COVID-19 UPDATES

Under the guidance of the CDC and State of CT, Salisbury School is implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its community. One of those measures is COVID testing. 

If your son has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, he does not need to re-test.  Please submit documentation of the positive test results directly to the health center.

General Details Regarding COVID-19 Testing:

• All students receive and submit results of a negative COVID-19 virus test within 7 days of arrival on campus.
• Tests must be PCR tests. Rapid antigen testing is not acceptable.
• International students may test in their home country provided that the test is a PCR/molecular test and is performed and submitted within the 7-day timeline. 
• Domestic students may utilize a local lab or may opt for an at-home testing option. At-home testing options are encouraged due to their convenience and their consistent turnaround times.

At-home testing options for domestic students:

• PIXEL BY LABCORP https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/at-home-test-kits/covid-19-test-home-collection-kit ships to US address for students 18 years and older. Covered by most insurance policies.
• PHOSPHORUS:  https://www.phosphorus.com/covid-19 available to ship to US address for students of all ages and covered by most insurance policies.
• VAULT HEALTH:   https://www.vaulthealth.com/covid (requires up-front payment, which can be paid via health savings accounts (HSA) and/or can be submitted to insurance for reimbursement)

• Students must provide documentation of a negative test prior to arrival on campus. Students arriving without evidence of a negative test result will need to remain off campus until negative test results are available.
• Students who test positive for COVID-19 should not travel, should adhere to public health guidelines, and must receive clearance from the school prior to arrival on campus.  

Please note that previous COVID-19 infection will NOT excuse individuals from following the masking, distancing, and hand hygiene protocols on campus.

Visitor Policy - Update

To date, the School has been extremely successful in ensuring a safe and healthy community for our students, faculty and staff. The partnership and cooperation from the boys and our families have been essential for making that happen. With that in mind, and with the goal of keeping the Hilltop healthy through to the end of the trimester, moving forward we are going to restrict visitors to campus.

Visitors to campus will not be permitted between January and March. Post-spring break campus visits will be evaluated at a later date.

Salisbury School continues to restrict off-campus travel. Exceptions to this include family emergencies and emergency medical appointments. 

Students will not be allowed to leave campus.  Routine medical appointments, college visits, and family vacations should be planned for over the spring break

In situations where students leave campus for reasons other than those listed above,  the School requires that the student complete a 14-day self-quarantine and obtain a negative COVID test within 7 days of his return to campus. 

The School continues to plan for interscholastic athletics, but plans will need to be adjusted based on COVID rates on the Hilltop and in the State.

With a modified interscholastic schedule in place for the spring, it is our hope that the Pod Training System will serve the needs of our student-athletes prior to the start of formal competition.  Salisbury aims to maintain the integrity of a spring sport experience as well as provide student-athletes with the option of training and preparing for seasons to come in small groups or “pods”.  This year will look different than in the past. NEPSAC has waived the notion that coaches cannot coach out of season.  

Once competitions begin, Salisbury will NOT be allowing spectators other than our own students.  We will, instead, offer livestreams of each scheduled competition.

We encourage everyone to watch the game on Salisbury School’s LiveStream feed at: https://www.youtube.com/user/SalisburyKnights/videos"

For further details on the Pod Training System, click here.

1.       Monitoring
 We continue to closely monitor updates from local, state, and national officials, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and from the World Health Organization (WHO). We are also in communication with both local and state departments of health, Sharon Hospital, and with peer schools.

Students, faculty and staff will continue to evaluate for symptoms and self-report daily via the School Suite app.

The School will continue to perform surveillance COVID testing throughout the remainder of the year, the frequency of which will be determined by Hilltop and local COVID rates.

2.       Following travel guidelines/recommendations
 We are guided by recommendations of the CDC, WHO, and public health officials and taking extra steps as considered necessary to protect our community.  Salisbury requests that students, faculty and staff refrain from traveling to areas designed by the CDC as Level 2 or higher as well as other high-risk areas.  Please check the CDC travel information website for current information. Any student traveling to or from Level 2 or higher countries must remain off campus and symptom-free for 14 days after leaving the country with a travel advisory.  Should the situation arise, please be prepared to find alternative quarantine arrangements for your son, as students will not be allowed to quarantine at Salisbury School.  

3.       Preventative measures on campus
The Salisbury School campus is CLOSED to all visitors until further notice.  School-related deliveries will be allowed access to campus. 

Masking, social distancing and hand hygiene will remain in place and will be enforced throughout campus

We are working with service providers across campus to prevent the spread of germs. Salisbury has implemented measures to reduce the potential spread of viruses. These include reinforcing best hygiene practices, modifying dining services protocols, increased cleaning and sanitation measures and making adjustments to our daily schedule, if needed.

The school will continue to follow State of CT guidelines for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine

The Salisbury School Housekeeping staff continues to work diligently to maintain the highest level of disinfection possible at the school.  Housekeeping Supervisor Patti Stevens, has completed a certification program on cleaning management.  She has instructed her staff on the proper disinfection procedures, using EPA-approved chemicals.  The School has a good supply of cleaning products, and has made hand-sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and disposable gloves available to all students and employees.  The staff has also been practicing social-distancing, and soon will begin staggering their work shifts, to further limit contact with others.  After a thorough cleaning, buildings on campus that are not in use have been closed.  This has allowed our staff to solely focus their cleaning and disinfection efforts on the one dormitory that remains open and the few other accessible buildings on campus.

Please note that COVID-19 and influenza vaccination will NOT excuse individuals from following the masking, distancing and hand hygiene protocols on campus.

We know that we’ll start classes with many of our students learning from home. In most cases, that means from many time zones away. That's OK. The weekly academic schedule that we will use in the fall for hybrid and blended learning keeps those studying from a distance in mind. We designed it so that 2 of the 4 class meetings per week for each block are reasonably timed so that those students can log into the live broadcast of those class periods via Zoom.

In the classroom, we’ll use cameras and microphones that will allow distance learners to hear and see what is happening in the class, and be able to participate in discussion, ask questions, and share ideas. For the blocks that are not reasonable in terms of timing for live class attendance, distance learners need not worry. Teachers will record all class sessions via Zoom and post them to the class pages – which will be the source for all course material for students learning both on and off campus.

Course texts will be digital this year too, which allows us to provide the same texts to those near and far, and makes it much easier to transition to learning off campus if necessary.

We are committed to working together with our distance learners to catch up and stay current, just as we always are when students are learning on campus. Teachers will also commit to scheduling extra online meetings outside of the class day so that distance learners can check in and get whatever support they need. We’ll look at evening times in particular to align with mornings for our boys in Asia or afternoons for any boys in the US that are not in the Eastern Standard Time zone.

We have rearranged classes to meet those regulations and will all use appropriate masking and social distancing measures in our work with boys in those spaces. Depending on class size and room size, there may be some block meetings during the week when some students attend class in the room and others via Zoom in their dorms, the library, or any other space that is deemed best for each individual learner. Advisors will work closely with teachers to help determine that on a case by case basis. As for the methodology we’ll use to determine which boys will be in the room on which days, we will likely allow for teacher autonomy and creativity to solve for that. The mission that will drive all those decisions, however, is simple: as many students in the room as often as possible during each school week as is allowed by COVID regulations. Department chairs will work closely with the Academic Office to oversee that process, and equity and fairness will be fundamental. In some circumstances, teachers may elect to hold class meetings outside or in other unconventional spaces to provide more flexibility in numbers. That will of course depend on the nature of that class and the logistics that come into play. Whatever the case, we’ll always try to do what’s best for the students in that class.

We remain as committed as always to our athletic program, so time in the afternoon was built into the schedule to allow for that.

We also remain committed to supporting our boys through their work with the tutors in the Rudd Center, so the new schedule has plenty of X blocks to provide time for those meetings whether they be virtual or in person. X block will also be a time for music lessons, which can happen on campus or via Zoom. As always, X block and other free periods can also be used by students and teachers on campus to give and receive extra support. Our three assigned lunch periods will ensure a safe and healthy mid-day meal, and the extra time built into the passing periods will also allow for sanitation and technology transition time between class meetings.

Salisbury's entire faculty participated  in five weeks of professional development through Mount Holyoke College this summer, as part of the Teacher Leadership program.  Faculty partook in a series of virtual workshops focused on best practices in online and hybrid course development.  This opportunity has provided our faculty with enhanced learning methods which will be implemented this academic year.

For a broad look at our model please refer above to the Downloadable Documents section.  Here, you will find a basic outline of our model and the weekly fall schedule.  These documents are designed to provide an overview. 

A Clarification on Terminology:

• Hybrid Learning: This term refers to students who are connecting to all classes live. This can be a mix of in-person and remote.
• Blended Learning: This term refers to when some students are attending some classes live but others asynchronously. This is the term we will use for any of our students who are unable to return to campus this fall, and for whom live attendance to all classes may be challenging due to time zone constraints.
• Distance Learning: This term refers to a situation where all students are learning remotely. We will use a different schedule than the one provided here for situations like this. That schedule will be released separately.

They are required at all times except when students are in their dorm room.  To learn more about proper mask wear and care please visit the CDC website.

Face Mask Criteria:

• Mask must fit snugly (but comfortably) against your face
• Mask must be secured by ear loops or ties
• Mask must be constructed of at least 2 layers of fabric
• Mask must be washable without damage or shape change
• Mask must allow for breathing without restriction
• Mask must cover both the nose and mouth
• Mask must not have a valve.

A remote learning option will be in place for all students who are unable to return to campus.  For a broad look at our model please refer above to the Downloadable Documents section.  Here, you will find a basic outline of our model and the weekly fall schedule.  These documents are designed to provide an overview.  A more formal plan will be made available as we move toward September.

Salisbury's entire faculty participated  in five weeks of professional development through Mount Holyoke College this summer, as part of the Teacher Leadership program.  Faculty partook in a series of virtual workshops focused on best practices in online and hybrid course development.  This opportunity has provided our faculty with enhanced learning methods which will be implemented this upcoming academic year.

Students who are ill with minor non-COVID illness will be evaluated and treated on campus and will be allowed to convalesce in their dorm rooms. Students who require close supervision or care or those with COVID-related illness must leave campus within 24 hours of diagnosis. This allows the School to maintain a healthy environment and direct its resources to keeping the campus open. To that end, all students are required to designate a local guardian/emergency contact who can pick them up and care for them during the mandated isolation period. These individuals agree to retrieve the student and assume care within 24 hours in the event of illness, need for quarantine or school shut down. Salisbury will provide short-term care while awaiting student pick-up, but is not able to provide long-term care or quarantine on campus. Families in need of a local guardian may contract with an outside company for these services. Here are 2 local options: 

• www.studenthealthadvocates.com
• https://www.bostoncss.com/services/

Please note that the vast majority of individuals who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will require only home care under the supervision of the local guardian. Students whose symptoms are severe and require hospitalization will be sent to Sharon Hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The school is equipped to provide quarantine for students who require it, but families are encouraged to quarantine off campus, if able. The quarantine should take place in a state that does not require another quarantine upon arrival to CT (this changes daily, please refer to the State of CT Travel website).

International students are required upon arrival in the U.S., to quarantine for 14 days.  If an on-campus quarantine is required, students must arrive on campus between August 23 and August 25 and must contact the Deans' Office well in advance.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 while in the 14-day quarantine and within the 7 days before coming back to campus in the U.S., but who are not sick enough to warrant hospitalization are required to leave campus within 24-hours of diagnosis. Please remember, all students are required to have a local contact who can pick them up and care for them during the mandated isolation or quarantine period.

General Details Regarding On-Campus Quarantine:

• Currently, all international travelers and those arriving from a state listed on the CT Travel Advisory list must quarantine for 14 days. Please refer to the State of CT Travel website for the most up-to-date recommendations.. 

• Students who simply travel through (flight layover, rest stop, etc) a high-risk state from a low-risk state need not quarantine.

• Students who are required to quarantine may arrive on campus on August 24. The deans' office will communicate details with families who meet the quarantine criteria.

• Students are welcome to quarantine off-campus at a hotel or home, as long as they do so in a state considered to be low risk. See the State of CT travel website for listing.

• Students quarantining on campus will be placed in single rooms.

• Students quarantining on or off campus are expected to monitor for symptoms daily and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.

• Students will be provided opportunities to socialize with others, but only while adhering to strict physical distancing and masking.

• Students quarantining on campus will be required to practice physical distancing and wear masks at all times outside of their dorm rooms.

• Once a student arrives for quarantine, he will not be allowed to leave campus for any reason.

• Students who quarantine on campus will have the opportunity for twice daily activities organized by the school.

• Students will have access to three meals daily

Advisors will play a critical role in shaping the online experience for students and building community while we are not able to be together on The Hilltop. Advisory groups will meet three times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to check-in, share important updates, and provide information about various virtual events. Students can also expect to have individual check-ins with their advisor each week.

Your son’s tutor will remain the same and tutoring sessions will continue via Skype or FaceTime. Your son’s tutor will be reaching out to schedule their regular meetings. Learning Center tutors will work closely with teachers to ensure they are aware of what is happening in each class and will have access to all platforms necessary to help students meet expectations. Billing from the Business Office will continue as usual.

Students with learning differences who are currently receiving approved academic accommodations will continue to receive the same accommodations in the online setting. Please keep in mind that accommodations may not translate perfectly from the classroom to the virtual platform and some flexibility may be required. Specific questions or concerns about accommodations can be directed to Kati Brandon, Director of the Rudd Center for Learning and Academic Growth at kbrandon@salisburyschool.org.

Counseling:
Mental health support services will be available to students during this time. Unfortunately, due to licensing regulations, Salisbury School counselors are unable to provide formal therapy across state lines. They can provide solution-focused conversations geared toward helping students access support and resources in their local communities. Counselors will also be offering self-care activities, coping skills, and wellness resources. Please visit our Mental Health webpage for details and available resources.

Health Services:
The health services team will continue to serve as a resource for information and support for students and families during our distance learning period. For more information contact Director of Health Services Beth Hammond at bhammond@salisburyschool.org.

Student Support Team:
The Student Support Team will continue to meet on a regular basis to discuss specific student needs and community-wide needs.

Salisbury School recently communicated with families the decision made by the Board of Trustees to offer partial reimbursement for the spring trimester.  In order to participate, we ask that families complete the 2020 Spring Trimester Reimbursement Form before June 1. 

To access the 2020 Spring Trimester Reimbursement Form you must first login to the Parent Portal and scroll to the Useful Links section of the Parent Resources Tab.

Please check the College Board website for the most updated information about test center closings. We advise all students taking the March 14 SAT to confirm that their test site is open by checking the College Board website on Friday evening/Saturday morning. Unfortunately, Salisbury will not be notified if a test center has closed or if a test site has moved.

Students who are registered to take the ACT should know that ACT is consulting with local government and school officials to make the appropriate decisions about cancellations or rescheduling of testing.

If any test centers for the April test date are closed, ACT will notify impacted students and test center coordinators directly, as well as post and update information regarding the closures on this website Students may contact ACT directly to reschedule for the June administration.

College admission officers know that there has been/will be disruption this spring, and we anticipate that they will be understanding regarding individual students’ circumstances. Fifth formers should talk to their college counselors if they have concerns about how actual or potential cancellations will impact their testing plans.

If you have specific questions regarding standardized testing this spring, please contact Leanne Larson at llarson@salisburyschool.org.

1.       Monitoring
 We continue to closely monitor updates from local, state, and national officials, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and from the World Health Organization (WHO). We are also in communication with both local and state departments of health, Sharon Hospital, and with peer schools.

Students, faculty and staff will continue to evaluate for symptoms and self-report daily via the School Suite app.

The School will continue to perform surveillance COVID testing throughout the remainder of the year, the frequency of which will be determined by Hilltop and local COVID rates.

2.       Following travel guidelines/recommendations
 We are guided by recommendations of the CDC, WHO, and public health officials and taking extra steps as considered necessary to protect our community.  Salisbury requests that students, faculty and staff refrain from traveling to areas designed by the CDC as Level 2 or higher as well as other high-risk areas.  Please check the CDC travel information website for current information. Any student traveling to or from Level 2 or higher countries must remain off campus and symptom-free for 14 days after leaving the country with a travel advisory.  Should the situation arise, please be prepared to find alternative quarantine arrangements for your son, as students will not be allowed to quarantine at Salisbury School.  

3.       Preventative measures on campus
The Salisbury School campus is CLOSED to all visitors until further notice.  School-related deliveries will be allowed access to campus. 

Masking, social distancing and hand hygiene will remain in place and will be enforced throughout campus

We are working with service providers across campus to prevent the spread of germs. Salisbury has implemented measures to reduce the potential spread of viruses. These include reinforcing best hygiene practices, modifying dining services protocols, increased cleaning and sanitation measures and making adjustments to our daily schedule, if needed.

The school will continue to follow State of CT guidelines for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine

The Salisbury School Housekeeping staff continues to work diligently to maintain the highest level of disinfection possible at the school.  Housekeeping Supervisor Patti Stevens, has completed a certification program on cleaning management.  She has instructed her staff on the proper disinfection procedures, using EPA-approved chemicals.  The School has a good supply of cleaning products, and has made hand-sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and disposable gloves available to all students and employees.  The staff has also been practicing social-distancing, and soon will begin staggering their work shifts, to further limit contact with others.  After a thorough cleaning, buildings on campus that are not in use have been closed.  This has allowed our staff to solely focus their cleaning and disinfection efforts on the one dormitory that remains open and the few other accessible buildings on campus.

Salisbury’s athletic department will be working to re-design a competitive schedule for all of our spring teams that will provide our Knights with valuable playing time for our final trimester, as some school's (the Founders League) have recently released that they have canceled their spring athletics.

Are Salisbury’s international trips still happening?

No. Following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations against international travel for school programs, we have canceled our March Break trip to Indonesia because of the extremely fluid nature of the COVID-19 outbreak.

What about domestic school-sponsored trips?
As of March 9, all domestic March Break trips have been canceled.

Individuals who meet any of the following criteria should contact the Health Center for clearance before returning to campus:

·         do not feel well or have a fever and/or respiratory symptoms within five days of their planned return

·         have traveled to an area designated by the CDC at a level 2 or higher within the last 14 days

·         have traveled on a cruise within the last 14 days

·         have been in contact with a person being tested for or diagnosed with COVID-19

The Health Center staff is available to provide care for students 24/7. Most likely, a symptomatic student will have a cold or the flu and not COVID-19. However, we are preparing as best we can for the occurrence of the virus on campus and will work in partnership with Sharon Hospital and our local and state Departments of Health to manage students of concern. Health Center staff members are undergoing special training to prepare for this possibility. Should the situation arise, please be prepared to find alternative quarantine arrangements for your son, as students will not be allowed to quarantine at Salisbury School.

The Salisbury community has provided accommodations for students to remain on campus during our March Break in lieu of returning home to family in areas designated high-risk by the CDC.  Advisors, deans, the health services team, and many other adults on campus have also provided support during this time of uncertainty. The Salisbury community is prepared to continue its support of those most impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.