Coronavirus Update
Tuesday, 10/13/2020, 5PM
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students,
The challenges of the pandemic are continual and frustrating for everyone involved, no less so for our students. Each time we confront a challenge, we try to learn and adjust for the future and better prepare ourselves for the next challenge, which is sure to come. We know that yesterday’s announcement that on-campus instruction would be closed for this week came as a surprise. We want to share with you more information about the decision-making process so that you have a better sense of the reasoning behind our decision.
Short Lead-time for Contact Tracing: We received the report of a probable case of Covid-19 at the end of the weekend, which provides a compressed time frame for contact tracing to occur (in this case, less than 24 hours). A probable case of Covid-19 is one in which a diagnosis hasn’t yet been confirmed in the individual, but other circumstances require us to treat it as a confirmed case.
Long-Weekend Challenges: Angie Williams, Director of Health and Safety, initiated contact tracing immediately upon notification. However, communication and coordination of both school administrative staff and staff at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) is understandably challenging during a three-day weekend. We have come to accept that administrative staff is working “on-call” during this particular phase of the pandemic. And our efforts to consult with the PDPH yesterday morning through early afternoon were largely unsuccessful because of their high volume of calls from various schools and school districts. After we broadcasted our decision to close the campus to on-site learning this week, a PDPH representative was able to contact Angie Williams and communicated support and agreement with our decision. We continually appreciate the work of the PDPH in supporting our School.
Limitation on Information: We recognize that very limited information surrounding the circumstances of the individual’s Covid-19 diagnosis is provided in the general notification letter to staff and parents. We did confirm with the PDPH representative last evening that providing additional information would likely violate federal privacy laws.
Local Covid-19 Health Information: The re-opening guidance for schools in the Commonwealth uses primarily two local public health metrics to inform school re-opening plans, the Incidence Rate and the Percent Positivity Rate (PCR) of diagnostic testing. In the most recent 7-day monitoring period, from October 2nd – October 8th, Philadelphia had an increase in new cases; there are 60.9 new cases per 100,000 residents, and a PCR of 3.9%; we are currently in a Moderate rate of transmission.
If you live outside Philadelphia county and would like to see the metrics in your county, please lp Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Children -
Cleaning and Disinfecting this Week:
The classrooms are each being disinfected using an electrostatic spray that completely surrounds surfaces with the cleansing agent that kills viruses. This is followed by a detailed cleaning. Then the rooms are being disinfected electrostatically a second time. In addition, each classroom is undergoing an ultraviolet (UV) sanitizing process using UV light to inactivate viruses. Also, each classroom is undergoing ionization cleansing of the air.
Update SchoolMessenger Contact Information
We anticipate having to utilize the SchoolMessenger notification system several times in the coming months. Parents, please contact your program secretary to update your contact information if you did not receive a phone call last night. We want to make certain you have important information immediately. Please provide a phone number and email address (if you have one) as contact information.
Staff should contact Carmelina Torres in HR at CTorres@obs.org to update your contact information.
Middle States Accreditation Virtual Team Visit:
Our Virtual Middle States review will take place next week starting Monday, October 19, and continue through Wednesday, October 21. During this time, our “visiting team” will hold virtual meetings with staff, students, parents, and board members. Additionally, they will be doing virtual classroom observations and may also do some virtual zoom observations as our team leader did last week. They will do observations in 1-2 classrooms per program. Please let your program coordinator know if you do not want the visiting team to join into a zoom session for your child.
After the 3-day visit, the Middle States team will meet with the administration on Thursday, October 22, to share their observations. After this, we will wait for their final report. We will share the outcome of the visit and final report with you. We thank all of you for participating in our surveys, participating on subcommittees and virtual meetings, and welcoming team members for virtual observations. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Hybrid Status Beyond November 1:
As stated earlier, we continue to monitor the Philadelphia Public Health metrics to guide our school re-opening plans. Currently, while the positivity rate remains below 5%, there has been an increase in the Incident rate. Due to this, we will need to continue to provide our hybrid program past the end of the first quarter which ends on October 30. At this time, we are extending our current program until we break for Thanksgiving on November 25th.
For students participating in the on-campus face to face program, there may be times when therapy will need to be provided virtually if a therapist has to quarantine and work from home. We are currently looking at how we can modify our on-campus therapy to limit the impact of quarantining therapists. These modifications may include providing therapy in a 1:1 setting outside of the classroom. As we develop plans to modify therapy to maximize face-to-face time with the therapists we will share this with you. Please know we are doing all that we can to provide face to face services while maintaining the health and safety of our students and staff.
This week is also a reminder that plans can change at any time due to positive cases on campus and in the community. We will continue to do all that we can to limit potential exposure and changes in programming, but as shared previously, we will take guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health as to if and when we will need to change plans and close school temporarily or longer.
We recognize the stress and challenges that this places on our families, students, and staff. If you have concerns about the program that your child is currently in, please contact your program coordinator.
Parent Day
Parent Day Postponed: Unfortunately, Parent Day has been postponed to allow more time to adequately plan for a virtual Parent Day experience. Please be on the look-out for the rescheduled date.
New Parent Questions: No new parent questions were submitted to the Health and Safety this past week.
Reminder of Important Dates:
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October 13-15: Virtual instruction for all students
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October 16 - Parents Day Postponed
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October 19-21: Middle States Accreditation virtual visits
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October 30: First quarter ends; hybrid program extended through November 25
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October 31 - November 1: OSB Run, Walk, “N” Roll Virtual Trick or Trot 5K
During this long period of constant change and uncertainty, your continued support for the last six months has been sincerely appreciated. We wish we could assure you of a smooth path forward. We know we cannot. We can assure you we will continually try to make it as manageable as possible.. Again, please direct any questions to Health and Safety
Sincerely,
Todd Reeves, Executive Director
Jackie Brennan, Superintendent
Angie Williams, Director of Health and Safety
No Changes from Previous Update(s)
Mask Reminder: Appropriate and consistent use of masks is most important when students, teachers, and staff are indoors or outside and when social distancing is difficult to implement or maintain. Individuals should be frequently reminded not to touch the face covering or mask and to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. CDC recommends all people 2 years of age and older wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Younger children (e.g., preschool or early elementary aged) may be unable to wear a mask properly, particularly for an extended period of time. Wearing of masks may be prioritized at times when it is difficult to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others (e.g., during carpool drop off or pick up, or when standing in line at school). Ensuring proper mask size and fit and providing children with frequent reminders and education on the importance and proper wear of masks may help address these issues.
Masks should not be placed on:
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Children younger than 2 years old
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Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious
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Anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance
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Anyone with an Exception -
Exceptions to mask requirements will be made if wearing a mask is not possible due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other health or safety factors. OSB will work with parents/guardians to identify those individual students who are exempt from wearing a mask. In accordance with CDC Guidelines, we are not requiring medical documentation for students who are unable to wear a mask.
Parent Resources from Parent Liaison, Rhonda Davis
Access Centers: There is a newly developed resource, Access Centers, for Philadelphia families with K-6th grade students whose parents work outside the home. While this most likely won't be helpful for OSB students, it could work well for their siblings.
FREE. Must register. Access Centers provide Philadelphia’s most vulnerable students with a safe place for digital learning when caregivers work outside the home and have no childcare supports. Registration is required. The staff at these centers:
Fill out the Access Center registration interest form online, or call (215) 709-5366 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Locations click here
Rental Assistance: Assistance is available in the form of a grant and funds that will be paid directly to landlords or property owners. The funds may be used to assist those that became unemployed after March 1, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or those experiencing at least a 30% reduction in annual income related to COVID-19. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will accept CARES RRP applications until September 30, 2020. The CARES Rent Relief Program application can be found here. Full program guidelines can be found here.
Mortgage Assistance: This program provides emergency mortgage assistance on behalf of homeowners who are delinquent in their mortgage payments and who have experienced job loss or reduced income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will accept CARES RRP applications until September 30, 2020. The CARES Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program application can be found here. Full program guidelines can be found here.
Cleaning Products: The safety of cleaning products was noted during the Parent Town Hall meeting. Overbrook uses the following cleaning products in classrooms and on items that students contact directly. If you have heightened concerns about your child’s chemical sensitivity, it may be helpful to inform your child’s healthcare provider.
1. Electrostatic sprayer - Vital Oxide Mold Remover & Disinfectant Cleaner
2. Oxivir Tb wipes
The following products will be used on items in which the students do not have direct contact, such as the officer areas and restrooms areas.1. Toallitas Disinfectants wipes 2. Clorox Bleach Wipes
Previous Parent Questions and Answers: Several questions from parents have been submitted to the Health and Safety. Parents inquiring about an issue that is specific to their child or if the answer would otherwise disclose the identity of the student have or will receive a response directly, to ensure student confidentiality is protected. Below are the responses to general questions we’ve received to date. Please continue sending questions to Health and Safety
Question: Is it possible to have a teacher or therapist provide services outside of the 8:00-3:15 schedule? Answer: Unfortunately, no. Staff cannot provide services outside of school hours.
Question: If my child is receiving virtual instruction and isn’t available during the school day to receive therapy, will a make up time be offered for missed sessions. Answer: No, your child should be available from 8:00-3:00 just as if they were attending school on campus. If your child is not available during a scheduled time, we cannot make up sessions.
Question: If my child attends classes on campus and is out sick or because I have kept him/her home for another reason, can my child receive instruction and therapy virtually for the day he/she is absent? Answer: No, this would be recorded as a sick day just as if it were a typical school year. Your child will not receive make-up services.
Question: If Overbrook decides that my child needs to remain home for an extended period due to possible exposure, will my child be able to participate virtually? Answer: If a situation arises in which the Philadelphia Department of Health directs us to have children quarantine at home, we will do all that we can to maintain instruction virtually following the same schedule as if they were in class.
Question: If my child is attending virtually, do I have to let Overbrook know that my child will be absent? Answer: Yes, it is extremely important that you call to let us know that your child will be absent. We are required to take daily attendance as if this was a typical school year.
Question: If my child is receiving virtual instruction, how is attendance being recorded? Answer: Parents must call the program secretary by 9:30 if their child will be absent or late (for both the virtual and on campus programs). We record attendance as present/absent for a full day, present/absent for a half day, or late if the first session is missed, but your child participates in the rest of the day.
For those in the virtual program, your child’s attendance will be based on your child’s participation in the first morning session and will be monitored for participation in each scheduled session throughout the day.
Question: What time does school start on Mondays? Answer: As we implement our school reopening plan, school will start at 8:00AM on Mondays, just like every other day. We are doing all that we can to maximize instructional time for our students.
Question: Should I send a mask in even if my child will not wear it?
Answer: Yes, as long as your child does not have a health or safety reason that exempts them from wearing a mask. If your child cannot wear a mask due to sensory reasons, staff will work with your child to practice wearing a mask or face shield to help them to become comfortable with this.
Questions: How will the nursing staff differentiate cold symptoms from Covid symptoms? If my son/ daughter has a runny nose but no other symptoms, will she be sent home? If this is the case and s/he is fine the next day, will s/he be able to return to school? Answers: We will align all actions with guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Presently, the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic dictates that Overbrook has a significantly lower threshold for sending sick students home. If your child has a runny nose or other symptoms of an illness, we will send him/her home.
Question: My son/daughter needs hand over hand assistance for many Occupational Therapy tasks along with guided help in walking. Will this happen? Answer: Many of our students require direct physical contact with staff in order to participate in their instruction, including related services. We will do this as much as possible within the structure of our safety guidelines. There may be times when this needs to be modified to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Any recommended changes to your child’s program will be discussed with you.
Question: In the Health and Safety plan, limited microwave use is mentioned. Our son/daughter has a very limited diet and we rely heavily on the use of the microwave. Will that be a problem? Answer: No, if your child needs to have food prepared in a microwave, we will do this. When necessary, microwave ovens are in the classrooms so that they are not shared between classes.
Question: Will specials (music, horticulture, swim, etc) be happening this year? Answer: We will start the year without special subjects and students and staff will remain in their classrooms. This will limit the number of students and staff contacts to reduce any potential exposure. We will look at each special subject and develop individualized plans to provide these classes. At this time we do not have a start date for special subject classes to begin.
Question: How will arrival and dismissal times be determined? Will this add to the length of my child’s commute? Answer: We are working with each school district to establish arrival and dismissal times. These need to be coordinated with each district’s transportation department and balanced to limit the number of vehicles on campus at one time. This is an extremely complex process that requires flexibility. Since the number of students on the buses will be reduced to allow for social distancing, it is anticipated that the commute times for many of the students will be the same or less. However, we cannot predict traffic patterns that may impact travel time. If you have questions related to your child’s transportation, please contact your local school district’s transportation department.
Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Children
New Parent Questions
No new parent questions were submitted to the Health and Safety this past week.
Reminder of Important Dates:
-
October 8: Experience Overbrook Virtual Gala
-
October 12: school is closed for students and instructional staff
-
October 19-21: Middle States Accreditation virtual visits
-
October 30: First quarter ends; determine next steps for on-campus or distance learning options
-
October 31 - November 1: OSB Run, Walk, “N” Roll Virtual Trick or Trot 5K
During this long period of constant change and uncertainty, your continued support for the last six months has been sincerely appreciated. We wish we could assure you of a smooth path forward. We know we cannot. We can assure you we will continually try to make it as manageable as possible.. Again, please direct any questions to Health and Safety
Sincerely,
Todd Reeves, Executive Director
Jackie Brennan, Superintendent
Angie Williams, Director of Health and Safety
No Changes from Previous Update(s)
Mask Reminder: Appropriate and consistent use of masks is most important when students, teachers, and staff are indoors or outside, and when social distancing is difficult to implement or maintain. Individuals should be frequently reminded not to touch the face covering or mask and to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. CDC recommends all people 2 years of age and older wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Younger children (e.g., preschool or early elementary-aged) may be unable to wear a mask properly, particularly for an extended period of time. Wearing of masks may be prioritized at times when it is difficult to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others (e.g., during carpool drop off or pick up, or when standing in line at school). Ensuring proper mask size and fit and providing children with frequent reminders and education on the importance and proper wear of masks may help address these issues.
Masks should not be placed on:
Parent Resources from Parent Liaison, Rhonda Davis
Access Centers
There is a newly developed resource, Access Centers, for Philadelphia families with K-6th grade students whose parents work outside the home. While this most likely won't be helpful for OSB students, it could work well for their siblings.
FREE. Must register. Access Centers provide Philadelphia’s most vulnerable students with a safe place for digital learning when caregivers work outside the home and have no childcare supports. Registration is required. The staff at these centers:
- Supervise students during digital learning time.
- Provide meals.
- Run activities.
Fill out the Access Center registration interest form online, or call (215) 709-5366 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Locations click here
Rental Assistance
Assistance is available in the form of a grant and funds that will be paid directly to landlords or property owners. The funds may be used to assist those that became unemployed after March 1, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or those experiencing at least a 30% reduction in annual income related to COVID-19. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will accept CARES RRP applications until September 30, 2020. The CARES Rent Relief Program application can be found here. Full program guidelines can be found here.
Mortgage Assistance
This program provides emergency mortgage assistance on behalf of homeowners who are delinquent in their mortgage payments and who have experienced job loss or reduced income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will accept CARES RRP applications until September 30, 2020. The CARES Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program application can be found here. Full program guidelines can be found here.
Parent Selection of Re-opening Option - No Change From Previous Week: Thank you to all parents who made the difficult decision among the two re-opening options presented in our initial re-opening plan (all virtual or face-to-face 4 days/week and 1-day virtual after the first two weeks of virtual instruction). As you recall, initial Parent Survey information informed our original re-opening plan. The results of this survey indicated that 71% of our families were comfortable with their child returning to campus and 29% were not. Since this survey, our parent responses have changed some, most likely due to the changes related to the virus in their communities. Currently, 63% of our families are planning for the child to participate in the face-to-face program and 37% have selected the 5-day virtual program.
Please review the attached document which provides additional information related to virtual instruction.
Cleaning Products: The safety of cleaning products was noted during the Parent Town Hall meeting. Overbrook uses the following cleaning products in classrooms and on items that students contact directly. If you have heightened concerns about your child’s chemical sensitivity, it may be helpful to inform your child’s healthcare provider.
-
Electrostatic sprayer - Vital Oxide Mold Remover & Disinfectant Cleaner
-
Oxivir Tb wipes
The following products will be used on items in which the students do not have direct contact, such as the officer areas and restrooms areas.1. Toallitas Disinfectants wipes 2. Clorox Bleach Wipes
Send Safety Suggestions to Health and Safety: Thank you to everyone who has sent their questions and comments to our designated email address. No matter what we do, we always want to do it better tomorrow than we did it today. Like our students, we want to make continual progress. We wish the same regarding health and safety in the coming months. As the year begins and we welcome both students and staff back, please use the email address as a means of making suggestions for improved safety for non-emergency situations. Of course, in the case of an emergency or if staff or parents require immediate action, contacting the appropriate admin
Previous Parent Questions and Answers: Several questions from parents have been submitted to the Health and Safety. Parents inquiring about an issue that is specific to their child or if the answer would otherwise disclose the identity of the student have or will receive a response directly, to ensure student confidentiality is protected. Below are the responses to general questions we’ve received to date. Please continue sending questions to Health and Safety
Question: How will the nursing staff differentiate cold symptoms from Covid symptoms? If my son/ daughter has a runny nose but no other symptoms, will she be sent home? If this is the case and s/he is fine the next day, will s/he be able to return to school? Answers: We will align all actions with guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Presently, the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic dictates that Overbrook has a significantly lower threshold for sending sick students home. If your child has a runny nose or other symptoms of an illness, we will send him/her home.
Question: My son/daughter needs hand over hand assistance for many Occupational Therapy tasks along with guided help in walking. Will this happen? Answer: Many of our students require direct physical contact with staff in order to participate in their instruction, including related services. We will do this as much as possible within the structure of our safety guidelines. There may be times when this needs to be modified to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Any recommended changes to your child’s program will be discussed with you.
Question: In the Health and Safety plan, limited microwave use is mentioned. Our son/daughter has a very limited diet and we rely heavily on the use of the microwave. Will that be a problem? Answer: No, if your child needs to have food prepared in a microwave, we will do this. When necessary, microwave ovens are in the classrooms so that they are not shared between classes.
Question: Will specials (music, horticulture, swim, etc) be happening this year? Answer: We will start the year without special subjects and students and staff will remain in their classrooms. This will limit the number of students and staff contacts to reduce any potential exposure. We will look at each special subject and develop individualized plans to provide these classes. At this time we do not have a start date for special subject classes to begin.
Question: How will arrival and dismissal times be determined? Will this add to the length of my child’s commute? Answer: We are working with each school district to establish arrival and dismissal times. These need to be coordinated with each district’s transportation department and balanced to limit the number of vehicles on campus at one time. This is an extremely complex process that requires flexibility. Since the number of students on the buses will be reduced to allow for social distancing, it is anticipated that the commute times for many of the students will be the same or less. However, we cannot predict traffic patterns that may impact travel time. If you have questions related to your child’s transportation, please contact your local school district’s transportation department.
Question: Should I send a mask in even if my child will not wear it? Answer: Yes, as long as your child does not have a health or safety reason that exempts them from wearing a mask. If your child cannot wear a mask due to sensory reasons, staff will work with your child to practice wearing a mask or face shield to help them to become comfortable with this.
Question: Is it possible to have a teacher or therapist provide services outside of the 8:00-3:15 schedule? Answer: Unfortunately, no. Staff cannot provide services outside of school hours.
Question: If my child is receiving virtual instruction and isn’t available during the school day to receive therapy, will a makeup time be offered for missed sessions. Answer: No, your child should be available from 8:00-3:00 just as if they were attending school on campus. If your child is not available during a scheduled time, we cannot make up sessions.
Question: If my child attends classes on campus and is out sick or because I have kept him/her home for another reason, can my child receive instruction and therapy virtually for the day he/she is absent? Answer: No, this would be recorded as a sick day just as if it were a typical school year. Your child will not receive make-up services.
Question: If Overbrook decides that my child needs to remain home for an extended period due to possible exposure, will my child be able to participate virtually? Answer: If a situation arises in which the Philadelphia Department of Health directs us to have children quarantine at home, we will do all that we can to maintain instruction virtually following the same schedule as if they were in class.
Question: If my child is attending virtually, do I have to let Overbrook know that my child will be absent? Answer: Yes, it is extremely important that you call to let us know that your child will be absent. We are required to take daily attendance as if this was a typical school year.
Question: If my child is receiving virtual instruction, how is attendance being recorded? Answer: Parents must call the program secretary by 9:30 if their child will be absent or late (for both). We record attendance as present/absent for a full day, present/absent for a half-day, or late if the first session is missed, but your child participates in the rest of the day.
For those in the virtual program, your child’s attendance will be based on your child’s participation in the first morning session and will be monitored for participation in each scheduled session throughout the day.
Question: What time does school start on Mondays? Answer: As we implement our school reopening plan, the school will start at 8:00 AM on Mondays, just like every other day. We are doing all that we can to maximize instructional time for our students.
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