The New York State Education Department and Board of Regents released guidance regarding the opening of schools in September. Public and private schools will be allowed to “reopen (with precautionary measures taken) if the region is in Phase 4 and the daily infection rate remains five percent or lower over a 14-day average,” said Governor Cuomo, who will make the final decision on whether schools can open at all.
As per the requirements set forth on July 27, 2020 by the New York State Department of Education in the guide, New York State Reopening Guidance for Religious and Independent Schools, the Ridge School submitted on August 6, 2020 the
"Ridge School Re-Opening Plan for the 2020-2021 School Year" to the New York State Department of Education. Below is a copy of the re-opening plan that was submitted.
On July 27, 2020 the New York State Department of Education released their guidance, New York State Reopening Guidance for Religious and Independent Schools. This guidance established the requirements and considerations that religious and independent schools are to utilize in developing reopening plans. On or before August 7, 2020, religious and independent schools must submit Reopening Plans.
On July 17, 2020, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) released Guidance to Reopen New York State Schools to help schools and school districts as they plan to reopen, whether that occurs in person, remotely, or in a combination of the two
Teaching and Learning: Flexibility
The Ridge School offers a Face-to-Face/Virtual Learning Model which is designed for families who feel comfortable with students returning to a face-to-face, in-school environment while also providing families an option of a live simultaneous Distance Learning/Virtual Learning Model. The Virtual Learning Model provides the student live interaction with the faculty, staff, students and therapy dog Shiloh.
If there is an order for schools to close the Ridge School will switch over to the Virtual Learning Model.
Enhanced coronavirus-related health and safety measures
If parents opt for any in-person learning options, students will have to follow increased health and safety protocols to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Below are few topics parents should be aware of.
Prior to entering the Ridge School faculty, staff, students, and visitors must have a mandatory heath screening that includes temperature check to identify any individuals who may have COVID-19 or been exposed to COVID-19. If an individual presents with a temperature greater than 100.00F they will be denied entry into the building OR sent directly to the dedicated area prior to being picked up or otherwise sent home.
Face coverings
Teachers, faculty and staff: All Ridge School employees face masks or other appropriate personal protective equipment
Students: If a student opts for face-to-face learning they will be required to wear a face covering
Masks will be provided for those who do not have one.
*Accommodations for face covering protocols can be made for students/staff based on their individual health needs
Classroom sanitization
Hand sanitizer will be available in the classroom.
Arrange seating so that students are as physically distanced as possible with 6 feet apart when feasible.
Supply soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, cleaning and disinfection supplies for staff, paper towels, and tissue.
Reinforce hand washing with soap for 20 seconds and/or hand sanitizer use.
Schedule more frequent cleaning of high touch/high-traffic areas