Q: Do you have any resources for testing in addition to the community test events?

1. First, contact your healthcare provider/your child’s pediatrician

2. Contact our health coordinator to see when our next on-campus testing events are coming up. 

3. COVID-19 testing locations 

• Government-operated, by appointment or drop-in testing

• Neighborhood test sites

• Mobile testing sites

4. Kaiser Permanente

• Click the link above and choose “Request a COVID-19 Test”

• Sign in to your Kaiser Permanente account online

• OR call (415) 833-2000 to speak with a nurse about COVID-19 testing options

5. One Medical 

• MUST be a One Medical member

• Open the One Medical app

• Click “Book Visit”

• Enter reason for visit (COVID-19 Testing) and select region

• Select next available appointment at preferred location

• Book visit

6. Carbon Health

• Download the Carbon Health app

• Create a profile

• Accepts walk-ins every day of the week EXCEPT Fridays, from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm - 6:00 pm

• Expect results within 36 - 48 hours and can be found on the app

7. Pixel by Labcorp Mail-In Test

• ONLY for adults

• Can order in advance (1 - 2 day delivery)

• Covered by most insurances

• Shelf life of approximately 2 months

• Approximately 72 hours or less for results

8. Kyla

• Download the Kyla app

• Create a profile

• Schedule an appointment at a Kyla van near you

• Antigen test and can expect results after 24 hours

9. CPMC/Sutter Health for symptomatic children

• Call (866) 961-8588

• Available M-F 2pm - 10pm and Sat/Sun 8am - 10pm

• Physicians can refer to the clinic through EPIC portal by sending a pool message to “MB PEDS AFTERHOURS”

• After hours staff will call the family to schedule the appointment

• Monday-Friday:  5:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

• Saturday: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

• Sunday: 1:00 pm - 6:30 pm

• Mission Bernal Pediatric After-Hours space at the Monteagle Medical Office Building located on the at 1580 Valencia Street, 7th floor

10. UCSF COVID-19 Hotline: Call (415) 514-7328

11. Color Genomics

• Schedule an appointment (as long as you have an appointment time, you may go at anytime during your appointment date)

• Results come in about 24 hours

• Color support team: (844) 352-6567 or support@color.com

12. Mission Wellness Pharmacy

• We can arrange for a test to be done most days between 4:00 - 6:00 pm

• Concierge service (cost of the test is billed to insurance and the individual is responsible for the remainder of the cost/any amount insurance does not cover)

• All ages welcome

• Offers both PCR and rapid antigen testing

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Q: Are students required to do daily symptom tracking? 

Yes, according to the SFDPH and our Health and Safety plan, students are required to comply with daily health screenings, even if they are not receiving in-person instruction. Click here to navigate to the student form in order to screen your child.

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Q: Are students and/or families required to be tested?

Our Health and Safety Plan testing protocols are informed by the SFDPH and will be updated as guidance changes. Our current protocols state that if an individual (adult or child) has symptoms or has been in close contact with someone with a confirmed case of  COVID-19, then they should seek testing. Currently, SF Day is not requiring asymptomatic testing of students or families, but will provide opportunities for testing throughout the school year. 

While testing is an additional and important element of our health and safety plan, we want to be explicitly clear that testing does not replace the imperative of following the protocols outlined in the CDC resources provided. Our community testing events are not intended to give families permission to participate in high-risk behavior but are offered as another resource in addition to following safe practices.

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Q: What happens after I receive my results?

If someone does test positive, the lab notifies them. During that conversation, the individual is encouraged to self-report to the school. If you do test positive at a testing event or through other testing, it is important that you then contact the school (Health Coordinator at health@sfday.org or Jeni Izuel) if your child is engaged in in-person learning. We can inform you of our protocols and take the necessary next steps for our community health, which include protecting you and your families' privacy.

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Q: Are employees required to be tested and how often? 

Our Health and Safety Plan testing protocols are informed by the SFDPH and will be updated as guidance changes. During this time, employees are no longer required to complete asymptomatic testing. Again, if an employee were to develop symptoms, regardless of vaccine status, they should seek testing.

In addition, the SF Day employee form requires a daily symptom check and collects data for contact tracing purposes. Employees will be required to submit testing results to the school.

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Q: Does the school recommend flu shots? Are they required?

Yes, SF Day highly recommends talking with health care providers about getting a flu shot, although they are not required -- receiving a flu vaccine can help preserve health care resources and protect vulnerable populations.

Q: What are our Community Norms?

At SF Day, actively protecting and caring for one another’s health and well-being is a commitment we all share. The responsible actions of all adults and students, both on and off campus, are vital to our collective success in maintaining a safe and healthy community. 

The home-school partnership will require an even higher level of communication, collaboration, and understanding during this reopening period. As such, we ask that every community member practice the following guidelines: 

• Cooperate with orders and guidelines from state and local health officials.

• Monitor personal and family health by conducting daily personal health  and temperature checks. If experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, stay home and seek medical attention.

• Follow testing protocols provided by SF Day and stay up-to-date as protocols may change over time.

• Observe healthy hygiene by washing hands often, wearing appropriate face coverings, and avoid touching the face.

• Practice physical distancing and avoid large gatherings and crowded places. Consult the recommendation from CDPH regarding safer social interactions. 

• Avoid non-essential travel, particularly to locations with known high rates of infection.

• Keep SF Day informed if anyone in your household tests positive for COVID-19 or comes into close contact (less than 6 feet away for more than 15 minutes) with someone who has tested positive.

• Support your child’s (and YOUR) physical and emotional well-being.

• Encourage physical activity and time outside.

• Provide children with the space to share and ask questions.

• Maintain a routine at home for stability.

• Reach out for help. Visit www.sfday.org/stayconnected or www.sfday.org/healthandsafety for resources.

Q: What constitutes as "exposure" to COVID-19?

According to the CDC, “direct exposure” is based on the “6 feet, 15 minutes, and 24 hours” rule:

• 6 feet: Determine who has worked within 6 feet of the infected person
• 15 minutes: Determine if anyone remained within that proximity of the sick person for 15 minutes or more
• 24 hours: Determine direct exposure for a prolonged period of time during the 24 hours before the infected employee or student exhibited symptoms

The School will follow the guidance from the document  “What to do when someone has suspected or confirmed COVID 19: Quick Guide for Schools, Childcares, and Programs for Children and Youth” and support SFDPH in the process of contact tracing.

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Q: What if someone develops a symptom while on campus?

In the event a student develops COVID-19 symptoms (fever above 100.4F, chills, new cough, shortness of breath, new loss of taste/smell), the student will be sent home. These are the steps:

• The Health Coordinator, or another staff member if the Health Coordinator is not available, will be contacted to escort the student to the isolation room on campus. 

• The Health Coordinator or administrator will use Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions when caring for sick people.

• The Health Coordinator will contact the student’s parent or guardian for pick-up. 

• Parents and guardians should not enter campus to pick their child up; the student will be sent outside to meet their parent once the parent arrives, unless they are already waiting outside with an adult. Since children with COVID-19 may have been infected by a parent or other adult in their home, the parent may also have COVID-19.

• Parents and guardians will be asked to consult with the child’s pediatrician and seek testing as soon as possible.

If an adult develops COVID-19 symptoms (listed above), they will also be asked to leave campus.

Facilities Protocol following Symptom Incident

• Alternate locations will be identified and used for classes when regular classrooms are being cleaned or disinfected.

• Windows will be opened in areas used by the symptomatic person to maximize outdoor air circulation. Areas used by the symptomatic person will be closed off as soon as feasible, until the spaces can be cleaned and disinfected.

• Rooms used by symptomatic people will be disinfected before they are used again.

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Q: What are the School's contact tracing protocols?

The School will follow the guidance from the document  “What to do when someone has suspected or confirmed COVID 19: Quick Guide for Schools, Childcares, and Programs for Children and Youth” and support SFDPH in the process of contact tracing.

Identification of “close contacts” is important for contact tracing. Close contacts include: 

• People in your home, and people who take care of you or who you take care of. This includes other family members and caregivers.

• People who stayed within 6 feet of you for more than 15 minutes, or who had direct contact while they were not wearing a face covering.

• All staff and children in the same cohort.

• People you carpool with, eat with, or socialize with outside of school.

The on-campus Health Coordinator is the primary point of contact for SFDPH, and will maintain tracking records in order to submit accurate and comprehensive lists to SFDPH in the event of a confirmed case. 

To enable identification and tracing of contacts, the School has adopted these tracking processes:

• Cohort attendance lists.

• Adult classroom sign-in sheets.

• Touchless employee check-in process captured at campus entrances.

• Anyone entering campus who is not a student or employee will be registered (either in advance or upon arrival) through the Envoy Visitor app and engage in touchless check-in prior to entry. 

• All files will be stored by the Health Coordinator for contact tracing purposes.

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Q: How will families be notified of a COVID-19 exposure? 

If a student or employee tests positive for COVID-19, we will follow the exposure notification process outlined by the SFDPH. If your child is considered to have a “close contact” (as defined by the SFDPH) to a person who tests positive, you will be notified via email and your child will be required to remain home and follow quarantine guidance and test. 

If a student in your child’s division tests positive, you will also be notified even if your child did not have direct exposure to the student. While we cannot provide specific details or names for privacy reasons, we will try to provide as much information as possible so you can be informed. 

Regardless of any known exposure, we ask that you monitor your child for symptoms daily. Students should not attend school in person if they have any symptoms of illness. At any time, you may temporarily choose to study from home if you would like to do so.

Q: Under what conditions would SF Day return to Connected Learning?

San Francisco Day School will follow guidelines from SFDPH about school closure, and will take into consideration the following factors when making a determination about school closure:

• Number of cases in the school, across multiple cohorts

• Number of faculty absences and impact on student-teacher ratios

• CA State and Department of Education guidelines

• Increase of positivity rate in San Francisco

A cohort will pivot to the Connected Learning Model if:

• The cohort has been exposed and needs to quarantine.

• There are not enough teachers available to teach in person due to symptoms or exposure.

A Division-wide closure may be appropriate if at least 5 percent of the total number of students, teachers, and staff have positive cases within a 14-day period. 

If there is a positive case at school, the community will be notified, following SFDPH and HIPAA guidelines.

Q: Do you have any recommendations for children's masks?

Face coverings are a key piece of our Health and Safety Plan and we recognize that mask wearing may be new for many of our children, especially the younger ones. Please read the CDC guidance on face coverings prior to shopping for your children's masks, to ensure compliance with the most recent guidelines, including the new guidance that masks should not have vents or valves. 

One of the most important elements when selecting a mask is that it fits snugly over the child’s mouth and nose. In addition, children may be wearing masks for much longer periods than they are used to. The fit, in addition to the mask material, may play a role in their ability to comply with our mask policy. This means that there isn’t a "one size fits all" solution for all of our students, and trying different brands of masks - sizes and fabrics - will help you and your child figure out what works best for you. Where to start? There are many articles with recommendations for kid masks, including  this recent article and roundup from New York Magazine that caught our eye.

Once you find a brand or two that works well for your student, please do the following:

1. Write their name on the masks (it doesn’t have to be highly visible, but we want to be able to return the mask if found).

2. Tie a string on each mask (or use a "mask-lace") so it hangs around the child’s neck when taken off for snack time or while in the car, etc. (Trying to keep them clean!)

3. Place at least three ready-to-go masks in a clean, gallon-size Ziploc bag in your child’s backpack. The teacher will encourage a student to replace their mask if it falls or gets dirty/wet.

4. Start a daily routine of removing dirty masks from backpacks for washing and replacing with clean ones so your child always has a supply of clean masks for school.

Looking for a "mask-lace"? 

• SF Day parent, Lisa Coris, designs and makes "masklaces" for the whole family.
• The masklace easily clips onto your mask straps and doubles as a necklace if you choose to flip it around.
• Masklaces are made with mostly vintage / upcycled beads - each one is unique.
• Best of all, users won't misplace critical face coverings, once they are hooked on to the masklace.

To order, please reach out to lisacorisdesigns@gmail.com for the latest selection. She is able to produce custom-made pieces too!

To view other designs, visit: https://lisacorisdesigns.wixsite.com/website and click on SHOP at the top.

Note: Selection changes all the time - more children's styles to come soon!

Q: What is the difference between a cohort and a sub-group? 

In lower school, each grade is organized in two cohorts (G or W), then divided into two sub-groups with a maximum of 12 students each (A or B). For example: First Grade sub-groups will be 1G-A, 1G-B, 1W-A and 1W-B.

In upper school, the cohort is the grade-level, which is then divided into sub-groups no larger than 15 students. 

 

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Q: Will every student have an opportunity to interact with their lead teacher (Lower School)? 

Yes. Lead teachers (and teaching fellows) will be teaching their respective cohort (either G or W) and both subgroups within that cohort. 

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Q: Will there be opportunities for students to interact with others who are not in their cohort or sub-group?

Yes. SF Day has been gathering virtually to connect with each other through student assemblies and advisories. We anticipate continuing these interactions and activities throughout the school year.

Q: Will students have an opportunity to participate in sports this year? 

Yes - although the interscholastic season has been cancelled this year, we are closely following state and city guidelines in order to safely offer intramural sports or athletic alternatives for our students. We are close to finalizing permits for fields. SF Day athletic coaches will be following up with options as soon as plans are finalized.

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Q: Is there guidance regarding families or students participating in extracurricular activities with others outside of their child’s cohort and/or sub-group?

SF Day recommends that families consult the SFDPH guidelines on Out-of-School Time Programs.

https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/files/Directive-2020-21-Out-of-School-Time-Programs.pdf

Q: How have we modified our furniture and facilities?

Since March, we have made continual modifications to our physical plant with reopening the campus in mind. Here are some ways we have made the campus safer for students and adults:

• All HVAC system filters have been upgraded from MERV 8 to MERV 13, as recommended by ASHRAE. 

• Installation of air scrubbers (portable filtration system Pred750) with HEPA filters for larger rooms, such as the gym, AEP room, lower and upper school music rooms, and the cafeteria. 

• Our entire facility has been reconfigured to create smaller classrooms to support small, stable learning environments.  All classrooms and teaching/learning spaces have been modified with less furniture that has been appropriately spaced for physical distancing purposes. 

• Hand sanitizing stations have been permanently installed at entrances to shared spaces and sanitizing supplies have been delivered to all classrooms, teaching/learning spaces, and offices. 

• A touchless temperature screening kiosk has been installed at the Golden Gate and Masonic entrances. 

• Campus signage reinforces health and safety protocols such as physical distancing, traffic flow, and the importance of wearing masks. 

• High-touch appliances like soap and paper towel dispensers have been replaced with touchless versions throughout all classrooms and restrooms.

• Plexiglass has been put in place in communal areas like the front desk and shared student tables.

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Q: As we enter wildfire season In October, we’re likely facing more air quality issues. Have we looked into ventilation systems that can mitigate this without requiring fresh air?

SFDPH guidance states the following: Increasing outdoor air circulation lowers the risk of infection by “diluting” any infectious respiratory virus with outdoor air. 

Opening windows and adjusting mechanical ventilation systems to maximize outdoor air intake will effectively increase the amount of outdoor air in a room. Although increased filter efficiency may be desirable for other reasons, such as improving indoor air quality near freeways or during wildfires, it is less important than maximizing outdoor air intake for COVID-19.

The School has upgraded all HVAC system filters to MERV 13 and all outside air dampers have been opened to 100% to allow the maximum amount of fresh air to be brought into the building. We are also maximizing outdoor air circulation by opening our campus windows. If the air quality is expected to be between AQI 100-150, the school will proceed with open windows and active air purifiers. If the AQI is expected to reach the red zone (AQI 151 or higher), SF Day will not hold classes on campus. If we need to close school because of air quality concerns, we would announce the decision before the school day begins through the Omnilert/e2Campus system and students would participate in connected learning for the day.

Q: How will anxiety be managed for kids? Will counselors be available?

The transitions that our school community has made over the past several months has been dramatic and unlike anything we’ve experienced. We understand that change is difficult and will continue to support our students’ social and emotional health during this time. 

Currently, Ashley Goldsmith and Aimee Evnin, our lower and upper school counselors, support students in various capacities including weekly Wellness classes. As we look forward to reentry, our counselors, and instructional faculty, will be focused and attentive to the wellness of our students and will continue to provide support and services. SF Day will also continue to seek out opportunities to share important resources with families, such as the Webinar with Dr. Susan Wilkens in spring 2020 or the upcoming Webinar with UCSF’s Dr. Naomi Bardach (October 1, 2020). 

We encourage all of our community members to continue following CDC-recommended best practices for overall health, including:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Use a flexed elbow or tissue to cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing (then discard tissue and wash hands).
• Avoid sharing personal items such as water bottles or eating utensils.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Our facilities staff and overnight cleaning crew always meet the highest standards of cleaning and disinfecting, and we have asked them to be particularly vigilant during this time.
• Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that individuals remain at home for at least 24 hours after a fever or signs of a fever (chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance) have abated.

We are closely and astutely monitoring information from the California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health, in addition to receiving daily updates from the California Association of Independent Schools, as well as a number of other educational and governmental resources. We have also been consulting with a number of medical practitioners for additional knowledge and perspective. 

We have enhanced our standard procedures and taken additional precautions: 

• Cleaning supplies and hand sanitizers are readily available for all classrooms and shared spaces. 
• All students are explicitly reminded to wash their hands multiple times a day (e.g. before lunch, after using the restroom, after recess, etc).
• Posted signage around campus to help remind us to practice healthy hygiene.

Staying informed is important, and as we continue to monitor developments regarding COVID-19, we encourage you to be mindful of how we are talking about this topic with your children. It is essential to take time to connect with your child during this time of uncertainty, listen to their concerns, and help guide the conversation to address any questions or worries. Here are some resources that we hope are helpful in supporting conversations with your children.  

From EdSurge.com: How Parents Can Talk to Students About Coronavirus Anxiety

Adults will continue to remain 6 feet apart from one another and from all students. When sitting at their desks, students may remain at least 3 feet apart from one another, and at least 6 feet apart when eating/drinking. Click here to view updates on the social distancing measures provided by SFDPH.

For the Week Ahead archive, log in to the Parent/Guardian Portal at www.sfday.org/parents.

SFDPH Travel and Sports Update (Feb 26)

Community Testing Reminder (Dec 3)

Fall Festival & Online Book Fair (Nov 12)

SF Day Healthy Holidays (Nov 12)

Community Testing Info & Sign Ups (Oct 21)

Community Updates (Oct 15)

Re-Entry Schedule & Details (Oct 9)

Post-Site Visit Update (Oct 7)

Re-Entry Process Update: Site Visit (Sept 30)

Health & Safety Plan FAQs & Updates (Sept 25)

Waiver Process Update (Aug 25)

Aug 12 & 13 Meeting Highlights, Surveys & Recordings (Aug 20)

Collective Health Presentation (Aug 12)

Introduction to New Faculty, Staff & Admin (Aug 18)

Welcome Back to LS from Dr. Hwang (Aug 13)

Welcome Back to US from Dr. Bissell (Aug 13)

Fall Community Guide (June 30)

Review the full SF Day Health & Safety Plan at www.sfday.org/healthandsafety. 

Webinars & Community Meetings

• Dr. Naomi Bardach presents "Safe and Successful School Reopening: What We Know About Transmission and Best Practices" (Oct 5)
• UCSF Collaborative to Advise on Re-Opening Education Safely (CARES)
• UCSF Grand Rounds: A Conversation with Ashish Jha
• Aug 12 & 13 Meeting Highlights, Surveys & Recordings (Aug 20)
• Webinar (April 2)

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Stay Informed

• SF Dept. of Public Health
• CA Dept. of Public Health
• US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

To receive SF Text Alert Updates from the SF Dept. of Emergency Mgmt.,

Text COVID19SF to 888-777.
 

Kid-Friendly Resources

• The NY Times podcast, The Daily: This episode features questions from children.
• Brain Pop: Coronavirus
• Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New  Coronavirus

Malaka Gharib/NPR 

 

 

 

 

At SF Day, we refer to distance or remote learning as "Connected Learning," because now more than ever, we are intentionally creating experiences to stay connected as our teachers deliver thoughtful and engaging instruction to all of our students. Throughout our planning to meet evolving circumstances, our priorities remain constant:

• Advance each child's learning and personal development.
• Do everything a school can do to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, and community members, both physically and emotionally.
• Leverage Universal Design for Learning to offer flexible means of engagement, representation, action, and expression that are responsive, equitable, and build upon each student's strengths and curiosities. 
• Engage students in project-based, interdisciplinary learning designed around essential questions and instructional themes.
   

• Click here for the Parent/Student Handbook.

Need help logging in? Here are some Connected Learning Tech Tips!

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