Last updated: August 26, 2021

Dear Sage Families,

With almost four weeks of school complete, we have initial data on how COVID-19 continues to impact our family-school community.  Currently, we have two students that have tested positive for COVID-19 (caused by out of school exposures), and they are both quarantining at home.  Thankfully, both students were at home quarantined when their symptoms started, so no contract tracing or notifications were necessary.  Additionally, we have had two other families with Covid diagnoses in the home that were contained.  Lastly, we have 2 staff members out currently with children who have tested positive.  We have had zero direct contacts with positive Sage students or staff, which we attribute to each family’s diligent efforts.  At Sage, we continue to promote surface cleaning and student handwashing during the day, and nightly cleanings by our custodial staff. We are also using masks, plexiglass dividers, and arranging desks to promote more physical distancing where possible.

Medical experts forecast we will continue to experience more positive COVID-19 cases in the coming months. Please continue to exercise caution in your own home and community, screen daily before coming to school, and call the school if a member of your household tests positive.  Thank you for your continued support and flexibility to ensure we uphold our mission. We also ask that you review our updated protocols and frequently asked questions below.

Sage COVID-19 Protocols

Sage School recommends that all individuals, staff, and students wear masks when in close contact with others.  Close contact is defined as 3-6 feet for more than 15 minutes cumulative.  Masks will be mandatory in common indoor areas like hallways, bathrooms, the library, and lobby.  If you need a face mask accommodation due to medical concerns, those may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Teachers will instruct when masks are mandatory for students in the classroom.  This will depend on COVID rates in our community, wellness of classmates, and social distancing options in the room.  Masks are not mandatory outside. We have these guidelines in place to ensure our doors remain open and appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Guidelines, resources, and frequently asked questions are below.

General

• Contact tracing will continue for the 2021-22 school year. Once notified that an individual has tested positive for COVID-19, school officials will conduct contact tracing and notify all direct contacts.
• During a required quarantine or isolation, students will have asynchronous or synchronous virtual access to core content classes: LA, OG, Sci, SS, and Math.

Quarantine

• You must quarantine if you have been in close contact within your home (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19, unless you have been fully vaccinated.
• Fully vaccinated people should get tested 5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms, and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.

Isolation

• At home, anyone sick or infected should separate from others, stay in a specific “sick room” or area, and use a separate bathroom (if available). Isolation is used to separate people infected with COVID-19 from those who are not infected.

Please note: All mitigation measures, including contact tracing protocols and masking, are subject to change based on the COVID-19 situation in the community. Any changes to these protocols will be with all Sage families and staff.

CDC Resources

• Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools | CDC
• COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation | CDC
• CDC COVID Data Tracker

Frequently Asked Questions – Families

Scenario: My Child Tested Positive for Covid.
Questions: When did their symptoms start? When did they test positive?

We will be praying for minimal symptoms, quick healing, and containment in your home.  Please keep your child home for a minimum of 10 days and until they have been fever free and symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medication. Your child’s teachers will send an email with times to join virtually through Microsoft Teams or they will assign asynchronous assignments.  These activities will mirror those in the classroom as appropriate and utilize online educational platforms such as RAZ-Kids, IXL, and BrainPOP.  Your child’s LA, OG, Math, and Science/SS will email you directly.  Please complete the assignments if your health allows.

Scenario: My child had a direct Covid exposure in the home.
Questions: When did the Covid positive family member first show symptoms?  When did they test positive? What date was your child first exposed?

We will be praying for minimal symptoms, quick healing, and containment in your home.  Please keep your child home and have them tested on day 5 after their exposure, no sooner.  They may return to school/work following a negative test result along with no fever or symptoms without the aid of medication.  Your child’s teachers will send an email with times to join virtually through Microsoft Teams or they will assign asynchronous assignments.  These activities will mirror those in the classroom as appropriate and utilize online educational platforms such as RAZ-Kids, IXL, and BrainPOP.  Your child’s LA, OG, Math, and Science/SS will email you directly.  Please complete the assignments if your health allows.

Scenario: My child had a direct Covid exposure outside of the home.
Questions: What was the date of the exposure?

If your child is fever free and symptom free, they may attend school with a mask.  If they start running a fever or exhibiting symptoms, have them tested and call the school with the results.

Scenario: My child has a fever and/or Covid symptoms.

Please keep your child home and consult your physician.  Please communicate with us afterwards.

Scenario:  My child was sent home from Sage ill.

If your child is sent home with a fever or Covid symptoms, please consult your physician and communicate with us afterwards.