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2020-2021 Back to School Plan

5 Principles For Face-to-Face Instruction

5 Days a Week

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be

weary; they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Elkhart Christian Academy Back to School Plan Job 23:10 Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PURPOSEFULLY & PROTECTIVELY TOGETHER ................................................................................................................................ 5

SOURCES OF GUIDANCE FOR OUR PLAN ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Ministry Operations ............................................................................................................................................................................ 6 As an Accredited School in Indiana .................................................................................................................................................... 6 Guidance on Masks ............................................................................................................................................................................ 6

Critical Program element .............................................................................................................................................................. 8 Seamless Education Approach ........................................................................................................................................................... 8

Classroom Set-Up & Masks ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 Masking Summary ............................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Source Documents for back to school plan ................................................................................................................................... 9

OUR MODEL ................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

TYPES OF PRINCIPleS & PRACTICES ............................................................................................................................................. 10 3 Categories of Principles ................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Precautionary Principles ............................................................................................................................................................. 11

PREVENTATIVE PRINCIPLES ........................................................................................................................................................ 12 5 Principles for Face-to-Face Instruction 5 Days a week. ................................................................................................................. 12 Icons for Principles and Practices ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

START OF SCHOOL DAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 13 Important Adjustments .................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Before School and After School Care ........................................................................................................................................... 13 Wednesday Late Arrival ............................................................................................................................................................... 13

Doors Open & Classes Begin ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Entering the Building è Getting to Class .................................................................................................................................... 13

Classrooms Instruction ............................................................................................................................................................... 14

From Classroom è Other Activities ........................................................................................................................................... 15

Chapel Importance ..................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Glorify God ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Gain Biblical Instruction ................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Learn Personal Application ............................................................................................................................................................... 16 Chapel Format .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Library Learning & Resource Center ............................................................................................................................................ 16


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Recess ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 17

Specialty Classes- Elementary ..................................................................................................................................................... 17 Art .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Physical Education ............................................................................................................................................................................ 17 Music / Choir .................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Specialty Classes- Secondary ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 Science Class Labs ............................................................................................................................................................................ 18 Choir ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Band ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Practice Rooms ................................................................................................................................................................................. 19 Physical Education ............................................................................................................................................................................ 19

Lunch Program ........................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Eagles Hall ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 19 Lunch Adjustments for All Grades .................................................................................................................................................... 20

Lunchroom Microwaves .............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Lunch Details by Program ................................................................................................................................................................ 20

Transportation ........................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Field Trips ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Bus Route ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Athletics ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Buses ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21

prescriptive principles ................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Screening Guidance for Schools from Indiana State Health Department ......................................................................................... 23

ISDH Definitions & Isolation guidance ........................................................................................................................................ 23 Contact Tracing: ............................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Close Contact: ................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Quarantine: ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Isolation: ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Quarantine Guidance Samples ................................................................................................................................................... 25

Facility Restrictions .................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Drinking Fountains ........................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Visitors & Volunteers ........................................................................................................................................................................ 26

Parent or Family Visitors .............................................................................................................................................................. 26 Classroom & School Volunteers ................................................................................................................................................... 26 Summary of Visitor & Volunteer Examples .................................................................................................................................. 26


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Working Through This Together .................................................................................................................................................. 26 Visitor or Volunteer Protocols ..................................................................................................................................................... 26

Technology ................................................................................................................................................................................. 27 Familiar Mobile Technology ............................................................................................................................................................. 27 New Mobile Technology ................................................................................................................................................................... 27 2020-2021 Technology Approach ..................................................................................................................................................... 27 Laptop Usage in the Home ............................................................................................................................................................... 27

Cleaning Protocols and Supplies ................................................................................................................................................. 28 Cleaning Solutions ............................................................................................................................................................................ 28 Classrooms ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Hallways & Restrooms ..................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Buses ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 28

Health Recommendations .......................................................................................................................................................... 29 Overall Health in the Home .............................................................................................................................................................. 29 Mask Use and Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................. 30

Putting on and Taking Off a Mask ................................................................................................................................................ 30 Putting on and Taking Off a Mask ................................................................................................................................................ 30 Washing a Mask ........................................................................................................................................................................... 30


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PURPOSEFULLY & PROTECTIVELY TOGETHER ECA believes face-to-face instruction is not only a preferred academic process, but a biblical conviction as well. Therefore, we are striving to create a plan that addresses issues of safety, while retaining essential elements of our faith community and biblical learning process.

Because we know and trust God's promises, we can approach this school year purposefully and protectively together. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 (HCSB)

We have the assurance that even in a season of uncertainty, we will eventually emerge as pure gold if we follow the Lord. Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold.

Job 23:10 (HCSB)

Being purposefully and protectively together means, we call upon every one that calls ECA their home-away-from-home to make our joy complete and be of the same mind as we approach, discuss, and unify our families in these difficult times. • Philippians 2:1-2 (NLT) Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his

love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

• Colossians 3:12-13 (HCSB Strong's) Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt

compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another.

Being purposefully and protectively together means, we have an opportunity to witness to those around us. It means that we will live by the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22 love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as we navigate this season, and that we can show the unity that Jesus prayed for his disciples in the Gospel of John. • John 17:17-21 (HCSB Strong's) Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the

world, I also have sent them into the world. I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth. I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message. May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me.

• John 13:34-35 (NLT) So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved

you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."


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Being purposefully and protectively together means, we live out our heritage as a covenant people, a royal priesthood whose distinguishing mark, characteristic, biblical distinctive is how we care for others. • Philippians 2:3-4 (HCSB Strong's) Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as

more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

• Galatians 6:2 (HCSB Strong's) Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. • Galatians 5:14 (NLT) For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as

yourself." • Matthew 7:12 (NLT) "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” This is the essence of all

that is taught in the law and the prophets.

SOURCES OF GUIDANCE FOR OUR PLAN Ministry Operations Elkhart Christian School was birthed from a vision of First Baptist Church of Elkhart to provide Christian Education to Elkhart County and surrounding areas. Since 1973 ECA has offered students an education that is distinctively biblical, academically rigorous, and relationally relevant. ECA is honored and blessed to be a ministry of First Baptist Church of Elkhart and functions as symbiotic and familial part of its body of believers, while ecumenically welcoming to students from over 65 different churches in the area. This deep foundational heritage and ecumenical relationships afford ECA the blessing of a well diverse, highly committed, exceptionally honoring, and spiritually healthy school board. The school board includes current ECA Parents, previous ECA parents, doctors, business leaders, spiritual leaders. It is the school board's responsibility to guide, govern, and protect the mission, both fiscally as well as the safety-critical aspects of the school's direction. Elkhart Christian Academy's back to school plan has been reviewed and approved by the ECA school board.

As an Accredited School in Indiana As a Non-Public school with freeway accreditation by the state of Indiana, we are called to adhere to regulations provided by the Indiana Department of Education that is specific to Non-Public Schools. As a part of that relationship and common business operating regulations, we are required to pay attention, and often follow the advice of, these regulatory agencies.

• State of Indiana- Governor Eric Holcomb • State Board of Education • Indiana Department of Health

• Indiana Department of Education • Elkhart County Department of Health

Guidance on Masks One worship song that is very appropriate for a time such as this is, See A Victory by Ben Fielding. The bridge of the song quotes nearly verbatim Genesis 50:20. It Reads, "You take what the enemy meant for evil and you turn it for good."


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Please note our battle during this pandemic season is on multiple fronts. We have a battle for physical protection against an invisible virus. We also have a battle on a spiritual plain. Ephesians 6:11-12 "Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens." (HCSB) The issue to mask, or not to mask, is probably the most ubiquitous and potentially divisive issue before schools in decades. Satan would delight to see parents and schools argue and break fellowship over this issue. However, if we practice the guidance to be purposefully and protectively together, we will not give Satan any such satisfaction. Elkhart Christian School is fervently and diligently seeking to balance guidance from the sources listed below, and our biblical conviction for face-to-face instruction. The following are excerpts from guidance documents that reference the use of face masks. • Indiana Department of Education: Mask-wearing requirements or recommendations in schools should be

consistent with state and local guidelines. The current CDC guidelines recommend that all employees wear cloth face coverings. The current CDC guidelines recommend that all students wear cloth face coverings.

• Center for Disease Control: Teach and reinforce the use of cloth face coverings. Face coverings may be

challenging for students (especially younger students) to wear in all-day settings such as school. Face coverings should be worn by staff and students (particularly older students) as feasible, and are most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult.

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Cloth face coverings protect others if the wearer is infected with SARS CoV-2

and is not aware. Cloth masks may offer some level of protection for the wearer. Evidence continues to mount on the importance of universal face coverings in interrupting the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

• Elkhart County Health Department: Every individual must properly wear a face covering over their nose and

mouth when they are at 1. an indoor area open to the public, including public transportation; 2. an outdoor public area where a distance of 6 feet from individuals outside of their household cannot be maintained; or 3. a private indoor or outdoor area where a distance of 6 feet from individuals outside of their household cannot be maintained.

• Dr. Jennifer Sullivan @ Governor Address: Students grades 3 through 12 are required to wear masks all-times

while at school Except for the Following: o If the school classroom can be configured such that all students and instructors are at least three to six feet

apart, and during outdoor recess, where proper social distancing measures are enforced.


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CRITICAL PROGRAM ELEMENT Seamless Education Approach A critical aspect for education this season is the development of a remote learning program when called for or required. We have phrased this innovative approach as .

Is a mode of educational process that allows students to gain instruction, participate in class collaboration, and submit assignments from either the classroom or from home synchronously (Live). Seamless Education is not a traditional online program. It is a mode of educational process that retains many relational and teacher connected aspects of learning face-to-face at ECA. ECA is working tirelessly to finalize the development, design, and details to share with parents. Please stay tuned on details on how this program will work. Because this program is new and in development, we are not able to offer seamless education as a fulltime remote learning program. While our faculty are ready to launch aspects of this program on the first day of school it will take a few weeks for them to either transfer their current content, or development new content in this format. So, to those families seeking a fulltime remote learning option we are not saying no, but we are saying it’s not available for that purpose yet.

CLASSROOM SET-UP & MASKS

Based on Guidance from Dr. Jennifer Sullivan during Governor Holcomb’s Address on 7/22/2020, students would not be required to wear a mask if the classrooms can meet these requirements:

• Students are between 3’-6’ from each other. • Instructional Area is at least 6’ from the nearest student. • Teacher’s Desk is at least 6’ from the nearest student.

MR

When Seamless Education Is: Required Called For

• Stay at Home Order

• Student Illness without symptoms

• E-Learning Day Due to Weather • Student Isolation due to close

contact with positive case.


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Masking Summary

In Class => 3 ‘ Entering Building

Traveling in Hallways

Close Contact with Teacher2

Close Contact with Student3

PK – 2nd Grade Not Required1 Highly

Encouraged1 Highly

Encouraged1 Highly

Recommended Highly

Recommended

3rd – 5th Grade Not Required1 Required Required Required Required

6th -12th Grade Not Required1 Required Required Required Required

1. If student or family member has an underlining health concern, the student can wear a mask in any or all the scenarios above. 2. Only when critically necessary for the essential academic function of individual support, differentiated learning, and similar functions. 3. Only when critically necessary for essential academic function, like a Science Lab that is not reproducible with digital resources. Parents or students seeking a mask exemption simply need to send a doctor’s note of medical condition in which wearing a mask for more between 15-30 minutes would be determinantal.

SOURCE DOCUMENTS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL PLAN

While ECA leadership has reviewed 25-30 resource documents and additional articles, the following are the primary documents that provide guidance from educational agencies, or agencies cited by the educational agencies that maintain elements of regulatory authority:

Source Link Indiana Department of Education https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T1nQj3BrQRtT5QXVcVLGel14bOd5dSClWRggPuPE5dg/edit

Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html

American Academy of Pediatrics https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/

Elkhart County Health Department http://www.elkhartcountyhealth.org/pdfs/2020%2006-29%20public%20health%20order%2001-2020%20(english%20version).pdf

7/22/2020 Governor Holcomb & Indiana Health Department

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/Positive%20Student%20or%20Staff%20PreK%20through%2012th%20Grade_7.22.20.pdf?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU4EaBDb43M

Indiana State Health Department

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/20_School%20Parenting%20Screening%207-20-20.pdf https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/20_Student%20Guidance%20for%20Return%20to%20School%207-20-20.pdf https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/20_School%20Screening%20symptoms%20flyer_7-6-20.pdf https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/HealthRecommendationsGeneralHandout.pdf https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/ISDH213_Mask_SchoolPrint-General.pdf

ECA will continue to work with our local agencies to evaluate the conditions in Elkhart County and adjust

this plan as needed. These plans are subject to change.

OUR MODEL Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

SUBSTANTIAL SPREAD MINIMAL/MODERATE SPREAD LOW/NO SPREAD

REMOTE ECA FAITH & LEARNING EXPERIENCE

MODIFIED ECA FAITH & LEARNING EXPERIENCE

FULL ECA FAITH & LEARNING EXPERIENCE

As Health Risk Increases As Health Risk Decreases


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This Document Covers Level 2 Operations

TYPES OF PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES We acknowledge and understand there are differing opinions on many of these topics and value your feedback. We ask that families support publicly and address concerns privately as we navigate this year and all learn how to put these principles into practice. These principles and practices are the school boards, administration, faculty and staff’s best recommended balance between safety and face-to-face instruction. While some of the precautions we are taking may go beyond what some may desire, we believe it will be easier to loosen up on practices as things return to normal than to tighten up on practices if we learn more protections are needed.

3 Categories of Principles In order to help define our approach and improve succinct communication we have defined three different types of principles and practices.

3 PRINCIPLE TYPES PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLES

IN THE HOME

Principles that define precautionary measures parents take at home to partner with ECA to inhibit the spread of COVID and ensure learning can continue face-to-face.

PREVENTATIVE PRINCIPLES

ON CAMPUS

Principles that define ECA practices to prevent the spread of COVID while we provide Christian Academics, Athletics, & Artistic programs face-to-face.

PRESCRIPTIVE PRINCIPLES

HEALTH

PROTOCOLS

Principles that prescribe ECA health protocols for students, staff, and families that show symptoms. These practices are intended to identify steps to take when a case arises to protect health and support face-to-face instruction.


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PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLES PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLES ECA is blessed by a heritage of strong parent involvement, support, and partnership to develop students towards God's purposeful potential for their lives. Now more than ever it is critical for families to partner with Elkhart Christian Academy to navigate this season as safely as we can, exhibiting love, understanding, and living as the covenant people of God that are distinguished by their willingness to put the needs of others first. These precautionary principles help support ECA to inhibit the spread of COVID and ensure learning can continue face-to-face.

IN THE HOME

REM

IND

&

ENCO

URA

GE

General Policies & Procedures • We ask parents to show their support for these principles and practices, not only at

school, but in the home as well. We all have an opportunity to witness to our students and community what the body of Christ can look like in unity.

Hygienic Practices • Please support ECA by teaching and reinforcing proper hygiene measures such as

handwashing, covering coughs, and face coverings. See Hygienic Practices. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/

MO

NIT

OR

HEA

LTH

Check for Symptoms • We ask parents to partner with ECA in monitoring your student’s health to maintain

a healthy school environment and protect our students, staff, faculty, parents and the opportunity for face-to-face, life-on-life instruction to continue.

• See Health Protocols for specifics and details on pages ##-##


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PREVENTATIVE PRINCIPLES 5 Principles for Face-to-Face Instruction 5 Days a week. PREVENTATIVE PRINCIPLES- ON CAMPUS

HYP

ER H

YGIE

NIC

Student Hygiene • Teach and reinforce proper hygiene

measures such as handwashing and covering coughs throughout the year.

• Build Handwashing breaks into school day to ensure all students are washing their hands.

MIN

IMIZ

E EX

CHAN

GE

Give/Receive Digital Work • Teachers will utilize digital resources and

assignments when academically appropriate for grade and subject to minimize handouts to students.

• Teachers will request students to submit work digitally when academically appropriate for grade and subject.

Sanitize Space • The practice of sanitizing high touch surfaces

multiple times per day. (e.g. faucets, desks, doors, lockers etc…)

Communicate Digitally • Teachers will utilize digital communications to

keep parents informed and reduce the use of paper exchanged among student, parent, teacher.

SOCI

AL D

ISTA

NCI

NG

Extended Personal Space (EPS) • According to IDOE and Governor Holcombe, if

students are at least a distance of 3 feet apart in the classroom they will not be required to wear masks in class. We are calling this Extended Personal Space as opposed to Social Distancing.

ECA is removing non-essential academic items from the classrooms, like couches, workstations, etc. to expand the distance between student desks.

STAT

IC R

ESO

URC

ES

Individual Resources • Where and when possible, the students will

utilize individual resources to prevent sharing. • NOTE: ECA has diligently developed plans to

double the number of accessible laptops for students. 6th – 12th grade students will be assigned a laptop.

Minimize Congestion • This practice is designed to minimize student

close contact and congestion throughout the school day.

• Students will be dismissed in smaller groups to get stuff from their cubbies, changing for PE class, going to and from lunch, etc…

Sanitize Resources • If utilizing individual resources is not possible,

teachers and staff will either: A. Sanitize resource before used by others B. Take the resource out of rotation until

sanitized or a period of 72 hours passes.

FIXE

D F

ELLO

WSH

IP

Predetermined Fixed Small Groups • If live collaboration is paramount to the

learning process, and digital collaboration is not possible, school and classroom operations will practice predetermined and fixed small groups.

• A set of predetermined and fixed student groups in the classroom if critical learning requires essential close contact.

Permanent Assigned Seats • The assigning of seats in classroom, lunch,

chapel and other activities will be practiced.


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Icons for Principles and Practices

STUDENT HYGIENE

PREDETERMINED FIXED SMALL GROUPS

INDIVIDUAL RESOURCES

SANITIZE SPACE

PERMANENT ASSIGNED SEATS

SANITIZE RESOURCES

EXTEND PERSONAL SPACE

GIVE/RECEIVE DIGITAL WORK

MASKS REQUIRED

MINIMIZE CONGESTION

COMMUNICATE DIGITALLY

SOCIAL DISTANCE

START OF SCHOOL DAY

Important Adjustments Before School and After School Care

ECA families have been blessed with a strong before-school and after-school care program for years. What a great blessing to have a safe, fun environment for kids while parents, headed to work, participated in local bible studies, or even get Christmas shopping done. Ever since March 2020, we all long to return to normal in all aspects of our lives since. While ECA is diligently working to maintain this important program for families, we respectfully request families utilize that service for critical family needs only during this season to minimize congestion in those programs. Please stay tuned for more specific details on the excellent before and after school care programs.

Wednesday Late Arrival For the foreseeable future ECA will not practice a late arrival on Wednesday. For the 2020-2021 school year, late arrivals are expected for weather related issues only.

Doors Open & Classes Begin In order to minimize congestion, the school leadership has decided to adjust school hours and the process to enter the building.

Elementary Secondary • Doors Open at 7:45 • Classes Begin at 8:15 • Dismissal Begins at 2:55

• Door Open at 7:45 • Classes Begin at 8:15 • Dismissal Begins at 3:15

ENTERING THE BUILDING è GETTING TO CLASS

Minimize Congestion • Students should enter their designated doors specific for their grade. • Students should go directly to their lockers to access learning materials needed for the next

set of classes or portion of the day. • Students should avoid congregating in enclosed areas of building before school. • Students should proceed to their classrooms after obtaining their material.

SH PSG IR

SS PAS SR

EPS GRD MR

MC CD SD

MC


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Sanitize Space • Once the arrival time is complete, the school will sanitize high touch surfaces.

Masks Required • In accordance with Governor Holcomb’s executive order students 3rd grade through 12th

grade will be required to wear masks when entering the building and accessing their lockers, they will be required to were masks until they reach their assigned seat in their classroom and the teacher instructs them to remove their masks.

CLASSROOMS INSTRUCTION

Elementary Secondary

• Teach proper handwashing and hygiene guidance as part of instructional day throughout the year. • Regular breaks for washing hands planned into the learning day. • Hand sanitizer available and offered for times when hand washing is not practical

• Regular cleaning breaks built into the day • High touch surfaces will be regularly sanitized by

teacher.

• Teacher and students will sanitize desks after each class and before the passing period.

• Remove items that offer close personal connections such as couches, bean bags, pillows, etc. • Spread out student desks for maximum distance among students; student desks will not be in table

groups/clusters

• Students will be dismissed to cubbies or activities by smaller groups to minimize congestion.

• Students will be dismissed to get material, laptops, or other resources by smaller groups to minimize congestion.

• Students are instructed in self-contained classes by grade and section.

• Specials will also operate as self-contained classes.

• Specific classes will be limited in size due to classroom space or resource restrictions.

• If groups are critical in lab setting, they will be predetermined and fixed by the teacher.

• Teachers will use permanent assigned seating for classes throughout the year.

• Students will utilize individual resources to prevent direct sharing. a) Secondary- textbooks, laptops, gym locker, athletic bag storage, et… b) Elementary- workbooks, markers, cubbies, et…

• If critical educational tools are not available as an individual resource, they will be designated as "in play" and "out of play" so they can be sanitized before the next group of students utilize them.

SS

MR

SH

SS

EPS

MC

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FROM CLASSROOM è OTHER ACTIVITIES While ECA is minimizing student movement throughout the day, there are times that require students to leave their classroom to go to another part of the building. The following principles and practices are in place while students are moving between activities.

Elementary Secondary Classroom to Chapel, Recess, Lunch Classroom to Classroom, P.E., Lunch

• Since social distancing may be difficult to maintain students are required to wear a mask when traveling between classrooms or activities.

• Secondary students are required to wear their masks during the passing period between classes, or traveling between the classroom or activities.

• Students will travel to and from activities in a single file along the arrows marked in our hallways.

• Dismissal between different activities will be staggered to minimize congestion in the hallways.

• After each passing period the lockers will be sanitized.

CHAPEL IMPORTANCE

Chapel is a critical part of Christian Education. While the biblical truth of God's word is incorporated in all aspects of ECA's day. Chapel has a special place in ECA's heritage and culture. During Chapel students experience three primary benefits: Glorify God

Through Worship & Prayer students Glorify God and seek His face. (HCSB Strong's) And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. • Psalms 86:12 (HCSB Strong's) 12 I will praise You with all my heart, Lord my God, and will honor Your

name forever. • Isaiah 43:6-7 (HCSB Strong's) Bring My sons from far away, and My daughters from the ends of the

earth — everyone called by My name and created for My glory.

Gain Biblical Instruction • Deuteronomy 6:7 (HCSB Strong's) Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your

house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. • Titus 1:16 - 2:1 (ESV) They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable,

disobedient, unfit for any good work. But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for

correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

MR MR

MC SS


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Learn Personal Application • Philippians 4:8-9 (HCSB Strong's) Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is

just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise — dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

• Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one

another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Chapel Format

During activities of increased respiratory output (i.e. choir, chapel, music, etc.) ECA feels it is important to go beyond the allotted extended personal space for classroom activities.

Elementary Chapel Located in Eagles Hall

• During Elementary Chapel Students will be Socially Distanced at 6 feet during the lesson.

• If a singing is incorporated into Chapel students will spread out to a distance of 8-10ft or will wear masks while singing.

Secondary Chapel Located in Classrooms with Periodic Outdoor Events

• The Secondary enrollment is too large to fit into Eagles Hall while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Therefore, Secondary Chapel will practice a different format of Chapel while alternate arrangements are explored.

• Secondary Students will participate in chapel in their classrooms, assigned by gender and grade. • Teachers will facilitate a prerecorded chapel and discussions.

LIBRARY LEARNING & RESOURCE CENTER

Elementary Secondary

• Computers in the LRC will be spread out to maintain 6 feet between students. • The number of chairs at tables will be decreased to maintain social distancing between students.

• Elementary students will utilize the LRC as a part of their self-contained class.

• Secondary students will utilize digital resources when possible to limit unscheduled access time to the LRC.

• Specific Grade and Classes will use the LRC as part of a scheduled rotation to minimize congestion.

• Secondary student will access the library from a designated door.

• All resources checked out from the LRC will be either a) Thoroughly sanitized before returning into circulation or b) Will be placed in holding bins for 72 hours before returning into circulation

• Additional time will be added between class rotations to allow for sanitization of desks and computers.

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RECESS Elementary

• Students will be provided games and equipment that will allow them to social distance during recess.

• Recess will be scheduled by grades on a staggered schedule.

• Students will practice good hygiene and wash or sanitize their hands before and after recess.

• Each grade will have an individual equipment bag with small equipment and playground balls. • Students will not be allowed to share or use borrowed clothing. (Gloves, Hats, Etc.)

• The grade level equipment will be sanitized after each recess.

• During outdoor recess students will not be required to wear a mask.

SPECIALTY CLASSES- ELEMENTARY

Art Elementary

• Students will partake in art at in individual desk as opposed to shared tables.

• Students will bring their own art box with supplies to be used in class.

• Any supplies provided by the art teacher will only be used by an individual student during the class and

then either thoroughly sanitized or taken "out of play" until it is sanitized.

Physical Education

Elementary

• In order to minimize congestion students will not change into P.E. uniforms. • P.E. will be held outside when possible and appropriate in order to maximize social distancing space.

• All equipment will be sanitized between classes. • No "contact" sports/activities.

Music / Choir

Elementary

• Risers will be removed, and students spaced out, for social distancing. • Social Distancing Markers used on Floor.

• Individual Recorders used for 4th & 5th grade students.

• Any supplies provided by the teacher will only be used by an individual student during the class and then

either thoroughly sanitized or taken "out of play" until it is sanitized.

• If a class during a choir unit does not have enough space to stand beyond 8-10ft the students will be required to wear mask during singing.

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SPECIALTY CLASSES- SECONDARY Science Class Labs

Secondary

• Science classes will follow the same principle for extended personal space as all other classes.

• Individual student science labs will in incorporated where and when possible.

• Digital science labs will be incorporated where and when possible.

• If a group lab is critical to the learning process the students will be assigned a predetermined small group

• If a group lab is utilized students will be required to wear a mask while in close contact.

• Class resources like microscopes, beakers, etc. will be sanitized after each class.

Choir

Secondary

• Choir classes will be in rooms with ample space to allow students to participate beyond social distancing guidelines.

• Each student will have a personalized folder to eliminate sharing music resources.

• Class resources like music stand will be sanitized after each class.

Band

Secondary

• Minimize Congestion by limiting the number of students in the instrument storage room to 4 students at a time.

• Class enrollments are capped to minimize congestion and student spacing to be maximized.

• Students will be seated to maintain social distancing guidelines.

• Percussionists will supply their own sticks and mallets as much as possible, and put them away in their own stick bags after each use.

• Any class resource (music stand, piano, et.) will be sanitized after each class.

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Practice Rooms Practice Rooms will not be available for individual or unsupervised group practice until further notice. Secondary

• Practice rooms will always be locked. • After each use, teachers will disinfect the piano keyboard.

• Students and private instructors will be required to wear masks during private instruction.

• Practice rooms will not be utilized for vocal instruction but will be relocated to an area that will allow the student and instructor to practice social distancing.

Physical Education

Secondary

• Students will change for P.E. in a smaller rotation or may be required to wear a mask. • P.E. will be held outside when possible and appropriate in order to maximize social distancing space.

• All equipment will be sanitized between classes. • No "contact" sports/activities

LUNCH PROGRAM

Important Note: In order to eliminate the exchange of paper money and coins among students, staff, and faculty, ECA is implementing a digital cafeteria and cash register system within FACTS Management (ECA’s Student Information System). This will require families to maintain a positive balance on their new cafeteria account that students can charge their food items against. Details and procedures will be made available prior to the start of school. Elkhart Christian School is blessed to have a well-established lunch program serving exceptional food options. Due to preventative guidelines several aspects of the lunch program are required to shift in order to meet IDOE & Department of Health guidelines and maintain the principles and practices we have established to keep students and families safe. Eagles Hall Eagles Hall is affectionately called the Cafe-chapel-gyma-torium. It is a great multi-purpose space that several activities and groups utilize throughout the day. During this COVID season we have deemed it ample enough for some activities like lunch, and elementary chapel; however, it is not large enough to social distance for other activities like secondary chapel.

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Lunch Adjustments for All Grades ECA realizes that these adjustments may be inconvenient to families. The teams that reviewed our lunch program and procedures explored several options, but in light of the current guidance these are the steps and procedures defined. All Lunch Periods Located in Classrooms with Periodic Outdoor Events

• Masks are required while students are traveling from the classroom to the lunchroom and until they arrive at their assigned lunchroom seat.

• Self-service food lines like salad bar or condiment table will be discontinued until further notice. • Individually packaged items like utensils, condiments, will be utilized.

• Students will be seated at alternating seats and staggered to maintain an extended personal space during

lunch.

• Students will be seated within the same grade groups and small groups that are utilized in the classrooms.

• The lunchroom and Eagles Hall bathrooms will be sanitized after each lunch period by a combination of

power sprayer & wiping surfaces.

• Cafeteria staff members will sanitize Eagles Hall spaces and their hands during and after each lunch period.

Lunchroom Microwaves ECA realizes that these adjustments may be inconvenient to families, however, based on the following, lunchroom microwaves will not be utilized until further notice:

• Inability to sanitize lunchroom microwave after each use. • Student traffic to use lunchroom microwaves disrupts defined preventative practices of Fixed

Fellowship, Minimizing Congestion, Individual Resources, and Sanitizing Space.

Lunch Details by Program Elementary Secondary 2 Grade Groups of PK-2 & 3-5 1 Middle School & 2 High School Lunch Groups

• It is more difficult for younger kids to social distance while waiting in line. Therefore, the elementary lunch periods will not utilize a lunch line, but will be served at the table.

• Students will adhere to social distancing guidelines, distinguished by social distancing markers, while in line up for lunch service.

• Students will enter the lunchroom and head

directly to their alternating assigned seats.

• Students will be seated at alternating & staggered seats to maximize distance between students.

• The cafeteria team will serve the food to students while at the table instead of using a lunch line.

• Students will be dismissed to and from lunch on a staggard schedule.

• Students will be assigned seats to minimize

close contact expansion.

• Students will be assigned seats to minimize close contact expansion.

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TRANSPORTATION Field Trips • Until further details, processes, and procedures can be explored all academic field trips are on hold.

Bus Route ECA is asking parents to complete a bus route survey to ascertain the critical transportation need and explore options to maintain this important service and corresponding health protocols related to Bus Route Transportation.

ATHLETICS

Please reference the athletic guidance and phases established by ECA Athletic Department which receives guidance from:

• Indiana Department of Education. • Elkhart Community Health Department • Indiana High School Athletic Association. • National Federation of State High School Associations • Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association

Buses • Students will be required to wear a mask on the bus. • On the bus, students are to remain seated, facing forward using good social habits. • Students will be assigned seating and a one stop location policy to assist with contact tracing.

Students may be assigned to seating arrangements with family members.

PRESCRIPTIVE PRINCIPLES

As noted earlier, these principles prescribe ECA health protocols for students, staff, and families that show symptoms or test positive for COVID19. These practices are intended to identify steps to take to monitor symptoms, communicate illness, and when a case arises. These principles are designed to protect the health of all that enter-our-gates or call ECA their home in the prayerful hope to maintain face-to-face instruction.


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Previous policy for fever, diarrhea, and vomiting are still in effect. Please check student handbook for details. PRESCRIPTIVE PRINCIPLES

HEALTH

PROTOCOLS

AT H

OM

E Each Morning • Parents need to screen students at home every morning for symptoms of COVID. • If the student has any 2 symptoms from Group A-D,

a) the student should stay home and plan a visit to their health care provider (HCP) to be evaluated.

b) They may return to school if Health Care Provider documents it is safe to return. • If the student has any 2 symptoms from Group E-J

a) the student should stay home for evaluation until symptoms subside on a day by day basis. Example: If a student has a sore throat and headache for 4 days they would need to stay home for 4 days.

b) However, many testing sites can get results within 48 hours. Therefore, if a student is free of symptoms and has a documented negative COVID test they can return to school.

Previous policy for fever, diarrhea, and vomiting are still in effect. See student handbook for details. • A child may return to school after 24 hours without a fever (without fever-reducing

medicine) if that is their sole symptom. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

A. B. C. D. E. COUGH FEVER >=100 SHORTNESS OF

BREATH NEW LOSS OF

TASTE OR SMELL SORE THROAT

F. G. H. I. J.

HEADACHE NAUSEA OR

VOMITING OR DIARRHEA

MUSCLE PAIN & FATIGUE

Unrelated to Physical Activity

CHILLS CONGESTION OR RUNNY NOSE

REPO

RTIN

G Process to Report

The school will be establishing an online form for parents to use for symptom submission and attendance notification.

IN S

CHO

OL

Process for Student Evaluation • When students show signs of symptoms or express a concern for illness they will be sent

to the Nurse’s office for evaluation. • ECA will designate a waiting area for students exhibiting COVID systems separate from

general illness waiting area. • Nurses will wear masks when treating students with symptoms consistent with COVID,

and sanitize after meeting with each student regardless of symptoms or potential illness.


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Screening Guidance for Schools from Indiana State Health Department MIS-C is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. It is a rare occurrence. Parents can locate additional information at https://www.cdc.gov/mis-c/


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ISDH DEFINITIONS & ISOLATION GUIDANCE Contact Tracing:

Contact tracing is used by health departments to prevent the spread of infectious disease. In general, contact tracing involves identifying people who have an infectious disease and their contacts (people who have been exposed) and working with them to interrupt disease transmission. To accomplish this, ECA will be documenting students’ schedules, assigned seats, bus seating, cohort groups, lunch seating, extracurricular activities and other potential contact settings.

Close Contact: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a close contact is a person who spends • greater than 15 minutes • within six feet of a positive COVID-19 person • from the 48 hours prior to the positive person’s symptom onset or positive test collection date if

asymptomatic.

While mask use decreases the risk of infection, currently it does not augment the definition for close contact or recommendations for quarantine.

Close contacts need to quarantine at home for 14 days after the date of their last exposure.

Quarantine:

Close contacts who have been exposed should quarantine at home for 14 days after last date of exposure to the positive student/staff member.

Isolation:

A positive student/staff member with symptoms must isolate at home for 10 days from onset and be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and have a reduction in symptoms. A positive student/staff member without symptoms must isolate at home for 10 days after the date the positive specimen was collected.


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QUARANTINE GUIDANCE SAMPLES Individual Symptomatic No Symptoms

Not Tested with Alternate Explanation (strep, influenza, etc. as determined by a Health Care Provider)

May return to school after 24 hours resolution of fever AND note (including email, fax, prescription, ) from provider stating the individual has an alternate diagnosis and the provider believes it’s appropriate for the patient to return to school.

N/A

Not Tested Without Alternate Explanation

Must remain home for at least 10 days from the first day symptoms appeared AND 24 hours fever-free without fever reducing medicine and with improvement of symptoms.

N/A

Tested and Negative

1) If no alternative explanation, isolate for at least 10 days from the first day symptoms appeared AND 24 hours fever-free without fever-reducing medications and with improvement of symptoms.

OR 2) The individual can return to school if tested negative AND with a note from the provider stating they believe the patient to have an alternate diagnosis and it's appropriate for the patient to return to school.

May proceed with attending school. EXCEPTION: A known close contact (within 6 feet of a confirmed case for more than 15 minutes) must complete a 14-day quarantine, even if test results are negative for COVID-19.

Tested and Positive

Must remain home in isolation for at least 10 days from the date symptoms began AND individual is 24-hours fever free, symptoms have improved. (CDC does not recommend test-based strategy except in certain circumstances, including provider’s advice and test availability.)

Isolate at home for 10 days from the day the test was taken. (CDC does not recommend test-based strategy except in certain circumstances, including provider’s advice and test availability.) *If the individual develops symptoms, then isolation time starts on day 1 of symptoms (see symptomatic tests positive.)

Close Contact (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes of someone with confirmed COVID-19)

N/A If an individual becomes symptomatic, refer to the symptomatic scenarios. The individual must quarantine for 14 days after contact with the COVID-19 Positive person even if the student has an alternate diagnosis for symptoms.

Quarantine for 14 days before returning to school. Must remain symptom-free. If individual develops symptoms, then refer to the symptomatic scenarios.

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/20_Student%20Guidance%20for%20Return%20to%20School%207-20-20.pdf


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FACILITY RESTRICTIONS Drinking Fountains

Teachers, staff, and students will be encouraged to use a water bottle during the school day. The hands-free water bottle refill portion of our drinking fountains will be used during the day. The waterspout portion of the drinking fountain will be covered and inaccessible during the COVID season.

Visitors & Volunteers

Visitors serve as an important component of ECA’s school program. Several groups visit the campus regularly to provide services for students, support teachers, and service equipment. ECA is committed to limit visits to those that are essential for student progress and utilize digital forms of communication when possible. If a face-to-face visit is required, all visitors will follow protective protocols. Parent or Family Visitors

Elkhart Christian School has an amazing heritage of community connection and parent involvement. ECA appreciates and celebrates parent’s involvement with their sons and daughters. Nevertheless, during the health crisis season the health department guidance and our practical prudence stipulates that non-essential academic visits should be suspended.

Classroom & School Volunteers

ECA students and teachers are blessed with many parent and community members who volunteer their time to partner with ECA to cultivate souls, inspire hearts, stretch minds, and equip hands. Now more than ever ECA may in fact need additional volunteers for safety and sanitizing protocols.

Summary of Visitor & Volunteer Examples

Suspended Visits Allowed Visit & Volunteer by Administration Approval Visiting Students Classroom Academic Support Agencies- IEP, 504 Support Lunch Visit with Student Approved Classroom Volunteer for Instructional Purposes Chapel Visitors Chapel Speakers IDOE Required Regulatory Visit/Audit

Working Through This Together

ECA understand these changes are unfortunate and appreciate families understanding. It’s recommended that parents and volunteers work with their teachers and administration to explore alternatives. For Example: • Instead of coming to campus to have lunch with your child for their birthday, consider taking them out to

lunch. • Instead of coming to campus to read a book with students, consider scheduling a video call to read the book

to the class. Another option is taping a book reading while incorporating your kids to play characters or do voices for the book reading.

Visitor or Volunteer Protocols

• Will be asked a series of health monitoring questions. • Sanitize before gaining access beyond the school lobby. • Wear a mask while on campus. • Access to Groups of Students limited to essential academic endeavors. • Maintain proper social distance of 6 feet or greater unless the approved academic purpose of the visit

requires a closer proximity.


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TECHNOLOGY ECA’s Administration and IT department is diligently working to expand the technology resources available to students while in school, and in case of a stay-at-home order or student illness to make technology available at home.

Familiar Mobile Technology ECA has successfully utilized HP Stream devices over the past few years. The school currently has 300 units and charging carts or tech buckets to hold and charge the devices each night. Each Elementary Class also has 6 tablets per class (not pictured) to use with younger students.

New Mobile Technology

This year ECA is participating in an IDOE refurbishing program that provides computers for pennies on the dollar. At the time of publication ECA has received 200 additional HP Pro Laptops with 8GB RAM and Internal Web Cameras. In order to improve user performance, ECA is installing a solid-state hard drive on these units.

2020-2021 Technology Approach

While ECA has increased its quantity of laptops to allow for each student to be assigned a laptop, this does not constitute a 1-to-1 program. A 1-to-1 program has a specific set of best practices and increased level of exclusively used online resources, like digital textbooks. While some of our curriculum providers offer online resources, and those resources may be used when beneficial in this season, this does not constitute a shift in our educational focus. ECA holds to a biblical conviction that face-to-face, life-on-life, instruction, mentoring, and discipling is our calling. We are free in Christ and blessed by the gift of technology, but we apply the Apostle Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 10:23 (CSB) “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up.

Laptop Usage in the Home

The primary intent for the additional laptops is to align our technology resources with our back to school principle of individual resources and to increase technology access if a stay-at-home order is called again this year. This means the laptops would not be traveling to and from school on a daily basis unless:

• A student is out sick for an extended period. • The school is required to operate online due to a stay at home order.


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CLEANING PROTOCOLS AND SUPPLIES Cleaning Solutions

Many families are keenly aware that sanitizing sprays and hand sanitizers are difficult to locate. Imagine trying to locate enough to sanitize and disinfect an entire school! That is why ECA is pleased to announce a partnership with Kem Krest to provide a school sanitizing system that offers both disinfecting and hand sanitizing solutions.

Space Disinfecting Solution Hand Sanitizing Solution A botanical based solution approved by the EPA and WHO that is safe to use around food prep areas and sanitizing in under 5 minutes.

An 80% alcohol-based solution used in hadn sprayer and automatic hands free stations.

For large areas ECA will utilize a power sprayer to spray large surfaces before they are wiped down.

Each classroom will have a hands-free automatic hand sanitizing station at the entrance.

Desks, items or surfaces will be cleaned with the botanical based solution and wiped clean.

Individual bottles will be provided to every teacher for continued use or individual need.

High touch surfaces are cleaned through the day& classrooms, and surfaces are cleaned each night.

Classrooms • Will be sanitized on a regular basis throughout the day.

o Elementary- Few times a day when breaks are present. o Secondary- After Each Passing Period.

• Classrooms will be provided with spray bottles, soap and water, and rags to promote frequent cleaning. • Staff will clean and disinfect shared objects between each use.

Hallways & Restrooms • Will be sanitized on a regular basis throughout the day after high traffic patterns.

Buses • All transportation staff will receive training on safety protocols including COVID-19 prevention strategies. • Frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned with approved cleaning supplies after each use.


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HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS Overall Health in the Home


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Mask Use and Maintenance Putting on and Taking Off a Mask

Putting on and Taking Off a Mask

Washing a Mask