Maryvale's 2020-2021 Reopening Plan

Which days will Middle School and Upper School students be on campus?

I’m happy that Maryvale is preparing for an on-campus instruction in the fall; however, the new schedule and protocols are complex. How are you going to ensure that students and faculty are following all the new protocols properly on campus in the first few weeks of school? That is a good question and one that we have heard from both parents and faculty. This is a rapidly changing and evolving situation, and independent schools have received very little clear guidance. We are determined to do the right thing to keep our entire Maryvale family as healthy as possible; while also maintaining a high quality educational experience and feeling of community, guided by our faith.

We are continuously re-evaluating the Reopening Plan, in consultation with our Re-Entry Team of education and medical professionals, and our Board of Trustees, to ensure that our plan reflects the current guidelines and recommendations. Any changes to the plan will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Can you please explain why students aren’t allowed to arrive late or leave early and return to school? What happens if we get stuck in traffic on the way in? Due to our new health and wellness protocols, including the Health app with temperature checks and student screenings upon arrival, we are asking that you keep your student home if there is a planned appointment or event that would cause her to arrive late, such as a doctor’s appointment. Similarly, if a student has to leave early, we ask that she continues her day via distance learning, so that we can maintain our arrival protocols and limit additional on-campus exposure from students coming and going throughout the day.

We understand that there will be unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic delays, which may cause students to be late on occasion. We ask that you call the Maryvale office if you are going to be late as a result of extenuating circumstances, so that we may plan accordingly and provide the necessary screening when she arrives.

How will Maryvale determine whether it can open – or not – with distance learning? First, if Governor Larry Hogan makes a decision to close all schools (public and non-public) as was done in March, Maryvale will follow that decision and distance learning only will immediately commence. Over the summer many improvements have been made to our delivery of distance learning and will immediately be implemented for the 2020-2021 school year as we plan to reopen campus offering a hybrid learning model which includes both on-campus and distance learning. As a member of AIMS and working with the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Maryvale remains in contact with peer non-public schools as we collectively consider the risk of reopening campus - even in a hybrid fashion.

How has Maryvale determined the number of students who will be in a classroom space?

• We are following recommendations from the CDC, which are more conservative than those from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• The Maryvale Reentry Team has conducted an audit of all classrooms and indoor spaces on campus to determine the maximum capacity for students, which allows for the CDC recommended social distance guidelines of six feet apart.

How will you help to ensure that students have minimal exposure to other students throughout the day? When students switch classes they will follow new traffic patterns and posted signage to help them adhere to social distancing guidelines. Class dismissal times will also be staggered to minimize foot traffic in hallways between classes. Morning drop off times are also staggered to minimize numbers of students arriving at one time.

Can I change my mind about my selection of either on-campus or distance learning after the July 20 decision deadline? Absolutely! We simply ask that you contact your daughter’s division head (Mrs. Nicholas or Dr. Shin) to make that change. Appropriate documentation will be required.

If we choose the hybrid model, and then decide to switch our daughter to complete distance learning, what documentation will be required? Maryvale is committed to supporting both students and faculty in the delivery of a quality education. While teachers can pivot from one model to another, it is important to allow time for the protocol and schedule of one model to be transferred to another.

If your daughter wishes to move from the distance-only model to the in-person hybrid model, please notify her division head (Mrs. Nicholas or Dr. Shin) by email. You will then be notified when this change can occur, usually in a matter of days.

Unless it is for a medical emergency or closures related to COVID-19, the switch from hybrid to all distance only will take longer in order to allow faculty members to make all needed adjustments to synchronous and asynchronous learning, assessments, etc. Please notify your daughter’s division head (Mrs. Nicholas or Dr. Shin) in writing. Once the accommodation is ready, you will be notified but may expect a delay of one week or more. No documentation will be required.

Is there a possibility that school will return to normal at some point during the school year, with students on campus full time? Yes! We are hopeful that there will be resolution to the COVID-19 pandemic and Maryvale will welcome a complete reopening of on campus, in-person instruction.

Why did the hours of the school day change to 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.? Are the hours the same for distance learning? The hours of the school day were adjusted to allow for a staggered morning dropoff, social distancing and the additional daily deep cleaning of campus. The hours for on-campus and synchronized distance learning are the same for Middle School students, to help maintain a schedule, which experts recommend. Upper School students will engage in synchronized learning during school hours, with the exception of Wednesdays when they will have independent lessons to complete at home (no scheduled classes/Zoom lessons).

Will faculty be teaching from the classroom or virtually from home? The vast majority of faculty will be teaching from their classrooms with the exception of a few who will be teaching from home due to medical concerns.

If we choose the 100 percent distance learning option, are classrooms wired with cameras so students can Zoom into their classes on their regular schedule or will they have to watch recorded lessons? Each classroom has been enabled to teach via Zoom, to allow for distance learning in real-time. We have installed webcams, as well as additional microphones, to increase the audio capabilities so that students can livestream their classes.

What will lunch look like? Will students be exempt from wearing masks during lunch? How will social distancing work? When the weather doesn't permit the girls to eat outside, what specific measures are you taking to allow the girls to socially distance while eating inside? When possible, lunch periods will be held outside, still adhering to social distancing but, in order to eat and drink, masks will not be required. In situations with inclement weather, pods or groups of girls will have to be staggered. Schedule adjustments may be made so that students will likely be at individual tables or spaces so that they can eat and drink.

Since students cannot access their lockers, how will they know which materials to bring to campus? It will be important to remind students that they only need to bring the materials that they need for any given day and not all textbooks are required each day.

Can students remove their masks indoors? No. Maryvale is following CDC recommendations, which includes that masks are required at all times when indoors. There will be no exceptions.

We are adhering to this requirement in an effort to protect the health and well-being of faculty, as well as students, who will be in our buildings throughout the day. If you feel that you cannot support this requirement, we ask that you choose the all-distance option. There will be no exceptions to masking while indoors.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ reopening guidance points out that three feet can be sufficient for social distancing. Are there plans to update or modify the six foot recommendation to allow for flexibility and three foot distancing when possible? Maryvale is taking a more conservative approach and will not waiver in the CDC’s original recommendations of six feet apart for social distancing because it is designed to further protect students, faculty and staff. Our administration and facilities team has literally spent days conducting an audit of each space on campus and our reopening plan reflects this.

Maryvale has a great plan for reopening campus for the 2020-2021 school year. However, if families do not follow the guidelines outlined, then everyone on Maryvale’s campus is at risk. What will school administrators do if they learn that families are not following the rules, such as not reporting if they fly on a plane and not quarantining after travel? This is a question which greatly concerns the administration, faculty and staff. The only ongoing way for Maryvale to possibly open in a hybrid fashion and remain open is if families cooperate with and support the protocols which have been mandated. These guidelines were painstakingly developed with the support of healthcare professionals. Adherence to these guidelines is our best option to try to reopen Maryvale’s campus in a hybrid fashion and remain open. It is every family’s responsibility to keep the faculty, staff and other families as healthy as possible. Anyone who cannot abide by the school’s hybrid learning protocols must seriously consider opting for the distance learning-only option. We will not waiver from the policies we have communicated. We greatly appreciate your partnership in this effort.

We are in the process of revising our parent and student handbook to include disciplinary measures which will be taken if and when the school learns of noncompliance. Families will have the opportunity to review this handbook in advance of the planned reopening of campus in late August for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

What happens if a student or employee tests positive for COVID-19? In the event of a positive COVID-19 test within the Maryvale community (faculty, staff or student), the school will close for a minimum of two to five days while we await direction from the Baltimore County Health Department. During that time we will revert to a complete distance learning model. This may result in faculty, staff and students quarantining for a defined period. As CDC and Baltimore County Health Department guidelines evolve, we will adjust our processes accordingly.

What happens if someone living in a student or employee’s household tests positive for COVID-19? If someone living in a student or employee's household tests positive for COVID-19, the student or employee must use distance learning for a period of 14 school days.

Can we reconsider the check-in time required for the Health app? We have updated our protocols to require that students check in one hour before the start of their school day (7 a.m. for Middle School students and 7:30 a.m. for Upper School students).

We are asking that all students participating in hybrid plane use the screening app daily, whether on campus or distance learning.

On days when my daughter is not on campus, will she be required to check in via the health app? Students only need to check in via the health app on the days they will be on campus.

How will you help to keep student desk surfaces as germ-free as possible? All surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected nightly. We are developing protocols which will require the support of students who will be asked to wipe down the surface of the desk and chair before they exit a classroom space. Importantly, guidance from the medical field recommends that COVID-19 be treated as an airborne virus. Maryvale will be complying with the recommendations of medical experts of requiring masks be worn indoors, frequent handwashing and social distancing. All of our decisions are guided by health experts on Maryvale’s Reentry Team.

If a student does not feel well one day, can she attend classes via distance learning for that particular day? Absolutely! Students are required to use distance learning if they don’t feel well and/or experience any flu-like symptoms such as a fever, cough or sore throat.

If a parent travels by plane during the school year does the student still need to engage in distance learning for two weeks? No. We recognize that many parents must travel for businesses and other purposes. Therefore, the 14 school day distance learning quarantine is required only if the student travels by plane or train.

Will families who travel out of state have to self-quarantine as recommended by the state? This is a requirement for some other area private schools and a question that healthcare providers are asking. The recommendations and requirements continue to evolve in this fluid situation. At least two weeks prior to the planned reopening of campus for the 2020-2021 school year, Maryvale will refer to current guidelines and at that time communicate those to families. We can all also expect that modifications will continue until the COVID-19 crisis is resolved.

Requiring students to wear masks, social distance and sit alone at lunch, for example, may have a psychological and/or physiological effect on them. What resources or accommodations is Maryvale prepared to offer to alleviate this? We recognize and agree with these concerns. Our dedicated counseling staff remains available to every family and student, as always. For additional information, please see the counseling resources at the bottom of this page.

If a student feels lightheaded as a result of wearing a mask for a prolonged period of time, will she be allowed to remove her mask or visit the nurse? If she feels lightheaded, she will be encouraged to visit the health suite and Maryvale’s nurses will then make a recommendation for next steps.

What is the average size of a Middle School neighborhood/pod? The average size of a Middle School neighborhood is 14 students, up to a maximum of 20 students in any one neighborhood/pod.

How did you decide that Middle School students should be in school four days per week? Educational research supports that Middle School students require as much in-person instruction as possible. The younger the student, the more imperative it is for them to be in the classroom and we worked really hard to make this happen.

Will Middle School students be in one classroom with the same group of girls all day and the same teacher? Students will be assigned to small groups, called neighborhoods or pods. They will remain within their assigned neighborhoods for all instruction, with the exception of world language and math classes. When in their classroom pod/neighborhood, different subject-area teachers will come to them.

Are senior portraits still scheduled for Aug. 20 and Aug. 21?

Mrs. Julie Lanahan sent out a Sign Up Genius to seniors earlier this month. Photos are still scheduled for Aug 20 and 21. Sign up here.

Will there be study hall/breaks for Upper School students? Yes! Upper School students will have study halls and free periods unless they are taking an overloaded schedule.

Since Maryvale’s campus will not open until Aug. 31, does that mean that it’s likely that fall sports tryouts will not begin in mid-August, if at all?

The Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) and Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) issued a joint statement on July 16, 2020 on the status of fall interscholastic sports, which we are sharing with you now:

In an ongoing effort to mitigate health risks while supporting student-athletes, the IAAM and MIAA will be delaying the start of the fall preseason until on or after Tuesday, September 1, 2020.

At this time, we anticipate that league play will commence on or after September 21, 2020. Revised schedules will be issued to keep within the projected timeline for fall athletics.

The IAAM and MIAA will continue to reevaluate the viability of interscholastic competition for the fall season. The Board of Governors of both leagues will meet again in mid-August. Blackout periods and out of season practice policies will be waived until further notice.

The IAAM and MIAA share a common commitment to athletics as an extension of the educational process. Participation in healthy athletic practices provides our student-athletes opportunities to compete, build character, acquire, and improve skills, demonstrate leadership, and have fun. Both leagues hope to honor this commitment and, at the same time, keep athletes and their coaches as healthy as possible.

We will update you in the coming weeks about fall athletics as additional information becomes available.

Will students perform Matilda, as scheduled, this fall? We are currently planning to perform Matilda this fall. We will alter staging to comply with social distancing guidelines. We plan to record and stream the performances. If needed, we can move the Matilda to the spring.

Isn't it risky to hold choir since most experts say transmission happens more with singing? We are following all current guidelines for practicing choir safely. Students will participate in activities during choir beyond singing, such as rhythm exercises, and they will also practice outside when weather permits. When students are singing, either in the theater or outdoors, they will practice social distancing.

With the hybrid model, will gym class take place? If so, where do I purchase a gym uniform? Yes, we are having gym class. Students can wear their gym uniforms to school for the day when they have gym class. Because of social distancing guidelines, students won’t be using lockers and we want to make the uniform as comfortable as possible. Gym uniforms – shirts and shorts – are purchased through Maryvale’s school store, The Lion’s Den. Updated contact information, ordering instructions and curbside pick up information will be forwarded soon.

Are students required to wear their uniforms on days when they are engaged with distance learning? Yes, students are required to wear their uniform shirt when engaged with distance learning.

Since students will only be on campus a few days per week, will they need to wear their red blazers? The red blazers will not be required until at least December.

It seems that Maryvale’s expenses should be less in the coming year. As a result, will we be receiving a refund for base tuition or for St. Julie Billiart program tuition?

As a reminder, earlier this summer, Maryvale rolled back the cost of base tuition for the 2020-2021 school year to the same level as the 2019-20 school year.

While it could seem like Maryvale’s expenses may have decreased since COVID-19 arrived in our world, our expenses have in fact increased considerably since March, both during the 2019-2020 school year and also for the 2020-2021 school year. We have and will continue to incur pandemic-related expenses, such as a disinfection of our campus at night and enhanced cleaning throughout the day, the hiring of additional nursing, safety and housekeeping personnel, added technology enhancements in every classroom, major HVAC upgrades and the installation of new outdoor walkways to allow for social distancing, to name a few. We also recognize that, until a resolution is reached, COVID-19 will continue to be a part of our world and we anticipate that we will incur additional unexpected costs.

While the delivery of instruction and the number of students on campus may be different, the majority of Maryvale’s budget falls into the category of fixed costs. Examples of fixed costs include insurance for the campus, maintenance and upkeep of the campus, software, and other necessary infrastructure costs. In addition, in order to provide the quality education you have come to expect from Maryvale, we have committed to retaining our full faculty and staff and have, as previously noted, added personnel due to COVID-19. These combined costs represent more than 90 percent of the school’s budget. While there are minor savings in variable costs such as electricity, water and copier expenses, the necessary costs incurred due to the pandemic greatly exceed those savings.

Tuition at Maryvale does not cover the full cost of education. We rely on voluntary contributions to the Annual Fund with a yearly goal of $800,000, all of which is used toward offsetting the difference between what tuition costs and what families pay. The 2019-2020 school year already saw a decrease of over 10 percent in contributions to the Annual Fund and, despite all best efforts, Maryvale is prepared for the reality that contributions may/will again drop in the 2020-2021 year as alumnae and families continue to face economic challenges.

We have also experienced a precipitous drop in auxiliary revenue which offsets tuition including, but not limited to, facility rentals, dining services, school store sales and the ongoing cancellation of several major fundraising events.

As a result, tuition cannot be less, whether students are learning on campus or engaged in distance learning. There has not been a reduction in the cost associated with delivering a Maryvale education.

In the case of the SJB program, the faculty members who are a part of that program are solely dedicated to students in the SJB program. Therefore, the cost of that program has not and will not be reduced.

Why did Maryvale receive a $2 million Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan when the school didn't close? Maryvale applied for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in good faith, so that we could continue to provide the best quality of education to our students. COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on organizations across all industries, including private school education. Maryvale qualified for $1.2 million in PPP funding based on our payroll, which allowed us to continue employing and providing health insurance coverage to our nearly 100 faculty and staff members, despite a multi-month campus closure. While we transitioned to online learning, this unexpected closure resulted in decreased gross revenues as it forced us to cancel two of our biggest fundraising events, suspend our capital fundraising campaign and shut down ancillary sources of income, such as the school store, after care program and summer athletic camps. Additionally, we have added expenses as a result of updating our online learning technology platforms and providing increased financial aid to those families who are also struggling amidst this crisis.

All Maryvale faculty are completing distance/hybrid learning professional development this summer. The list below is a sampling, not an all-inclusive list, of professional development that faculty members have participated in over the summer. Faculty have been taking advantage of other professional development offerings this summer.

• The majority of our faculty are participating in the AIMS Distance Learning Pop-up Course for Educators.
  • Course essential questions: What are the core tenets of your school and how might these translate to distance learning? What are the basic types of learner interactions possible and what is the best way to use them? What are your students’ social-emotional needs during distance learning and how might you best support and encourage them?
  • Course content: distance learning best practices, types of learner interactions, social-emotional learning, equity in distance learning, virtual assessment tools and engagement in an online environment.

• Others are participating in courses through the Global Online Academy, including:
  • Design Bootcamp
    • design online learning experiences that promote student agency
    • build community in online spaces, including peer to peer relationships and student and teacher relationships
    • design assessments that allow both students and teachers to know what students are learning with an emphasis on evidence of student work
    • incorporate wayfinding and best practices in the smooth and intuitive design of online learning spaces
    • self-assess and reflect upon their pedagogy and practice in online teaching and learning
    • review and provide meaningful feedback on colleagues' work products as well as receive feedback on their own work
  • Designing for Online Learning
    • This course will cover the fundamentals of designing high quality online learning experiences.
  • Designing for Online Learning: Student Agency
    • Course for educators who want to learn how to foster learning experiences that help students to develop and exercise agency.
  • Designing for Online Learning: Wayfinding
    • Course for educators who want to learn how to build engaging, navigable, and student-centered online learning experiences.

• Members of Maryvale’s science department participated in Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Teacher Research Academy to further develop tools for online laboratory and hands-on experiences.
  • Bioscience
    • This virtual workshop for middle and high teachers focuses on enriching NGSS standards using the lens of biotechnology to inspire student lab experiences. This workshop will provide the opportunity to expand or refresh lab skills, while exploring how lab investigations can be scaled up or scaled down according to SEP/CCC focus, resources, and/or grade level.
    • Teachers will discuss how authentic rigorous lab experiences can be integrated into NGSS, AP and IB curricula. Learn how to source free science materials and local mini grants as well. Participants will learn through virtual laboratory activities and complementary “kitchen science” in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics. The afternoons will be dedicated to developing mini-units to share with other participants at the end of the workshop that on that can be implemented in future classroom instruction.
  • Physics with Phone Sensors
    • This online workshop will focus on hands-on activities designed to use science and engineering practices to explore core disciplinary ideas in physics. The activities will exploit the amazing set of sensors in the smartphones which all your students own and are expert users. During this workshop you will become experienced in using the sensors in open ended exploration that will enable completely new opportunities for students to explore and learn physics.

• Some faculty participated in AP Summer Institutes to further their AP course knowledge. All classes occurred in a virtual environment.
  • AP Summer Institutes offer the most intensive professional development available for AP educators. Attendees engage in at least 30 hours of content-rich training designed to strengthen how they teach their AP courses. Learn innovative best practices, explore ready-to-use strategies, and increase course knowledge.

• All faculty will participate in Challenge Success’s Grab and Go Strategies for Assessment Learning Online workshop in late August. Below is a description of the workshop. Challenge Success is affiliated with Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education.
  • How do we best assess student learning during this unexpected shift to remote learning? In this workshop, we will share and model a range of assessment strategies that provide meaningful feedback to students in a virtual environment. Participants will leave with relevant, interactive, and fun practices that they can begin using tomorrow.

Click here for all of the information that you need to prepare your daughter for the 2020-2021 school year, from school supply lists to the online bookstore, summer reading and summer assignments.

The following letter was sent to Maryvale families on July 13, 2020:

The following letter was sent to Maryvale families on July 2, 2020:

Dear Maryvale Families,

We hope that you are well and enjoying a bit of downtime even during this unusual summer.

At Maryvale, we are continuing to keep the health and wellness of our Maryvale families, faculty and students as our top priorities as we finalize our plans for reentry for the 2020-21 school year.

First, we recognize that the wellness of our families during these challenging times comes in different forms, including financial stability. For that reason, we have worked closely with our Board of Trustees to roll back the cost of tuition to the same level as the 2019-20 school year. You will see the reduction in tuition reflected in your FACTS account.

Next, we appreciate the time that each of you took last month to complete the Maryvale Family Survey. The survey results, which are immediately helping us to plan for the 2020-21 school year, show that you overwhelmingly lauded Maryvale for our distance learning achievements this spring. We also recognize and appreciate the sacrifices that you have made during COVID-19.

Hybrid Learning Model

The survey results, along with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are helping to inform our reentry plan for the 2020-21 school year. We recognize that our focus on growing our technology and distance learning capabilities over the past five years is paying off during the pandemic. We continue to expand the technology needed to be successful and our faculty are engaging in professional development this summer to further improve our distance learning capabilities. Our goal is to continue providing the individualized instruction that you and your daughter value.

Our initial plan for reentry will be a hybrid learning model with a combination of on-campus instruction and distance learning. In order to maintain social distancing requirements – in classrooms and common areas throughout the campus – your daughter will spend some days on campus and other days learning from home. The full details of our plan will continue to be shared next week.

We are planning for the 2020-21 school year to begin the week of Aug. 31. On-campus activities will begin early in the week with staggered first day of classes beginning Thursday, Sept. 3 and Friday, Sept. 4. In the meantime, please mark your calendars for these start dates. While we are excitedly looking forward to seeing your daughters on campus, please keep in mind that we are in the midst of a fluid situation. Our plans are subject to change, if mandated by the state, Baltimore County or health authorities.

End of Summer and School Year Travel Planning

Beginning Monday, Aug. 17, Maryvale will be following CDC recommendations and asking families to notify the school if your daughter's travel plans include transportation by plane or train. If so, we will be asking that your daughter uses distance learning for a 14 day period after she returns. Please contact your daughter's division head (Mrs. Nicholas or Dr. Shin) as soon as possible if this request affects your family. We ask for your cooperation with this requirement as we endeavor to keep Maryvale's faculty, staff and families as healthy as possible.

Thank you for your continued patience and investment in Maryvale as we adjust to the evolving situation. Whether we are on campus or engaged in distance learning, you have our unwavering assurance that Maryvale will continue its mission – to educate young women for life!

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen Gallagher Barthelme '72
Chair, Board of Trustees

The following letter was sent to Maryvale families on June 12, 2020:

To our Maryvale Families,

The health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff continues to be our primary concern as we evaluate the health and safety protocols that will guide the 2020-21 school year, which will begin with our campus re-opening scheduled for Aug. 31. We understand the COVID-19 pandemic has touched all of our lives in different ways and we are moving forward based on decisions which we hope will be best for our Maryvale families. We want to take a moment to share some updates as well as what we are doing to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 while on campus.

Maryvale's Reentry Team

There are many aspects to the daily life that we all share on campus and all areas are thoughtfully being evaluated with guidance from the CDC and our network of medical professionals. The Maryvale Reentry Team Committees, which includes Maryvale personnel, Board members, medical professionals and valued partners in the community, are working diligently to evaluate and establish these important procedures.

Reopening Campus - Procedures to Protect Your Family

We are planning to reopen the campus on Aug. 31 with a modified schedule that will include a combination of on-campus and distance learning. We are evaluating ways to maintain after school clubs and activities in virtual and other formats. More information about schedules and activities will be shared through a dedicated page on our website in the coming weeks. We will alert you when the webpage is available.

Health and safety protocols that will be in place when the campus reopens include:

• Social distancing of 6 feet (following CDC guidelines).
• Only students, faculty and staff will be permitted in the buildings. Parents will use curbside drop off and pick up. Vendors will be limited to dining staff, security staff and emergency repair workers.
• Masks will be required to be worn by everyone.
• Mandatory daily health screenings will be required before entering buildings.
• Parent and volunteer meetings will be held virtually.

In addition to the protocols above, we are implementing new initiatives to further enhance your daughter's health and well-being at Maryvale:

• Two nurses will be onsite full-time.
• We are creating a second Health Suite, which will feature dedicated space for wellness visits, such as a sprain or cut, and a separate space for individuals exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or other viruses/flus.
• A new full-time Safety Compliance Officer will be onsite to help ensure that students and employees are following the new health and safety protocols. In addition, our new Safety Compliance Officer will assist with disinfecting shared surfaces, including restrooms, lunch facilities, etc., throughout the day.
• Additional hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout buildings on the campus.
• Cleaning and disinfecting procedures will be enhanced during the day and in the evening. This will include the CDC's clean desk recommendation, requiring that all desk surfaces are completely clear, each night, allowing for sanitation.

Just the Start - Maryvale Family Survey

By no means are the lists above complete. We want to hear from you to learn about your thoughts, feelings and ideas about our planned reopening at the end of August. You will receive our Maryvale Family Survey in your inbox early next week. This brief survey will assist the Maryvale Reentry Team in developing a holistic approach to the reentry experience. Thank you in advance for taking time to complete the survey.

As always, we are here for you. If you have any questions, concerns or just want to say hello, please email us.

We look forward to being on campus with you all again soon!

Tracey H. Ford

President

Dr. Victor Shin

Upper School Head, Assistant Head of School

Jennifer Nicholas

Middle School Head, Academic Dean

The following letter was sent to Maryvale families on June 1, 2020:

Dear Maryvale Families,

As Maryvale thoughtfully turns its focus to and prepares for the reopening of campus in the fall, guided by mandates and protocols designed to reduce COVID-19 risks, I cannot help but think about a description of COVID-19 as shared by a teacher:

You have 30 students making a craft. One of the students used glitter. How many people will have glitter on them by the end of the day?

I so wish that we were dealing with glitter, but we aren’t. We are dealing with an invisible and highly contagious disease that is transmitted in a number of ways. Therefore, until there is a vaccine or cure, Maryvale will be implementing a number of new health and safety protocols which will make the return to campus feel and look different.

Our academic administrators are working through various scenarios that will allow students to enjoy the normalcy of receiving on-campus instruction. For example, in one scenario, students would alternate between days they are on campus and distance learning. We recognize that our obligation to comply with state and county mandates, in addition to social distancing requirements, can and may, at any time, affect our plans. The health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is paramount in each scenario and decision.

Our goal, and priority, is to open campus, in some fashion, for the 2020-2021 school year the week of Aug. 31, with on-campus activities early in the week and a staggered first day of classes and schedules beginning on Thursday, Sept. 3 and Friday, Sept. 4.

Before the 2020-2021 school year begins, we are doubling our full-time nurses on staff and we are adding a Safety and Compliance Officer, in addition to our security team. We are in the midst of counting students and square feet in every classroom, lab and common space and will be assigning classes and gatherings based on current social distancing mandates which require six feet between individuals.

Simultaneously, our gifted academic leadership team is putting an academic puzzle together with the goal of unlocking the best possible educational option for students in each grade, given this situation.

Since early March, our faculty have continued to provide individualized attention and innovative teaching to the level that you have come to expect. As a result of COVID-19, Maryvale has had to absorb additional and unexpected costs, such as added personnel, enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures, new supplies and materials to follow recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus and an expansion of existing technology infrastructure. The unexpected increase in costs necessitates that our tuition for the 2020-2021 school year remains at the level originally established for the year, regardless of whether classroom instruction is delivered in person, virtually, or a combination of the two.

As we consider what is best for Maryvale and the valued community we serve, we are working with several larger organizations, including the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS) and the Archdiocese of Baltimore, as well as academic thought leaders from peer schools here in our region.

We have also formed the Maryvale Reentry Team, whose focus is on making Maryvale stronger than ever. Members include:

• Heather Andrew, Director of Information Technology, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Deb Baker, Senior Vice President, Nursing, Johns Hopkins Health System
• Mary Ellen Gallagher Barthelme ’72, Chair, Board of Trustees, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Kelly Bonsack, School Nurse, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Scott Cerasoli, Trustee, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Tracey H. Ford, President, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Patricia Kirby, Trustee, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Mark Lindenmeyer, Vice President, Enrollment Management, Loyola University Maryland (retired)
• Elizabeth Lowe, Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Jen Nicholas, Middle School Head / Academic Dean, Maryvale Preparatory School
• John Novotny, Trustee, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Theresa Rodgers, Assistant Head of School for Business Operations / CFO, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Dave Schroeder, Director of Plant Operations, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Dr. Victor Shin, Upper School Head / Assistant Head of School, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Debbie Shaw, Executive Assistant, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Amy Swam, Director of Human Resources, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Marty Voelkel-Hanssen ’75, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Maryvale Preparatory School

Your input, as parents, is important to us as we examine and consider various scenarios. You will soon receive several surveys seeking your thoughts on topics including the delivery of academic instruction, community engagement, staggered schedules, health considerations and dining options. Please be assured that your thoughts will be given serious consideration.

We’re also evaluating options for our athletics program for the 2020-2021 school year. As you know, Maryvale is a member of the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) and we follow their mandate for athletic competition. Once the IAAM issues a decision on and plan for fall athletics, we will communicate this with all families.

Please rest assured that Maryvale’s priority is the health and well-being of our community as well as the continued delivery of a personalized and exceptional education for your daughters.

This summer, school life will continue – virtually. For example, rising seniors can look forward to the highly regarded summer college “bootcamp” offering from our college counseling team of Ms. Graham and Mrs. Duerr. Outreach is being planned to welcome new families into our community. And we will soon be offering a limited selection of bookstore and uniform items, with online and curbside pickup options. And, as always, our administration and staff are available by email.

You can expect to receive emails throughout the summer which reflect updates and changes as they become available.

Thank you for your patience as we endeavor to adjust to the evolving situation. Whether we are on campus or engaged in distance learning, Maryvale will continue its mission – to educate young women for life!

Sincerely,

Tracey H. Ford

President

Maryvale's Reentry Team is focused on making Maryvale stronger than ever. Members include:

• Heather Andrew, Director of Information Technology, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Deb Baker, Senior Vice President, Nursing, Johns Hopkins Health System
• Mary Ellen Gallagher Barthelme ’72, Chair, Board of Trustees, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Kelly Bonsack, School Nurse, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Scott Cerasoli, Trustee, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Tracey H. Ford, President, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Patricia Kirby, Trustee, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Mark Lindenmeyer, Vice President, Enrollment Management, Loyola University Maryland (retired)
• Elizabeth Lowe, Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Jen Nicholas, Middle School Head / Academic Dean, Maryvale Preparatory School
• John Novotny, Trustee, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Theresa Rodgers, Assistant Head of School for Business Operations / CFO, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Dave Schroeder, Director of Plant Operations, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Dr. Victor Shin, Upper School Head / Assistant Head of School, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Debbie Shaw, Executive Assistant, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Amy Swam, Director of Human Resources, Maryvale Preparatory School
• Marty Voelkel-Hanssen ’75, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Maryvale Preparatory School

*Dates are subject to change

Aug. 20-21: Senior Portraits

Aug. 24-28: Faculty Orientation

Aug. 26-27: Middle School Lion Training Camp

Aug. 31–Sept. 2: Community Building and Student Orientation

Sept. 3: First Day of Classes, Grades 6-9

Sept. 4: First Day of Classes, Grades 10-12

Sept. 7: School Closed; Labor Day

Sept. 17: Virtual Upper School Back to School Night

Sept. 24: Virtual Middle School Back to School Night

Oct. 12: School Closed; Fall Break

Nov. 25-30: School Closed; Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 21-Jan 1: School Closed; Christmas Break

Jan. 18: School Closed; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Jan. 22: School Closed: Faculty/Staff Professional Development

Feb. 15: School Closed; Presidents’ Day

April 1-9: Easter Break

May 31: School Closed; Memorial Day

June 3: Eighth Grade Celebration; Baccalaureate

June 4: Class of 2021 Graduation

June 7-9: Upper School Exams

• Tuesday, July 28, 2020: 5-7 p.m. Prom, Mary Circle
• Thursday, July 30, 2020: 10 a.m. Graduation practice, 11:30 a.m. Parking Lot Party
• Friday, July 31, 2020: Graduation - rain or shine!
  • Morning: Families can come to campus with their graduate and have a family picture taken in front of the Castle. Maryvale will provide the photographer and send you the digital prints.
  • 5-7 p.m.: Graduation for the members of the Class of 2020 and two ticketed guests. Livestreaming will be available for all other family members and friends.

Each of these events will be reevaluated as we approach the dates, keeping in mind our obligation to ensure that they meet social distancing and public gathering guidelines. We assure you that we will do everything possible to make them happen!

If your daughter is sick, please keep her home from school for 24 hours fever-free without the aid of Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. (This health care protocol is on page 11 of the Maryvale Student and Parent Handbook).

Kelly Bonsack and Diane Richard, the nurses in Maryvale's health suite, should be advised of your daughter's travel plans if they are out of the country. If you or a family member plan to travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Iran or Italy, please review the CDC's special precautions, for high-risk travelers.

If an individual reports or you become aware a student, faculty or staff member was possibly exposed, the individual can likely be allowed to remain at school. First, the individual in question cannot be displaying of any of the noted symptoms, including flu like or respiratory system ailments. Moreover, the individual identified for monitoring must agree to report to the school nurse or other designee for a daily evaluation. This evaluation, which follows basic CDC protocols, includes the taking of temperature and an assessment for any possible symptoms of a flu or respiratory like illness. If a person subject to monitoring fails or refuses to participate in the monitoring process, then they can be held out from the school. However, during the monitoring period, if the individual who possibly passed this virus to the at-risk individual begins to show symptoms, then the at-risk individual who is being monitored is to report this change in status to the school and must at that point be held out from school. This person is to remain out of school either until such time as the potential individual who was the source of the virus has been screened and verified as not having COVID-19 or the at-risk individual being monitored has completed the 14 days observation/self-quarantine period. If during the additional self-quarantine period the student or staff member shows related symptoms they must remain out of school until they are cleared by a health professional.

Source: Archdiocese of Baltimore

Maryvale's school counselors will continue to be available to provide academic, personal and emotional support to students for the extent of this school closure. Students or parents can request virtual counseling appointments via email and the counselors will follow up to schedule a one-on-one Zoom session with the student. The counselors will remain in close contact with teachers and administrators to identify students in need of services. They will reach out via email to schedule check-ins with identified students.

While the school counselors are here to support students, those in need of in-depth mental health counseling and services should seek treatment from licensed mental health providers in the community, many of whom are also offering virtual therapy through telehealth platforms. If you are seeking a referral to a local mental health provider, Maryvale's counselors are happy to work with you in facilitating that connection. In case of a mental health emergency during a time in which the counselors cannot be reached, please call 911 or see the list of crisis resources below.

Please contact Maryvale's school counselors with any questions:

Claire Doyle, School Counselor

Hillary Horgan, School Counselor

• Coping with Stress during Infectious Disease Outbreaks
• Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus
• Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
• Coronavirus anxiety is running so high, all my therapy patients want help coping
• Coronavirus Anxiety: How To Prepare, Not Panic
• How to Talk to Your Anxious Child About the Coronavirus
• How to Cope With an Anxious Child
• Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
• For Parents & Caregivers
• Teens in Lockdown
• Quaranteenagers: Strategies for Parenting in Close Quarters
• Supporting Families During COVID-19

• Family Boredom Busters
• 25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children and Teens (+Tips!)
• 20 Virtual Field Trips to Take with Your Kids

Summer Resources

• https://www.campanywhere.org/
• https://www.innerrock.com/event-info-1
• https://www.cmhcweb.com/bookings-checkout/mindfulness-stress-workshop-for-teens
• https://outschool.com/#abkae6x15lhttps://outschool.com/#abkae6x15l
• https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rncuRrmRSreCtQQXloI3og
• https://teenlife.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/Online%20Summer%20Programs%20Guide_2020.pdf
• https://www.breatheforchange.com/
• www.parentinginplacemasterclass.com

Click here to see which educational companies are offering free subscriptions due to school closings.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Maryland Department of Health