Return to Campus 2020-2021

Name: Summer Camp
Location: The Wyndcroft School

Wyndcroft recognizes that the ideal teaching and learning environment is one in which students and teachers are able to interact with each other face-to-face. We also recognize the vital importance of creating a campus environment that addresses the health and safety concerns of our students, faculty, and staff. Our Return to Campus Plan seeks to do both; providing a roadmap for our community to follow in the months ahead.

We are Wyndcroft. We are ready.

Read the full Return to Campus Plan

Communications to the Wyndcroft Community

December 3, 2020 - Back to Campus

Dear Wyndcroft Community,

Our remote learning week was a huge success! Students were able to reach their teachers to engage in classroom instruction from home with independence and confidence! Wyndcroft students did not lose a step in the academic plans for their grade level. I am so proud of our teachers and our students for their hard work.

By now, I expect you may have heard that Montgomery County Schools can return to normal programming next week. That means Wyndcroft students and teachers will return to in-person instruction on campus.

As the CDC and the Montgomery County Office of Public Health continue to determine new guidelines for quarantine and travel, we at Wyndcroft have determined the following:

Any staff or student that has traveled outside the state of Pennsylvania anytime between November 21 - December 6 can return to school:

If a negative COVID-19 test result upon return to Pennsylvania is filed with the school nurse

After 14 days of home quarantine without testing

You will receive a COVID-19 PA Travel Questionnaire by text message or you can click on the link below. Please complete this important form for each Wyndcroft student or staff immediately, submitting it no later than Friday, December 4 at 9:00AM. This will allow ample time for our office to follow up with families before school begins Monday. No student or staff can return to school without submitting this form.

Monday, December 7, we resume submission of the Daily Wellness Screening Questionnaire each day. Thank you in advance for submitting this in a timely manner prior to arrival. Temperature scans, mask wearing, and all other safety protocols will continue to be strictly followed.

The next two short weeks will be filled with learning and fun for all within the community. Every day will bring something exciting: 8th grade Raffle Baskets, a special pizza lunch and holiday games, a holiday dress up day, and festive presentations from Pre-K and Second Grade are just a few of the exciting events coming our way. Look for details in Wyndcroft Weekly News – you won’t want to miss any of the holiday frivolity!

Warmly,

Gail

October 29, 2020 - Looking Ahead

Dear Wyndcroft Community,

The month of October is nearly over and we all naturally look to the upcoming holiday season. Today I heard media segments advising people to scale down Thanksgiving festivities because of the surge of positive COVID-19 cases in our region and throughout the nation. Experts project further increases for the month of December. Of course, one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread continues to be handwashing and mask wearing!

What does this mean for Wyndcroft?

At this time, we have had children and staff experience colds and NON-COVID illness, with no reported cases of positive results for COVID-19. Therefore, our goal continues to remain fully open with in-person instruction, because we believe that is best for teaching and learning. However, that decision may change through the next few months as we re-evaluate daily the best action for the Wyndcroft Community.

The Wyndcroft Remote Learning plans, either for quarantining a cohort or a division, or full school remote learning, are ready to deploy at any time. Students will take home all necessary materials and technology that will allow teaching and learning to continue at home. Quarantine learning will follow the current daily schedule, but should the need arise for full remote learning, that schedule will differ. Click here for a sample of the Lower School and Upper School schedules.

As you plan for the holidays, please keep in in mind the state guidelines regarding travel. Any student or staff member who has traveled to and spent more than 24 hours in a state or country identified by the state of Pennsylvania as a hotspot must quarantine for 14 days from the date they left the hotspot location before returning to school.

To be honest, my preference would be that we all stay put here in Pennsylvania for the holidays this year. Remember, our ability to protect our school’s health is only as strong as our weakest link!

THANK YOU for your willingness to work in partnership with us to keep students healthy and safe allowing for the best possible learning experience! I will continue to keep you updated regarding school conditions regularly through the next few weeks.

My best,

Gail

October 1, 2020 - Wyndcroft Strong

Dear Wyndcroft Community,

The calendar has changed to October, and we are completing the fourth week of school. Students and teachers are all doing well with the new routines for their classrooms and I can report an enthusiasm for learning has returned to our hallways, classrooms, and playgrounds. We have all adjusted to mask and distancing practices whether class is being held indoors or out. We remain Wyndcroft strong!

Daily attendance remains strong. We have had several reports of students and staff experiencing respiratory illnesses, with or without fever. Many of these symptoms can be mild and mimic those associated with seasonal allergies or other viral syndromes. To help protect our school community, it is imperative that patients presenting with even mild symptoms be evaluated by medical personnel.

At Wyndcroft, we continue to proceed with an abundance of caution and to date all COVID-19 testing has been negative. Thank you to all parents who have followed the School’s Health Guidelines closely, seeking guidance from your health care provider before returning to school, and communicating clearly with the School. Our school nurse continues to support our families in following the return to school directives. We continue to work closely with the Montgomery County Department of Public Health. Do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Bressi with health questions and concerns by calling the school or via email at nurse@wyndcroft.org.

I am proud to be associated with a community that even when inconvenienced, displays a Non Sibi attitude to protect the health and safety of our children and our staff. Thank you for all you do to support The Wyndcroft School!

Warmly,

Gail

September 4, 2020 - Virtual Open House for Parents

August 20, 2020 - Important Reopening Updates

Dear Wyndcroft Community,

Today’s communication is filled with many details that pertain to the start of school. Each day seems to bring a slight change to health and safety directives, and we continue to adjust to them all. Wednesday, August 26, marks two weeks before the first day of school. I am asking each family to carefully examine their physical distancing practices and plan to avoid gatherings. The media reminds us that Labor Day may bring unnecessary risk for exposure to COVID-19, so a “staycation” may be the best option to protect our community.

Tomorrow you will receive the Shared Community Expectations & Pledge for Families. Please read it carefully and sign and return it promptly. The health and safety of each member of our community is our highest priority.

STAFFING UPDATES

I want to update you on the staffing changes at Wyndcroft for the upcoming year. Mrs. Kim LaGuardia returns to first grade and is thrilled to be back with her “firsties”. Ms. Dana Mullen has been reassigned to the third grade team. Dana brings significant elementary experience and expertise that will only make the middle grades stronger.

Additionally, Mme Ann Risell will not be returning in September. Ann has worked with enthusiasm and passion for her subject for more than a decade at Wyndcroft and she will be greatly missed! The search for an additional teacher in the French department is underway. If you know anyone who may be interested, please send them to our employment page on the website for more details about the position.

TRANSPORTATION

The arrival and dismissal times remain the same as other years. Students may arrive between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. either by car or bus. After the initial temperature screening upon entering the building, students will report directly to their classrooms. Dismissal each day will begin at 3:30 p.m. and we expect this process to take just a little longer as students will be called directly from the classroom. We will load only one bus at a time and load two cars at a time. Enter carline each day from Highland Road and approach the main entrance in a single file. Preschool children must be dropped off and picked up from the Early Learning Center parking lot. Thanks in advance for your patience as we begin to build these daily routines!

We have heard from most school districts regarding bussing, and I am pleased to announce that nearly all districts will provide transportation. We are still waiting to hear from one or two districts, and you can expect an updated list in next week’s Weekly News. Ms. Lee Ann Neiman will send you a Transportation Information Form to complete and return ASAP.

Wyndcroft Weekly News will begin next Thursday, August 27, to inform you about the new procedures for electronic notes to school, modifications to the lunch program, and much more. PLEASE read Weekly News carefully each Thursday.

DRESS CODE

We have made some slight changes to the dress code options for the school year. Since we will be spending more time outdoors than before, all students may choose to wear non-marking sneakers to school each day. Dress shoes are still allowed, but not required on non-gym days. Students in K-4 will wear their gym uniforms all day; teachers will inform you of the daily schedule on Orientation Day.

Students in grades 5-8 will still wear blazers in the winter, but not on a daily basis. You will still need your blazer for picture day on September 25! More details regarding blazer wear will be provided well before the October 15th change to winter dress code.

ORIENTATION DAY – Tuesday September 8

This year we will greet you on Zoom for a virtual orientation event. We will begin together as an entire community, followed by a visit with your teachers and advisors to tour the building, learn about your schedule, and prepare for the first day of school. A schedule for the morning and an invitation link will be sent to you closer to the date.

Class list assignments will be posted at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow in your ParentsPlus Portal.

We know there is always much excitement when these groups are published. Often children are concerned when friends may be in different classes or a student may not be assigned to a longed-for teacher. We ask you to respect the thoughtful planning that goes into creating class sections and to understand that no changes to the class lists can be made at this time. As parents you can be supportive and encouraging to your child, assuring them they will have many friends and will be very happy in their new class.

Advisory Groups (gr. 5-8) will be posted in the ParentsPlus Portal August 28.

Enjoy your last few weeks of summer...Let the countdown to re-opening begin!

Warmly,
Gail

August 20, 2020 - Athletic Program Update

Dear Parents,

I hope that you have had a safe and healthy summer. I am certainly excited to see you and your families soon! As we prepare to open in a few weeks, I wanted to make you aware of some changes to our Upper School Athletic Program. Due to COVID -19, the IMAC league has cancelled the entire fall season for the upcoming school year. Although we had hoped to provide an intramural sports program for our students, we have determined that the safety protocols are too cumbersome at this time. If conditions improve, we will reopen our athletic program.

The Wyndcroft School will provide a Physical Education class for all 6th, 7th, and 8th grades for the fall season.

Students will participate in P.E. two times a week (specific days and times will be noted on student schedules).
Students will change into school appropriate active wear of their choice.
An additional mask is recommended on P.E. days.
Classes will continue to follow physical distancing guidelines with breaks for mask wearing when needed.

Again, I hope you enjoy the next few weeks before we return to campus. If you have any specific questions about athletics or P.E. classes, please reach out to me directly at kdorris@wyndcroft.org.

Thank you and be safe,

Ken

August 14, 2020 - Guideline Updates

Dear Wyndcroft Community,

The summer is winding down with slightly more than three weeks until we meet again in person. We could not be more excited to see you all!

The auditorium is our delivery staging area and it is filled with boxes of new textbooks, Smartboards to be installed, webcams, and a multitude of classroom supplies. Teachers will be setting up their classrooms in the next weeks as we put the finishing touches on daily schedules and classroom assignments. Every surface has been scrubbed and cleaned; even the windows are sparkling.

This year brings new guidelines and procedures for us all, and you will be hearing from us each week with additional updates. Please be sure to read EVERYTHING to support the efforts of the school to create a safe and enriching educational experience. All communications are posted on the website for easy reference.

Today I include two of the most important documents of our September opening plans: Health Guidelines and Mask Wearing Guidelines. These shared community expectations are aligned with the PA Department of Health directives, and as you know, are subject to change. Our goal is to remain as clear and transparent as possible, and we will update you when changes occur.

I am confident that all members of our community will embrace the shared responsibility to prevent the spread of illness and remain committed to help keep students, staff, and faculty as safe as possible.

Next week, we will update transportation, arrival and dismissal procedures, dress code, lunch options, and Orientation Day. Stay tuned.

My very best,

Gail

Health Guidelines

Mask wearing Guidelines

July 30, 2020 - Updates

Dear Wyndcroft Community,

I hope this note finds you all well, making these summer days count!

You probably have heard of several local districts unveiling their re-opening plans, some with virtual only options, some with in-person instruction, and others offering a hybrid option. I expect you are wondering if these plans change the re-opening status for Wyndcroft.

Please be assured our plan is to open with five days of in-person instruction September 9. Governor Wolf has given each school district and each non-public school the authority to determine what learning plan works best for their local community. Large districts must plan for many scenarios, for many students, and many different needs, very different from the Wyndcroft experience.

Our small class sizes, ample facilities, and abundant resources allow Wyndcroft to open with in-person instruction with sound health practices and physical distancing. Soon you will hear more about our daily wellness questionnaire, temperature scans, mask requirements, and changes in arrival and dismissal procedures. Bus transportation guidelines will be communicated as more information becomes available.

We are preparing for the following:

In-person Instruction - our preferred plan. With limited movement throughout the building and intentional outdoor learning and play areas, the strength of our program remains strong.
Quarantine Learning Plan - if a cohort must quarantine due to positive test results, students can participate in their classroom instruction with the aid of digital tools.
Remote Learning Plan - only if mandated closure is imposed; you will be pleased with the new schedule format that emphasizes “live sessions” with teachers. That schedule will be available in mid-August.

We are fortunate to have a supportive community that embraces individual interaction between teacher and students. School may look a little different than other years, but the depth of the program will not suffer. What can YOU do to help?

Below you will find five tips for helping your family prepare for the new school year. Masks, six foot distancing, and wellness checks top the list. Continue to have positive discussions with your children about returning to school, seeing teachers and friends, and adjusting to the changes in school life.

It is our expectation that you remain safe and healthy. Practice travel and physical distancing protocols throughout the remaining summer days, especially two weeks prior to the start of school.

I look forward to seeing you September 9!

My very best,

Gail

Back to School Tips

Guiding Principles

These four principles helped guide our return to campus planning. These principles speak to our Mission and are also geared with what we have learned from our experience with remote learning this spring and the feedback received from our parents.

School Health and Safety Measures

The health and safety of our community is Wyndcroft’s highest priority. The following is a list of safety measures that we are planning to put in place, regardless of our alert level. Further details about these and other safety measures will be shared in our upcoming communications.

Face Coverings

Physical Distancing

Grade Level Cohorts

Hand Hygiene

Enhanced Cleaning

Health Screening

Regular temperature and symptoms screening will be conducted for all students, employees, and visitors to campus through daily wellness checks.

Students with symptoms will be separated from other students, and parents/guardians will be contacted to arrange pick-up within the hour. School guidelines regarding sick policies for students and employees will be strictly enforced.

Quarantine and Contact Tracing

Food Services

Other Safe Classroom Practices

Self-Care and Well-Being

Field Trips

Visitors

Travel

Large Group Gatherings

The Important Role of Families

Families play a vital role in maintaining safety on campus. The number one safety measure is to keep a child home if they are sick. We want to work with families to support their child’s adherence to safety measures while they are on campus as well as at home.

As a community that prioritizes health and safety, we must all do our part to adhere to state health recommendations and regulations to control transmission and potential future outbreaks. Moreover, there may be times when we ask families to comply with broader safety measures and we greatly appreciate your cooperation in this regard.

Additional Resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Pennsylvania Department of Health

Talking to Children About Coronavirus

The Wyndcroft School is located in Montgomery County, but members of our community come from areas around the region. We have included links to all county health organizations in one place so you can reference them as needed.