COVID-19 Information

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Prince Avenue Christian School is committed to providing a comprehensive college-prep education with a biblical worldview in an environment that is responsive to the current demands for safety in the midst of COVID-19.

The key to the success of our safety protocols is the cooperation of all members of our family-school community – especially students, parents, and our faculty and staff.  While it is impossible to foresee every conceivable scenario, the design of these protocols reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and provides flexibility to make changes as needed.

We will consistently review this plan as the year progresses and when necessary, changes will be made that will ensure the health and safety of the Prince community.

Click Here for the PACS Positive COVID-19 Test Self-Reporting Form

Click Here for the PACS Known Exposure Self-Reporting Form

 

Click Here for Department of Public Health Return to School Guidance After Covid-19 Illness or Exposure Dated January 22, 2021

 

Covid-19 Letters and Videos from PACS Head of School

Pandemic Safety Plan

The timely reporting (24 hours) of a positive COVID-19 test result for a member of our school community is critical to the efficiency of our contact tracing efforts.  It is not necessary for parents to email the school nurse, individual teachers, or principals.  A positive COVID-19 test should be reported using the PACS Positive COVID-19 Test Self-Reporting Form.

Click Here for the PACS Positive COVID-19 Test Self-Reporting Form

  • Within 24 hours of a parent receiving confirmation of a positive COVID-19 test result for his or her student, a report must be made to the school via the school’s Positive COVID-19 Test Self-Reporting Form.
  • The school nurse, individual teachers, and principals will be notified through the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form. It is not necessary to email school personnel separately.

If you or someone in your household has a “known exposure” (defined as 15 minutes or greater at a distance of six feet or less) to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, for the safety of others at Prince, your student must self-report each day for 14 days from the date of the last known exposure. This is required for your student to return to school.

Click Here for the PACS Known Exposure Self-Reporting Form

  • The Known Exposure Self-Reporting Form should be filled out for each individual student with a known exposure.
  • The school nurse, individual teachers, and principals will be notified through the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form. It is not necessary to email school personnel separately.

Protocols for students returning to campus are based upon the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.

Symptomatic persons with a positive COVID-19 test result may return to school after ALL of the following have occurred:

  • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
  • At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications AND
  • Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved

Asymptomatic persons with confirmed COVID-19 (a positive test) may return to school after:

  • At least 10 days have passed since the positive laboratory test (and the person remains asymptomatic).

Persons with known exposure (“known exposure” is defined as 15 minutes or greater at a distance of six feet or less) to an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19 who are not fully vaccinated must follow the following protocol provided by the Department of Public Health:

A 14-day quarantine period is still recommended; however, individuals may opt for a shorter quarantine period by meeting the below criteria. NOTE: The day of exposure is day 0.

Asymptomatic persons who have a known exposure to a person with COVID-19 can return to school:

After 7 full days have passed since their most recent exposure, if they fulfill all THREE of the following criteria:

  • Test for COVID-19 (PCR/molecular or antigen test) no earlier than day 5 of quarantine AND
  • Receive a negative result AND
  • Do not experience any COVID-19 symptoms during the quarantine period

After 10 full days have passed since their most recent exposure, if they are not tested for COVID-19 AND do not experience any COVID-19 symptoms during the quarantine period:

After stopping quarantine after day 7 or 10, individuals who do not have symptoms should:

  • Closely monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days from their most recent date of exposure
  • For at least the entire 14 days, they should strictly adhere to mitigation measures including appropriate mask usage, staying at least 6 feet from others except for brief transitional movements (e.g., changing classes), washing their hands, avoiding crowds, and taking other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19

If an individual, who is a close contact AND ended quarantine after day 7 or 10, develops symptoms he or she should be sent home immediately and follow the guidelines for symptomatic individuals and seek COVID-19 testing.

Additional quarantine guidance can be found at https://dph.georgia.gov/contact

Individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, are NOT required to quarantine if it has been at least 14 days (2 weeks) since the completion of the COVID-19 vaccination series (two doses in a two-dose series OR one dose in a one-dose series).

 

  • Students with temperatures of 100.4F or above or who show other active symptoms of COVID-19, will be immediately isolated, and their parents will be notified that they are to be picked up as soon as possible.
  • Any student discovered at school with a fever (any fever) must be picked up as soon as possible and remain home to engage in Hybrid Learning for 72 hours, and he or she must also obtain a doctor’s note to return to school.  An image of the doctor’s note clearing student to return to school should be emailed to schoolnurse@princeave.org.
  • Ample supplies of hand sanitizer will be distributed throughout all hallways, cafeteria, etcetera, and students will be “trained” to use these products as we operate in this new normal.
  • Our cleaning staff has been increased to facilitate the sanitizing of common touch surfaces like door handles, push bars, bathroom fixtures, etcetera, throughout the school day.
  • Signage across the campus will encourage proper health and hygiene practices, including, among other things, regular handwashing or use of hand sanitizer, coughing and sneezing into the crook of one’s forearm, and encouraging all parties to refrain from touching their face. Teachers will also remind and encourage students to regularly practice these mitigation strategies.

The CDC strongly encourages the use of face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Face covering requirements will be based on PACS’ current safety level:

1st – 12th Grades:

Level 1:  No face coverings

Level 2:  Face coverings when social distancing is not possible (arrival and departure from school, in hallways between classes, restrooms, library, front office, etcetera).

Level 3:  Level two plus face coverings will be worn inside all classrooms (face coverings are worn all day).

K4 & Kindergarten Students

Consistent with practices employed with young learners, the following modifications are in effect for students in prekindergarten and kindergarten:

Level 1: No face coverings

Level 2: Face coverings when social distancing is not possible (arrival and departure from school, in hallways between classes, restrooms, library, front office, etcetera).

Level 3: Students will wear face coverings during instructional time “when feasible” and “with periodic breaks” that are age-appropriate. The use of masks in the classroom for young learners will be “more relaxed.”

In the event a student or faculty or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19, we will follow contact tracing based upon the guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  If the infected individual was in close contact with any other persons at the school (defined as within six feet or less for a period of 15 minutes or longer), those persons will be contacted individually and confidentially by an administrator and provided instructions for next steps.

Due to the complex nature of contact tracing as it relates to the timelines associated with COVID-19 exposure, incubation periods, testing windows in relation to exposure, and symptomatic/asymptomatic indicators, each report of a positive COVID-19 test or report of “exposure” (six feet or less for a period of 15 minutes or longer), will be handled on a case by case basis after consulting with medical experts.  The variety of COVID-19 infection scenarios requires individualized response plans to promote the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.  A “one size fits all” approach to contact tracing as it relates to COVID-19 infections is less effective.

Campus Procedures

The campus is closed to visitors; however, parents are not visitors and are welcomed on campus. Parent entry is limited to the main office where they will be admitted after their temperature is taken and they answer a series of questions regarding potential COVID-19 exposure. At this time, parents are NOT allowed to visit students in the cafeteria. Face covering requirements for parents will be based upon the current level of  safety protocol.

  • To reduce students congregating in large groups, once a student enters the building, they will report directly to their first period class and be seated.
  • High and middle school teachers not outside at carline duty will be stationed throughout the school to immediately direct students to their first period classrooms.
  • The use of high school and middle school lockers will be restricted or temporarily suspended.

  • Enrollment in the lower school has been capped to facilitate social distancing. We have waitlisted students in select grades, and we will open new class sections as enrollment allows.
  • Nonessential furniture has been removed, and as practically as possible, we will practice physical distancing in terms of students’ desk placement and teacher interaction.
  • Disinfectants will be used by teachers to clean desks and common classroom surfaces throughout the day.
  • A robust supply of hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration of 70% or above will be available in every classroom.
  • All classrooms will be disinfected each night with Bioesque Disinfectant, which is 99.9 percent effective against the human Coronavirus.
  • All students are highly encouraged to bring bottled water from home since our water fountains will not be operational to reduce common contact surfaces.
  • Chapel services will be socially distanced utilizing the spacious seating in the church’s worship center.
  • Lower school students participating in foreign language and music (singing) will be required to wear a face shield (not a mask) as will their teachers. Face shields will be disinfected at the end of each day.
  • Middle and high school choral students will wear face shields and will practice in the church to facilitate greater social distancing. Face shields will be disinfected at the end of each day. Choral selections for the year have been deliberately chosen to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
  • Band students will practice in the church to promote increased social distancing.

Lunch

  • The cafeteria staff has been increased so food and drinks can be placed on students’ trays by a gloved, masked, and face-shielded food service worker.
  • Flatware dispensers have been replaced by prepackaged flatware.
  • Self-service drink stations have been eliminated.
  • Lower school students will be socially distanced in the cafeteria by their teachers.
  • Middle and high school students will be socially distanced and eat on a rotating, fair share schedule between the cafeteria and outside on the pavilion, which will be equipped with high powered fans for use as needed. The need to rotate between eating in the cafeteria and on the pavilion is necessary due to the size of the middle and high school student populations relative to the capacity of the cafeteria when employing socially distanced seating. Students will be supervised by faculty/staff while outdoors.
  • Tables in the cafeteria and pavilion will be disinfected after each use by a school employee. (Students will not clean tables).
  • At this time, parents are NOT allowed to visit students during lunch either in the cafeteria or on the pavilion.
  • All lunch schedules for all grades will remain the same.

High School and Middle School Morning Break/Snack

  • To reduce student concentrations, morning breaks will be taken inside classrooms or outside the building on a rotating, fair share schedule following the last class preceding a student’s break. Students will be required to bring their own snacks to school (and class). Students will be supervised by faculty/staff during break while outdoors.
  • The sale of morning snacks is temporarily suspended.

Academic performance and cognitive development depend on regular breaks from concentrated classroom work, and outdoor play is essential for lower school students. To help safeguard the health and safety of our students, we will take the following precautions during recess:

  • The staggering of class recess time will be optimized to ensure the least amount of cross class exposure.
  • All students will wash/sanitize their hands before and after recess.
  • Equipment will be disinfected during the school day at a frequency that time and resources allow.
  • Playscapes will be disinfected at the end of every school day.

  • Any student that rides a PACS bus must wear a face covering due to the close proximity of seats on buses. This includes all morning and afternoon bus routes and student-athletes traveling to and from practice/competitions. Likewise, all bus drivers will wear face coverings.
  • All buses will be disinfected at the end of each use.

  • Prior to starting Before Care, Extended Day, and After School Care, all staff members will be required to report they are COVID-19 symptom-free.
  • Cleanliness and hygienic standards for Before Care, Extended Day, and After School Care will follow the same guidelines and protocols throughout the school day.

  • Field Trips:  All field trips are canceled for the first nine weeks of school. We will reevaluate this decision after that time.
  • Overnight middle and high school spiritual retreats: Retreats scheduled for September and November  have been replaced by an on campus experience. Students will not have traditional classes during on campus retreats.
  • International Senior Mission Trip: Due to the impracticality of international travel and large domestic mission efforts because of COVID-19 and its risks, we will not be executing our traditional international mission trip in March of 2021. Instead, we will be having an “Equipping Retreat” for our seniors March 10-12, 2021, where we spend time preparing our seniors to not only stand firm in their faith during college but to live on mission for Jesus during their college years and beyond.
  • Middle School Trip Week: Middle school trip week for grades 6-8 that traditionally takes place in April will not take place this school year.

Returning to a communal environment during a global pandemic for which no vaccine exists involves a certain level of risk. As with all faculty and staff, all families will be required to sign an electronic Waiver and Release BEFORE the first day of school, agreeing to the following:

  • You understand the risks associated with COVID-19.
  • You understand that, despite the school’s best efforts to keep everyone safe, neither PACS nor Prince Avenue Baptist Church (PABC) can guarantee that no one will contract COVID-19.
  • You agree not to hold PACS or PABC, or anyone associated with the school/church, liable if your child happens to contract COVID-19.
  • You agree to immediately notify PACS if your student or immediate family member who lives with your student tests positive for COVID-19. Reports must be made to the school via the school’s COVID-19 webpage located under “Current Families, Campus Life.”

Discipleship

  • Chapel services will be socially distanced utilizing the spacious seating in the church’s worship center and the Wolverine Pavilion.

  • Overnight middle and high school spiritual retreats scheduled for September and November  have been replaced by an on campus experience. Students will not have traditional classes during on campus retreats.

  • Due to the impracticality of international travel and large domestic mission efforts because of COVID-19 and its risks, we will not be executing our traditional international mission trip in March of 2021. Instead, we will be having an “Equipping Retreat” for our seniors March 10-12, 2021, where we spend time preparing our seniors to not only stand firm in their faith during college but to live on mission for Jesus during their college years and beyond.

Academics - Four Learning Models Offered

  • This is a traditional school experience with students beginning school in person and attending five days a week on a regular Monday through Friday schedule. The use of laptops as a component of daily instruction is dependent upon each teacher/individual course of instruction.

  • In situations where students must be temporarily quarantined away from school for health and safety reasons, teachers will provide hybrid instruction that will replicate the traditional learning model to the greatest extent possible. o In the Hybrid Learning Model, students will learn synchronously with their class as their class is live-streamed from school. Teachers will take attendance at the beginning of each class period and record it in the school’s Student Information System (SIS), students will attend their daily class schedule, and students will be required to complete all assigned work.
  • If a student’s illness is so severe it prevents her or him from attending class synchronously, the class will be recorded for viewing at a later time. The purpose of the Hybrid Learning Model is to ensure students remain current with their classmates who are engaged in traditional learning. Academic content will be delivered utilizing Seesaw for Schools, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft OneNote as appropriate.
  • Prince’s leadership is examining the benefits associated with teachers recording classroom instruction more frequently to assist students who may be absent from class due to an illnesses unrelated to COVID-19, off-campus appointments, and participation in co-curricular activities (fine arts and athletics) that sometimes require students to depart campus prior to the end of the traditional school day.

  • In the event state authorities direct the closing of our school due to an increased community spread of COVID-19, Distance Learning will be implemented. This plan incorporates all the lessons learned from our Distance Learning during the fourth quarter of last school year. Teacher video interaction, teaching, and learning for all PreK-12 students will be facilitated using a school issued laptop. For families that experience unreliable internet connectivity at home, reliable internet is available 24/7 in the school’s parking lot that faces the main entrance of the school.
  • Students will be taught and assessed; grades will be posted throughout Distance Learning just as they were during the fourth quarter of School Year 2019/20. We have not and will not participate in “grade freezing,” which is a policy that enables students to keep their grade at the time Distance Learning commences regardless if their grade declines during Distance Learning.
  • Expectations for student performance and (online) distance learning etiquette will be published separately by the academic dean’s office (attendance, mandatory use of cameras, etcetera).

This model is employed when parents are not ready to return their child to Prince, but plan to do so at some point during the school year. Students complete online curriculum with the oversight of an online teacher who tracks students’ completion rates and grades. Weekly video conferencing between the online teacher and students bridges the student to Prince Avenue. The student can rejoin their class at any time during the school year.

Fine Arts

The Prince Avenue Fine Arts faculty remains committed to providing our students with a quality fine arts experience while keeping them safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to following Prince’s guidelines for masks and social distancing, students in fine arts classes are observing additional measures to ensure their safety.

  • Lower school students participating in music (singing) will be required to wear a face shield (not a mask) as will their teachers. Face shields will be disinfected at the end of each day.
  • Middle and high school choral students will wear face shields and will practice in the church to facilitate greater social distancing. Face shields will be disinfected at the end of each day. Choral selections for the year have been deliberately chosen to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
  • Entry and exit protocols are in place in each classroom, minimizing gathering at music folder cabinets and art cubbies.
  • In visual arts, extra materials have been purchased to minimize shared supplies. Supplies that must be shared will be disinfected after use.
  • Choral and band classes are social distanced while singing and playing during class. Within the choral classes, students move to a different location within the classroom every 14 minutes.
  • Choral, theater and lower school music students wear masks and/or face shields during class and rehearsals
  • Theater students will continue to maintain social distancing during rehearsals and performances. When possible, theater students rehearse outside.

While the Prince performing arts schedule has been set for the 2020-2021 school year, we will remain flexible regarding the details of these events, always keeping student and patron safety as a top priority. Performances will look different this year due to venue changes in some events, limited seating, shorter programs, livestream when possible and other changes. We thank our parents and patrons for their patience and support as we work to provide creative and safe performing arts opportunities for our students during this time.

Athletics

Prince Avenue Christian School Athletics is adhering to the guidance and rules of the GHSA regarding conditioning, practices, and competition.  For the safety of the Prince community, parents and athletes are asked to abide by the rules provided.

Click Here for the GHSA Acclimatization and Recommendations 7-27-20

  • All middle and lower school athletics will follow the general guidelines of the GHSA with variations implemented by PACS administration with the understanding the changes are in the best safety and health interests of our student-athletes.
  • Physical education units and lesson content will be modified to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.
  • Students taking weight training will use masks in the weight room when directed by their teacher.
  • PreK-12th grade physical education classes are taught by faculty/coaches from our organized athletic program who will facilitate continuity in hygiene and sanitation standards from organized athletics into our physical education classes.
  • Students may be required to wear P.E. uniforms on SELECT days for the entire school day dependent upon whether the current ban on locker room use is lifted by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA).

Prince Athletics is excited to welcome spectators to home athletic events.  For the health and safety of all attendees and athletes, please abide by the following guidelines:

Softball Game Attendance Guidelines:

  • Attendance at home PACS softball games will not be limited.
  • Social distancing will be required.
  • Masks will not be mandatory; however, when social distancing is not possible please wear one.
  • We ask that large gatherings outside the field be avoided before, during, and after the contests.
  • Dugouts are for official team personnel only.
  • Children or siblings should remain with their parents during the entirety of the contest.  Balls, frisbees, bikes, etc. will not be allowed.
  • Pre-packaged items and drinks will be available in the concession stand.

Volleyball Match Attendance Guidelines:

  • Attendance at home PACS volleyball games will be limited.  General admission tickets will not be available.
  • Masks will be mandatory for all spectators and must be worn during the match at all times.
  • Social distancing will be required.  This includes “student section” areas.
  • Team benches and the court areas for official team personnel only.
  • Children or siblings should remain with their parents during the entirety of the contest.
  • Concessions will not be available.
  • While transitioning to the restrooms, please practice social distancing.
  • At the end of the contest, please exit the gym and return to your vehicles.

Football Game Attendance Guidelines:

  • Attendance at home PACS football games will not be limited.
  • Social distancing will be requested, especially in the gate, concession, and restroom areas.
  • Masks will be mandatory in the home and visitor bleachers and strongly suggested in congested areas.
  • We ask that large gatherings outside the field be avoided before, during, and after the contests.
  • Sidelines are for official team personnel only.
  • There will be no “spirit” or walkthrough lines before and after each contest.
  • Children or siblings should remain with their parents during the entirety of the contest.  Balls, frisbees, bikes, etc. will not be allowed.
  • Pre-packaged items and drinks will be available in the concession stand.

Prince Athletics is excited to welcome spectators to home athletic events. For the health and safety of all attendees and athletes, please abide by the following guidelines:

Basketball Attendance Guidelines:

  • Attendance at home PACS basketball games will be limited. General admission tickets will not be available. Only patrons with vouchers will be allowed to enter. Booster Club passes will not be accepted without a voucher.
  • Masks will be mandatory for all spectators and must be worn inside at all times.
  • Social distancing will be required. This includes “student section” areas.
  • Team benches and the court areas are for official team personnel only.
  • Children or siblings should remain with their parents during the entirety of the contest.
  • Limited, pre-packaged concessions will be available.
  • While transitioning to the restrooms, please practice social distancing.
  • At the end of the contest, please exit the gym and return to your vehicles.
  • All practice activities are for team personnel only. Parents and spectators are not allowed.

Swim Meet Attendance Guidelines:

  • Attendance at PACS swim meets will be limited and will vary depending on which facility. General admission tickets will not be available.
  • Masks will be mandatory for all spectators and must be worn inside at all times.
  • Social distancing will be required.
  • Team and pool areas will be for official team personnel only.
  • While transitioning to the restrooms, please practice social distancing.
  • At the end of the contest, please exit the gym and return to your vehicles.
  • All practice activities are for team personnel only. Parents and spectators are not allowed.

Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. While PACS monitors other school closings including the greater Athens area, PACS makes decisions independently based on our school’s unique needs and situation, as well as guidance from external agencies.

In the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in our community, we will work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Northeast Georgia Health District to determine the best course of action.

If a case of COVID-19 is identified in the PACS or surrounding community, we will follow local and/or state health authorities’ recommendations or orders to close. We may, out of an abundance of caution and in consideration of the school’s unique needs and situation, close even if health officials don’t deem it necessary.

We encourage you to follow this advice:

  • Plan alternative childcare arrangements for children in case school is dismissed early and/or closed.
  • Talk to friends, neighbors, and other parents about sharing childcare duties if your children are well, but school is closed.
  • Talk to your employer about working from home or shifting schedules in the event of a school closure.

We will make decisions about holding or canceling events based on the updated information from health officials. Please watch for messages from the Head of School with important updates. Any changes will also be noted on our school calendar. In the event of an outbreak, to increase your chances of staying healthy, it is best to avoid crowded settings, especially if you are over sixty years of age or have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.

Because the situation is very dynamic, we encourage you to stay up to date with the latest information and recommendations from health officials (see list of Health Organizations, above).

Our faculty is working on ways to prepare lessons, assignments, activities, resources, etc. that will allow our educational program to continue as much as possible in the event of an extended school closure.

Do not send your child to school if you suspect he or she may be ill or has exhibited any of the following signs or symptoms:

  • An elevated temperature of 100 degrees or more during the last 24 hours.
  • Vomiting within the last 24 hours.
  • Repeated episodes of diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
  • Chills, loss of appetite, unusual fatigue, and/or lingering headache.
  • A significant amount of nasal discharge, particularly if the discharge is yellow or greenish in color.
  • A persistent cough.
  • A significant sore throat.
  • An earache.

If you suspect that you or your child has a serious communicable disease, you must notify the school so we can comply with reporting requirements.

While we usually monitor ill students for a period of time, given the circumstances, parents will be immediately called to pick up their child as quickly as possible.

The CDC recommends the following actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water when your hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick (and do not return to school until you are fever-free for 24 hours without medication). We ask you to strictly adhere to this policy.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.