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Tackling Covid with Vigor

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Washing hands and masking up are only TWO of many pieces to tackling Covid-19,

other virus-induced illnesses, bacteria, and any other disease-causing microorganisms!

 

So, what can we do?  While we all know there are a number of opposing opinions regarding

the need for Covid policies to be in place.

Avoiding politics, supporting us all to be as healthy as possible, and keeping kids in school,

Wah’ -Sha Academy has taken up the following procedures. Our precautions are not

too different from other organizations, and we are applying these practices to fewer

than TEN students during the 2020 – 2021 school year, in a 2400 square foot space!

 

Wah’-shă Academy understands the important role school plays in childhood development.

Young children need interaction with peers to develop emotional intelligence social skills and compassion and understanding for others. We aim to provide these and more opportunities in an environment that may be safer than a traditional public school atmosphere.

There are always risks when gathering in a communal setting. We have developed a plan to keep children as safe as possible in these uncertain times.

  • Our class size will be limited to 10 children, in a 2400 square foot space.
  • We practice handwashing
    • upon arrival
    • before & after lunch
    • at the completion of any ‘work’ (activity), and
    • at the end of the day
  • After handwashing, students dry their hands with individual, one use hand towels that are washed daily.
  • Each table has a small hand sanitizer spray bottle to
    • use prior to any ‘work’ (activity)
  • The staff wears masks regularly.
  • Children will be encouraged to wear masks particularly when a child has a cough.
    • There will be age-appropriate, science-based, and respect-based teachings regarding the importance of masks, and why we may or may not opt to wear them at our particular school depending on our spacing.
    • There will be significant outdoor time, even during winter.
  • We have TWO air filters:  an Airpura UV614-V air purifier with HEPA and carbon filters set up in the classroom, and the IQ Air HealthPro series air purifier.
  • Classroom materials will be cleaned regularly.
  • Desks are wiped down after each use.
  • Floors are cleaned with non-toxic cleaners, daily.
  • Students are taught to close the lid of the toilet prior to flushing.
  • Windows will be open
    • prior to school starting
    • during our after lunch walk
    • after school
  • We will be outside as much as possible and weather permits so that children are learning in nature and breathing fresh air.
  • Inside, we will wear indoor shoes.  This is not necessarily for Covid reasons, but as a precaution to avoiding the numerous germs from outside.
  • Until further notice, students bring their own snacks and lunch.
  • We ask parents to assist us in keeping vigilant and significantly reducing the number of interactions we have with others.

We will do temperature checks on each child, and staff member as they arrive. Children with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher will be sent home. However, taking your own child’s temperature at home will avoid unnecessary travel if your child has a fever and is sent home. If your child has a temperature or is otherwise ill, please do not bring them to school, but CALL to let us know if COVID-19 is suspected.

Students are required to be tested in suspect cases, and positive tests must be reported to the school immediately. Quarantine procedures must be observed. Any student with a positive test may not return until they can provide a negative test result.  Home packets will be provided for the student and any assistance we can give will be offered.  For the remaining students, families will have a choice to remain in class, or quarantine at home for 14 days.  Everyone will be notified of each other’s choices, and home packets will be provided for those quarantining at home, with the same assistance offered as the child who tested positive for Covid-19.

If your child has a negative test result or the illness is unrelated to COVID-19, please ensure any fever has subsided before having your child returned to school. Please see our policies for general illnesses for guidance. We strive to coordinate with all parents to help our community be stronger, safer, and more resilient during this current crisis and moving forward into the future.

 

Our Health Policy will strictly be followed:

. The best environment for a sick child is to be resting at home. If a child is not well enough to participate in all Children’s Garden

activities, including going outside, then the child should be kept at home.

Your child should not come to school when he/she:

  • Has a fever (children should be fever-free for at least 24 hours, before returning).
  • Is in the first three (3) days of a cold.
  • Has nasal or eye discharge (white or any shade of green).
  • Has a rash or hives.
  • Has had a loose bowel movement within the last 24 hours,                                                                                                           AND stools must be back to normal for another 24 hours.
  • Has been awake for a particularly long period of time during the night.
  • Has vomited within the last 24 hours.

First-aid will be administered for all minor injuries and parents will be notified. Regina is CPR-certified and has a basic knowledge of first-aid. I will carry my cell phone for safety and direct means of contact.

** More serious contagions and school communications

Please immediately notify us about cases of Covid-19, H1N1, Rubella, Pertussis, Mumps, Varicella, Pinworms, Ringworm, Head lice, Strep, PINK EYE any easily contagious virus, or any other communicable disease.

 

Our policy is to communicate with families when warning notes are warranted. In our effort to accurately disseminate information affecting our families, we follow a protocol involving communication with the family reporting the illness and MIGHT await a clinical diagnosis before sharing information with other families. Should there ever be a time when this kind of information must be shared with you, we shall respond immediately. Communications regarding any serious contagion shall always come straight from the director.

 

 

Regina Splees Tafoya

Regina graduated from Grand Canyon university with a degree in Communications and Art. Photography was the focus, and she spent much of her time in the darkroom developing pictures to send off to various magazines. When not in the darkroom, or writing poetry, Regina played for the Grand Canyon NAIA champion tennis team. After graduating, Regina found herself in Japan teaching English, speech, and literature at a few universities, then settling into family life with a Japanese man. Mothers in a playgroup noticed Regina's skills and natural ability interacting with children. She soon found herself obtaining certification from Montessori Centre International, and founding a small international school in Kanagawa Japan. The Center became known for its unique curriculum and communication process. Regina and her staff implemented a combination of living values conflict resolution strategies with nonviolent communication practices. It caught the eye of the Meiji Universitie's head of Education Department who would send students to observe. Regina has studied with numerous teachers and mentors over the years, gaining certifications in a diverse number of topics.

→ Regina Splees Tafoya

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