COVID-19 & Campus Reopening Information

Students who have a fever of 100º F or above will not be allowed to come to campus. In addition, the school may exclude any individual who presents symptoms associated with COVID-19, including:

• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• extreme fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• a headache
• a sore throat
• loss of smell or taste
• congestion or a runny nose
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea

Any student who has been in contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID also will not be able to come to campus until taking a COVID-19 test:

• If they test negative, they must complete a 10-day quarantine period as well as self-monitor for 11-14 days for symptoms.
• If they test positive, they need to follow CDC guidelines for isolation

All family and household members of presumed or confirmed positive cases are considered a close contact and must quarantine for 10 days and self-monitor for days 11-14 for symptoms. Anyone who has been within 6 feet of a confirmed case for 15 cumulative minutes over 24 hours within two days of their developing symptoms AND/OR an individual who had unprotected contact with the infected person’s body fluids and/or secretions, for example, being coughed or sneezed on, sharing utensils or saliva, or providing care without wearing appropriate protective equipment is a close contact.

In addition, students who have traveled outside of the state or country must quarantine for 10 days. If they test negative for COVID-19 three to five days after their return to Los Angeles, the quarantine period may be reduced to seven days. Students will not be eligible for on-campus activities until after their quarantine period is complete. Non-essential travel more than 120 miles from home is discouraged. Please click here for the LA County Health Department's advisory on travel and quarantine guidelines.

By now all families should have received an email from MyMedBot containing a link to create a MyMedBot account. Emails were sent to all parent/guardian emails on file with the school and are good for desktop or smart phone users. If you have not received the link and need assistance setting up an account, please email spendrod@westridge.org.

We require 2-ply masks (3-ply recommended) and ask that families follow CDC guidance that emphasizes the importance of a good fit for mask effectiveness. Our recommendation is for 3-ply surgical masks with a nose wire that can be bent providing for a better fit.

Students with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from being able to wear a cloth mask, will be provided with accommodations, which may include wearing a face shield with a cloth drape attached across the bottom and tucked into a shirt; this determination will be made on a case-by-case basis consistent with the School’s policy on reasonable accommodation of students.

Some tips from the Westridge Health & Wellness Office:

• A snug fit is the most critical issue, along with proper usage of the mask, covering the nose and mouth.
• Parents should consider sending the student with an extra mask in a paper bag in case the mask becomes wet or soiled during the day.
• Parents should remind students not to touch their masks after they place them on their faces unless they are eating or drinking. If they do, (for example, adjusting their mask) they must wash their hands for 20 seconds.
• Bandanas, scarves and gaiters are not allowed, and face shields alone are not allowed, but they may be worn in addition to a mask.
• Fabric masks should be washed daily per CDC guidance.
• Click here for general guidance from the CDC.

• Extra masks will be available at school if an additional mask is needed during the day.

Markers that designate intervals of 6 feet will be placed throughout campus, and at entrances, to designate spaces where students should be when in line to maintain physical distancing. Signage and barriers will also direct students to walk through campus and hallways in a manner that promotes physical distancing.

The school will have significant adult supervision on campus to direct traffic and ensure protocol compliance. In practice, there will be brief periods of time when students and teachers or staff will be closer than 6 feet, for example when assistance is needed with technology. These will be kept to a minimum and as momentary as possible. This has been discussed with local health officials and acknowledged as necessary in California Department of Public Health guidelines.

Yes, in line with CDC and local health department guidance, we will change our social distancing guidelines in classrooms from 6 feet to 3 feet of distancing in all divisions.

We will continue to space seats at 6 feet where possible and to require 6 feet while outdoors. However, 3-foot distancing will allow most classes to fit all students within our classrooms and thus, to return to their traditional, purpose-built spaces. We expect this change to be implemented on April 26.

Stable groups will shift to remote learning and be required to quarantine at home for 10 days if a positive case of COVID-19 is found in any member of the group, including the teacher. When made aware of a positive case, we will notify all impacted families via email and parents of students in close contact will receive a call from school personnel who are our trained, contact tracers. We also will always work directly with the Pasadena Public Health Department to ensure all necessary actions are taken.

Students who develop a fever and cough during the school day, or other symptoms consistent with COVID-19, will be moved to an isolation area and will be picked up by a parent or guardian as soon as possible.

The student and staff may return to school following a fever or any COVID-19 symptoms if they are:

• fever-free without fever reducing medication, for 24 hours; AND
• symptoms have improved; AND
• 10 days since their symptoms began.

Yes, playground equipment will be used. Playground equipment may be used by one student cohort at a time and will be disinfected between uses.

Based on consultation with Pasadena Health, students will be able to share classroom materials (markers, papers etc.) as directed by their teacher (they will not share on their own.) This will be done sparingly, and hands will be sanitized before and after sharing and materials will be sanitized as well.

Each day students must bring:

• their laptop and headsets
• lunch, snacks, and water bottles

No, at this time for health and safety reasons, students will not have access to lockers.

Students will eat outdoors. Recent discussions with health officials have highlighted eating as one of the primary areas of transmission risk. Because of this, after all divisions return to campus, we may find it necessary to have “Rain Days,” where students return to remote learning temporarily.

No. This is free dress. Students should follow free dress guidelines* and dress comfortably and warmly. Classroom doors and windows will be open and there will be a lot of outdoor time (and play for the younger grades).

*Students are permitted to wear clothing of their choice provided that it is appropriate to a school setting, of appropriate length, neat, and in good repair. Shirts must have sleeves and provide full coverage; skirts and shorts must be fingertip length or longer.

Until further notice, no food service will be offered, and students will need to bring their own lunch, snacks, and water bottle. Touch free water dispensers are on campus if refills are needed.

No – families will commit in two-week increments. You will receive registration forms via emails from your division offices.

Yes, and we hope they will.