2020-21 Return to School Safety Protocols
We anticipate and are excited to reopen on August 26 for live face to face instruction. As we begin our school year, we want to make sure that we are responsible and apply proper safety protocols for our students and faculty. The safety protocols being implemented for the 2020-21 school year are listed below.
Please contact the school office if you have any questions about the return to school safety protocols (248-852-6677 or LutheranNorthwest@LHSA.com)
Students who are sick and/or unable to attend school will receive homework and resources (worksheets, links, lecture notes, outlines, etc.). Live lessons and video recordings of instruction will not necessarily be part of this learning environment. Instructors will be prepared to have greater online class content to accommodate students who are absent. This will also be available to families who have health concerns and are not able to send their students back to school onsite.
These plans were privately shared with our Lutheran Northwest families using our school newsletter. If you are an LHNW family and you have not signed up for our newsletter, please click here and provide your information.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
The following COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed while we are operating in Phase 4 of the Michigan Safe Start plan.
Should conditions improve and we move to Phase 5, the safety protocols will change as deemed appropriate and safe (ex. masks are optional in Phase 5). If mandated to move to Phase 3, safety protocols will not apply as we will be operating in a remote online environment as mandated by the state of Michigan.
Currently, we are in Phase 4 and the following COVID-19 safety protocols are in effect:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
& Social Distancing
All staff and students will wear facial coverings when in classrooms, when taking school provided transportation, when in indoor hallways and common areas, except (1) during meals and (2) unless face coverings cannot be medically tolerated as documented through written and signed verification by a physician.
The school will provide adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors (including soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels, tissues, and signs reinforcing proper handwashing techniques).
When seated in classrooms students will be spread out appropriately to maintain safe social distancing.
Hygiene
The school will teach and reinforce regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and/or the safe use of hand sanitizer. Staff and students will be educated to cough and sneeze into their elbows, or to cover with a tissue.
Limit sharing of personal items and supplies such as writing utensils.
Frequently touched surfaces will undergo cleaning on a regular basis with either an EPA-approved disinfectant or diluted bleach solution.
Hands-on classrooms will undergo cleaning after every class period with either an EPA-approved disinfectant or diluted bleach solution.
Student desks will be wiped down with either an EPA-approved disinfectant or diluted bleach solution after every class period.
Ensure safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfection products, including storing products securely away from students, and with adequate ventilation when cleaning products are used.
Assemblies
With the exception of chapel services, Lutheran Northwest will not conduct indoor assemblies that bring together students from more than one classroom.
Lunch
Lunch will still be offered and served in the cafeteria with appropriate social distancing including being spaced out in the cafeteria, sitting outside (weather permitting), and eating in classrooms.
Athletics
Lutheran Northwest will comply with all guidance published by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
Screening & Testing
Cooperate with the local public health department regarding implementing protocols for screening students and staff.
Students who develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 while at school will have a quarantined area in the office to wait in until they can leave school.
Symptomatic students and staff sent home from school will stay home until they have tested negative or have recovered according to CDC guidelines.
School Provided Transp.
The bus driver, staff, and all students if medically feasible, will wear facial coverings while taking school provided transportation. Note: there may be situations where it is not safe for the driver to wear a facial covering. Decisions about these situations should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently touched surfaces in the vehicle (e.g., surfaces in the driver’s cockpit, hard seats, arm rests, door handles, seat belt buckles, light and air controls, doors and windows, and grab handles) will be cleaned on a regular and consistent basis.
If a student becomes sick during the day, they will not be allowed to use school provided transportation.
Would you like to print the Return to School Safety Protocols? CLICK HERE
Please contact the school office by Tuesday, August 11th if:
You are interested in learning more regarding “homebound” (long term absence) study.
OR
You will not be returning to face to face learning and will seek an outside online educational option.
*The tuition discount offered only applies if schools are closed and we are offering online learning only.