COVID-19

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• Will students be in class or learning virtually?

  We plan to offer in-person instruction, 5 days a week as long as we are under Phase III of the Commonwealth of Virginia's reopening plans. 
  
  

  • The first day of school for pre-K4-Grade 12 will be Aug. 27.
  • The first day of school for pre-K3 will be Aug. 31.
  • The first two days of school will be shortened days to accommodate for the new learning experience.

  Social distancing guidelines and other safety measures will impact class schedules and daily movement in the buildings to enable all students to be safe on campus every day.
  
  To best manage student arrival on campus and follow social distancing protocols, students cannot arrive on campus prior to 8 a.m. 

• What safety procedures are being put in place?

  In addition to social distancing and cohorting, the following precautions are being put in place:
  

  • The Budd Group enhanced cleaning protocols and training, including:
  • Antimicrobial barrier sprays, cleaning and disinfection
  • Increased hand sanitizing stations throughout school
  • Signage throughout school reinforcing procedures
  • Two dedicated nurses
  • Dedicated isolation clinics for potential COVID-1

   

• Will students have daily health screenings?

  Daily health monitoring of our students and employees is one of the biggest responsibilities for the school. We will require daily temperature and symptom checks at home for all students and faculty and staff.
  
  Daily health screenings will need to be submitted via the Magnus Health app daily. If screenings are not done, students will not be permitted at school until it's completed. 

• Will physical distancing be observed?

  Yes! We are taking precautions to ensure appropriate physical distance is observed between students. To further ensure safety, students will be in cohort groups.
  
  At our lower school, our resource teachers will be on a three-week rotation with cohort groups, and we will limit sharing among students and keep them in the same location(s) throughout the day to mitigate risk of possible exposure.

• Will face coverings be mandatory?

  Face coverings will be required of all employees and all students when physical distancing is not possible to mitigate risk of exposure to COVID-19.
  
  In grade levels where face coverings are not developmentally appropriate, social distancing and strict segmenting of classes will be put in place.
  
  Based on guidance from medical professionals, specifically pediatric specialists, we’re requiring face coverings for Grades 3 through 12.

• My child has a pre-existing health condition. Will Collegiate work with my family?

  Yes. We understand some students may have pre-existing health conditions and may need learning accommodations. The school is committed to working with those families to address concerns and making appropriate arrangements.  

• Will morning care be offered this year?

  No. To best manage student arrival on campus and follow social distancing protocols, students cannot arrive on campus prior to 8 a.m. 

• Will lunch still be provided to students? Will they eat in the cafeteria?

  Yes, FLIK Independent Dining will provide daily food service to all students.
  
  Meals will be eaten in designated classrooms and will come individually packaged to reduce the amount of contact. Families will be responsible for ordering meals through an app, which will be communicated in the coming weeks.

• What is being done for social and emotional well-being?

  We have and are continuing to host professional development for our faculty and staff to address the needs of not only themselves and other faculty and staff, but also that of our students and their families.
  
  In the classrooms, our counselors will work with students and deliver class lessons and engage in community building activities.

• Will aftercare be offered this year?

  Yes. After school extended care is governed by the Virginia Department of Social Services, and we’re working closely with those officials to determine how to offer the service.
  
  At this time, we will offer after care for pre-K3 to Grade 5 until 5 p.m. every day in the lower school and for Grades 6-8 in the middle school.
  
  The early closing will allow for daily, thorough cleaning once students have left campus.
  
  Parents will need to register for after care so we can plan and appropriately staff the program to allow for physical and social distancing. 

• Will bus transportation still be offered?

  Yes! Morning and afternoon bus service will be provided by Tranquest, our longtime transportation partner. Details about their enhanced safety protocols and registration information will be released shortly.

• Will athletics be offered?

  Yes. The Virginia High School League, which governs interscholastic competitions for all public and independent schools in the state, has postponed fall sports.
  
  However, our immediate governing body, the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association, voted to allow each conference to make its own decisions. As a result, the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools has decided to postpone fall athletics and instead have three condensed seasons starting in November:
  

  • Winter season will be Nov. 18-Jan. 30.
  • Fall season will be Feb. 1-March 27.
  • Spring season will be March 29-May 22.

  Student-athletes will not be able to participate in athletic practices or competitions until a valid physical form has been uploaded into Magnus
  Health and a hard copy provided to Director of Athletics Jon Hall or Assistant Director of Athletics Taylor Kelly.