List of 16 frequently asked questions.

• What is electrostatic disinfection spraying?

  Electrostatic sprayers provide a few huge advantages. First and foremost they are effective. The electric function allows for comprehensive coverage on all surfaces, ensuring that we are thoroughly disinfecting all areas. It is also efficient. Especially during the course of the day, there will be a premium on covering large areas fast. This equipment allows us to do that. Lastly, using very fine particles to achieve comprehensive coverage, we ultimately end up using less disinfectant to cover more space. For more information on electrostatic disinfection, click here.

• How can I prepare my child for returning to school in the Fall?

  We recommend speaking honestly with your child about what they are looking forward to and what concerns they have. In addition, please review these reminders from Nurse Theresa.

• What are the criteria to participate in Fully Virtual Option?

  Interested families will work with their Divisional offices to apply for participation in the Fully Virtual Option. Situations that will be priortized include:
  

  • Students testing positive for Covid-19
  • Students exposed to Covid-19 with or without symptoms
  • Students who have a serious medical condition, recognized by the School, and making attendance a danger to their health 
  • Student’s immediate family member has a compromised medical condition, recognized by the School, and making attendance a danger to their family member’s health
  • Permission of the Division Head

   

• How long will the school day be?

  For virtual learning days, we will aim to start classes slightly later, especially for teenagers who, according to cognitive research, can benefit from a later start.  We will also plan ample break times between online class sessions in order to mitigate 'Zoom fatigue'.
  
  The on-campus school day will be approximately the same as a pre-pandemic school day. Some dismissals each week will likely need to be early to allow for faculty planning time.  
  
  

  The School recognizes the importance of a timely release of our Arrival and Dismissal Plan. It is necessary to stagger arrivals and dismissals by group, so the times will be adjusted slightly from our pre-pandemic schedule of 8:15-3:10. We have a plan developed that is currently being tested. Because of the complexity of coordination necessary, it is important that this plan be vetted by many different groups, including the Reopening Committee, Divisional Offices, Facilities and Operations and the Friends Seminary faculty. We are far along in this process and will communicate the details of our Arrival and Dismissal plan as soon as it is completed. 

   
  
  
  

• What will arrival and dismissal look like?

  The School recognizes the importance of a timely release of our Arrival and Dismissal Plan. It is necessary to stagger arrivals and dismissals by group, so the times will be adjusted slightly from our pre-pandemic schedule of 8:15-3:10. We have a plan developed that is currently being tested. Because of the complexity of coordination necessary, it is important that this plan be vetted by many different groups, including the Reopening Committee, Divisional Offices, Facilities and Operations and the Friends Seminary faculty. We are far along in this process and will communicate the details of our Arrival and Dismissal plan as soon as it is completed. 

   

• Can students bring a packed lunch?

  Lunch service will be provided on campus. Our longstanding policy has been that students are not permitted to bring lunch from home due to allergy concerns and to promote equity amongst students. Families with particular concerns about lunch service during our Hybrid Program should contact their Divisional Office. We hope to maintain the integrity of our lunch program while also looking for flexible ways to accomodate concerns.

• How will students have outdoor time and exercise?

  Students will have daily recess in one of three outdoor spaces: the outer courtyard, the inner courtyard, or the skyfield.

• How will science labs happen?

  The last few years have seen a vast expansion of virtual simulations that facilitate the authentic exploration of variables affecting natural phenomena.  In addition to simulated quantitative and qualitative experiments, there will be select hands-on experiments that students will be able to do at home. When appropriate, materials and instruments will be sent home for students to use.

• How will field trips be handled in the fall?

  Field trips will be suspended for the time being. 

• What will service learning look like?

  The Center for Peace, Equity and Justice will continue to organize and offer opportunities for students to engage with the world and its global challenges. Some of these activities will be built into course offerings and connect specifically to curricular goals. Upper School students will continue to have the option to participate in small group service opportunities after school and on the weekends each month. Family service opportunities will also continue to be offered.

• How will students get supplies they need for virtual learning?

  For classes that require materials or instruments for use during virtual learning, such as visual art or science, supplies will be distributed on days when students are at school.
  
  For students participating in the Fully Virtual Option, some supplies may be ordered directly by families while others may be sent from school.  Specific details are still being planned for each program area.

• What will happen with Back to School Night?

  Back to School Nights will be virtual in the fall.

• How long will the Hybrid plan be in place?

  We envision this plan will be in place in the fall semester. We will be evaluating it on a ongoing basis.

• Will the West Side Bus operate?

  We are in conversations with the bus company. More information will follow as it becomes available.

• What will Wednesdays look like for students in each division?

  Upper School students will come to campus on Wednesdays and will be cohorted in their advisory groups for the day. Programming for these days is currently being finalized and will be communicated in a forthcoming email from the upper School Office. Students will not be able to gather freely in the hallways or in student gathering spaces, nor will students be able to leave campus for lunch.  
  
  For Middle and Lower School students, Wednesdays will include online synchronous time with homeroom teachers and specialist teachers, online community and co-curricular programming, as well as time for asynchronous, screen free work.

• Will there still be Meeting for Worship in each division?

  Yes.  Meeting for Worship will still be central to the Friends Seminary experience.  In order to practice MFW safely, we may break students into smaller grade-level groups that can be safely distanced in the Meetinghouse.  At other times, MFW may be conducted virtually by linking pods of students in their individual classrooms via Zoom.  Fully virtual MFW is also a possibility.  Students in the Fully Virtual Option will be able to join all MFW's.