A Safe Return to Campus

A SAFE RETURN
TO CAMPUS

Friendship Christian School’s Return to On-Campus Learning 2020-2021

Friendship Family,
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advocates that, “all policy considerations for the coming school
year should start with the goal of having students physically present in school.” (Full article HERE)
Therefore, we are committed to bringing 100% of our students back to campus in August. This multi-faceted plan is
grounded on the most current CDC and AAP guidelines and reflects months of research from our COVID response
team with different areas of expertise, addressing issues that lead to a safe, sustained return. As you review this plan,
please keep in mind that it is the responsibility of every one of us to do our very best to keep our community safe.
Whether it’s temperature checks, face coverings, or social distancing, we rely on every person to do their part.
Our decisions are based on creating a learning environment for students where they can thrive while building in mea-
sures for safety. Let us enter into this academic year with a sureness of spirit, aware that with both prayer and diligent
preparation, we can achieve great things. It is with excitement that we anticipate the blessings of this year, and it is with
certainty that we put our trust in our Lord to lead us forward, together.
Jon Shoulders
President

UPDATE 05-18-21:
In keeping with CDC guidelines, if you have been fully vaccinated (plus 2 weeks), and you have provided
vaccine documentation to FCS medical personnel, you are no longer required to wear a mask while on
campus. For any person not fully vaccinated, all mask requirements in this document are still applicable.

RETURN TO CAMPUS

WE’RE SO GLAD TO SAFELY WELCOME YOU BACK!

We understand that these are unusual times, and it is our goal to alleviate anxi-
ety by promoting transparency in our plans and practices. Friendship Christian
is committed to the safety and health of all who step onto our campus.

FCS STANDARDS ACADEMIC CALENDAR

• Create a safe and healthy environment for all Friendship Christian School will begin the 2020-
students, faculty, and staff. 2021 academic year on Monday, August 3, 2020.
We intend to observe the Labor Day Holiday as
• Ensure high-quality education that promotes well as Fall Break as scheduled.
student learning. Our planned end date for the 2020-2021 academic
year is May 26, 2021. Keep in mind,
• Comply with governmental standards and we may undergo unforeseen interruptions to our
guidelines from the Centers for Disease school year that will require appropriate calendar
Control and Prevention (CDC). adjustments.

• Speak candidly about expectations from us
and all members of the FCS community.

We can’t wait to see your smiling
face safely back on campus!

MAINTAINING A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Friendship Christian School has partnered
with the Base Camp Health’s Ascend (Ascend)
web platform to help maintain a healthy cam-
pus. Ascend is HIPAA compliant and doc-
uments faculty, staff, and student symptoms
using machine learning to predict COVID-19
outbreaks and clusters before they happen in
schools and workplaces. Click HERE for more
details.
Each morning by 7:15 am, everyone coming
to campus will log into Ascend, answer a few
questions (takes less than 30 seconds), and
find out the recommended course of action
based on current CDC guidelines. Ascend
evaluates each user’s risk, providing instruc-
tions to come to campus or to take one of
several other paths back to health.
No one will be admitted without an Ascend
screening submission – and then only if
cleared by Ascend.

Your privacy is important, so only our school healthcare
team and administrators will be updated on who will and
will not be on campus. Ascend protects the privacy of each

individual and only reports to the school if someone is
unable to attend or has not completed the screening.

With Ascend keeping an upper hand
on risk, we can keep our focus on
students and fulfilling our mission.

Each student will receive clear protocols in light of Ascend combines evolving CDC guidelines with
their individual risk level. If they are at high risk, computer-learned, dynamic risk profiles to gain
they will be provided with directions to testing visibility on the virus’ movements in our school
centers, instructions for tele-health medical care if community.
needed, and a path to needed resources if they have
to self-isolate.

PRIORITIZING STUDENT HEALTH

WE ARE DEDICATED TO KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE & HEALTHY

The American Academy of Pediatrics
COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry

FACE COVERINGS

• The CDC recommends wearing face coverings, especially in areas where social distancing measures
are difficult to maintain.

• All faculty/staff & secondary students (grades 6-12) are required to wear face coverings while in
community spaces such as hallways, PAC, Sportplex, and traveling from class to class. Face cover-
ings may be removed once students are seated at their desks and while eating lunch.

• Once in the classroom, if secondary students (grades 6-12) cannot socially distance by 6 feet, they
must wear masks.

• Secondary students may be asked to wear their face covering if a teacher has individual concerns or
when working in a small group setting or closely with a faculty member.

• All faculty will wear face coverings or a clear face shield while teaching if unable to distance 6 feet
from students.

• Face coverings may not have inappropriate words or inappropriate graphics or promote alcohol,
tobacco, drugs, indecent music, or any message inconsistent with the school’s mission. They also
may not display, or promote any candidates, political affiliations, political stances, political slogans,
or racial stances/references whatsoever.

• FCS branded face coverings or monogrammed face coverings are acceptable.
• For a guide to make your own face covering, click HERE

Our health personnel will send
specific guidelines regarding

the proper wearing, cleaning, &
storing of face coverings.

STUDENT WELLNESS

• Students and faculty/staff should not come to campus if the Ascend Health Screening deems
them ineligible for the day.

• After completing the daily Ascend screening, if you learn that you are ineligible to attend school,
expect a call from one of our school health personnel to check in on your current situation. We
want to offer our support and do what we can to ensure your safety and the safety of all students
and employees.

• Any student who has been absent for health reasons will work with our school health personnel
to coordinate an individualized “return to school” plan in accordance with CDC guidelines before
returning to campus.

THE SCHOOL DAY

WE ARE DEDICATED TO FULFILLING OUR MISSION IN A RARE & SPECIAL WAY

DROP-OFF & PICK-UP

• Students (grades 6-12) must put their face mask on prior to exiting the vehicle.
• Anyone (visitors, parents, siblings, etc.) picking-up and dropping-off students grades 3-12 may not

enter the Upper Elementary, Middle School, or High School buildings.
• Lower elementary pick-up and drop-off will remain much the same. However, parents may enter

the Lower Elementary building at drop-off to walk their child to class but are required to wear a
face-covering.
• If you arrive outside of normal hours for late drop-off or early check-out, please wear a face-cover-
ing and check-in at the appropriate building.

LUNCH / SNACK

• We have created additional seating in the PAC to accommodate for social distancing.
• Students will have the opportunity to sit in other spaces to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
• We have enhanced cleaning protocols, and hired more staff as we seek a safe and healthy lunch

experience for our students.
• Our cafeteria staff is committed to providing the same level of freshness, variety, and delicious food

while ensuring enhanced cleanliness and safety.
• Middle and High School students will have snack break as always. Mrs. Bender will communicate

specific details soon.
• The Coffee House will be open with regular operating hours. Anyone entering The Coffee House

(including baristas) must wear a face covering.
• Students are to exit the Coffee House immediately upon receiving their purchase. No sitting or visit-

ing allowed.

OFF-CAMPUS LEARNING

• We are working hard to keep our school environment safe. In an effort to keep our students’ safety
first, we believe it best to temporarily forgo field trips, including all local, national, and global learn-
ing opportunities.

• This decision, like all decisions, was made with the well-being of our students in mind. It is our
hope that a brief hiatus of field trips will yield health for many years to come.

• We will continually reevaluate this policy and look forward to resuming off-campus learning oppor-
tunities as soon as we can.

• Refunds will only be processed once a field trip has been officially canceled.
• Refunds will not be given for field trips that are postponed.

PRIORITIZING STUDENT SUCCESS

WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROMOTING ACADEMIC RIGOR AND GROWTH

ACADEMICS

As we begin a new year at FCS, the administrative team is making great strides to make all of the necessary
changes to the physical classroom to provide safety for our students while continuing to offer academic
services that meet the needs of our students, maintaining the credits that students need to move to the next
level. FCS believes that learning is strengthened by the personal interactions our teachers have with our
students. For this and many other reasons, in August of 2020, we plan to welcome students back to class-
rooms and continue challenging them with extensive learning opportunities for our youngest to our oldest
learners. During the 2020-21 school year, if we need to seamlessly pivot to the Digital Learning Platform,
FCS teachers will continue to provide meaningful learning opportunities that keep students engaged and
moving forward academically. We are hopeful that, should this be necessary, it would be for a very limited
time. Our Academic Leadership Team highly values the element of having students physically present in the
classroom to provide meaningful and engaging lessons that require critical thinking and collaboration with
one another; therefore, this is our ultimate goal.
• For students who are absent due to illness, remote learning will be an option whenever the student feels

well enough to engage virtually.
• Teachers will be available to provide academic support if a student finds themselves unable to attend

class in person due to illness.
• FCS staff is equipped for online learning, should it become necessary.
• Students will not share school supplies or face coverings.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

• Students will sit in the same desks, in each classroom, each day. Desks will remain staggered in arrange-
ment and remain stationary.

• Elementary and Preschool classrooms with round tables will be divided into four sections with 24”
high, clear plexiglass partitions to protect the students from one another while still providing visibility
of their classmates and teacher.

• All secondary students (grades 6-12) should wear a face covering to school each day, in all community
spaces, and when social distancing is not possible.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Should students be required to miss school due to illness, or exposure to illness, instruction will be deliv-
ered to students through FCS distance learning formats. The administration will coordinate with parents
and school health personnel to determine the safest re-entry date for the student. Students will be marked
as present (via distance learning) if the student attends the entire class virtually during a mandated/quaran-
tine absence. Students will be marked as absent-excused for any mandated/quarantine absence where they
do not join the class virtually. Other absences will be counted per FCS attendance policies.

UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES

If you are uncomfortable with your child being present for on-campus learning because of COVID-19, you
may reach out to Jason Miller, Acadmic Dean, to discuss a virutal plan. After this discussion, if you decide
to proceed with At-Home Distance Learning, a formal request must be presented in writing for approval.

MODIFYING PROGRAMS & EVENTS

RESPONDING APPROPRIATELY AS THE SITUATION DEVELOPS

CHAPEL

Our campus ministry staff is working hard to creatively plan chapels for each area of school. We are excited
about the unique possibilities of small group chapels and new ways of sharing God’s word and worshiping
together while social distancing.

EARLY MORNING & EXTENDED CARE

FCS will continue to offer Early Morning and Extended Care. Guidelines will be communicated from staff
regarding details.

ATHLETICS

Our full athletic plan is currently being developed in concert with the TSSAA and changes will be commu-
nicated as they are known. Athletic events may include limits on crowd sizes, social distancing measures,
and the possibility of required face coverings.

POTENTIAL INTERRUPTIONS

It is possible that outbreaks of COVID-19 could occur and hinder our ability to meet together on campus.
In the event of such an occurrence, Friendship Christian will follow government restrictions and continue
to comply with CDC guidelines. If need be, we will close campus and be prepared to provide quality educa-
tion to our students remotely.

We are excited about
the unique possibilities
of small group chapels
and new ways of sharing

God’s word.

LIFE ON CAMPUS

Limited campus access for visitors and parents. No lunch guests. Only
scheduled parent meetings.
Social distancing in spaces such as the cafeteria, Sportsplex, and the
PAC.
Requirement of face coverings for all faculty and secondary students
(6-12) while changing classes and in community spaces.
Modification of programs and events in compliance with limits on
crowd sizes and social distancing measures.
Increased sanitizing and cleaning procedures.
Water fountains only to be used to fill water bottles and not for
personal drinking.
Health screening requirements for students, faculty, staff, and vendors.
First Aid Station for students displaying symptoms during the school
day; to isolate from other students until parents can pick them up.

LIFE ON CAMPUS, cont.

We’ve more
than doubled

our lunch
space with

socially
distanced
seating in the

PAC.

Plexiglass dividers to
help reduce the spread of

germs.

MAINTAINING A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER, WE SUCCEED

What makes Friendship Christian unique and special is our family atmosphere. As with any
family, we commit to caring for one another. In this season, caring for each other means
some new things, such as practicing healthy community living.

HEALTHY COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

FCS families are expected to commit to working towards the overall
health and well-being of our community. We have confidence that
each family will comply with daily screening and other requirements
involved in making a safe return to campus.

ASCEND DAILY SCREENING & REMOTE
LEARNING

If a student or staff member is ineligible to attend school, but still finds
themselves feeling well enough to virtually interact, they may partici-
pate in remote learning until they are able to return to campus.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Students and employees agree to practice social distancing and wear
face coverings as necessary.

Daily temperatures
checks are required

so make sure you
have a reliable
thermometer.

A TYPICAL STUDENT DAY

Arrive on campus, having completed your Ascend
Daily Screening & accurately reported your health.
(You will be taking temperatures each day.)
Social distancing will be observed where possible.
Students grades 6-12 will continue changing classes
with face-coverings required in hallways.
Lots of hand washing and hand sanitizer!
A variety of choices will still be offered, and lunch
will be served in a safe way. After receiving your food,
socially distanced seating will be available in a variety
of locations.
FCS is awaiting information from TSSAA concerning
athletic activities. As soon as we receive an update,
you will be notified of our next steps.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

ASSESSING BOTH PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

KEEPING CHILDREN EMOTIONALLY SAFE

Students may feel stressed, isolated, and fatigued. They need emotional support as they work through their
feelings about what is happening around them. Our faculty, counselors, and coaches are discussing ways to
support students’ social-emotional health. Here are some things you can do:

• Ask how they are feeling and provide them space to ask questions and express
themselves without judgment.

• Answer questions without volunteering copious amounts of information, as this
can be overwhelming.

• Maintain a routine at home to promote stability.
• Reassure them that the grown-ups in their life are

there to support them and ensure their safety.
• Reach out to our counselors or our campus min-

isters; we don’t want you to feel like you’re doing
this alone.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

WITHOUT SYMPTOMS WITH A POSITIVE TEST
If a student tests positive without symptoms, they must stay home in isolation for 10 days. They may not
return to school until the mandatory 10 day isolation period elapses. Any student who tested positive with
no symptoms may return 10 days after the day of testing.
COVID-LIKE SYMPTOMS WITH OR WITHOUT A POSITIVE TEST
If a student experiences COVID-like symptoms, the student may not return to school until all three of the
following criteria have been met:
1) at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared;
2) at least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; and
3) all COVID-related symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved.
FEVER, BUT NO OTHER COVID SYMPTOMS
Any student who has had a fever, but no other COVID symptoms, must be fever-free for 24 hours without
medication and then contact the FCS Healthcare team for approval to return to school.

IF AN FCS STUDENT COMES IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH:
A) SOMEONE WHO TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 OR
B) SOMEONE WHO HAS SYMPTOMS AND/OR IS IN THE PROCESS
OF BEING TESTED
Student(s) are strongly advised to follow the CDC guidelines and quarantine for 14 days. The student
may return after 14 days unless they become symptomatic with COVID-19 symptoms. CDC continues to
endorse quarantine for 14 days and recognizes that any quarantine shorter than 14 days balances reduced
burden against a small possibility of spreading the virus.

To reduce the potential burden of a 14 day quarantine period, we have adopted the CDC’s latest guide-
line which offers the following options to reduce the quarantine period:
• Quarantine can end after Day 10 without testing (and if no symptoms have been reported during daily

monitoring)
• Quarantine can end after Day 7 (if a diagnostic specimen tests negative beginning DAY 6 and if no

symptoms were reported during daily monitoring) A dated negative test result will be required for
return to school.

Please see the above requirements in the WITHOUT SYMPTOMS WITH A POSITIVE TEST criteria. If the
person they came in close contact with tests negative, the student is eligible to return to school, if Ascend
deems the student eligible to return. Quarantine is not mandatory for students whose parents or family
members are tested on a regular basis because of their job, unless that family member exhibits symptoms.

GUIDELINES FOR MANDATORY QUARANTINE DUE TO CLASSMATE EXPOSURE
If your student has a classmate that tests positive for COVID-19, they may need to be quarantined if: They
were in close contact as defined by the CDC: Less than six feet for more than fifteen minutes in the time
period from 48 hours before symptom onset until they meet criteria for discontinuing their isolation. In
this scenario, not every student may require quarantine; however, any student that had close contact would
be expected to stay home for 14 days. Parents have the option to quarantine their child for 14 days, even
if they did not have close contact. In this situation, your student will be able to continue their schooling
through our digital platform.

IF A FACULTY MEMBER TESTS POSITIVE
Students in their class would only need to be quarantined if they have been in close contact (inside six feet
for more than fifteen minutes) with the teacher. Teachers will be instructed to wear their face covering/
shield while communicating in close proximity (less than six feet for more than fifteen minutes) with stu-
dents.

IF YOU HAVE RECOVERED FROM COVID-19
Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 are not subject to an additional 14-day exposure quaran-
tine for the three months immediately following the conclusion of their 10-day quarantine provided they
remain without COVID-19 symptoms, i.e., cough, shortness of breath, etc.

FCS CONTACTS
& INFORMATION

IF YOU NEED TO SPEAK WITH HEALTH PERSONNEL:
Nathan Johnson
IF YOU NEED HELP WITH ASCEND:
Kimberly Tune
IF YOU HAVE AN ACADEMIC QUESTION:
Jason Miller, Academic Dean
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT EARLY MORNING/EXTENDED CARE:
Kristi Chaffin, Preschool Principal
IF YOU HAVE A PRESCHOOL QUESTION:
Kristi Chaffin, Preschool Principal
IF YOU HAVE A K-12 QUESTION:
Veronica Bender, Principal
IF YOU HAVE AN ATHLETICS QUESTION:
John McNeal, Athletic Director
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT:
Business Office

The policies and procedures in this document are subject to
change. We will continue to monitor government recommenda-

tions and mandates which may also alter our daily routine.
Friendship Christian is committed to the safety
and health of all who step onto our campus.

REV. December 14, 2020