Ask The COVID-19 Task Force

• Will PK-3 wear masks?
  The CDC recommends that all students wear masks. Currently, all students and teachers will be required to wear a mask, with teachers giving students mask breaks during the day. Like the AAP, we acknowledge the difficulty for Early Childhood aged children, but will work to ensure they wear masks as well. 
• Can they wear face shields?
  We investigated face shields, but the CDC and the doctors on our Task Force advise they should not be used as a substitute for cloth face coverings. We'll continue to watch the requirements and change them if we're able.
• Do you all have any good recommendations for mask brands/types for young kids? (3-4 year old)
  A number of retail sources for masks are available like Gap Kids, Target, Disneyand others. Letting your children pick out their masks gives them a chance to express themselves and may help them buy into wearing it. We only ask that the mask doesn't have any printed words on it (besides possibly the child's name). Make sure the mask has multiple layers of fabric, fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, completely covers the nose and mouth, and allows for breathing without restriction. Also, make sure that it can be machine washed and dried without losing it's integrity. After you do pick out a mask, please practice putting the mask on and taking it off. Normalizing wearing a mask with your child during the summer will help them do so in the classroom and demystify the behavior. View the CDC website for more information on masks recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
• Will non-compliance with masks result in a dress code violation?
  Lower School does not have "dress code violations", however, we would ask the child to put the mask back on. 
• If the masks are damaged/lost during the day, do they have replacements?
  Each student is asked to bring two sanitized masks daily. If they lose both during the day, the school has disposable masks for them.
• We saw pictures on the website for Summer Camps and mask policies were not enforced. How will you make sure they are during school year?
  Enforcement is the key by all adults on campus; hence, the extended in-service time for faculty and staff leading into fall.

• Will there be any changes to the school calendar?
  No
• What are the options for drop-off and pickup? Can Upper School be dropped off with their siblings?
  To help us ensure students across campus are socially distancing, students are required to arrive at their designated divisional time. Pickup and drop-off times can be found on our website at https://www.lausanneschool.com/carpoolmap. While students with siblings in other divisions can arrive with their younger siblings, they must report to specific areas where they can be supervised. 
• Will there be a new student orientation?
  Rising 9th Grade and New Student Orientation will help students and their families learn all they need to know for the new year. Families will sign up for a time to come in and meet with their child's advisor and tour campus. They will also have an online training on August 13 at 4:30 p.m. with the technology department to help with email, Veracross login, and any other questions.  Details on this training will be sent to those families through the tech department next week. We will send out a sign up for times to attend on Friday, August 14, in our second summer mailer on August 3. There will be appointments in both morning and afternoon. This orientation will take approximately 45 minutes.
• Will the dress code be the same?
  We'll be going to Friday dress code throughout the week.
• Will the IB guidelines change for Seniors who have to test this year?
  At this point, we don't know. The IB hasn't released guidelines, but we assume they will. As soon as they do, we'll share the new information
• Will there be zero hour time set aside for tutoring and extra help from the teacher?
  There is a flex period in the schedule that can be used for tutoring and extra help. Some classes will operate in that period, but the second half will be available for teachers to help. If students don't have a class, we will actively encourage them to leave campus.
• How do you plan to engage the Upper School students for three straight hours? Will they be moving in the classroom?
  This summer, all Upper School teachers are taking part in continuing education classes on how to best teach in a longer time format. Teachers will have staggered breaks and take them outside as available and appropriate.
• What average number of students will a child be interacting with on a weekly basis?
  Depending on what division and grade a student is in, this number could vary significantly. In Lower and Middle School, we're estimating less than 20 per week. In Upper School, we're estimating less than 70 a week, but closer to 30 per day. Across divisions, we're maintaining social distancing and mandating face masks, which should keep most students from having close contact with each other. They're also sitting daily in the same seats to limit possible exposure and aid in contact tracing if needed.
• How will you handle social distancing/congregating in bathrooms during classroom changeover?  
  We've instituted procedures across campus to help with the process. Across campus, we're making most hallways and stairwells one-way, and administrators, teachers and other staff will monitor to ensure social distancing is being maintained. We'll also work to identify and correct issues that arise quickly to keep our community safe.
• What is the plan for classes that require labs?
  We're making sure that labs are socially distanced, and teachers are working on ways to do labs that can maintain this and are spread apart as well as virtual options.
• If they have math as P1, for example, according to this new schedule, they will not have math again for seven days? How can continuity continue?
  They'll actually have it twice during a seven-day rotation. They'll also get a small amount of homework to continue practicing those skills.
• What are plans for the sophomore internships?
  Unfortunately, internships, class trips and other traditions have been put on hold and moved to spring. Hopefully, the situation surrounding the pandemic will improve by then, and our students will be able to participate then.
• When will advisory groups be announced?
  Advisories have been carefully selected with the advisor being chosen to help different students with different needs. Friendship groups were taking into consideration, though. We'll share the advisory lists in early August.
  Are teachers being tested on a regular basis? 
  No, not at this time.
• Will there be any mandatory testing for students?
  No, mandatory testing for all students will not be enacted. If a student has symptoms, then they will follow the quarantine procedure. The asymptomatic spread is the major issue with COVID-19. That's why we have procedures in place to minimize possible exposure. Testing each student doesn't seem to be a viable approach because of the possibility of exposure.
• Will the school install clear protection shields for each student desk?
  We don't anticipate the installation of any shields due to the change in the rooms that are being used for classes, mask requirements and our social distance protocols.
• What is the acceptable temperature allowed to enter campus?
  Students won't be allowed on campus if they have a temperature higher than 100.4. We'll be doing temperature checks before students get out of their cars.
• Will there be PE classes?
  While we don't have PE classes in Upper School, we have a large number of students involved in extra-curricular activities involving athletics, and we're looking at ways to safely do those without compromising student safety.
• Could there be an option to opt-out of lunches by trimester?
  You always have the option to bring your lunch from home. Your lunch fee funds our contract with Sodexo to provide lunch and pay our cafeteria staff. For those families who have chosen to have their child at home and learning online, they will be reimbursed for the food costs each day they are marked “present online”. This reimbursement is estimated per day to be approximately $2.34 for PK, JK and SK, $2.39 for 1st through 4th, and $2.62 for Middle and Upper School. Students that bring their lunch from home aren't eligible for this reimbursement.
• Assuming sports do continue and play, what is the plan for the school day and practices?
  For any sports that are approved to play, we have specific protocols for each one. Families with athletes on those teams will receive detailed communication from the athletic department and coaches. Fall varsity sports have already begun practicing and workouts, each following a specific structure. Practice days, times, etc. will all be communicated in advance.
• If sports proceed as normal, will there be a limit of fan capacity?
  Yes: if we are able to proceed with sports, there will be a severe limitation on who would be able to attend any event.
• Will there be band, and what are the social distancing protocols?
  We are still working on the best protocols for band, and it will not be starting in-person during the first few weeks.
• Will theatre resume? 
  Eventually: yes. While sports activities have started back, it's allowed us to make sure they're practicing social distancing and following procedures before we start full academics back. Once we start the school year and as our community adapts to the social distancing and masks wearing, we'll look for ways to start back theatre, robotics and other activities.
• Will there be aftercare?
  In the afternoon, students must leave campus at the end of their school day, with pickup times varying per division. At the beginning of the school year, all students will be required to leave campus by 3:55 p.m. We're looking into how to have aftercare and other after school activities safely, but currently, there isn't an option for students to stay on campus any later.
• Will the school have a nurse on campus?
  Yes, we will have a nurse here on campus that can help us with their expertise and be able to handle issues as they arise on campus.
• If my child brings their lunch, do we still have to pay for lunch?
  For those families who have chosen to have their child at home and learning online, they will be reimbursed for the food costs each day they are marked “present online”. This reimbursement is estimated per day to be approximately $2.34 for PK, JK and SK, $2.39 for 1st through 4th, and $2.62 for Middle and Upper School. Students that bring their lunch from home aren't eligible for this reimbursement.
• Were the teachers involved in the process and able to give feedback to this plan to ensure buy-in for execution?
  All lower school teachers had the opportunity to voice their thoughts, concerns and input during the developmental process. Initially, teachers were encouraged to complete an online survey and submit questions and concerns to the Covid-19 task force. Teachers met virtually by grade level to brainstorm ideas regarding the various scenarios, and to reflect on the spring online teaching experience for ways to improve. 
• Will afterschool care be available when school starts?
  AfterCare for Grades PK – 8th will be available from 3:15 - 6 p.m. for Lower and Middle School students beginning on the first day of school. Registration can be found here or on your Parent Portal on Veracross.
  In order to maintain contact tracing and appropriate numbers and staffing, drop-ins will not be allowed. Further precautions such as cohorts, carpool and scheduling will be amended and can be found at www.lausanne360.com or by contacting Leslie Crais, Director of AfterCare at aftercare@lausanneschool.com.
• Will parent-teacher conferences be virtual or in-person?
  Conferences take place in October, so we will have to evaluate the situation closer to that date. 
• How will you handle shared items such as library and classroom books?
  Items like books (that students check out for a week at a time) will be sanitized between uses. The same is true for things that are shared more frequently, like iPads and computers. Teachers are getting extra training on how shared items should be sanitized during in-service leading into the school year.
• Will families be asked to report if they have traveled outside of the city within the past month or throughout the school year?
  No, but we do ask that when outside the Lausanne campus that families continue to practice safety precautions so that their return to Lausanne is safe for others.  In addition, we ask that no one be on campus if any of the following are true:  
  - Within the last 14 days, have you been in close contact (less than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes or direct physical contact) with someone who has a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19?
  - Are you experiencing a cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell?
  - Have you experienced any flu-like symptoms in the last 14 days?
  - Have you had a fever greater than 100.4 in the last 72 hours without use of fever-reducing drugs?
• Is there any consideration of current summer protective/social bubbles being extended into the class placements to ensure that we are keeping exposure contained both in and out of school?
  We are currently looking at ways to address this concern and will provide more information.
• Is there any consideration to stopping co-curricular classes to limit potential exposure or spread carried by the individual teacher to/from all the classrooms?
  The co-curriculars (like art, languages, music, technology and PE) are integral to the Lausanne experience, and so we're committed to continuing them. With the protocols in place (no close contact, masks, and students not leave the classroom with the exception of PE) we're ensuring that students will remain safe.
• Have we considered zooming in the additional teachers to the classroom to limit cross exposure between classrooms?
  We are limiting the number of adults that students encounter. Still, we think that the students would benefit most from co-curricular teachers being in the same room but socially distanced.
• When the kids will be on the playground, will they be with all their grade-level friends or just the kids in their classroom?
  Students will be on the playground with the full grade level.  Drawing upon information from the CDC, being outside, supervised by teachers, socially distanced, and with masks on will be a safe environment.
• Will class sizes change?
  Class sizes will not change and will keep the ability to move online or in-person fluid.
• What are you going to do to help the length and wait of the carpool line if temperatures are being taken before the kids get out of the car?
  While we're planning to use staggered start times for each division to help make the process faster, we also know that wait will be longer. We ask for parents to plan ahead.  
• How were the guidelines molded and formed for Lausanne around these and the related considerations?
  We modeled our guidelines after CDC recommendations and the local health department, along with input from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 
• What options do teachers with health issues have? Do they have the option to teach from home?
  We respect our teacher's health concerns and have taken steps to make the campus as safe as possible. All teaching instruction, whether online or in-person, will take place from the classroom.
• Are there "enough" substitutes available and willing in the ecosystem to cover when a teacher(s) is sick?
  Yes: we'll cover that internally to ensure we're not bringing other potential exposure risks to campus. We believe that we do have enough people to work as substitutes, but will monitor it closely. 
• With the dramatic upward trend of positive cases in Shelby County, how definite is the start date? Will Lausanne only consider closing campus by government order?
  We're committed to opening for Lower School on August 17 with our safety protocols in place, but also offer the online option for families that don't feel comfortable returning yet. More details for that can be found on our website at https://www.lausanneschool.com/optionalonlineclasses
• Can parents of JK students request that their student be allowed to wash their hands with soap and water instead of frequently using hand sanitizer since those classrooms are equipped with sinks?
  Yes. That would be requested through the teacher.

• How is sanitizing in classrooms going to work?
  Sanitizing between uses will happen when different children are using an item like a laptop or iPad. Sanitizing of all surfaces in the classrooms will happen nightly following the procedures outlined on our website. We will also be frequently using an electrostatic sprayer with a disinfectant that will wrap around all objects and surfaces to provide complete disinfection.
• How safe are the chemicals you will spray every night? Will the windows be opened to vent?
  Three disinfectants are in use and are all effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2:
  - hdpC 2, produced by Spartan Chemical, with EPA registration number 1839-169- 5741
  - TB Cide Quat, produced by Spartan Chemical, with EPA registration number 1839-83-5741
  - The SNiPER, with EPA registration number 71700-2
• There has been a lot of information coming out about ventilation. Will there be efforts to keep windows open? Or an air cleaning system?
  We have upgraded many of our HVAC systems in the last three years. All of these system mix in fresh air as advised by regulators. On any older systems, we are installing ionizers which will clean the air.  In addition, our filters have a MERV rating of 8 and are changed quarterly.

• Because the virus is contagious 3 to 5 days before symptoms are apparent, it is still possible for a large outbreak at the school, what are the plans to address that contingency and what will the school do to protect those students are at higher risk for an adverse outcome?
  Despite our best efforts, there are risks of outbreaks at the school. If your family is at higher risks, we hope that you'll weigh that in your decision to attend on-campus classes vs. the online option. As we've shared before, there is a possibility that we would have to move a group, grade or division to online classes dependent on the severity of the outbreak. We'll be making those decisions with the Shelby County Health Department's aid and the doctors on out Task Force.
• What specific symptoms will be communicated to parents as those that should cause them to keep a student home from school? 
  The CDC has designated the following as possible symptoms of COVID-19: 
  - Fever or chills 
  - Cough 
  - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
  - Fatigue
  - Muscle or body aches 
  - Headache 
  - New loss of taste or smell 
  - Sore throat 
  - Congestion or runny nose 
  - Nausea or vomiting 
  - Diarrhea 
  Knowing that all of these symptoms could also be from other illnesses (like flu), families can provide documentation from a doctor outside of their nuclear family showing that their symptoms are caused by another type of virus (flu, strep, etc.). With the documentation, once they are symptom-free for 24 hours, they may return to school.
• How will the situation be handled if a student seems to get sick during the course of the school day?
  Our nurse will be alerted, and the student will be checked for symptoms and will be isolated in a room awaiting parent pickup. 
• If a teacher tests positive, will all students exposed have to quarantine?
  Like other members of our community, they would follow our quarantine/testing procedure. According to the CDC contact tracing guidelines, only individuals who have come into close contact with someone who is infected need to be moved to quarantine. Practices and procedures on campus (6 feet of distance at all times, everyone in masks) are designed to avoid close contact between individuals.
• Should a teacher become infected or have to quarantine, what is the plan to continue instruction?
  We'll cover substitutions internally to ensure we're not bringing other potential exposure risks to campus. We believe that we do have enough people to work as substitutes, but will monitor it closely.
• I thought CDC specified 14 days quarantine form exposure or +ve test?
  If the child was in close contact with a positive person, they would follow the quarantine/testing procedure:
  - Provide documentation of two negative COVID-19 tests taken greater than 24 hours apart
  - Ten days have passed since close contact occurred with a person with a confirmed positive case
  - Practices and procedures on campus (6 feet of distance at all times, everyone in masks) are designed to avoid close contact between individuals and to protect our community in cases like this. Families of classmates would be notified of the potential exposure, but only asked to quarantine if it is determined that they have been in close contact with the individual.
• How will you identify students who have COVID-19, but have no symptoms?
  The asymptomatic spread is the major issue with COVID-19. That's why we have procedures in place to minimize possible exposure.
• What are considered "symptoms?"
  The CDC has designated the following as possible symptoms of COVID-19:
  - Fever or chills
  - Cough
  - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  - Fatigue
  - Muscle or body aches
  - Headache
  - New loss of taste or smell
  - Sore throat
  - Congestion or runny nose
  - Nausea or vomiting
  - Diarrhea
• If a child has symptoms, do they have to get tested? For example, the flu can mimic this, but they wouldn't need to be gone for ten days…If my child gets a cold and they have to be out a week, will they be required to take 2 COVID tests to return?
  No, but they will be required to provide documentation from a doctor outside of their nuclear family showing that their symptoms are caused by another type of virus (flu, strep, etc.). With the documentation, once they are fever-free for 24 hours, they may return to school.
• I have been told that the clinics do not currently test children. Is that true? If so, how can the children get tested?
  We are working with a few sites in forming a partnership so we have an easy way for the Lausanne community to get tested as needed.  More information will be provided in a few weeks.  In addition, with a shortage of available tests, we understand the concern. We've adapted the CDC's "Return to Work" Criteria to allow students to return without having to go through the testing protocol: 10 days from the first symptom with the final 72 hours being symptom-free. At the same time, we are working on partnering with some local providers for testing children. More information on that will be shared later.
• When I was tested, they called and let me know the results. How can I provide documentation?
  Ask the person on the phone how you can receive documentation. In speaking with several health care providers, most will offer to email your documentation. Documentation of the negative test will be required.
• What if a child is exposed to a COVID-19 positive person?
  If the child was in close contact with a positive person, they would follow the quarantine/testing procedure: 
  - Provide documentation of two negative COVID-19 tests taken greater than 24 hours apart
  - Ten days have passed since close contact occurred with a person with a confirmed positive case
  Practices and procedures on campus (6 feet of distance at all times, everyone in masks, no physical touching) are designed to avoid close contact between individuals and to protect our community in cases like this. Families of classmates would be notified of the potential exposure and to monitor symptoms, but only asked to quarantine if it is determined that they have been in close contact with the individual.
• The thought that a student testing positive in a classroom would not lead to an entire classroom moving to quarantine is concerning. What are you basing this on?
  According to the CDC contact tracing guidelines, only individuals who have come into close contact with someone who is infected need to be moved to quarantine. Practices and procedures on campus (6 feet of distance at all times, everyone in masks, no physical touching) are designed to avoid close contact between individuals. These strategies are also outlined by the CDC.
• Will I be notified if a kid in my kid's class is positive if it's determined my child wasn't in close proximity?If a child tests positive and you alert those surrounding the child, will the rest of the classroom/grade be notified so that they can elect to stay home if desired?
  Yes. All families in the same cohort or bubble will be alerted to a student or teacher testing positive.
• What if a child is exposed to a COVID-19 positive person? If a student in the class tests positive, would other classmates also need to take the test and provide results since they were exposed to the virus?
  If the child was in close contact with a positive person, they would follow the quarantine/testing procedure: 
  - Provide documentation of two negative COVID-19 tests taken greater than 24 hours apart
  - Ten days have passed since close contact occurred with a person with a confirmed positive case
• If a child is exposed to a COVID-19 positive person, what should the procedure be for the child's siblings in other grades?
  Because of the unavoidable close contact in family units, any siblings should not return to campus until it's verified they haven't been exposed by their sibling clearing the quarantine/testing procedure. Because of social distancing and mask-wearing, the sibling's classmates did not come into close contact with a positive person. We would notify their families of the situation and ask parents to monitor their symptoms, but they would not be required to take any action since they did not come into close contact with a positive person.  
• If a child tests positive for COVID-19, what should the procedure be for their siblings in other grades?
  Any sibling of a child who tests positive should follow the protocol set forth for quarantine/testing as they have been in close contact with the positive test. Families of the sibling's classmates would be notified of the potential exposure, but only asked to quarantine if it is determined that they have been in close contact with the sibling.
• What happens if the teacher tests positive for COVID-19?
  Like other members of our community, they would follow our quarantine/testing procedure. According to the CDC contact tracing guidelines, only individuals who have come into close contact with someone who is infected need to be moved to quarantine. Practices and procedures on campus (6 feet of distance at all times, everyone in masks) are designed to avoid close contact between individuals. 
• So a positive-tested kid means the class teacher is also removed from class?
  Teachers are under the same protocol, but we don't anticipate any of our teachers being in "close contact" with students as designated by the CDC.  If there is an instance where they are, then the teacher will be removed from the classroom.
• Don't teachers need to get close to students at some times?
  Knowing there are times when students may need physical help, the CDC does make an allowance for people being less than 6 feet apart as long as it's not longer than 15 minutes and no physical touching. While this will only be in limited cases, teachers will have their masks on at all times to further limit exposure. 
• Does co-curricular teacher visiting room that tests positive mean close contact? If so, wouldn't that affect the entire school?
  With our social distancing protocols and practice, we don't anticipate any of our teachers being in "close contact" with students as designated by the CDC.
• Is there a substitute teacher plan? Are there "enough" substitutes available and willing in the ecosystem to cover when a teacher(s) is sick?
  Yes: we'll cover that internally to ensure we're not bringing other potential exposure risks to campus. We believe that we do have enough people to work as substitutes, but will monitor it closely. 

• If we choose the option for online classes, are we able to change to the on-campus option later?
  Absolutely: we do ask for one week's notice so we have time to ensure social distancing can still happen. You'll just need to notify your division office.
• If we decide to go online, is the first week of school still mandatory, and what is the purpose of it?
  Yes: attendance is required as it would be in a normal year. Both online and in-person would apply to this attendance.
• Is there a 100% online study option for the semester, even if authorities have let schools be open for in-school education?
  Yes: if your family doesn't feel comfortable returning to in-person classes, your student can use the online option. Families can move to this option at any time, but we ask for a week's notice before the student returns to in-person classes. More details can be found here: https://www.lausanneschool.com/optionalonlineclasses
• What about materials for classes and co-curricular classes if families choose to go online?
  Teachers will gather the necessary supplies and we'll arrange a time for you to come to campus and pick up the supplies safely.
• In the distance learning schedule, are there parts of the day that students could opt-in and out of? For example, if my student needs to take a break from zoom or we're able to complete the activity independently, would we have that option? Would my SK child be responsible for being online during this entire time every day? What if my child finds it difficult due to attention issues?
  In grades PK/JK, online students will be able to at their family discretion. In grades SK-4, students will follow the class schedule, keeping in mind, there will be breaks, independent work time and whole group interaction, just as in the classroom. With all this in place, there will be plenty of time for your child to take breaks (recess, snack, restroom break, lunch). Once classes begin, if you have a concern with the workload or pace of classes, we encourage you to talk to your student's teacher. 
• With optional online classes, is class live-streamed? Are students able to interact in real-time?
  That's the goal: students should be able to interact in a very similar way as they can in class. The feedback we received during spring classes made us try to imagine ways to make it easier for students to stay connected throughout the day. We'll continue to evaluate the process and look for ways to improve the experience.
• Would the same teacher teach distance learning students and in-class? 
  With our current plan, yes: it would be the same core teacher online and in the classroom. The co-curricular and language teachers would be the same, as well, and come into the classroom to teach their lesson. 
• Why is the school not separating teachers into either in-person or remote like other programs?
  The situation around the pandemic is constantly changing. Having the teacher presenting classes in person and online for students gives families the flexibility to move from in-person classes to online and back with minimal disruption. With this model, it would be difficult to appoint one particular teacher to dedicate to online teaching. 
• What are your thoughts on the teacher's ability to maintain the kids observing online with an adequate level of engagement?
  The teacher will have the ability to control the camera/sound when the live feed is on, etc. which will help manage the students' engagement. If the teacher notices a student is having trouble staying engaged online, they'll reach out to the parent to work together on strategies that could help improve the situation.
• As a JK Parent and I am concerned about the quality learning that will take place if forced to go exclusively online. Most 4-year-olds can not be attentive on a 30min zoom call. How do you expect a full schedule to be followed by JK students with working parents?
  We realize students benefit the most from being on campus. We're already investigating if our licensure with the state would allow us to continue offering PK and JK classes if daycares are allowed to remain open. We hope that PK/JK students will be able to remain on campus and learn in the most developmentally appropriate environment. With our current model, PK/JK students have the flexibility to opt-in/out of the live feed as their parents/caregivers see fit. 
• For those children whose parents choose to have them learn remotely, how will their academic experience (interactions, teacher attention, et al) be addressed? How will students learning online and in-class keep pace?
  Lower school students benefit from in-person interaction with ther teachers, and we'll do our best to replicate the experience for families choosing the optional online classes. Teachers will have "office hours" to meet one-on-one with students learning virtually, also. We'll continue to evaluate the process and look for ways to improve the experience as much as we can. 
• How are you thinking through different learning experiences?
  We have given great thought and intentionality to our plans as well as used feedback from parents and teachers in the development of the plans. Knowing the Lausanne experience is best in person, the online schedule is developed to closely mimic the in class experience as much as possible. 
• I am very concerned about the optional distance learning plan. Children remoting in will be extremely disruptive to the class. What are you doing to limit this?
  Even with in-person learning, teachers sometimes have to deal with students being disruptive. When encountering the situation online, they'll utilize strategies to best handle the situation. 
• How will students on the online track be evaluated?
  Online students will be evaluated the same as the on-campus students, as they will all be completing the same assignments. 
• How will parents know how their children are doing both virtually and in class? 
  Like before the pandemic, it will be the same as if they were in the classroom. Teacher conferences, weekly emails, and teacher intervention will be utilized to ensure parents understand their student's progress. Once classes begin, if you have a concern, we encourage you to talk to your student's teacher. 
• What changes are expected for distance learning regarding the tools and processes, sites, et al that will be used?
  As our specific plans are still in development, we are continuing to work with our teachers and use their feedback of what worked well in the spring to improve the online learning experience. Streamlining this experience is our goal. We are already working with our tech department to improve tools such as webcams for better audio/video quality.
• What kind of tool are you using to video what's happening in the classroom? Owl? Swivel? Laptop camera?
  Our tech department has been looking through several different options and investigating the best ways to employ the camera for classes. 
• What platform will online classes be on? Zoom? Teams?
  At Lausanne, we use Teams for online classes. The security of the program is the main reason.
• What if I don't want my child's class to be live-streamed? The privacy of learning and behavior issues comes to mind offhand.
  Please let your division head know of your concern. The live stream will be password protected, and only the families in each class should have access to it, but we may be able to figure out other accommodations.
• Will there be an option for online conservatory classes?
  Conservatory and Enrichment activities will begin in phases after Labor Day. This includes private music lessons, tutoring sessions, outdoor visual art and dance classes, virtual chess classes and more. Registration for these activities is now open on our website. More details and information on activities offered can be found at www.lausanne360.com.
• How do we proceed if we want to start online for August and transition to onsite for September?
  Families can move to optional online classes at any time. We do ask that families give us a week's notice before returning to on-campus learning.

• If optional online learning is chosen, will parents be responsible for lunch and activity fees? For those families who have chosen to have their child at home and learning online, they will be reimbursed for the food costs each day they are marked “present online”. This reimbursement is estimated per day to be approximately $2.34 for PK, JK and SK, $2.39 for 1st through 4th, and $2.62 for Middle and Upper School. Students that bring their lunch from home aren't eligible for this reimbursement.
• Is it true that you furloughed the lunch staff, but we only got $100 back for a refund? 
  Not true: all lunch staff employees were retained and received their full pay. As a consequence, the refund for the lunch fee was on food costs only and not personnel.
• Will 100% distance learning students pay full tuition?
  The online option is not truly optional to every parent when you consider the added cost of additional childcare to support online learning. How do you suggest families with two working parents handle this given you won't offer tuition discounts for the online option? We understand the difficulty our entire community is facing. While the Board of Trustees has agreed to a discount if we are mandated to close, we can't provide a discount for families choosing the online option. For those families who have chosen to have their child at home and learning online, they will be reimbursed for the food costs each day they are marked “present online”. This reimbursement is estimated per day to be approximately $2.34 for PK, JK and SK, $2.39 for 1st through 4th, and $2.62 for Middle and Upper School. Students that bring their lunch from home aren't eligible for this reimbursement.
• What if we don't feel like we have a choice in choosing whether or not our child attends in person due to financial constraints?
  Every family in our community is facing a different situation. We encourage you to reach out to the admission office to have a confidential discussion.
• As it relates to parents not making payments in June and July due to not knowing if we'll be getting what we paid for, will you be charging late fees?
  Our finance office is waiving the late fees for June and July. 
• If we feel its most safe for our family to unenroll this year, would we be able to be at the top of the list to re-enroll next year?
  Students enrolled the previous year have priority enrollment every year, followed by their siblings. Openings for enrollment are dependent on grade level, gender ratio and available seats and are offered to accepted students based on when they sign their contract.  
• If we come in for ten days online, what percentage of TRP will we get back?
  The Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) will cover 60% of the unused yearly fees provided the student attends ten consecutive school days either in person or online. This includes remote learning, which would require your child to check in with their teacher(s) daily. You must be enrolled in TRP by August 1 to participate for the 2020-21 school year. The cost of TRP is dependent on grade level: PK - $334, JK/SK - $384, 1-4 - $464, 5-12 - $530. If you withdraw your child, you will need to fill out a claim form and return it to Barbara Frederick in the business office by emailing her at bfrederick@lausanneschool.com. You can find the TRP claim form here. Once the form is completed and returned, a claim will be filed on your behalf and a refund check will be sent directly to Lausanne. The business office will apply the refund to your child's account and you will be responsible for any remaining balance on the account.

Lunches will be provided to all on-campus students each school day.

Lower School students will select their entrée options with their teacher’s help each week, and will be served with a variety of fresh fruits. For the first week of school, parents will select this option at meet the teacher day on August 14. You can view the menu for Lower School by clicking here.
Lunch will be delivered to Lower School students and eaten in their classroom.

For both Middle and Upper School, individual classes will be released to select their lunch in the Dining Hall, maintaining social distancing as they choose their lunch items. You can view the menu for Middle and Upper School by clicking here. Students will choose one entrée and separately packaged sides.

• All options, A, B or C, will be served at designated serving lines. An example of the different options would be...
  • Option A - Choice between two hot entrees (one meat and one vegetarian)
  • Option B - would be a large, premade salad
  • Option C - would be a premade sandwich or pizza option
• Carton milk or bottled water for beverages. Drink stations will be closed at this time.
• Additional fresh fruit and vegetable options will be available at all serving lines
• All food items will be served in reusable, To-Go containers

Middle School students will then return to their cohort's classroom to eat their lunches, maintaining social distance throughout the process.

In Upper School, students will return to their advisory room for the remainder of the lunch. Social distancing will be maintained throughout the period.

Lunch Fee Reimbursement for Online Students
For those families who have chosen to have their child at home and learning online, they will be reimbursed for the food costs each day they are marked “present online”. This reimbursement is estimated per day to be approximately $2.34 for PK, JK and SK, $2.39 for 1st through 4th, and $2.62 for Middle and Upper School. Students that bring their lunch from home aren't eligible for this reimbursement.

Register Now For Aftercare - Starting August 17

AfterCare for Grades PK – 8th will be available from 3:15 - 6 p.m. for Lower and Middle School students beginning on the first day of school. We'll share information on how to register in Wednesday's enews.

In order to maintain contact tracing and appropriate numbers and staffing, drop-ins will not be allowed. Further precautions such as cohorts, carpool and scheduling will be amended and can be found at www.lausanne360.com or by contacting Leslie Crais, Director of AfterCare at aftercare@lausanneschool.com.

Lausanne 360° Activities Begin the Week of Sept. 7

Conservatory and Enrichment activities will begin in phases after Labor Day. This includes private music lessons, tutoring sessions, outdoor visual art and dance classes, virtual chess classes and more. Registration for these activities is now open on our website. More details and information on activities offered can be found at www.lausanne360.com. We'll share information on how to register in Wednesday's enews.

Fall Athletics At Lausanne

For the fall Lower School Sports season, soccer and tennis will be offered in training sessions with no league play. Register by contacting Leslie Crais, Director of Lower School Sports at lcrais@lausanneschool.com.

Middle School Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball, and Cross Country will begin August 10 with a modified season and practice plan. To register, contact Rachel Hammons, Director of Middle School Sports at rhammons@lausanneschool.com.

Fall Varsity Athletics are in session. For more information, please contact Assistant Athletic Director – Cayce Densford at cdensford@lausanneschool.com.

Thank you for all that you do during these unprecedented times! 

Some Lausanne families have members who are health care workers, pilots, or professions that force them to travel to "hotspot" areas or come into contact with people that may have COVID-19. We ask that you continue to maintain practices that ensure the safety of yourself, your family and the Lausanne community. 

Please welcome our new school nurse Jo Turnage to Lausanne. Ms. Turnage will be onsite each school day and responsible for implementing best practices and measures to ensure the promotion of a healthy school environment. She has 45 years of nursing experience, including 29 years dedicated to pediatrics, with 13 years at Le Bonheur and 16 years at St. Jude. Earning her RN at the University of Memphis, her most recent experience was working as the triage nurse at West Cancer Center for the Gynecologic Oncologists.

Ms. Turnage will be in our new clinic near the lobby of the lower school, where she will provide direct student care, health education and policy management. We are pleased that she will be part of the Lausanne family and will play an integral role as an advocate, liaison, and consultant on health-related issues for students, families and the school community.