According to Winston Academy Headmaster Paul Hayles, the school has developed a multi- level plan to prepare for the 2020-2021 school year, taking guidance from the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), as well as following regulations set forth by federal, state and local entities. The three different levels are traditional, hybrid and virtual. The traditional reopening will have students and staff on campus, with the following requirements: • Students are encouraged to wear masks. There may be activities that require a mask so students are asked to keep a personal mask available for those types of activities. Students will not be allowed to share a mask. •Social distancing measures will be in place. •Any child that shows or expresses symptoms will have his temperature taken. If an elementary student has a temperature of 100.4 or greater, he will be sent home. •Designated areas, in multiple locations on campus, will be set up for 7th-12th grade students to answer the health questionnaire and for their temperature to be taken. •Teachers will teach while wearing face shields. This allows a student to clearly see their teacher’s face. •Teachers will spray desks immediately upon students leaving for the next class. •WA will utilize two breaks and two lunch periods for junior high and high school to reduce student numbers to aid in social distancing. •Chapel will be divided into elementary, junior high and high school to aid in social distancing. •Students will be instructed to wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizer often. •Until further notice, visitors will be limited to essential staff, volunteers, and vendors. The hybrid-learning level is a combination of traditional learning and virtual learning. If COVID-19 restrictions are increased, then classes may be divided. The structure of the division and the schedule rotation would be determined when and if any further restrictions are announced. Virtual learning includes all interactions and learning via the internet. If any student does not have internet access ability, packets will be made available or delivered. Frequently asked questions include: •When will students be sent home from school? •Parents will be notified to pick up a student (non-driver) with a fever of 100.4 or above. Parents will be notified that a student (driver) with a fever of 100.4 or above is being sent home. If a physician does not recommend testing, a student can return to school after being fever free for 24 hours. The student must obtain a physician’s note prior to returning to school. • What if my child tests positive? • Student needs to be quarantined for 14 days. Anyone who has been in close contact with that student for an extended period of time, may also have to be quarantined. •How would my child return to school after a positive test has occurred? •After the 14 days of quarantine, the student should go 3 days with no fever without any fever reduction medication, along with a significant reduction of symptoms, and a minimum of 10 days from the first symptoms. The student must obtain a physician’s note prior to returning to school. Winston Academy offers a diverse curriculum that provides college preparatory or vocational training within a safe, Christian learning environment.
