Learning scenarios

• Act with fidelity to the School’s Mission, Vision and Core Values.
• Prioritize student, faculty, and staff health, safety, and wellbeing over other principles.
• Ensure that hygiene- and health-related policies are research-based, clearly communicated, effectively implemented, and diligently enforced.
• Promote practices and policies to reduce risk of virus transmission and support our capacity to be responsive and agile when facing changing health circumstances.
• Shift immediately back to distance learning in the event our local community experiences a spike in COVID-19 cases or if the Government mandates the decision based on a community member tests positive.

Our team has been working on details, policies and procedures within the following areas:
• Learning Schedules
• Learning Design
• Health, Legal and Safety
• Operations

Colegio Interamericano has established this planning team to develop and maintain a re-opening strategy that allows for flexibility, transparency and prioritizes the health and safety of our community, while supporting our mission to provide a high quality education to our entire community. Through regular and ongoing meetings, the team is committed to maintaining awareness of global best practice in the management of COVID-19. This team also monitors all recommendations and guidelines that come from the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, and the Guatemalan authorities. Additional Decision making is based on our Community surveys conducted by divisions. For each scenario below, the following areas have been addressed:
• Face Masks
• Temperature checks
• Buses
• Staffing
• Ventilation
• Signage
• Hand sanitizer and cleaning staff and supplies
• Nurse
• Parents
• PE
• ECA
• Sports
• Cafeteria
• Breaks, recess, passing time
• Onsite learning
• Of campus learning

In this scenario, we are allowed to return to Campus as an entire school for the full schedule. Our schedule, including bus service and ECA’s, will return to our original schedule experienced in the beginning of 2019.

In this scenario, the Ministry requires a reduced capacity restriction on campus based on the space provided at the school. For this model, we will stagger the buses in order to reduce bus capacity having two different start times.

Schedule
Students will come to school every day . Parents who wish to keep the students at home for the quarter will have their academics via a modified distance learning model. Please speak to your division principal.

Nutrition and food consumption
On-site access to food for sale will not be available at first and a gradual approach may be implemented in the future based on capabilities, regulations, need and health risks. Due to health risks, no Cafeteria services will initially be provided within the Hybrid model. Students will need to bring a water bottle and prepared food or snacks. Touchless Water fountains and water refilling stations will be available. No microwaving will be available and students will eat with their assigned groups and as much as possible in highly ventilated areas.

Campus access and transportation: Access to the campus will be limited to only students and staff.
In Scenario 2, that includes all students on campus every day of the week, we will split the pick up and drop off to reduce the bus capacity.
– Cars will be permitted on campus to drop-off and pick up students at specific points.
– Parents and drivers can enter the campus to drop off students and help them out of the vehicle. Parents may not guide their child to the classroom. Staff will guide students to classrooms.
– Only under the direction of the campus nurse will we permit parents to enter the school buildings.Reduced capacity on Buses. ECE and Elementary pick up for a school start of 7:30 and return home at 12:45
– MS and HS pick up for a school start of 9:30 and return home at 2:00

Student learning cohorts
– Classes will remain in their small groups
– ECAs: will remain virtual at first
– Sports: will be offered for MS and HS

In this scenario, the Ministry requires a 30% – 50% restriction and a hybrid model is required. This scenario will be called the Hybrid Model and will be explained in detail below.

Within this scenario, students will be learning “physically on campus” 2 days a week and at home in a modified “distance learning” setting the other days. On campus learning will involve direct engagement with staff, and at home learning will involve synchronous and asynchronous learning for students. Our plan would include students at home signing in to the live zoom classroom that would take place on campus with a portion of the students.

• Revised schedules for students on campus and off campus
• A combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning for all students.
• Supporting students who do not attend on-campus learning
• Built-in breaks for at-home learning and on-campus learning
• Opportunities for in-person socialization within the on-campus days with classmates
• We will use larger work spaces and outdoors when possible to allow for greater spacing of students.
• Numbers of students allowed in class will depend on health and safety guidelines for spacing
• Students will have equal access to on campus learning. Half of the students (family names A-K) will have on campus learning •Mondays and Wednesdays, and half of the students (family names L-Z) will have on campus learning Tuesdays and Thursdays. Friday will have all students at home with off campus learning.
• The daily schedule allows for students to return home around 2:00 p.m. for lunch with family
• ECAs will remain virtual. Opening of extracurricular activities will take place when we are given the green light to do so.
• Sports???

50%

Students will be divided into two groups to allow for 50% of students to attend school each day; creating groups of approximately 10 to 14 students. Students will be grouped by the last name with which they are registered in order for families to attend school on the same day. If students from the same household are in different groups, please contact the divisional administration. Special requests will not be considered unless the request relates to your immediate family who live within the same household. The groups are:

• Blue: Students with last names that begin with the letters A to K.
• White: Students with the last names that begin with letters L to Z.

ECE AND ELEMENTARY LEARNING COHORTS

Elementary school students will be cohorted in homeroom groups. Students in ECE and Elementary classrooms will be kept in the same limited homeroom grouping for classes, snacks, breaks and whenever possible at other times of the day.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEARNING COHORTS

Middle School students will be cohorted as a middle school team. Prior to the arrival of students into a room, the desks and chairs will be sanitized.

HIGH SCHOOL LEARNING COHORTS

High School students will be cohorted as a high school group.
The school asks each family to, whenever possible, also limit a student’s social interactions beyond school as a similar precautionary measure.
On-campus attendance has been reduced in some capacity to meet the Distancing regulations. Parents who wish to keep the students at home for the quarter will have their academics via a modified distance learning model. Please speak to your division principal.

We are pleased to announce that for the Hybrid Learning Scenario, we have adjusted the student daily schedule to allow all students to arrive home and enjoy lunch together as a family in the early afternoon. This will help reduce risk factors at school and provide a family lunch time option for all.

On-site access to food for sale will not be available at first and a gradual approach may be implemented in the future based on capabilities, regulations, need and health risks. Due to health risks, no Cafeteria services will initially be provided within the Hybrid model. Students will need to bring a water bottle and prepared food or snacks. Touchless Water fountains and water refilling stations will be available. No microwaving will be available and students will eat with their assigned groups and as much as possible in highly ventilated areas.

Access to the campus will be limited to only students and staff.

• For the Hybrid model, Scenario 3, this will not be needed and the school will begin at 7:30 for all students.
• Cars will be permitted on campus to drop-off and pick up students at specific points.
• Parents and drivers can enter the campus to drop off students and help them out of the vehicle. Parents may not guide their child to the classroom. Staff will guide students to classrooms.
• Only under the direction of the campus nurse will we permit parents to enter the school buildings.

Health, safety and security are of utmost importance to Interamericano and as we have stated before, we will do our best to protect the ongoing welfare and safety of our students and staff while they are on the school campus during this pandemic. The following statements, recommendations, expectations and/or actions are shared with you as examples of all we are doing and asking of you as a community to ensure ongoing health and safety:

• Before leaving home, staff and students must self-screen for symptoms each day they enter the school using daily health checklist guidelines.
• Enter your temperature into the School Buzz app.
• Face masks (appropriately sized) are mandatory to enter the premises. Please pack a second mask in case the first one gets wet or damaged during the day.
• Following appropriate procedures, checkpoints will be used at school entrances to sanitize and ensure risk mitigation.
• Anyone that reports symptoms shall stay home, seek health care and notify the corresponding school Doctor for further instructions and follow-up.
• Teachers, students and staff are expected to increase hand washing and constant use of antibacterial gel.
• Special signage around the school will help the community follow best practices in health safety and prevention to move throughout school premises.
• Suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases are expected to follow the quarantine guidelines and expectations established by the school. Confirmed COVID-19 cases within the family must be disclosed to the division secretary.
• Only essential learning items in a backpack will be permitted in school for teachers, students and staff.
• Increased frequency of cleaning routines and sanitization in school facilities has been implemented.
• Use of bathrooms will follow the appropriate protocol to reduce interaction between persons.
– Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID should avoid using the hallway restrooms and must be sent to the health facility restroom.
– 2 mt. physical distance, wearing of face mask and hand washing protocols are to be observed at all times.
– No more than 2 persons at a time will be allowed inside the restrooms.
– Increased cleaning protocols will be implemented at all times.
• Highly touched surfaces and furniture were reduced to minimum required. Carpets and fabric furniture were removed to reduce contact surfaces. Sadly, this makes the classrooms feel less warm and friendly, but is a necessary requirement.
• Non-essential visitors will not be permitted on Campus
• All off-campus field trips and trips have been cancelled until further notice and until conditions allow. These will most likely not occur during this entire school year.
• The community is expected to be mindful of travel choices, especially during the holiday periods. We ask that families act responsibly and quarantine following the Country regulations.

1st LEVEL: BEFORE LEAVING HOME

Before leaving home, staff and students must self-screen for symptoms each day they plan to enter the school. Health screening should take place daily at home formally by parents; no students with fevers (above 37.5 degrees) or other signs and symptoms of illness, history of close contact or potential exposure to COVID–19 should be sent to school. Please input your temperature in the Schoolbuzz app.

2nd LEVEL: AT SCHOOL

A second level of screening will take place daily at school by administrators and/or medical staff. If a symptomatic student is identified, they will be separated from others and sent home. Covid-19 testing will be required for students to return.

3rd LEVEL: IN THE CLASSROOMS

A third level of screening within the classrooms throughout the school day will take place by teachers and/or medical staff. If a symptomatic student is identified, they will be separated from others and sent home. Covid-19 testing will be required for students to return.

All Colegio Interamericano students and staff who arrive from outside of Guatemala are expected to self-quarantine themselves for 14 days before coming to campus. Families who find themselves in a self-quarantine should communicate with the corresponding administration so teachers can be informed and students can be temporarily excused from on campus for those days.

If the school finds out that a student or a staff member who has been outside of Guatemala has come to school without respecting the quarantine expectations, they will be immediately sent home until further notice. Parents of these students will be contacted to determine next steps and consequences. Staff members in this situation run the risk of disciplinary action.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases within the family must also be disclosed to the corresponding Division so we can plan accordingly and inform the administration.

The purpose of this expectation is to protect yourself, your family, and others. Please help us help each other.

• Facemasks
– Masks must be worn by all staff and students in the following locations: classrooms, common areas such as hallways, corridors, bathrooms, health clinic, playspaces, cafeteria, main office.
– Students may take off masks temporarily with the permission of the teacher for purposes of oral clarity, when eating or drinking, when there is appropriate distancing or during emotional situations.
– Teachers and staff should wear a mask when in close proximity with students and when visiting other classrooms.
– Teaching staff need to wear a mask when instructing or giving directions yet can remove it when needed.
– Upon leaving any classroom space, masks need to be worn by all staff and students. Students who are instructed by parents to wear masks at all times are permitted to do so.
– Masks should be handled only by the owner.
– Masks need to be labeled properly with names written on them.
– Students should always have an extra mask with them at school at all times (stored in a separate ziplock bag).
• Desks/tables/learning spaces will be placed 2 meters apart.
• Students are expected to maintain a social distance of 2 meters apart.
• Teachers should maintain 2 meters from students when possible and if not disruptive to the educational process.
• Outdoor spaces will be used when and where ever possible.
• Students will be regularly required to wash and/or sanitize their hands, upon entry to the classrooms, during the school day, before snacks, and after toilet use.
• Particular avoidance of close physical proximity in cases of increased exhalation (singing, exercise) will be enforced.

All after school activities will continue to be held via a distance learning mode and no activities will take place on campus after school for the time being. We will do our best to move these activities on campus as soon as we feel it is safe to do so. Any change to this decision will be communicated to the community at a later date.

All employees and families are asked to abide by this community wellbeing policy. By continuing your employment with Colegio Interamericano and/or by agreeing for your children to participate in the on campus learning, in any scenario, each employee and parent accepts the responsibilities and possible consequences.

Colegio Interamericano is committed to implementing health and safety precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our school community while prioritizing the safety of our teachers, administration, parents, and students, as well. We are committed to balancing the need to provide a safe school environment with students’ developmental needs to socialize and develop a love of learning so that the predominant climate of our school remains positive and stress-free. By following these precautions together, we can decrease the chance of transmission and keep school open to serve your family.

COLEGIO INTERAMERICANO ON-CAMPUS SAFETY MEASURES

Out of great respect for each employee and their personal assumption of risk, we commit to the following precautionary measures:
• Close monitoring of symptoms and isolation of symptomatic individuals
• Increased use of outdoor classroom spaces
• Social distancing (2 meters when feasible)
• Increased hygiene signage and hand cleaning supplies
• Teaching good hygiene techniques – especially proper hand washing routines
• Enhanced sanitation routines
• Face coverings/masks
• Non-essential visitors not permitted
• All off-campus field trips cancelled until further notice and when conditions allow

FAMILY AT HOME SAFETY MEASURES:

The following guidance is requested for each family to the greatest extent possible. Please read and provide your consent and support.

I acknowledge and understand that participation in school activities or programs at Colegio Interamericano during the COVID-19 pandemic presents certain risks beyond Colegio Interamericanos control, and which may exist regardless of whether Colegio Interamericano controls or attempts to control such risks and even if Colegio Interamericano exercises the utmost care in trying to prevent anyone from getting injured or sick.

To show our support and help the school community reduce the chance of transmission, our family commits to the following precautionary measures:

In public spaces, all members of our household commit to the following:
• Continued social distancing
• Wearing face coverings/masks
• Monitoring for symptoms, or self-quarantine if chance of exposure, after international travel or domestic travel to an area experiencing widespread community transmission
• Hand sanitation after contact with high touch surfaces
• Hand washing during or after public activities

At home, all members of our household commit to the following:
• Monitor daily for symptoms of COVID-19: such as fever or chills, runny nose or congestion, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, cough, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, new loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, and refrain from sending a child to school if anyone in the household has these symptoms.
• Monitor your child’s mental health by providing space to ask questions and talk freely about COVID-19 and other concerns.
• Reporting to the school when there is a confirmed COVID-19 case in our family.
• Connect with our counselors, administrators and school nurse are available to help and support your entire family.
• Continue regular well-child visits to your pediatrician or healthcare provider.
• Disclosure and self-quarantine when known direct contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
• Being mindful of travel choices, especially over the three weeks before returning to school.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK & PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

I/we acknowledge that I/we have freely chosen to enroll my/our child/children at Colegio Interamericano for the 2020-21 school year. I/we understand that the school has taken reasonable precautions to protect parents, students, and staff from exposure to COVID-19. I/we further understand that despite those precautions there is still some risk of exposure.

I/we understand that Colegio Interamericano has an insurance policy for all students for injuries or accidents occurring in any programs or events organized by the school, or during their presence in school premises. I/we am/are aware that this insurance does not cover any COVID-19 related expenses. Therefore, I/we accept full responsibility for all medical expenses for any injuries or exposure my family might receive by reason of my/our child’s/children’s attendance. I/we further acknowledge that my/our child’s/children’s attendance may expose my/our family to COVID-19, and I/we assume any such risk, thus releasing Colegio Interamericano and all its agents from liability.

I/we also agree that by attending Colegio Interamericano, our family will fully comply with all such measures out of respect for the safety and health of the teachers and larger school community. I/we agree to take all reasonable safety precautions when in public spaces outside of school.

• Parent, Teacher, Students surveys
• COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry, American Association of Pediatrics
• CDC and WHO guidelines and indications
• USA Consulate and Embassy information (STEP program)
• AAIE input, discussions, and school research
• ASFMASIJ Roadmap, Tokyo, Japan
• AISM Back to School Plan, Maputo, Mozambique
• Back to School Plan from the American School of Milan
• Community Playbook from RIFFA Views International School (Bahrain)
• Breck School (re)Unite plan and handbook (Minneapolis, MN)
• Eagles Reunite: A plan to reopen Graded’s campus (Sao Paola, Brazil)