Campus Reopening
We are looking forward to welcoming ASP students and faculty back to campus in June! Student return will be staggered on different days for different grades and Divisions.
Reopening plans, by Division, can be found at the bottom of this page.
Overview
According to French guidelines, attendance at school is voluntary for the remainder of the school year. If not at school, students should be continuing with distance learning. Currently it is unclear what the specific rules are with regard to Middle School and Upper School students returning to campus.
It is currently stated by the French government that Middle Schools in departments zoned "red" may not reopen and it has not yet been clarified when Upper School age students may return. A final decision is expected on June 2. We are fully invested in completing the preparations for a June return, but ask that you prepare your children for the eventuality that this might not be possible.
The school sent a survey on Wednesday, May 20, to ask parents to inform the school if their child will attend the days that the campus is planning to open in June. We kindly ask that if this intention changes for families, prior to the June days, that they inform the relevant Division Assistant, as per normal procedures.
Please refer to the health requirements to ensure your child is fit to return to school.
Your child may come to school if they can fulfill the following requirements:
- Can energetically participate in classroom activities and recess and has not taken any fever/symptom-reducing medicine (paracetamol/acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, cough syrup, etc.).
- Is fever-free with a temperature of below 37.8ºC (100ºF).
- Feels well, has a good appetite, and is behaving normally.
Your child should stay at home/will be sent home if they have any of the following:
- Cough, sneezing, difficulty breathing (feels short of breath), sore throat, upset stomach: loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, feels feverish, has chills, or any other unexplained symptoms.
- Generally does not feel well or is exceedingly tired.
- Has a temperature of 37.8 or higher.
- Has needed medication for fever in the previous 72 hours before the start of school.
- ***For any of the above symptoms, the family doctor should be consulted and a letter from the doctor will be required for the student to return to school.
On return to school, following any absence due to an illness:
- Students must be checked at the nurse’s office immediately upon arrival to school, before going to the classroom.
- Students should have the doctor’s letter authorizing them to return to school (preferably, parents should send this letter by email as soon as they receive it to nurse@asparis.fr).
- Students who arrive with any symptoms, or who have taken fever reducing medication that morning, will not be given access to the classroom and parents will be notified to pick up their child immediately.
- When the child returns to school, they must be fit enough to participate in all activities.
- Exception to the rule: if there is a restriction from some activity (recess or PE), there must be a doctor's note explaining for how long.
At school if a student presents with any symptoms or if a teacher notices a student looks unwell:
- The student will be taken to the Nurse’s office, where an isolation room has been set up.
- Parents will be notified to come pick up their child if the school nurse determines there is a risk of any infectious illness.
- If possible, the student will wear a medical mask until they can be picked up by their parents/guardian.
- We would expect parents to be available to pick their child up within 60 minutes, once they have been contacted by the nurse.
- Please provide us with an up to date emergency contact who would be authorized to pick up your child if we are not able to reach you or you are not able to pick them up.
- Parents/emergency contacts will be expected to collect the child by car, in order to avoid possible spread on public transport.
- ***For any of the above symptoms, the family doctor should be consulted and a letter from the doctor will be required for the student to return to school.
On return to school, following any absence due to an illness:
- Students must be checked at the nurse’s office immediately upon arrival to school, before going to the classroom
- Students should have the doctor’s letter authorizing them to return to school (preferably, parents should send this letter by email as soon as they receive it to nurse@asparis.fr).
- Students who arrive with any symptoms, or who have taken fever reducing medication that morning, will not be given access to the classroom and parents will be notified to pick up their child immediately.
- When the child returns to school, they must be fit enough to participate in all activities.
- Exception to the rule: if there is a restriction from some activity (recess or PE), there must be a doctor's note explaining for how long.
Please inform the school nurse if someone in your family is being tested for COVID-19. This information is treated confidentially as is any medical information.
In the event of suspected COVID-19 infection, families should contact a doctor to arrange for testing and not return to school until you have the results. The following rules must be adhered to:
- In the event that the results are positive, you will need to follow the guidelines of the Government, with regard to quarantine and self isolation for the family.
- If a member of the family receives a positive result of a COVID-19 test, your children may not come to school during this time.
- A letter from the family doctor (certificat médical) will be required for a child to return to school in this instance.
For all students, academic learning will continue as distance learning through to the end of this school year. The purpose for the reopening of the campus in June is to provide the students who can return with a chance to reconnect with friends and teachers, to gain some sense of closure on the year, and to enable them to leave for the summer with clarity and optimism. Faculty are aware that students might need extra support during this time.
- On-campus learning in June cannot be what is normally experienced by students at ASP, owing to the constraints required by the French Government. School will look and feel different than usual. This may generate some disorientation and disappointment for students. Our teachers are sensitive to the impact the altered environment and practices may have and are working to prepare the students who will return for what they might expect. Our counseling team is on call to help and is also advising faculty on strategies for supporting students. They can be contacted for support.
- An additional focus on the reopening is for students and teachers to familiarize themselves with the different logistics and constraints for physically distant learning, to prepare for next school year.
- Teachers will be sharing information with students about the new expectations with regard to physical distancing, mask protocols if relevant and other aspects of the return to campus.
- School reports will go out to parents as per the normal schedule. Please check this webpage regarding any alterations in our approach to assessment in response to the COVID-19 situation.
Health and Safety Overview and Expectations
ASP is following the recommendations from the French Ministry of Education with regard to the implementation of additional measures to ensure the health and safety of our community.
- Maintain physical distancing: students and adults on campus will be required to maintain a 1m distance. This will be supported and supervised.
- Ensure essential barrier measures:frequent hand washing/hand sanitizing, use of tissues, mask wearing for all adults and students from Grade 6 upwards.
- Limitation of student mixing: students will be kept in cohorts to enable effective tracking and identification should an instance of the infection arise. Students will be restricted to specific areas while on campus. This principle will also be applied to the faculty and staff community.
- Thorough and frequent cleaning and disinfection: Additional cleaning protocols have been put in place and cleaning staff numbers have been increased.
We ask that parents respect the new protocols put in place for the safety of the community which include:
- No entry to the school buildings, aside from exceptional circumstances as requested by the school Administration, or if you are an official volunteer for the return days.
- Following physical distancing requirements whilst on campus (as role models for students), such as in the car parks.
- Wearing a mask while on campus, including in car parks.
- Wearing a mask if accompanying children at the bus pick up and drop off.
We kindly ask that:
- Parents ensure their children understand and respect the new rules for behavior.
- Parents read and follow the strict requirements for health checking before sending their children to school.
Students are expected to follow the physical distancing requirements of our new protocols at all times. Students from Grade 6 and above are required to wear masks at all times aside from when eating. The ASP team will be providing clear guidance, support, and supervision for the students with regard to these protocols. Students will be held responsible for their behavior, as is age appropriate. If a student is unable to follow these expectations for whatever reason, the student will be required to stay at home.
All class sizes have been reduced to ensure physical distancing is met. School corridors, stairs, and halls will have directional signage supporting physical distancing. Classrooms have also been reorganized to support physical distance.
All adults and students Grade 6 and up must wear face masks:
- Traveling to and from school, using public transport, etc.
- Moving on campus and in all areas of the school. This includes corridors, classrooms, bathrooms, drop off, and pick up points.
- Students are only permitted to remove their face coverings while eating.
Guidance by the French Education Ministry states that mask wearing is not advisable for Lower School age children. If parents wish to have their child wear a mask, this is respected. Parents should be aware that not all Lower School students on campus will be wearing masks. However, all teachers will be wearing masks. Children should be sent to school wearing a mask and with a spare mask that meet AFNOR safety standards. If you do not have such masks, please send your child with three disposable masks. All children should bring a resealable plastic bag to keep the spare masks in.
Supply
The school has an ample supply of disposable masks, which are available to all community members. In the interest of the environment and of comfort and practicality, we ask that parents provide their children with a fabric reusable mask. It is recommended that two masks are purchased to enable daily washing at 60 degrees.
Disposal of masks
Additional garbage bins are provided for disposal of non-reusable masks.
A deep cleaning of all classrooms and shared spaces has taken place. For the June reopening, additional staffing has been put in place to allow continuous cleaning of high-use spaces such as bathrooms and touchpoints such as handrails, door handles, etc. All entrances will have hand sanitizer dispensers. Every teaching room has a supply of hand sanitizer, tissues, masks, gloves, a spray bottle of disinfectant and a paper roll. Perspex screens will be put in place for specific areas such as reception desks ( completed by June we hope). The school has a full stock of these additional supplies:
- Masks
- Disinfectant
- Handsoap
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Disposable gloves
- Protective goggles
- Black bins dedicated for masks and gloves
- Protective face shields
- No touch thermometers
- We are awaiting disinfectant wipes
Weather permitting, doors will be kept open to reduce touchpoints and increase ventilation.
Classrooms will be aired through several times each day.
Air conditioning units and fans will not be used.
Organization of the Day
When driving to school, please simply drop off your child. Please remain inside your vehicle.
Lower School Students:- Lower School parents who will drop their children off on campus may enter through the Paris gate and drop their children at the Lower School playground gate. Faculty and volunteers will walk children to their classrooms.
- Students arriving by an ASP school bus will be collected and taken directly to their classrooms by a faculty member.
Middle School Students:
- All Middle School students must access the building through the Paris gate.
- If arriving by car, Middle School students must be dropped at the Paris gate car park.
- Students should enter campus and proceed directly to their Advisory. Supervision will be in place to support Middle School students entering, respecting physical distancing.
- Students arriving by ASP school bus will enter via Building 5. Depending on their first class, students should either walk along to the pottery or art class on the ground floor or for all other destinations in buildings 5, 4, 3, or 2 should walk up the first stairwell then along to their first lesson destination. There will be signs and volunteers to help direct students.
Middle School students should not be on the ground floors of building 4 or 2 , except in the case of an emergency fire alarm, evacuation, or if going to the nurse.
Upper School Students:
- Upper School students not arriving by a school bus must enter the building via the Garches gate.
- Parents are not permitted in school buildings, except in an emergency, or with a prior appointment.
- Face coverings are mandatory on campus and in the buildings.
Lower School Students:
- Students who take the bus home will be escorted to their bus by an ASP faculty member.
- Students being picked up by parents will be brought to the Lower School playground gate in the Paris parking lot.
- Students must leave school directly, via the Garches gate, or by school bus.
- Students must leave school directly at 3:30 p.m. either via Paris gate or by school bus.
Parents must ensure that students using school buses are brought to the pick up point and supervised until the bus arrives (for young students.) Parents are additionally asked to support the new requirements of the children with regard to boarding the bus. This includes sanitizing hands before entering the bus, entering via the front door only, in the following order: Upper School students first, then Middle School students, and finally Lower School students, walking to the furthest available seat at the back. If you are willing to volunteer and help bus management, please email Brenda Heussaff, bheussaff@asparis.fr.
SAVAC disinfection and safely procedures
The school day will follow the same timings as the current distance learning program. Any slight adjustments or specified arrival times will be communicated to parents closer to the return days in June. Please see the Divisional plan presentations, which can be found at the bottom of this page, for more specific schedules.
Other
Lunch and snacks:
- For the June reopening, the cafeteria will be closed and microwaves cannot be used on campus. The cafeteria will reopen in August.
- For the June reopening, students must bring their own lunch, snacks, and a filled water bottle from home. Students are recommended to bring their food in environmentally friendly packaging, like a reusable box. Any lunch boxes or reusable containers used should be clearly named, and taken home for cleaning each day.
- Students will not be allowed to share their lunch with others.
- Lower and Middle School students will eat their lunch in their classrooms or outside, weather permitting.
- Upper School students will eat lunch in the cafeteria and Community Room or outside, weather permitting.
Water fountains will not be accessible, students must bring their own labeled water bottle.
Staggered and supervised outdoor breaks will take place in homeroom class groupings or specific cohort groupings for Middle and Upper School students.
Students will not be able to play any games that involve contact or close proximity with each other. Students should not bring toys or balls from home.
Playground equipment will not be accessible.
A one-way system will be in operation in the common areas of the school, especially corridors and stairways. These will be clearly marked. This has been put in place in order to minimize the crossing of students with one another.
Students will be restricted to the particular areas in the school relevant to their Division.
During recess and lunch periods the outdoors will be used as much as possible, weather permitting. Students will be restricted to their cohorts and supervised by ASP staff and volunteers.
Ball games will not be permitted.
Signage, systems, and supervision will support the community in moving around the campus, respecting physical distancing of 1m as much as possible.
The libraries will remain closed for June, though book drop off and pick up will still be possible. Contact Mario Chioini or Greg Jacks for more information.
Parents are not permitted on campus unless picking up Lower School age students via the restricted area, or for exceptional reasons. In the latter case, prior arrangement must be made with a member of the ASP Administration team.
No students may stay on campus after school.