Olympia Waldorf School News and Planning
All of our classes are currently on campus full time.
To view our entire Health and Safety Plan - COVID-19 Operations Guidelines, click here.
Newest Symptom and exposure guidance for schools in Thurston County: click here.
To view the OWS Travel Policy, click here.
FAQ's for 2020-21
Will masks be required for students?
We are expected to follow Dept. of Health Guidelines and our Governor's mandates to the best of our ability. At this time (7/10/20), we are required to have masks for 5-year-olds and up. Since all of our classes have at least one 5-year-old this year, this means masks will be required for all. The guidelines have been changing often, so we are maintaining flexibility at this time. We ask that families provide masks for their students, at least 3 each day. We will have disposable or clean cloth masks available when needed.
Along the same lines, all adults entering the buildings will be required to wear cloth masks.
What if the school determines someone has COVID-19 symptoms during the school day?
Any person who shows symptoms (as outlined by WA DOH) will be separated from class and isolated until they can be picked up. Depending on the severity of symptoms, the school has a couple of options on how to proceed for an immediate response. School administration will review symptoms, exposure factors, and health authority advice to determine the appropriate changes. If risk is high, the school will have that class outside for the rest of the day with strict social distancing and a thorough cleaning of the classroom.
Will you inform parents if someone at the school tests positive for COVID-19?
Yes. We will notify families that may have had contact. We must adhere to strict policies around confidentiality, but you can assume that contract tracing will occur and notification will happen either through health officials or the school.
In the case of another government required quarantine, what will remote schooling look like?
Early childhood will continue on campus unless there is an outbreak in the class.
Grades 1-8 will have a set online schedule using Google Classroom and Google Meet. It will be a full day schedule with a portion online (varies with grade level). We are currently finalizing a fully remote schedule in case of a quick changeover. The following is the basic rhythm we have outlined. Please see our Distance Learning page for sample schedules. The schedule begins at 8:10 each morning with a warm up similar to on campus, a synchronous online main lesson, some independent work time to finish main lesson assignments, and a snack break. After the break, students will return online for a subject class followed by either a second subject class (in older grades) or a non-synchronous lesson or play in lower grades. Lunch is next, then students with gather online again for a subject class and in most cases finish out the day with some final independent work to finish at 3:00. Teachers will use independent work time to reach out to students independently or in small groups. It is the goal of our school to create a rhythm that is supportive to the students learning and well-being. We also strive to continue with educational objectives throughout the year without overwhelming young children online or parents who must provide continuous support. These are new goals necessary for remote learning so please communicate with your teacher directly if you have any questions or concerns. If you need to speak with someone in leadership, reach out to Sweekriti Apple at sapple@olympiawaldorf.org.
Will extended care be offered?
Yes, we are offering extended care. Students must be registered for bulk care. There will be no drop-in or hourly care. If you are in early childhood and need extended care, please let us know right away, as only certain classes/cohorts will be able to utilize extended care this year. Forms are available on your extended care page.
I've heard that parents will not be allowed in the buildings, is this true?
For the most part, parents will not be allowed in any of the school buildings. This is very important for social distancing and exposure mitigation. We have moved the main office to the basement office that has an outside door for easy access (to get assistance, drop off children when late, pick up children early for appointments, etc.). Parents may also make appointments for various needs that require them to be on campus, but we will require them to still enter through the main office to sign in and for screening.
Information
The following websites are good sources of information regarding this virus. We encourage you to know the facts and be aware of developments.
