Covid-19 | Mastery International School

Return to School During COVID-19

A big question parents have right now is how students can go back to school safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, returning to school in person needs careful steps in place to keep students and staff safe.

We at Mastery International School, as per the directive of Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and in collaboration with our staff members, education consultants, parents and health experts have worked on a social distance model to practice school routine when the schools do re-open. These measures will be effective if MIS is allowed to take in-person students, while taking into consideration all preventive measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

Why students should go back to school–safely

Schools provide more than just academics to children and adolescents. In addition to reading, writing and math, children learn social and emotional skills, get exercise and access to mental health support and other things that cannot be provided with online learning.

What measures will MIS take

To stay safe, there are a number of steps MIS will take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They include:

Physical distancing.

The goal should be to stay at least 6 feet apart to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. When possible, outdoor spaces can be used for instruction and meals. Students should also have extra space to spread out during activities like singing and exercising.

Cloth face coverings & hand hygiene.

Frequent hand washing with soap and water is important for everyone. Hand Sanitizer will be placed in all classrooms, common areas, work stations and entrance of school. In addition, all children over age 2 and adults should wear cloth face coverings while in school, with rare exception. Cloth face coverings are made from breathable material that filters the spray of spit or respiratory droplets that can transmit the virus to others while allowing air to flow through. They can be worn safely for long stretches of time like the school day.

Classroom changes.

To help limit student interaction outside the classroom, schools can:

Have teachers move between classrooms, rather than having students fill the hallways during passing periods. Allow students to eat lunches at their desks or in small groups outdoors instead of in crowded lunchrooms. Leave classroom doors open to help reduce high touch surfaces such as doorknobs.

Temperature checks:

All children, parents and staff members will have a temperature check before entering the premises.

Cleaning and disinfecting.

Give bus riders assigned seats and require them to wear a cloth face coverings while on the bus. Encourage students who have other ways to get to school to use those options. At school, marked hallways and stairs with one-way arrows on the floor to cut down on crowding in the halls. Outdoor activities are encouraged, so students should be allowed to use the playground in small groups.

Students at higher risk.

While COVID-19 school policies can reduce risk, they will not prevent it entirely. Even with safety steps in place, some students with high-risk medical conditions may need to continue distance learning. Talk with your pediatrician and school staff (including school nurses) to determine if your child can safely return to school.

Remember

Returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic may not feel like normal – at least for a while. But having safety plans – and making sure Mastery International School has necessary resources, can help protect students, teachers, staff, and families.