Q1: My child is presenting with minor symptoms associated with a common cold/allergy.  How can I rule out COVID so he/she can return to school?

Please discuss the symptoms with your pediatrician and clarify if it is safe for your child to return to school. The pediatrician does not need to test for COVID or remove all doubt that the symptoms may be associated with the COVID-19 virus.

The pediatrician does need to be of the opinion that it is safe for your child to return to regular social activities like playing with friends, visiting stores and attending school.

 

Q2: Can my child presenting minor symptoms be cleared for return to school by taking a rapid COVID test?

No. At this time, rapid tests are not entirely reliable and cannot substitute a conversation with your pediatrician. The school is currently discouraging the use of rapid testing to avoid the unwarranted disruption a false positive would result with.

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Q3: Is there any reason not to test “just to be safe”?

Testing should only be done strategically with clear productive benefits. Contacting the school before testing (specifically rapid testing) is critical to avoiding severe disruption to the routines of countless others. Even more importantly, it may harm the school’s ability to remain open.

To be clear, the school’s guidance is pro-testing and certainly is committed to preventing the spread of the virus. Therefore, we respectfully insist that parents contact the school prior to testing so that the appropriate testing choice is made.

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Q4: I spoke with my pediatrician and received clearance to resume regular social activities. Does the school require a doctor’s note before my child returns?

No. What the school does require is a note or an email from the parent attesting to what the doctor has said. Please submit to the front office and include the name of the pediatrician.

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Q5: What exactly does a “COVID exposure” mean?

An exposure constitutes at least 10 minutes of unmasked close interaction with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

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Q6: Help! I think a member of my family has been exposed to the virus. Of course, I am keeping my children home for now. Who do I contact for direction on how to proceed?

The school is developing its COVID-Safety Communication System. Please utilize this system for quickest response and direction. (System contact information on top of this page)

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Q7: Help! My child has tested positive/showing definite symptoms of COVID-19. What should I do?

Contact the COVID-Safety Communication System immediately so that the appropriate communication can go out to affected parties in a timely manner. 

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Q8: My pediatrician recommended that my child stay home for a 24-hour observation period. Is the school providing any remote learning for such a scenario?

As always, please be in touch with your child’s classroom teacher who will surely do their utmost to partner with you during this time. Unfortunately, the school does not have the resources to provide a uniform remote learning expectation across the grades for individual students.

 

Q9: Help! My family has been exposed to the virus and we are now quarantining. Is the school able to offer remote learning in the case of prolonged absence?

Please be in touch with your child’s classroom teacher and school administration who will surely do their utmost to partner with you during this time. As difficult as it is for us to prioritize our resources this way, even for a prolonged absence the school cannot commit to a uniform remote learning experience for individual students.

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Q10: I have an important family simcha coming up. Will my child be allowed to come back to school if they attend?

Please be in touch with the school before attending so that the appropriate caution can be taken. By discussing ahead of time, a satisfying plan can be arranged that avoids school absence and allows for important participation in a simcha.

Even if communication was not made before the simcha, please be in touch with the school before your child returns to classes.

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