Covid-19 Protocol

Updated COVID-19 Protocols as of 2-23-22

The main objective behind these guidelines is to keep students in school, to keep students and teachers safe, and to protect the quality of the instructional process in accordance with local guidelines. Furthermore, we want to ensure that the school can focus on its mission of providing for Christian families a Christ-centered education that disciples our students to honor Jesus Christ in thought, word and deed. As such, the Board of Trustees, has approved the following protocols for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year.

1. Physical distancing: As much as possible, we will work to keep students at least 3 feet apart.
2. Masking: Masks will be optional in the school.
3. Cohorts: We will continue to limit the number of students that a class has direct contact with (closer than 3-6 feet for more than 15 minutes), so that we can limit the number of students exposed to a potential case of COVID-19. We will have 4 cohorts:
   1. Grades Preschool, Pre-K and K
   2. Grades 1-3
   3. Grades 4-6
   4. Grades 7-12
4. Testing: We will offer COVID-19 testing through SHIELD Illinois upon request.
5. Handwashing: We will continue to encourage regular handwashing and provide accessible hand sanitizer.
6. Ventilation: To increase outside airflow, we will keep classroom windows open as much as possible.
7. Remote learning: Remote learning will only be available for long term COVID-19 related quarantines or long term medical situations. Students will not be permitted to join remotely at the last minute.
8. When your child is sick:
   1. Keep your child home if they are exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms. Symptomatic individuals who do not have COVID-19, must provide a negative COVID-19 test in order to return to school.
   2. A COVID-positive child may return to school in accordance with CDC quarantine guidelines and once symptoms are improving. We ask that you continue to take extra caution. When in doubt, stay home an extra day.
9. Visitors:
   1. We will limit visitors to the classrooms during the school day to those who are essential to the instructional program.
   2. Parents will be permitted to attend classroom events, as invited by the teacher.
10. Transportation: Any students being transported by the school for any school event will need to wear a mask while riding in the car or bus to that event. Windows will be open to provide ventilation.
11. Lunch
    1. Elementary students will sit with their class in the lunchroom. Students will be a least 3 feet apart and sit at an assigned table.
    2. Secondary students will have assigned tables in the lunchroom. Juniors and seniors will have the option to sit outside at the picnic tables when the weather permits.
    3. Preschool, Pre-K and K will eat in their classrooms.
12. Athletics: Masks are optional for all sporting events as of February 28, 2022.

**All guidelines are subject to change depending on ISBE, IDPH, and local guidelines.