New Policies & Procedures

• In the morning, all Lower School students are to be dropped off in front of the Lower School door of the Administration building. The side Kindergarten gate will not be in use for morning drop-off. More information on daily drop-off and pick-up procedures will be sent to Lower School families before Orientation Day. 
• In all three Divisions, the School will use contactless drop-off and pick-up procedures and ask parents to remain in cars.
   

• As a community that values individual rights and concerns, we ask that all students, faculty, staff, and parents respect one other and demonstrate care and compassion.
• Currently, St. Johns requires all students and faculty to wear protective face coverings. Students and faculty should bring a mask to School each day and wear it according to CDC Guidelines. Additionally, social distancing guidelines will be followed. 
• Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to properly wear a face mask, and here is guidance on washing cloth masks. 
• All classroom teachers have been asked to apply current social distancing guidelines in regards to classroom seating and student interaction. 
• Faculty and staff who are in regular contact with large number of students will be required to wear masks (e.g., food service personnel, security, library staff, college counselors, and some School offices).

• Until further notice, all families traveling outside of the continental U.S. or to areas that are considered higher risk COVID-19 areas must inform the Head of School office prior to travel.  
• Until further notice, faculty and staff traveling outside of the continental U.S. or to areas that are considered higher risk COVID-19 must get permission from the Head of School and their respective Division Head and together determine if quarantining will be required. 

• Spartan Athletics will return to play using the FHSAA guidelines by sport, including spectator and visiting team protocols.   
• Access and usage of locker rooms and the weight room will be restricted and scheduled by Athletic Director Traci Livingston.
• During both practices and competitions, athletes should bring their own water bottles.  
• Sports schedules will be left to the discretion of coaches and Athletic Director and will be discussed prior to the start of each season, based on current recommendations.  
   

• In order to provide greater safety and social distancing on buses, passengers will not share a bus bench unless they are in the same family. In order to ensure controlled and consistent physical distancing, there will be clearly marked separation of assigned seats on buses.
• These protocols will be maintained on St. Johns buses as well as on contracted buses.
• All school buses will be detailed, disinfected, and electrostatically cleaned prior to the start of school.  Then, on a daily basis, bus drivers will disinfect designated seating areas.
• Bus drivers will always wear a face mask.

• College representative visits will continue to be welcomed and encouraged; however, many universities have restructured their travel guidelines.  
• St. Johns is prepared to accommodate both virtual and in-person meetings with college admissions representatives.

• Performing Arts classes and productions will take social distancing precautions. 
• Choral students will be required to wear protective face coverings in class. Further instructions and class requirements will be discussed at the start of the School year.  
• Band students will play while socially distanced. 
• Due to current COVID-19 management guidelines, we have not scheduled the fall play, holiday concerts, or a fine arts trip but will be looking for opportunities during the spring semester should guidelines allow it. 

The goal is to continue in person, on campus Open Houses and Parent Teacher conferences.  Additional information will be shared closer to these events. 

During this time of uncertainty, we realize the emotional toll the global pandemic is taking on students and families. St. Johns is committed to not only physical safety but also the mental well-being of our community. As a school, we will strive to:

• Reestablish connections between staff and students to bring back a sense of community.
• Through group sessions with Advisors, allow time for students to discuss how the pandemic has affected their lives.
• Validate students’ concerns and talk about changes taking place both on and off campus.
• Discuss new environmental stressors.
• Provide instruction on building social and emotional skills.

St. Johns Guidance Office will provide students with any protocol changes for appointments with counselors.  
 

St. Johns' lunch vendor, SLA Management, will continue to provide high quality healthy foods, given restrictions required to reduce the possibility of the spread of the virus. Food will only be handled by SLA staff who will wear gloves and masks and will maintain appropriate distance while preparing food. Additionally:

• Lunch will be served directly to students and staff by SLA personnel. 
• To ensure social distancing, lunch will be served at staggered times. Students will continue to eat outside and/or in supervised classrooms. 
• All serving areas will be sanitized between lunches.
   

Planning and implementing School-related trips present particular challenges during this pandemic:

• The Grade 8 Mountain Trip is currently under review. Decisions will be made at the start of the School year based on facility restrictions and local and state guidelines.  
• The senior class trip to Washington, DC, is currently scheduled for January 2021. Modifications may be made based upon safety recommendations at that time.  
• Based on current travel restrictions and guidelines, all international trips are temporarily on hold.  
• Decisions on other trips-- field trips, day trips, etc.-- will be shared closer to the events.