UPDATES ON OUR SCHOOL OPERATIONS

Dec 15, 2020

Dear Rochambeau Families, I hope this message finds you in good health and good spirits. It seems this year we will all be finding different ways to celebrate those people and traditions that are important to us as we are now in the holiday season.  This school year I have written to our community several times to provide updates on our school operations. Today is another such message. Specifically, I am writing to: Share with you our plans for academic instruction in 2021 following the Winter Break Request that you respond to our Winter 2021 Family Survey to confirm your preferred learning choice (Distance Learning OR Hybrid Learning Plan) for each child in your household Remind you of our school’s COVID-19-related policies for travel and COVID-19 testing as well as the school calendar in January 2021

Academic Instruction 2021

I want to emphasize that we are focused on how we can maintain a safe and healthy environment for our whole school community as we also provide meaningful academic instruction for all of our students. We take into consideration both physical and emotional well-being and we are grateful to be guided in our work by our academic team as well as our nursing staff and COVID-19 Data Evaluation Working Group of volunteer parent healthcare professionals as well as the guidance of national, state and local Health Agencies (CDC, State of Maryland, Montgomery County).

Returning January 19th After the Winter Break, and following the 2-week virtual learning period for all students, we anticipate welcoming the same grades/groups on campus we do today. This includes our preschool and elementary students as well as secondary students in 6th grade and the science lab students in 11th and 12th grade.  During this next month, we will continue to monitor the changing health conditions and the guidelines and orders issued by the county, state and national health agencies. I will continue to consult with our Board of Trustees every 2 weeks, or more frequently if necessary.   Return of additional grades starting January 25th We plan to offer on-campus instruction to the rest of our secondary school students (7th - 12th grades) using a phased approach and in the hybrid learning structure. One additional grade would be welcomed each week with students attending in alternating week format: instruction will be provided in person one week and via distance learning the other week. To accommodate these grades while also maintaining physical distancing protocols, some spaces on the Forest Road campus will be modified, including six additional temporary classrooms that are being constructed by modifying existing larger spaces in the cafeterias and gymnasium.  There are many factors that impact this plan, including the local health conditions, status of construction, and the health status of teachers and staff. Therefore, this plan will receive further review at the meeting of the Board of Trustees in mid-January 2021 and a schedule of grade level returns will be announced at that time.

Winter 2021 Family Survey

At the start of the school year we had asked all families to complete a survey in September in order for us to organize the classes for the fall semester. At that time, 27% of families selected distance learning programs and 73% selected in-person or hybrid classes. We now request that all preschool, elementary and 6th grade families respond to our Winter 2021 Family Survey to confirm their preferred learning choice (Distance Learning OR Hybrid Learning Plan). How to complete this form: Please click to log onto your child’s enrollment account and complete the form “Winter 2021 Family Survey” Please complete a form for each child in your household.  Deadline for preschool - 6th grades: Your quick reply will provide us time to prepare and so we encourage your reply by December 21st. We will continue to accept responses through January 4th. The survey for 7th - 12th grades will be available starting in mid-January if the return to campus is confirmed.  Your commitment: Your choice now will be considered your binding commitment for instruction starting January 19, 2021 through the end of the 2nd trimester (March 12, 2021).  For the 3rd term, March 15 - June 24, 2021, you will be asked to respond to a Spring 2021 Family Survey to affirm or change your choice of Distance Learning or Hybrid Learning. That survey will be distributed at the end of February or early March. Distance Learning: As we had stated, we will continue to offer distance learning programs throughout this 2020-2021 school year We recognize that many factors influence a family’s choice of distance learning or on-campus learning programs. We respect your decision and aim to support all students and families in the choice that you make.

COVID-19 Related Policies for Travel and Testing

We share the strong recommendation from the Maryland Department of Health that all students and families refrain from nonessential travel outside the DC area due to the risk of COVID-19 infections. If your holiday plans include travel or contact with persons from outside your household, we remind you of these requirements before your child’s return to campus: Individuals returning from travel must comply with a 14-day quarantine OR Negative PCR COVID-19 results from testing administered 3 - 5 days after travel is complete if you have been traveling to areas where any of the following apply:  COVID positivity exceeds 10% (test positivity rates for each US state can be found here)  COVID case rate over 20 per 100,000 in the past 7 days  “Level 3" location as reported by the CDC.  Known exposure to a person who tests positive for COVID-19 (“close contact”) requires self-quarantine for 14 days, even if you have a negative PCR test.  Test Timing After Travel: PCR test must be administered 3 - 5 days after travel is complete AND stay home for 7 days after travel.

As a resource, we share with you these COVID-19 testing locations: Montgomery County  DC Fairfax County Additional resources may be found on our website: Health and Safety Family Resources Travel and Testing - School Protocols Montgomery County Inofrmation Portal

Happy Holidays!

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and understanding during these challenging months. I am grateful for the dedication of our teachers and staff, the resilience of our students, and the support provided by our families. While there are likely a great many challenges still ahead, I look forward to the promise the New Year holds for all of us. I wish you good health in the New Year,