Response to COVID-19
All Souls School’s Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic
When Covid-19 forced schools to close in-person classes in March 2020, the All Souls School administrative and teaching staff immediately embarked on a plan to address the pandemic’s challenges and ultimately, ensure that school continue in a responsible manner that would promote the health, safety, and emotional well-being of its entire school community. As a result of the incredible commitment and cooperation of families and staff, All Souls School has been open and in-person since September 2020. Here are some of the protocols that have protected our community and allowed us to remain open.
- 100% of teachers and staff are fully vaccinated for Covid-19
- Reduced class size, adhering to Department of Health regulations
- Consultancy with Dr. C. Anthoney Lim, Head of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital
- Family agreement to limit child’s social activities outside of school
- Weekly pooled saliva testing of all children and staff members
- Mask wearing for all students, staff, and parents/caregivers
- Staggered arrivals and dismissals for all classes
- Arrivals and dismissals in courtyard
- Online daily health screening completed prior to arriving at school each day
- Hand sanitizer distribution before entering building
- Plexiglass tabletop dividers to support social distancing during work, play, and snack/lunch times
- Boxes of individualized materials (crayons, scissors, playdough, etc.) provided for each student to minimize the need for sharing
- Enhanced hand sanitation practices throughout the school day
- Snack distributed to each student individually by a teacher wearing disposable gloves
- Special classes (Creative Movement and School Sing-alongs) moved to virtual platform as needed
- Full-time cleaning staff; electrostatic cleaning of high-touch surfaces and materials throughout day; deep cleaning and disinfection every night
- Air purifiers for every classroom
- Windows and doors open year-round to promote fresh air circulation
- Covid-19 related health and safety signage posted throughout facilities
- Social distancing signage posted in and outside all facilities
