In order to stay abreast of the complex and evolving situation in the United States and to exercise best practices in safeguarding our community, The Shepherd’s Academy is remaining in constant communication with governmental and educational organizations. For the most detailed and up-to-date information on COVID-19, we encourage you to bookmark this page, watch our school calendar, and monitor the following websites. We will update this page with information about COVID-19 as it relates to The Shepherd’s Academy.

Those who believe they may have been exposed to or infected with the novel coronavirus should seek medical care right away. Before you go to a clinic, doctor’s office, or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

What precautions are being taken to mitigate the spread of COVID?

Temperature screenings are taken upon arrival and mid-day

Class sizes are reduced to 4-8 students

High touch surfaces are frequently disinfected

Frequent handwashing is practices

Face masks are worn by staff and students 3 and older

Many activities are conducted outside

Physical distancing is practiced as much as possible

Classes are livestreamed for K-8th grade students

Large gatherings are conducted via LIVE videoconferences

Students may attend classes in a distance learning environment with synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities

Staff and students with signs of communicable disease are excluded:

Do not send your child to school if you suspect he or she may be ill or has exhibited any of the following signs or symptoms:

•An elevated temperature of 100 degrees or more during the last 24 hours.

•Vomiting within the last 24 hours.

•Repeated episodes of diarrhea within the last 24 hours.

•Chills, loss of appetite, unusual fatigue, and/or lingering headache.

•A significant amount of nasal discharge, particularly if the discharge is yellow or greenish in color.

•A persistent cough.

•A significant sore throat.

•An earache.

If you suspect that you or your child has a serious communicable disease, you must notify the school so we can comply with reporting requirements.

In the event a child becomes sick while at school…While we usually monitor ill students for a period of time, given the circumstances, parents will be immediately called to pick up their child as quickly as possible.

•Additional cleaning of common surfaces by faculty and staff is happening at regular intervals throughout the school day.

•The evening cleaning crew has implemented a disinfectant protocol in addition to the regular cleaning.

Georgia High School Association memo regarding conditioning for basketball (starts October 15) and baseball: https://www.ghsa.net/sites/default/files/documents/executive-committee/MinutesBOTMay_21_2020.pdf

How do we talk to children about crises?

American Academy of Pediatrics www.apa.org/topics/talking-children

CDC www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping

Time magazine https://time.com/5776857/how-to-talk-to-kids-coronavirus/

New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/parenting/coronavirus-kids-talk.html

Are there resources to help maintain mental health and emotional stability for kids?

Child Evangelism Fellowship www.cefonline.com/covid19/

Focus on the Family www.focusonthefamily.com/family-time-during-the-coronavirus-quarantine/

PBS Kids www.pbs.org/parents

Parenting During a Crisis https://www.mghpact.org/for-parents/parenting-through-community-crises/

Ways to support kids and teens https://www.mghclaycenter.org/hot-topics/7-ways-to-support-kids-and-teens-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

Homeschooling child with ADHD https://www.inquirer.com/health/expert-opinions/homeschooling-teen-adhd-coronavirus-20200402.html

How will the decision be made to close the school?

The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. While TSA monitors other school closings including the greater metropolitan Atlanta area, TSA makes decisions independently based on our school’s unique needs and situation, as well as guidance from external agencies.

Under what circumstance will the school close?

In the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in our community, we will work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Northeast Georgia Health District to determine the best course of action.

If a case of COVID-19 is identified in the TSA or surrounding community, we will follow local and/or state health authorities’ recommendations or orders to close. We may, out of an abundance of caution and in consideration of the school’s unique needs and situation, close even if health officials don’t deem it necessary.

What can a parent do to prepare for an outbreak?

•Setup a dedicated Google email account to use for school assignments.

•Setup an Edmodo student account and connect a parent. www.go.edmodo.com/students/

•View videos on how to access and turn in student assignments and assessments in Edmodo www.support.edmodo.com/hc/en-us/categories/200330470-Assignments

•Plan alternative childcare arrangements for children in case school is dismissed early and/or closed.

•Talk to friends, neighbors, and other parents about sharing childcare duties if your children are well, but school is closed.

•Talk to your employer about working from home or shifting schedules in the event of a school closure.

We are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of everyone in our community. We continue to be in close communication with government agencies as well as other independent schools and closely monitor the situation and will keep you updated as things change. We will be communicating relevant and timely information from the relevant authorities with our families on www.remind.com and via email to ensure that the educational outcomes of our students will be supported to the fullest. Text @psalm23tsa to the number 81010. You’ll receive a welcome text from Remind. If you have trouble with 81010, you can text @psalm23tsa to (678) 973-1593. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your family’s needs. May the Good Shepherd continue to lead and guide your family.

For His purpose,

Dr. Althea Penn

Executive Director