Covid-19 Information Hub

Carrollwood Day School is committed to thorough, accurate, and transparent communication with our community. Confidentiality laws prevent CDS from disclosing the names of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. This Case Tracker report is for transparency and general informational purposes, only. Persons identified as someone who has been in contact with, or in close proximity to any individual who has tested positive for the virus have been notified privately.

October 16, 2020

• One positive diagnosis; athletics; the individual and 1 identified close contact are quarantining in accordance with CDC guildelines.

October 14, 2020

• One positive diagnosis; elementary after care; the individual and 4 identified close contacts are quarantining in accordance with CDC guidelines.

October 3, 2020

• One positive result from school-wide high-contact surface testing; weight room; 10 individuals identified as potential close contacts; all required to be tested or quarantine for 14 days. 

September 13, 2020

• One positive diagnosis; upper school campus; the individual and 16 identified close contacts are quarantining in accordance with CDC guidelines. 

August 26, 2020

• One positive diagnosis; elementary campus; the individual has not been on campus since August 21 and is quarantining in accordance with CDC guidelines. There were no contacts on campus required to quarantine.

 

Carrollwood Day School - Health & Safety Statement
The safety and health of our faculty, staff, students, and families is always our top priority at Carrollwood Day School (CDS). We understand that we are in an unprecedented time with the potential spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and to that end, CDS has reviewed our health-related plans and procedures and adapted them to ensure health and safety for all.

• October 5, 2020 - COVID-19 Response Update  (Results from surface testing and updated weight room protocols)
• September 25, 2020 - COVID-19 Response Update
• Rapid Testing Information
• September 11, 2020 - COVID-19 Response Update
• August 20, 2020 - Sick Day Policy during COVID-19 Pandemic
• August 17, 2020 - Overview of CDS Response to Covid-19 [prepared for first meeting of Health &  Safety Team]
• July 22, 2020 - Lower School Return to School Policies and Procedures [updated July 28, 2020]
• July 22, 2020 - Middle School Return to School Policies and Procedures [updated July 28, 2020]
• July 22, 2020 - Upper School Return to School Policies and Procedures [updated July 28, 2020]
• July 7, 2020 - Safety Policies for School Reopening
• June 18, 2020 - COVID-19 Policies and Procedures 
  • Please note:  Guidelines have been updated and face masks are now required to be worn by all faculty/staff, students, and visitors when inside any school building. Gaiters/buffs, face shields, and face masks with ventilator valves are not acceptable face coverings.

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There are simple everyday actions you can take to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses. These include:

• Stay home when sick.
• Practice social distancing - remain at least 6 feet apart from others.
• Wear a face mask. 
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after they blow their nose. Help young children do the same. If hands are visibly dirty, use soap and water to clean hands. (Hand washing guide)
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and clean hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer (if soap and water are not readily available).
• Get a flu shot during the flu season

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SLOW THE SPREAD
WEAR A FABRIC FACE COVERING

All students in PreK 3 through upper school and all faculty/staff and visitors will be required to wear a face mask at all times when inside and outdoors when adequate social distancing of at least 6 feet cannot be maintained.  Gaiters/buffs and/or face shields are not acceptable face coverings for inside school buildings. Face shields may be worn with a face mask. Face masks with breathing valves are also not allowed. Please take these next few weeks to find a face mask that works for your child.  Students will need to wear a clean face mask to school each day. All students will be provided with a cloth face mask at the beginning of school.

Click below for CDC guidance on the proper way to wear a face mask, how to safely remove it, and how to care for it. 

CDC GUIDANCE about the proper way to wear a face mask, how to safely remove it, and how to care for it

FAMILIES MAY PURCHASE CDS BRANDED FACE MASK

You can now purchase CDS branded face masks through the link below. Please note that although the link below says "Shop closes on Sunday" the shop reopens every Monday for the next batch of orders. These masks are not required by Carrollwood Day School for the return of school, but that is subject to change pending requirements that are in effect at that time. 
Please note: The gaiter style face covering will not be acceptable in lieu of a face mask in school buildings.

*Please Note: These are not surgical masks. They are cloth face masks like the CDC has recommended wearing in public settings.*

ORDER YOUR CDS FACE MASK HERE

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We encourage parents to check reliable resources to keep current on best practices to mitigate health risks specific to COVID-19.  Most of these sites include information about prevention as well as travel precautions. 

Information about COVID-19

The Florida Department of Health is a go-to resource for current information about COVID-19 that is relevant to Floridians. Key sources include:

• Florida Department of Health - What you need to know: http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/faq.html.
• COVID-19 Toolkit - Easy to understand tips and information about prevention, symptoms, and travel precautions:  http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/covid19-toolkit.html
• For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department's dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1.866.779.6121. The Call Center is available 24/7. Inquiries may also be emailed to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Here are links to other official resources: 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• World Health Organization (WHO)
  https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
• CDC – Coronavirus FAQs
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

The leadership team at Carrollwood Day School, together with the school nurse, are closely following the most current recommendations from local, state, and federal agencies to refine our learning plans for the opening of school in August 2020.  These are robust tiered plans that will provide for on campus classes for students in all grades paired with distance learning, if needed.  The plans also include accommodating students who may need to attend remotely due to an extended illness or family quarantine.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON THIS PAGE MAY BE UPDATED
AS CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE AND EVOLVE

Q. What is the School doing to mitigate health risks on campus?

We are following all directives from local, state, and national health agencies, as well as complying with requirements from within the education community.  A deep-cleaning of all classrooms, common areas, athletic facilities, and offices was conducted over the summer per health department protocols. Hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout both campuses. Once school is back in session, we will continue to disinfect the campus using recommended products.  All school personnel will continue to conscientiously follow CDC guidelines and remind students about following everyday preventive actions, which include:

• Stay home if you are sick.

• All students in grade PreK-3 through upper school will be required to wear a face mask at all times when inside. (In accordance with current CDC guidelines, gaiters/buffs are not acceptable face coverings; face shields may be worn with a face mask, but not alone).

  • CDS will provide one face mask for each student. Students will need to wear a clean face mask to school each day.

  • Students will have safe face mask breaks during the day.

  • Face masks will not need to be worn when outdoors provided students are able to maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet apart.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The following practices are being followed:

• Before returning to campus, all students must complete all required forms on Magnus Health; this year that includes a Temperature and Health Screening Consent Form and  COVID-19 Exposure Form.
  • All student immunization records must meet requirements as mandated by Florida Health Statute 1003.22.  (Immunization Requirements)
• Face masks are required for all students older than Toddlers and all adults when in school building and outside when 6-foot physical distancing is not being maintained.
• More details are included in the "Return to School Polices and Procedures" for each division:
  • Lower School
  • Middle School
  • Upper School

As you know, the situation regarding COVID-19 changes daily. Decisions regarding the practices will continue to be modified based on the current needs and circumstances of our community.

Q. What happens if someone on campus tests positive for COVID-19?

The School is following CDC guidelines and all HIPAA privacy regulations when responding to positive cases of COVID-19.  Key personnel have taken the COVID-19 Contact Tracing course offered by Johns Hopkins University and there are "Contact Tracing Teams" set up for all levels of the school. As soon as school is notified of a positive diagnosis, all potential exposures are identified, using class rosters, class seating charts, attendance records, and information gathered from the infected person.  The School has a two-tiered communication plan in place.  All persons identified as having had close contact (within six feet for at least 15 minutes) are classified as "high-risk" and are required to quarantine for 14 days. Students who are required to quarantine are automatically enrolled in CDS's Adaptable Learning Plan (ALP) and are able to continue with all classes remotely.  Out of an abundance of caution and to maintain transparency, persons who may have been in the same room with the COVID-19 infected person but who were not in close contact, are also informed about the positive case. These people are at extremely low risk of being infected and according to CDC guidelines are not required to quarantine.

Q. What about elective family travel during Fall Break?

We strongly encourage travelers to consider potential exposure to COVID-19 and to review the latest travel advisories from the CDC. While CDS is not issuing travel restrictions, we encourage all travelers to review CDC's travel guidelines. Families with travel plans should be mindful that this situation remains fluid and we urge you to closely monitor cdc.gov for updates. All CDS students and staff will need to complete a COVID-19 Exposure Form before returning to school after fall break. (This form will need to be completed on the Magnus Health portal.)

Q. What steps will be taken to keep athletes and coaches safe?

CDS athletics is following the FHSAA and local and state guidelines regulating  fall practices and attendance at athletic contests, including the following:

• Temperature checks will be done daily. 
• Coaches will be wearing masks in the gym and on the field when social distancing is not possible.
• Equipment is being sanitized frequently during practices and workouts. 
• Athletes should wear masks if not participating in activities. 
• All coaches and athletes are required to bring their own water. No sharing of water is allowed. 
• No sharing of clothing (practice jerseys or pennies) is permitted. 
• Currently, no athletes are allowed to use the locker rooms or showers.
• Hand sanitizer is readily available for athletes and coaches.
• Flyer

Q. Are fans able to attend home games?

• Volleyball and Football Home Game Procedures
  • At this time only parents and siblings of athletes are allowed to attend home games.
  • By lottery, a limited number of students are able to attend home games; there are separate bleachers for students attending games.
  • All home games are being live streamed. There is no cost to view live streamed home games.

Q. What protocols have been put in place to keep the school buses safe for students and drivers?

• Parents must check student’s temperature prior to boarding the bus
  • Children's temperatures will be checked at school before they can enter their classroom; if their temperature is 100.4 or higher parents will be contacted to come pick up their child.
• Students will be required to wear approved face coverings on the bus
• Sanitizer will be available on the bus (for students in 1st grade and older)
• Social distancing will be strictly followed on the bus with one child per bench; occupancy will be limited to 20 students
• Weather permitting, windows will be kept open

Q. What if I have a question not answered here?

• Facility Questions  |  Mr. Larry Pittman, CFO
• Academic Questions  |  Ms. Sara Rubinstein, Assistant Head of School
• Health Questions  |  Mrs. Jackie Silvers, RN, School Nurse
• Athletics Questions  |  Coach Baker Mabry, Athletic Director

We know that these times can continue to be stressful for children and families. Below, are helpful resources compiled by the CDS School Counselors that you can access at any time:

OVERWHELMED / ANXIETY

• Managing fears and anxiety specific to Covid 19
  • World Health Organization: Coping with Stress
  • World Health Organization: Helping Children Cope with Stress
  • Harvard University: Managing Fears around Covid 19
• Try box breathing
  • Navy Seal Breathing technique
  • Box Breathing for anxiety reduction
• Try some quick mindfulness techniques
  • One Minute Mindful Meditation
  • 5 Minute Mindful Meditation
  • The Science Behind Mindfulness
• Helpful websites
  • http://www.mindfulnet.org (multiple mindfulness resources)
  • https://www.stopbreathethink.com/ (mini-meditations and more, app available)
  • www.headspace.com/ (mindfulness app and research)
  • https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_keep_the_greater_good_in_mind_during_the_coronavirus_outbreak
• Understanding Stress
  • How to make stress your friend
  • Morningstar Wellness blog

IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE AND HEALTHY EATING

• WHY food matters, Ted-Ed
• WHY exercise helps you feel better
• WHY sitting is bad for you

TAKE A CURIOSITY BREAK

• Why do whales sing
• How smart are orangutans?
• How plants tell time

EMERGENCY

• 211:  For immediate support 24/7 and referrals to hundreds of Tampa Bay resources.  211 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people of all ages to the essential health and human services they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 can be accessed by phone or computer.
• 911 for emergencies

Government Resources

• Florida Department of Health 
• Hillsborough County Coronavirus Information
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • CDC Videos about Coronavirus  Disease 19 (COVID-19)
• The World Health Organization (WHO) website. This site has general information on the coronaviruses, a video, and an infographic about preventing the spread of  viruses. 
• U.S. State Department: COVID-19 Country Specific Information
• Florida Department of Education

Helpful Articles/Videos

• NASP and NASN: Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
• KidsHealth: COVID-19: How to Talk to Your Child
• CDC: Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
• David Katz, MD, Am I Going to Get Coronavirus and Die?
• Johns Hopkins Medicine, Coronavirus Disease 2019 v. the Flu
• Talking With Your Child: NPR: Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus
• Child Mind: Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
• Video series of teens expressing thoughts on the Covid Crisis: PBS "Above the Noise" video series 
• AAP:  Guidance for School Re-Entry
• CDC: Adolescent with COVID-19 as the Source of an Outbreak at a 3-week Family Gathering 

Carrollwood Day School's visitor policy during the COVID-19 pandemic is designed to protect the health and safety of the entire CDS community - students, families, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or a temperature outside of the normal range, will not be allowed on campus.

Visitors to Carrollwood Day School campuses will be restricted to those that are essential and all will be asked to wear a mask. All parents and visitors that come on campus will need to sign the Temperature Screening Consent Form, the Visitor Acknowledgment, Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement, and the Visitor COVID-19 Questionnaire.

Temperature Consent Form

Visitor Consent Form

Visitor Questionnaire