Return to Campus Guide
The Bolles School has four different operating scenarios which allow the community to transition between options given changes in virus prevalence and federal, state and local guidance:
Operating Scenario One
All students and employees will be on campus with appropriate modifications when the pandemic subsides and it is safe to do so.
Operating Scenario Two
Return to Campus with Modifications – Students and teachers will be on campus with health, safety and physical distancing modifications in place. Families who are not ready to return to campus may opt for full-time At-Home Learning.
Operating Scenario Three
Blended Learning – At the middle and upper school level, students will be split into cohorts who will rotate between on-campus and at-home learning to reduce the number of students on campus at one time. Families who are not ready to return to campus may opt for full-time At-Home Learning.
Operating Scenario Four
Distance Learning – All students and faculty will be learning from home. The decision to move to distance learning will be made in conjunction with our medical partners, as well as federal, state, and local officials.
- Health & Safety
- Physical Distancing
- On-Campus Learning
- At-Home Learning
- Arts
- Athletics
- Residential Life
- Illness in Our Community
- Contact Tracing
- FAQ
- Return to Campus Task Force
- COVID-19 Communications
- Resources
- Travel
Health & Safety
Updated April 22, 2021
- All campuses were sanitized and deep cleaned prior to start of school.
- Mask-wearing on campuses is optional when outside. As has been recommended all year, physical distancing and unmasked interactions should be less than 15 minutes. We will continue to require mask-wearing at all times when indoors, unless eating or engaged in a physical activity.
- Use of shared materials is limited.
- Bolles has superior HVAC systems that uses outside air units and UV light to provide fresh, clean air and keep it pure.
- Increased hygiene protocols have been added including additional hand washing stations, hand sanitizer dispensers, disinfectant wipes, disposable towels and disinfectant spray.
- All main touch points and restrooms are being cleaned multiple times a day with an industry recommended sanitizer.
- Isolation spaces have been created on each campus for suspected COVID patients.
- Boarders return to campus with a quarantine and testing plan in place prior to dorm access.
- It remains essential that every student, faculty and staff member on every campus continue monitoring their health and responding to a questionnaire daily.
- Seating charts are used in most classes in order to allow for more effective contact tracing should the need arise.
- A contact tracer has been assigned for each campus to determine high risk exposure within our community.
- Protocols are in place, following CDC guidelines, regarding notification and contact tracing should a confirmed positive for COVID-19 occur.
Partnership with Mayo
As part of our community’s focus on health and safety, we have formed a partnership with Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, one of the country’s leading medical authorities. They are working closely with us to provide medical guidance and feedback regarding our safe return to school including training for faculty and staff. These health care professionals are assisting us in ensuring the proper protocols and policies are in place to best protect our students, boarders, faculty and staff. In addition, they are also providing testing for our resident students and staff.
Mask Expectations
Update 4-22-21
The Bolles School is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. In a continuing effort to update our COVID protocols in response to changing conditions and guidance from local, state and national public health officials, the Bolles COVID Task Force has decided to make mask-wearing on campuses optional when students are outside. As has been recommended all year, physical distancing and unmasked interactions should be less than 15 minutes. We will continue to require mask-wearing at all times when students are indoors, unless they are eating or engaged in a physical activity.
Types of masks to be worn (subject to change):
- Double-layered cotton (or other tight weave fabric) washable mask or medical grade mask (washable required for Lower School students) that covers the entire nose & mouth and fits snuggly is acceptable. Balaclava-style/buff masks/bandanas and masks with vents do not provide adequate protection and are not allowed.
- Masks can be any color or pattern but may not include any words, pictures, or logos, except for a Bolles School logo for middle and upper school students. Lower school students may have appropriate pictures and words on theirs.
- Bolles masks are available for purchase in the campus stores and online through our uniform supplier Land’s End (in both child and adult sizes).
If anyone arrives on campus without a mask (or with an inappropriate mask), one can be obtained from the main office at each campus. Failure to comply with this policy will first result in a warning. Continued noncompliance will result in appropriate disciplinary action.
If anyone has individual health problems that would prevent them from complying with this policy, please contact the Campus Head for students and the Human Resources Department for Bolles School employees to request an accommodation.
Wellness Pledge
Being a part of the Bolles community means that each of us must take extraordinary steps to stay well and persistently protect each other, on campus and in the community. Accountable together, I pledge to take responsibility for my own health, the protection of others and help keep the Bolles community safe from the spread of COVID-19 and other infections.
I understand these steps are necessary to help keep everyone in our community safe and well.
- If I am sick, I will not come to school.
- I will get screened every day.
- I will wash my hands often and use hand sanitizer.
- I will be diligent with my personal hygiene.
- I will always maintain physical distancing.
- I will wear my mask outside and inside all facilities on campus.
- I will share with the School nurse immediately if I discover I had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
- I will be responsible through my actions and my reactions if there is a case of COVID-19 in our Bolles Community.
- I will live a “quiet life” through my activities with friends and family.
Physical Distancing
- Parents and visitors will not be allowed in school buildings, unless given special permission.
- Traffic flow protocols and/or added bells have been put in place on all campuses to maintain physical distancing.
- Desks have been positioned as far apart as possible and excess furniture has been removed from classrooms on all campuses to allow for greater physical distancing.
- Where necessary, classes have been relocated to larger spaces on campuses to allow for greater physical distancing.
- New protocols are in place for all transportation vehicles and bus passengers to maintain a healthy community.
- In some learning spaces, plexiglass dividers are utilized as an extra barrier between students.
- As of 3-17-21, in some upper and middle school classes, plexiglass partitions will be removed. Note the removal of some classroom partitions will have no effect on our contact tracing protocols. Partitions will remain in place in areas where students are eating, including dining halls, lobbies and other interior spaces where students may congregate for meals. On the lower school campuses, current partitions will remain in place at this time.
- Dining areas on all campuses have been adjusted to maintain touchless handling of food. In Lower School, lunch will occur in classrooms or outdoor spaces with food delivery. In Middle and Upper School, lunch will be staggered to decrease congestion and both indoor and outdoor spaces will be utilized to promote physical distancing.
- Programs and events have been modified or rescheduled to limit crowd sizes and comply with physical distancing guidelines.
- Virtual platforms will be used to reduce physical contact in the areas of group assemblies, student activities and volunteer meetings.
- Extended day program will be modified to promote health and safety protocols, and physical distancing requirements.
On-Campus Learning
Lunch
Lower School – Students and faculty may bring their own lunch or order lunch at the beginning of the day. Lunches will be delivered to classrooms and students will utilize indoor and outdoor spaces when eating.
Middle and Upper School – Lunch periods are staggered to decrease congestion and both indoor and outdoor spaces will be utilized to promote physical distancing. All self-serve areas have been replaced with Flik attendants, keypads have been removed, additional plexiglass partitions is being utilized and students in lines are appropriately spaced.
Recess
Whitehurst Campus – Children will play and be allowed to use the equipment staying physically distant from other classrooms. All children will wash hands upon returning to the classroom.
Ponte Vedra Beach Campus – Children will play and be allowed to use the equipment staying physically distant from other classrooms. All children will wash hands upon returning to the classroom.
Bartram Campus – Students at recess will be required to wear a mask indoors and mask-wearing is optional for all students when outdoors. Students are placed in zones based on grade level.
Lower School Extended Day/Advantage
San Jose Campus Revised Dress Code
All students, whether learning at home or on campus, must follow the dress guidelines outlined in the Student Handbook with the following exceptions:
- For bottoms, students can wear either what is currently stated in the US Handbook or cotton, zippered shorts with a minimum of a 5-inch in-seam.
- For tops, students are permitted to wear any polo shirt any day of the week and Bollest-shirts on Fridays. All students will be given a class shirt at the beginning of school and polo shirts can be purchased through Lands’ End, the Campus Store or other retail places if desired.
- Students may also wear button-up shirts. Ties are not required.
At-Home Learning
Learning from home when the teacher and some classmates are in physical class will be significantly different than the distance learning experienced in the spring. Bolles will provide a real-time (synchronous) experience for students who are at home. Each classroom on campus will be equipped with a camera and supplemental teacher monitor to allow students at home to virtually participate in the on-campus classroom experience using Schoology.
Lower School
Teachers will publish times for synchronous learning on Schoology. Students will join live lessons at designated times and have periods of independent, off-line (asynchronous) work time. Live lessons will be streamed for reading, writing, math and social studies. Additional digital tools will be used to support the lower school curriculum and instruction. Consistent communication and feedback will be provided by teachers for assignments and grading of student work.
Middle and Upper School
Students will follow their regular schedule and class rotation and will be expected to join classes using the Schoology Conference application. While much of at-home learning time will be a synchronous experience, some lessons, activities and classes may be done off-line (asynchronously). Students who select At-Home Learning will be permitted to participate in co-curricular activities. The dress code for at home learning will follow the dress code for on campus learning.
Faculty, staff and students can send an email to ITDesktopSupport@bolles.org to request IT assistance or book a virtual appt by clicking here.
At-Home Learning Pledge
I understand that as a Bolles student, I must hold myself to the highest standards and therefore acknowledge that the following expectations are required of me when learning at home:
- I will follow a consistent daily routine.
- I will utilize a space in my home at a table or desk where I can sit during class. This space will be free from distractions and have a reliable internet connection.
- I will adhere to the expectations and policies outlined by my teachers.
- I will turn my camera on unless otherwise directed by my teacher.
- I will follow the Bolles altered prescribed dress code.
- I will log in on time for each class and understand that while learning from home, I am expected to attend classes unless illness prevents me from doing so.
- I will commit to abiding by the Bolles School Honor Code, and pledge to uphold the highest standard of academic honesty.
- I will strive to participate in each class either verbally or through written comments because I understand that my participation is important for my teachers to be able to gauge my understanding of content.
- I will allow myself and others some grace during stressful times because I know that we are all doing the best we can given the unusual circumstances.
- I will commit to letting my teacher, one of the counselors, my advisor, my parents or another support person know when or if things become overwhelming.
Arts
Performances
Performances, plays and musicals will be adjusted or rescheduled in accordance with safety guidelines and requirements.
- ALL performances will be ticketed on all campuses, Pre-K-12. This will allow for us to ensure physical distancing by separating groups by at least a row behind and in front and two seats to either side.
- Lower school plays will be ticketed for families and simulcast into other grades' classrooms and for family and friends not able to attend.
- The Lower school holiday concerts will be prerecorded earlier in the semester to ensure that if we entered Operating Scenario 4, we could still broadcast it at that time of year.
- If we are in school for the holiday concert, we will split the program into four (possibly three) programs instead of two. PreK and K, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, and Grade 5 will have their own programs. This four-part program allows for families to attend (ticketed) and still allow for physical distancing. Instead of performing grade level songs the classes will perform by homeroom.
- Upper school and middle school concerts will be prerecorded earlier in the year so that if we are in Operating Scenario 4 we can still broadcast them. We are considering multiple performances so that we can allow for our normally large audiences to still see them while physically distancing (ticketed).
- Dance Concerts - We are considering adding an additional performance to allow for more audience attendance. We are also considering outdoor venues and prerecorded performances.
- Theatre Productions - One Acts, Revues, double cast shows are all on the table for the first half of the year. This will allow for smaller rehearsals but still enable us to cast many performers. We may add another performance to the Middle School musical and are also considering outside venues for performances.
In Operating Scenario 4, we would pivot to a cabaret style of online performances.
Blended Learning
As the nature of art courses in PreK – 12 is heavily skill/lab based and there is very little lecture, attending these classes synchronously in most cases would have little value and would more than likely be frustrating and disheartening. Much of the work will be asynchronous, unless it is a group project. Teachers will conduct live check-ins with the students not in school by appointment and using video demonstrations for the entire class that are posted on our LMS. We will create an engaging online class space for our distance learners where they can continue to build their performing and visual arts skills through asynchronous assignments and synchronous critiques and class discussions.
Athletics
Bolles Athletic Events Media Protocols
Due to COVID-19, temporary protocols are in place to help keep our community as safe as possible. Media are welcome on the Bolles San Jose Campus for athletic events but must check in at the ticket booth upon arrival for a COVID-19 screening. As of 4/22/21, masks must be worn at all times indoors, but are optional outdoors. Physical distancing practices must still be followed. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
- Athletic activities for Middle and Upper School students who attend classes on campus will continue with appropriate modifications in accordance with school, state, and FHSAA policies and protocols.
- Students who select At-Home Learning will be permitted to participate in co-curricular activities.
- Athletic competitions will be directed by the FHSAA and the School; communication with families will occur as information is made available.
- Athletes must have the required FHSAA forms (EL2 and EL3) completed and in Magnus.
- Physical distancing will be maintained and masks will be required at the check-in stations.
- Athletes who are sent home with symptoms will be required to follow the Illness in our Community protocols.
- Athletes may use the locker room to change before practice, but must follow directional signage if posted and wear masks inside.
- Coaches will wear masks when in close proximity to athletes.
- Guests and parents are not permitted to attend practices and must stay in vehicles if on campus.
Residential Life
- Students Arriving to Campus, Updated March 2021
- Testing and Quarantine Protocols Updated, March 2021
- Daily Protocols and Safe Practices
- Positive Case of COVID-19 in Resident Life
- Quarantine Due to Exposure to COVID-19
Students Arriving to Campus, Updated March 2021
- Arrival to campus
- Request arrival date/s of their student and wait for confirmation from Director of Residential Life before traveling to campus
- Return to campus
- Communicate arrival of student with Director of Residential Life and appropriate Resident Dean and receive confirmation for arrival by Resident Life staff
- Complete COVID-19 PCR test within 5 days of return to campus and share test results with Director of Residential Life and appropriate Resident Dean
- On the third morning the campus nurse will complete a rapid COVID-19 test
- Student will be out of quarantine with a negative test result
- If the rapid COVID-19 test result is positive, a PCR test will be completed
- Student will be isolated at Embassy Suites, Baymeadows Rd supervised by Resident Life staff until medical personnel from Dedicated Nursing Associates arrive
- Embassy Suites, Baymeadows Rd reservation link
Transportation from Airport
- When transporting student from airport, both driver and student must wear a hospital grade mask. Student will also wear a face shield
- Resident Deans will stock dorm vehicles with masks, face shields, sanitizing spray, towels
- Pick up current or next meal for the student
Student Responsibilities
- Hospital grade mask and face shield worn in vehicle until the return of a negative COVID-19 test result
- Mask worn when others present in room or with another person outside of room
- When possible, the Bartram Campus nurse will do COVID-19 testing; Resident Dean will transport the test to Mayo Clinic
- Or the student will be transported to Mayo Clinic by 9:00 a.m. to ensure return of test result by that evening
Resident Life Staff Member Duties
- Confirm hospital grade masks and face shields are available in school vehicle
- Ensure compliance by the student of mask and shield protocols
- Sanitize vehicle after each use
- Provide supervision of student at Embassy Suites as requested by Director or Dean of Residential Life
Testing and Quarantine Protocols Updated, March 2021
Students traveling/arriving after extended time away from campus with no known exposure to COVID-19
- COVID-19 PCR test completed 5 days or less before return to Jacksonville
- Negative test result and no symptoms student can travel to Jacksonville
- Test results shared with Director and appropriate Dean of Residential Life
- Negative test result and no symptoms student can travel to Jacksonville
- Student will quarantine on campus or at a hotel two full days after arrival
- Rapid COVID-19 test administered the third morning after arrival
- Administered by school nurse
- Negative test result and no symptoms – student will move into the dorm and be out of quarantine
- Continue to closely monitor student for 7 additional days
Parent and Family Stays
- All family members are symptom free with no known exposure to COVID-19
- All family members visiting will complete COVID-19 PCR test 5 days before travel/arrival
- All family members are symptom free and receive negative test results for COVID-19
- Negative test results shared with Director and appropriate Dean of Residential Life
- Student may stay with family members off campus following these expectations:
- Student travels in family or rental vehicle with only family members that have been tested as detailed above
- All family members are symptom free and have a negative COVID test result
- Meals eaten at home, outside, at a restaurant with outdoor seating only
- If having visitors, all are masked, suggest eating meals outside, maintaining physical distancing
- Essential outings for student—appointments etc.
- Avoid gatherings of more than 10
- No quarantine necessary for student when returning to dorm
- All family members are symptom free and receive negative test results for COVID-19
- If it is not possible for all family members to be tested
- Student will quarantine 5 full days on campus after visiting with family
- COVID-19 test administered the sixth morning after arrival
- Test administered by school nurse or at Mayo Clinic
- Negative test result and no symptoms, student will move into their dorm room and be out of quarantine
-
Continue to closely monitor student for 5 additional days
Students with known exposure to COVID-19
- Student does not travel/return to Bolles
- Quarantine for 10 days
- 11th day the student will complete COVID-19 PCR test
- Negative test results and no symptoms student can travel to Jacksonville
- Test results shared with Director and appropriate Dean of Residential Life
- Negative test results and no symptoms student can travel to Jacksonville
- Student will quarantine on campus at hotel two full days after arrival
- 2nd COVID-19 test administered the third morning after arrival
- Administered by school nurse
- Test result and no symptoms – student will be out of quarantine
- Positive test result
- Student does not travel/return to Bolles
- Student isolates for 10 days
- 11th day student may travel/return to Bolles and move into the dorm
- No quarantine necessary
Daily Protocols and Safe Practices
- Every school day resident students will be permitted to visit teachers in person during zero hour, leave the dorm during Activities period and lunch, meet with advisors etc. in person.
- To protect our Resident Life community students cannot leave campus during the school day—as is the case after hours and on weekends.
- Seniors have the privilege to leave campus for lunch on school days
- Virtual doctor appointments are encouraged and Resident Deans’ will transport students to in-person appointments.
- Appointments deemed non-essential by Dr. Genuardi and/or Nurse cannot be scheduled at this time
- With the exception of daily medication and appointments on campus with Dr. Genuardi resident students (and day students) will be scheduled by appointment with Nurse Tyre through Schoology.
- Student lounges are available to students and are set up for physical distancing.
- Hands sanitized before entering common spaces
- Disinfection wipes, masks, gloves available in all common areas
- Masks worn outside of dorm room by everyone
Positive Case of COVID-19 in Resident Life
- If a student tests positive for COVID-19
- Appropriate medical care will be taken
- Student will isolate
- Follow protocols of sanitation measures
- Roommates and suite mates will be isolated on their Campus, will not attend school in person, will not go to community spaces and meals will be brought to them. Resident Life staff will follow guidelines for care and use of Personal Protective Equipment. School will be attended through distance learning
- Inform all Resident Life families and appropriate school personnel
- Domestic students, we request that parents come to Jacksonville to care for their child or to take them home.
- International students, we request that parents come to Jacksonville to care for their child.
- If a parent cannot come to Jacksonville we will provide care and supervision by Dedicated Nursing Associates.
- Room, bathroom, suitemate rooms and hallways will be sanitized
- Begin contact tracing
Quarantine Due to Exposure to COVID-19
- Student will remain in their room if they do not have a roommate or suitemate, if their roommate and/or suitemate is also quarantined from the same exposure, and if they do not share a hallway with other students
- OR student will be moved to another dorm room with its own restroom or to a hotel with supervision provided by Resident Life Staff or Dedicated Nursing Associates
- Rapid COVID-19 testing will occur 5-7 days from exposure date
- Additional COVID-19 testing will occur if the student presents with symptoms
- Student will be assessed by campus nurse as needed
- Room quarantine is over on the 11th day from exposure date
Illness in Our Community
In the case that a student becomes symptomatic while on campus, the health and safety team will work quickly to isolate the student in the designated space on each campus and immediately notify the parents. If a member of our community tests positive for COVID-19, a designated Bolles employee will begin contact tracing in conjunction with the county health department to determine if that individual had known, high-risk contact with other individuals in our school. Recommendations for quarantining will follow based on CDC and Mayo Clinic guidance.
Contact Tracing
Protocols
Updated March 17, 2021
Scope
Staff, students and parents/guardians
Purpose
Establish a COVID-19 infection contact tracing criteria for isolation and quarantine which applies to all staff and students
Guideline
- Reporting COVID-19 diagnosis or close contact exposure is required and should be directed to COVID@bolles.org or the campus nurse
Definitions
- Isolation
- Used to separate people infected with COVID-19, from people who are not infected
- People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others
- It is recommended by the CDC that in the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available)
- People who need to isolate
- Those who have symptoms of COVID-19 and are able to recover at home, OR
- Those who have no symptoms (are asymptomatic) but have tested positive for infection
- Quarantine
- Used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others
- Helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms
- People who need to quarantine
- Those who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 any time starting 48 hours before the onset of symptoms or positive test result, regardless of mask wearing and/or plexiglass barrier presence
- People who do not need to quarantine
- Those who have had COVID-19 within the past 3 months.
- Vaccinated individuals, two weeks after receiving the full vaccination.
- Used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others
- What counts as close contact?
- You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period from two days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.
- You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
- You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
- You shared eating or drinking utensils
- They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
Protocol Scenarios
- Laboratory confirmed COVID-19 positive person
- Must isolate for at least 10 days
- Close contact with someone who has COVID-19 AND will not have further close contact
- The last day of quarantine is 10 days from the date of last close contact.
- Close contact with someone who has COVID-19 AND lives with the person but can avoid further close contact
- Live with someone who has COVID-19 and that person has isolated by staying in a separate bedroom. The exposed person has had no close contact with the person since they isolated
- Last day of quarantine is 10 days from when the person with COVID-19 began home isolation
- Person currently under 10-day quarantine had additional close contact with someone who has COVID-19 (i.e. person who is sick or another household member who got sick
- Exposed person will need to restart their quarantine from the last day of the close contact with anyone in who has COVID-19
- Live with someone who has COVID-19 and cannot avoid continued close contact
- Live in a household where the person cannot avoid close contact with the person who has COVID-19 (i.e., providing direct care to the person who is sick, don’t have a separate bedroom to isolate the person who is sick, or live in close quarters where the person is unable to keep a physical distance of 6 feet)
- Quarantine for 10 days after the person who has COVID-19 meets the criteria to end home isolation.
Important Caveats
- A negative test does not shorten the required 10-day quarantine period
- Persons who have laboratory confirmed positive COVID diagnosis within the last three months do not need to quarantine
- Families with siblings of a student under quarantine should contact the campus nurse and their pediatrician for additional guidance
- If the person under quarantine develops symptoms, contact your physician, get tested and quarantine all household members
- Riding in a car for any length of time is considered a close contact exposure
Return to Campus
Persons who are under isolation or quarantine must contact the campus nurse to acquire permission to return to campus.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Options to Reduce Quarantine for Contacts of Persons with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Using Symptom Monitoring and Diagnostic Testing, Updated 12/2/20
- Isolate If You Are Sick, Updated 7/26/20
- When to Quarantine, Updated 8/16/20
- When You Can be Around Others After You Had or Likely Had COVID-19, Updated 8/16/20
FAQ
What do I do if I find out I am positive for COVID-19?
|You should stay home and email COVID@Bolles.org or contact the campus nurse.
When would I have to isolate?
When you have tested positive for COVID-19 it is necessary to isolate to separate COVID positive individuals from others.
When would I need to quarantine?
An individual would need to quarantine who had high-risk exposure to a COVIID positive individual to monitor their health. Per the CDC, vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine after close contact with a COVID positive person, two weeks after receiving the full vaccination.
What defines a high-risk exposure?
A high-risk exposure is close, prolonged, personal contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-positive person, defined as closer than 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. Note: Masks and plexiglass barriers provide additional protection but do not reduce high-risk exposure possibility.
What if I am in a carpool and someone in the group tests positive?
Because of being in close quarters, riding in a car for any length of time is considered high-risk exposure.
How long do I isolate if I get a positive test?
A person who receives a laboratory-confirmed COVID-positive test must isolate for at least 10 days.
What do I do when a family member tests positive?
When a family member receives a laboratory confirmed COVID positive test result, other members of the family must quarantine for 10 days from the last high-risk exposure and remain isolated from the COVID positive person within the household.
Can I return to school while I wait on my test results?
No one who suspects they may have been exposed or have COVID-19 should come on campus. If you think you have been exposed you need to email COVID@Bolles.org or contact the campus nurse.
How do I return to campus?
Individuals who are isolating or quarantining must contact the campus nurse to acquire permission to return to campus.
What if my child has already had COVID-19 and has a high-risk exposure?
Individuals who have a laboratory confirmed positive COVID diagnosis within the last three months do not need to quarantine. See CDC guidance here.
If I get a negative test result can I come back to school before my 10 day quarantine is over?
A negative test does not shorten the required quarantine period. You must stay home the complete 10 days. See CDC guidance here.
If I have one child who is quarantining, are my other children allowed to attend class on campus?
Yes.
No quarantine is required if reasonable separation within the household is maintained. Families with siblings of a quarantining student should contact the campus nurse and their pediatrician for additional guidance
What if my quarantining child develops symptoms?
If the quarantining child develops symptoms, contact your pediatrician, get tested and quarantine all household members. Email COVID@Bolles.org or contact the campus nurse.
We also encourage you to reach out to your student’s campus nurse if you have any questions or concerns.
Kerry Phillips (Whitehurst), phillipsk@bolles.org/904-256-5283
Rachel Barksdale (Ponte Vedra Beach), barksdaler@bolles.org/904-236-7199
Alex Jones-Paul (Bartram), jones-paula@bolles.org/904-732-5734
Linda Tyre (San Jose), tyrel@bolles.org/904-256-5107
FAQ
Is my child be screened daily?
Families are asked to use the Magnus app to screen their children before arriving at school.
My child rides the bus to school, are there changes to transportation protocols?
Yes, new protocols are in place for all transportation vehicles and bus passengers to maintain a healthy community including disinfecting all bus surfaces and maintaining daily self-health checks.
Is my student be required to wear a mask on campus?
Wearing masks is mandatory inside of all buildings on all four Bolles campuses, but as of 4/2//21 masks are optional when outside. Double-layered cotton (or other tight weave fabric) washable mask or medical grade mask (washable required for Lower School students) that covers the entire nose & mouth and fits snuggly is acceptable. Balaclava-style/buff masks/bandanas do not provide adequate protection and are not allowed.
Will there be distance learning or on-campus classes?
The level of distance learning will be determined by the level of physical distancing we have implemented in response to the status of COVID-19 spread in our area and state and local guidelines. Distance Learning is when we are in operating scenario 4 and everyone takes classes from home. At-Home Learning is for those students who select to remain at home and take their classes. Faculty now have cameras installed in their classrooms in order to provide a daily remote version of their class for students who wish to remain home.
What do student schedules look like?
Schedules are the same as a “normal” school year but may change slightly in accordance to the level of physical distancing, the students’ grade level and type of academic resource being applied. Lunch, as noted below, is on an altered schedule and class arrival and dismissal will be staggered to allow for safe physical distancing in the hallways.
How has the classroom experience change?
Classrooms look and feel a little different this year. Desks have been positioned in classrooms on all campuses to keep a safe distance and have been marked with decals on the floor to maintain position. Excess furniture has been removed from classrooms on all campuses to allow for more distance between desks. If classrooms are too small to seat a class with appropriate physical distancing, the class has been relocated on campus to another space.
What if a student cannot attend class in-person. Are there virtual options available?
Yes. Depending on our Operating Scenario, at-home learning options will be available for students unable to attend class in-person.
Are there restrictions on campus visitors?
Yes. Parents and visitors will not be allowed in school buildings unless given special permission.
Are boarders living on campus this year?
Yes! And we are so excited to have them back on campus! All boarding students are screened prior to their move-in to the dormitories. All students are administered COVID-19 tests and only students who tested negative for the virus were allowed entry to campus. Anyone with positive test results is required to quarantine with their parents off-campus for a period of 14 days. Boarding students participate in the same health protocols as day students. For more specific answers on the Bolles boarding experience this year, please see the Residential Life tab.
What is the School doing to encourage physical distancing and best health practices?
We have reconfigured spaces, traffic flow and community gatherings to provide safe spaces on campus. Traffic flow protocols have been put in place on all campuses to maintain physical distancing. New hand washing stations have been installed where possible and thought necessary, including on athletic fields. Hand sanitizer is provided on every desk and main room and hand sanitizer stations are at every building entrance. All main touch points and restrooms are being cleaned multiple times a day with an industry recommended sanitizer.
How does lunch work?
As you might imagine, lunch time looks a lot different this school year. Generally, lunch times have been shortened and staggered to roughly 20 minutes to accommodate smaller groups of student diners and to provide physical spacing and proper hygiene. Food service will be limited with 10 minute cleaning breaks in between. All self-serve areas have been replaced with an attendant and keypads for student ID charging have been removed in favor of no-touch billing. Plexiglass partitions have been installed at serving stations. Depending on the level of physical distance the school year must accommodate, some plans call for delivered box lunches to classrooms. Each campus has its own plan for lunch scheduling. Please see On-Campus School Day tab for more information about lunches.
What about Athletics?
Sports are practicing and competing, while following proper precautions and protocols. For spectators at athletic events, masks (inside) and physical distancing are required and capacity for all events is limited.
Will the School host fine and performing arts events?
Yes! But we have established new plans and protocols for hosting these safely. All performances will be ticketed on all campuses to allow for the School to ensure physical distancing by separating groups by at least a row behind and in front and two seats to either side. We also are considering use of outdoor venues and prerecorded performances. Some annual events historically held inside, such as receptions or parties, will not occur if safe physical distancing standards cannot be applied.
How will rehearsals be managed?
Directors and faculty will follow all proper physical distancing protocols. Some facilities, like Parker Auditorium, are large enough to stagger rehearsal groups or space out students. Other smaller facilities will necessitate shifting to outdoor venues or staggered scheduling. See the Arts tab for more information.
Will parents be able to watch student performances?
We are working diligently to come up with seating arrangements that will accommodate parents, friends and family in the audience. Some productions, however, might necessitate streaming, video or other distance technology.
If a student began the school year with At-Home Learning may they switch to On-Campus Learning?
Student who choose to study at home for the first quarter may elect to return to campus for the second quarter or continue At-Home Learning.
If a student began the school year with On-Campus Learning may they switch to At-Home Learning?
Yes, we want every student to feel comfortable in a safe learning environment and select which way works best for them.
Return to Campus Task Force
- Tyler Hodges, President and Head of School
- Mike Drew, Associate Head of School
- Twyla Ashman, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Chris Butler, Director of Safety, Security and Transportation
- Sandy Catanese, Director of Bolles Fund and Parent Association
- Katie Cussen, Director of Counseling
- Allison Denmark, Interim Director of Residential Life
- Katy Garcia, Upper School Learning Specialist
- Stacey Hendershot, Ponte Vedra Beach Campus Lower School Head
- Jonathan Keen, Middle School Head
- Christy Lusk, Whitehurst Campus Lower School Head
- Moya Marks, Upper School Head
- Paul Matthews, Director of Food Services
- Kila McCann, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid
- Melvin Morgan, Director of Facilities and Operations
- Matt Morris, Director of Athletics
- Piper Moyer-Shad, Director of Student Activities
- Carol Nimitz, Chief Advancement Officer
- Jan Olson, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing
- Laura Rippel, Director of Fine and Performing Arts
- Jeff Role, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
- Paul Sollee, Chief Technology Officer
- Linda Tyre, School Nurse
- Drew Upchurch, Director of Auxiliary Services
- Kim Wait, Assistant to the President
COVID-19 Communications
COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS) INFORMATION
Communications regarding COVID-19 will be posted here.
San Jose Campus
- A Message from the President and Head of School - COVID Protocols Update - May 20, 2021
- A Message from the President and Head of School - Masks Update - April 22, 2021
- A Message from the President and Head of School - COVID Protocols Update - March 17, 2021
- A Message from the Head of School - December 11, 2020
- A Message from the Interim Director of Resident Life - December 4, 2020
- A Message from the Head of School to Upper School Parents - September 30, 2020
- A Message from the Associate Head of School, Screening Update - August 28, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School, Wellness - August 18, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School (to Upper and Middle School) - August 12, 2020
- Wellness Screening on the San Jose Campus - August 3, 2020
- Upper School Return to Campus, Updated Information - August 3, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School - July 22, 2020
- A Message from President and Head of School, 2020-21 School Year - July 17, 2020
Bartram Campus
- A Message from the President and Head of School - COVID Protocols Update - May 20, 2021
- A Message from the President and Head of School - Masks Update - April 22, 2021
- A Message from the President and Head of School - COVID Protocols Update - March 17, 2021
- A Message from the Head of School - December 11, 2020
- A Message from the Head of School to Middle School Parents - September 30, 2020
- A Message from the Associate Head of School, Screening Update - August 28, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School, Wellness - August 18, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School (to Upper and Middle School) - August 12, 2020
- A Message to New Middle School Parents (Orientation link) - August 12, 2020
- A Message from the Head of Middle School to Returning Families - July 30, 2020
- A Message from the Head of Middle School to New Families - July 30, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School - July 22, 2020
- A Message from President and Head of School, 2020-21 School Year - July 17, 2020
Whitehurst Campus
- A Message from the President and Head of School - COVID Protocols Update - May 20, 2021
- A Message from the President and Head of School - Masks Update - April 22, 2021
- A Message from the President and Head of School - COVID Protocols Update - March 17, 2021
- A Message from the Head of School - December 11, 2020
- A Message from the Head of School to Lower School Parents - September 30, 2020
- A Message from the Associate Head of School, Screening Update - August 28, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School, Wellness - August 18, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School (to Whitehurst Campus) - August 12, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School - July 22, 2020
- A Message from President and Head of School, 2020-21 School Year - July 17, 2020
Ponte Vedra Beach Campus
- A Message from the President and Head of School - COVID Protocols Update - May 20, 2021
- A Message from the President and Head of School - Masks Update - April 22, 2021
- A Message from the President and Head of School - COVID Protocols Update - March 17, 2021
- A Message from the Head of School - December 11, 2020
- A Message from the Head of School to Lower School Parents - September 30, 2020
- A Message from the Associate Head of School, Screening Update - August 28, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School, Wellness - August 18, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School (to PVB Campus) - August 12, 2020
- A Message from the President and Head of School - July 22, 2020
- A Message from President and Head of School, 2020-21 School Year - July 17, 2020
Resources
- COVID-19 News from Mayo Clinic
- COVID-19 School and Community Resource Library - from Massachusetts General Hospital
- U.S. Pediatricians Call For In-Person School This Fall - from NPR.org
- A modelling framework to assess the likely effectiveness of facemasks in combination with ‘lock-down’ in managing the COVID-19 pandemic - from Royal Society Publishing
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Information
- The World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Information
- U.S. State Department COVID-19 Traveler Information
- Florida Health Department COVID-19 Information
- Florida Department of Education COVID-19 Response
Travel
We have updated our policy for those traveling outside of the country as of 12/11/20. We will no longer require quarantining before returning to school following international travel. Please note that this update does not impact the quarantining protocols required for our residential students returning to campus. (You can review those HERE.)