is below 99.5 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

• 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 practice or competition is completed, every student-athlete will reapply his or her mask.
• ONLY coaches will handle equipment for practice and competitions.

Travel

• In accordance with CDC health safety guidelines for return to school, 1 student-athlete per seat in every other row will represent team travel during Phase III.
• Each coach and student-athlete will wear his or her mask while traveling on the bus.
• No vans will be used during Phase III unless otherwise determined by the Head of School.