COVID-19 Response & Updates
San Domenico carries on a 170-year legacy as California's first independent school, providing purpose-driven, college preparatory education for students K-12. Founded in 1850, this is not San Domenico’s first pandemic, nor is it our School’s first time being students’ place of stability during a tumultuous time in history. We are here for you, our SD community, responding fluidly and creatively to meet the needs of the times.
STATUS UPDATES
All updates are provided in collaboration with Marin Public Health and the Marin County Office of Education.
Do your part to reduce spread of the virus.
Wear a mask, get vaccinated, abide by current social distancing protocols, and follow the SD Healthy Community Commitment at
www.sandomenico.org/HealthyCommunity.
05/23/22 | |
05/09/22 | |
03/11/22 | |
03/07/22 | |
11/01/21 |
- Expert Guidance
- Health and Safety
- COVID-19 Exposure Scenarios
- Shared Responsibility
- Residential Life
- Teaching and Learning
- Social-Emotional Wellness
- Campus Life
- Investments in Safety, Program & Community
- Investments in Professional Development
- COVID-19 Response Teams
Expert Guidance
With the health and safety of our community of utmost importance, our COVID-19 Response Teams are meeting regularly and working with experts in the following organizations:
- Marin County Office of Education (MCOE)
- Marin County Public Health (MPH)
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
- California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
- The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
- Space planning consultant, Michael Tauber Architecture
- HVAC consultants, Lefler Engineering and Ongaro & Sons HVAC Division
- California School Nurses Association
- National Association of School Nurses
We have also consulted with several experienced local physicians including current and past San Domenico parents who have graciously shared their considerable expertise with our team:
Jay Fairborn, M.D.
Family Medicine Specialty
Adult and Family
Medicine Department
Kaiser Permanente
Kellen Glinder, M.D.
Pediatrician
Private Medical
San Francisco Bay Area
Silicon Valley, Los Angeles
Scott Kaiser, M.D.
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Kaiser Permanente,
Oakland Medical Center
Sunitha Kaiser, M.D. MSc.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics,
Epidemiology & Biostatistics
University of California, San Francisco
Member of the UCSF CARES COVID-19 Taskforce
Shawndra Parise, M.D.
Family Medicine Specialty
Adult and Family Medicine Department
Kaiser Permanente
John Taylor, M.D.
Chief, Dept of Critical Care Medicine
Kaiser East Bay Hospitals
Associate Professor
Dept. Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine
University of California, San Francisco
In addition, we have been on daily and weekly webinars and conference calls with local, regional, and national education and infectious disease experts to keep abreast of the latest research.
Select resources include the following (click through to read more):
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Schools and Childcare Programs
2. Marin Public Health Guided Return to Site-Based Classroom Instruction
3. NAIS COVID-19: Resources for Independent Schools
4. TABS: COVID-19 Guidance for School
5. Harvard: Risk Reduction Strategies for Reopening Schools
6. Harvard: Healthy Buildings Recommendations for School Openings
7. American Academy of Pediatrics: COVID-19 Guidance for School Re-entry
8. Children’s Hospital, Colorado: Risk Based Approach to Reopening Schools
9. McKinsey & Company: Safely Back to School
10. CA Dept of Education: Guidebook for Safe Reopening of Schools
11. NPR: 9 Ways Schools will Look Different When, and If, They Will Reopen
12. University Hospitals: Healthy Restart Playbook
13. Department of Education, South Carolina: Guidance and Recommendation for 2020-21 School Year
Health and Safety
When our students, faculty, and staff return to campus, new safety protocols and campus modifications will help us mitigate risk.
All classrooms, instructional spaces, common areas and furniture will be reconfigured to maintain physical distancing of at least six (6) feet.
Cohort size and movement will be structured and monitored closely.
All desks placed for social distancing.
Additional touchless water refill stations will be available across campus.
Students will share materials and supplies as little as possible.
Students will not use lockers.
Traffic flow will be marked one way through campus common areas.
Plexiglass shields will be in areas where there is frequent face-to-face interaction.
Creation of additional classroom spaces located outside with shade structures where possible. In all school levels we are working to limit the mixing of children and adults when appropriate and keeping class groups as separate and distinct as possible.
See Teaching and Learning section for more details on the cohort experience.
30 new handwashing stations.
Social Distancing and Face Coverings
All community members will be required to wear a face covering and observe social distancing protocols in accordance with CDC and Marin County Public Health recommendation, whenever possible.
SD will provide one mask to each student at the beginning of the academic year, and back up supplies will be on hand for emergencies; families must provide masks for ongoing daily use.
Personal masks may be of any color or design, as long as any words or images are school appropriate, compliant with students handbooks, and the fit covers both the mouth and nose; minimum of 2-ply fabric and no bandanas.
We recognize that requirements for facial coverings may be challenging, especially for younger children. We will provide “face covering breaks” when appropriate and safe.
Facilities Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Airflow
All community members - students, faculty, and staff - will be asked to do their part to keep surfaces clean. All disinfectants are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Each day and evening, additional maintenance staff will follow recommended cleaning and sanitizing protocols in line with current guidance from health authorities.
Special attention will be given to classroom surfaces, bathrooms, water filling stations, door handles, shared objects, tabletops, door handles, and high traffic areas.
When and wherever possible, windows and doors will be left open to reduce handling and increase air flow.
New, highest quality HVAC filters have been installed throughout campus and will be replaced every three months. We are also adding air filtration/purification/circulation systems in some classrooms and common areas to improve air quality and flow.
Health and Safety Training for our Community
All faculty and staff will be required to complete health and safety training on matters such as physical distancing protocols, wearing and care of face coverings, hand hygiene and personal care protocols, community care standards, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and illness reporting requirements.
Health and safety signage and visual cues will be installed across campus to remind us to observe safe practices at all times. When students arrive on campus they will also receive training in safety practices and protocols.
Testing
Testing recommendations have been changing regularly and therefore, School guidelines are still being developed. At the minimum, the School will follow current requirements from Marin Public Health and Marin County Office of Education.
We will share more information on testing as applicable.
On Campus Isolation and Quarantine
The School’s newly expanded infirmary will accommodate students, faculty, and/or staff who require medical care for a wide range of symptoms during the school day. Distinct entrances and waiting areas will be used for those who may be exhibiting COVID-19 (or other contagious illness) symptoms and those who are in need of general first aid or other services.
Day students exhibiting symptoms of possible contagious illness will be isolated in a discreet location in the infirmary until they are picked up by their parent/guardian.
Boarding students and resident faculty who show signs of contagious illness will be quarantined and cared for in the health services building staffed by a healthcare professional. The health services building will be fully equipped with sleeping rooms, bathrooms/ showers, kitchen, daytime waiting room, and separate sleeping room for an adult supervisor.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Families who have particular concerns for the health of their children due to preexisting conditions should contact Health Services as soon as possible, so we can work with your family to address your concerns and provide support.
CONTACTS
Carrie Robley
Assistant Head of School for Student Life and COVID-19 Lead
crobley@sandomenico.org
415.258.1990 x 1105
Krista Alborg
kalborg@sandomenico.org
General Health Services
nurse@sandomenico.org
COVID-19 Exposure Scenarios
In terms of communications around possible and/or confirmed exposure, please know that as soon as the School receives notice of a possible exposure, the process of tracking and tracing will begin AND it takes time to work with Marin Public Health to assess data and identify the persons involved. We will communicate as recommended and as soon as possible while still following privacy laws.
Once a positive case is reported, our Health Services department and support team will work in collaboration with Marin Public Health and Marin Health and Human Services to conduct testing, contact tracing, follow up, and evaluation. Employees must also work with our Human Resources Department.
Shared Responsibility
Across all school levels, while on campus, San Domenico supervises students attentively, tracks daily attendance, and upholds a range of behavioral expectations that contribute to health and safety. We also expect all students, parents, staff, and faculty to partner with us, both on and off campus, to do your part in support of our collective health and safety.
As part of this partnership, we are asking all employees, students and families to commit to this Healthy Community Commitment representing an understanding of our shared responsibility and acknowledgment of the behaviors needed to promote safety, trust, respect, belonging, and inclusion for all.
Healthy Community Commitment
(Note: Students, parents, and guardians will be asked to read and sign this Healthy Community Commitment. You will receive a follow-up email.)
Our HyFlex model encompasses four scenarios to allow for the flexibility needed to quickly pivot and adapt as the guidance for schools changes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, San Domenico School remains committed to providing students with an exceptional educational experience. As part of the educational program for the 2020-21 school year, the School plans to offer on-campus, in-person instruction. We recognize that community transmission of COVID-19 continues, and we all play a role in slowing its spread. We must take precautions in order to return to campus and also must be ready to make further adjustments and changes to our plans in response to the circumstances.
To prepare to invite students back to our campus, we carefully considered relevant guidance and best practices for reopening the school, and we are adopting various measures to help maintain a healthy and safe environment. It is only with your partnership and support that our efforts can be effective. We ask that all parents and guardians carefully review this Back to School 2020: Stronger Together plan and discuss the School's policies with their child(ren) before school begins. We will update the Back to School 2020: Stronger Together Plan throughout the year, and we will alert you as we do so. Please make sure to refer to the school's website for the latest version. Parents and guardians should also be familiar with the requirements of Marin County and the state, which are available here https://coronavirus.marinhhs.org/ and here https://covid19.ca.gov/.
The Pledge
As a valued member of the San Domenico community, I understand it is my duty to not only protect myself, but also those around me, including those who may be more vulnerable, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. I will do my part by acting in a responsible manner at school and away from school, understanding that making my own health and safety a top priority protects us all. I agree to abide by all behaviors, policies, procedures, and orders related to COVID-19 implemented by the state, county, and school.
FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE RETURNING TO CAMPUS I/MY FAMILY WILL:
- Self-quarantine as a family to the best of our ability so as to limit potential exposure to COVID-19 by staying at home as much as possible. We will avoid group gatherings, refrain from travel outside of our local area, and strictly follow all local and state regulations and public health orders related to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
ON CAMPUS I/MY FAMILY WILL:
- Wear an appropriate face covering at all times unless otherwise directed.
- Practice good personal hygiene consistent with public health protocols, such as frequent hand washing for twenty seconds, appropriately cover ing coughs and sneezes, use of hand sanitizers before and after leaving campus buildings, and wiping down surfaces myself when arriving at and upon leaving a communal or community space.
- Follow directional signs on pathways and in buildings.
- Whenever feasible, maintain a distance of six feet between myself and any other person, with the understanding that I do not have to maintain six feet distance from my immediate family members, or, if a boarding student, my roommate within my own room.
- Follow on-campus traffic flow.
- Respond cooperatively and respectfully to reminders that I follow these protocols.
OFF CAMPUS/AT HOME, I/ MY FAMILY WILL:
- Avoid large gatherings and environments in which people are not observing recommended behaviors, such as wearing masks and practicing physical distancing.
- Use the School’s designated web-based tool, SchoolPass, to accurately report the results of personal daily health checks, including temperature-taking.
- Remain at home (or in my dormitory room) and notify an appropriate adult if I experience COVID-19 symptoms.
- Follow instructions if I or my student tests positive for COVID-19 and is required to isolate, or if I learn that I have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and am required to quarantine.
- Participate in Marin Public Health’s contact tracing program as requested and share complete information with contact tracers about others who may be exposed.
- Seek testing for COVID-19, as directed by the School or Marin Public Health.
- Strongly consider having all students in our household receive a seasonal flu vaccination this fall.
- I/we understand that failure to adhere to this Healthy Community Commitment may put other members of our school community at considerable risk, and that those who do not honor these commitments may be asked to leave campus and complete the semester remotely.
Please watch for a follow-up email on this Healthy Community Commitment
Residential Life
As has been the case since the pandemic began, Boarding Students and Resident Faculty will continue to live in the dorms, their on-campus home. Significant protocols will continue to be in place to protect the boarding community as well as the broader SD community.
Boarding students on campus will be supported while attending classes with our via Hybrid Flex (HyFlex) program.
All students who fly into the Bay Area will complete a 14-day quarantine period before joining the community. Boarding families will receive detailed information on move-in protocols and daily life rules and procedures.
For updated information on Residential Life during this time, please visit sandomenico.org/Boarding.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE Contact Information:
Director of Residential Life:
Carrie Robley
crobley@sandomenico.org
415.258.1908 x1554
Teaching and Learning
San Domenico is happy to share that all students are in class full-time for the 2021-22 school year. We continue to ensure the health and safety of our students by adhering to guidance from Marin County Health and Human Services, Marin County Office of Education, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Social-Emotional Wellness
With our commitment to educating the whole child, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is an integral part of teaching and learning and a core part of our program. As we resume school, we recognize the complex and varying ways in which our community members are experiencing this pandemic, including a range of emotions related to stress, anxiety, trauma, loss, and isolation. We will continue to assess our SEL program, approaches and support structures to enhance our students’ well-being.
Support Resources
Through program features such as Lower School Responsive Classroom, Middle School Advisory Program, and our Upper School Mentoring Program, we will continue to promote supportive adult-student relationships to ensure that every student has a caring adult in the community who checks in with them regularly and to whom they can reach out as needed. Now more than ever, we strive for all students to feel a sense of belonging and connection to our SD community.
Contact
Families are encouraged to reach out to our Student Support and Wellness team with any concerns related to their child’s mental health or learning support needs.
Lisa Richter, LCSW
Lower School Counselor
415.258.1990 x1411
Dr. Lauren Ogren, MFT, PsyD
Middle School Counselor
415.258.1990 x1504
Kathleen Laughlin, MFT
Upper School Counselor
415.258.1990 x1606
CONTACTS
For a full directory of Student Support staff, visit: www.sandomenico.org/StudentSupport
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Creating an inclusive, equitable community is integral to social and emotional wellness, as highlighted by our school’s Social Vision Statement: “We are a community of belonging where students, staff and families are dedicated to the inclusion and respect for all.”
The DEI Committee was active through the summer and met collaboratively with Upper School student representatives in DEI to continue the evolution of programming to address the effects of systemic racism and specifically, its effects within our community. For our teachers, we are facilitating professional development, “Anti-Racism Classrooms by Design” in the fall term, beginning in August.
Additionally, we have set in motion professional development for each school level in support of the ongoing evaluation of our curriculum and teaching to better support our diverse community.
DEI Resources
We highly encourage community members who have ideas or concerns related to diversity, equity and inclusion at SD to please contact us at dei@sandomenico.org.
Your counselors, teachers, school-level directors, and Head of School are also here for you and available to hear your concerns and help address them.
DEI Support
For more information on upcoming, recent and past DEI work at SD, please contact:
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Kali Baird
kbaird@sandomenico.org
415.258.1900 x1223
www.sandomenico.org/DEI
Campus Life
Athletics
Athletics and physical education are a critical part of school life at SD and we plan to maintain the experience to the fullest extent possible in all scenarios during this school year. Under current guidance from Marin County Health and Human Services and Marin County Office of Education, all indoor athletics will continue to require face masks. Masks are optional when outdoors, including all outdoor sports.
Physical Education, Recess, and Use of Outdoor Spaces
We will offer an intramural program where possible, following Marin Public Health guidelines. This will support our students to get outdoors, experience the physical and emotional benefits of exercise, work with our stellar coaches, and enjoy the interpersonal growth that comes with our athletic program and philosophy.
- The use of outdoor space for instructional purposes will be maximized, shared, and coordinated to ensure students remain in their cohorts.
- Recess and time spent outside is critical for the mental, physical, and emotional health of children. Especially in a year when students may be more limited to particular classrooms, we will prioritize recess and time outdoors.
- Recess times in the Lower and Middle Schools will be staggered to reduce large groups on the playground at once and to limit mixing between cohorts. Grade levels will be assigned a designated area of the playground which will rotate throughout the year to offer variety. Students will be asked to wash their hands before and after playing outside.
- Additional spaces will be made available to students in all divisions to encourage time outside. The Lower School blacktop, Chase Field, Kesterson Field, and the courtyard behind the fourth grade classrooms will all be used by children in different school levels for socially distanced outside time.
- Use of shared equipment will be limited in favor of physical activities that require less contact with surfaces. Shared equipment will be cleaned between uses.
Clubs
Clubs for Middle and Upper School students are an integral part of the SD experience. These co-curricular offerings will continue under all learning scenarios, though the format may vary as health directives shift.
Visual and Performing Arts
The arts are a critical means of expression, particularly valuable during this unstable time in the world. While the mode of instruction will vary depending on the health directives in place at any given time throughout the coming months, we will provide a rich array of opportunities for our artists to continue learning, growing, and creating. Students will participate in visual, digital, music, and performing arts classes and performances including school plays, gallery showings, and concerts. The Virtuoso Program has returned to live performances open to the public, and musical productions are in full swing.
Meals
Meals will be served outside at much as possible. Students will be distanced as much as possible with good ventilation when eating inside.
Visitors to Campus, Group Events and Gatherings
While SD has long cherished parent, guardian, and alumni involvement on campus, visitors to campus will be limited at this time for health and safety reasons.
Overnight and Field Trips
All students that attend overnight field trips will need to be fully vaccinated with the COVID vaccine series. Some field trips may also require a negative covid test before attending.
Transportation
At this time we are planning to maintain SD bus transportation, including adding a Tiburon bus stop. That said, Marin Public Health/MCOE has not yet released formal guidance on school bus density, and we will follow their recommendations. We do know that capacity for each bus will be reduced, and families who can drive their children to school will be encouraged to do so. We will provide more information as public health recommendations are determined and shared. First Student, SD’s bus partner, will follow all regulation safety protocols for disinfecting buses.
Investments in Safety, Program & Community
San Domenico has invested over $2.0M in safety measures to mitigate risk in light of COVID-19.
- Indexed Tuition Relief for our Families: In order to assist families who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 due to job loss/income decreases, our Indexed Tuition committee has granted 29 additional indexed tuition awards (including over $200,000 to current families) and will continue to review requests as long as necessary to help our families remain a part of our community.
- Hired consultants in space planning and ventilation systems to assess safety needs on campus.
- Added 3+ buses to add a new stop in Tiburon and to reduce overall density of passengers.
- Securing four additional modular classrooms, along with tents, shade structures, and outdoor furniture to create additional classroom spaces on campus, and outdoor living space for boarding students.
- Installed Plexiglass shields and “touchless” water refill stations, faucets, soap and paper towel dispensers.
- Added 30 free-standing handwashing stations located throughout campus.
- Upgraded HVAC systems (i.e. HEPA filters) as well as air filtration/purification/circulation systems where needed in classrooms and common areas to improve air quality and flow.
- Creation and renovation of a larger Health Services space to accommodate both regular needs and separate quarantine/isolation space.
- Hired additional cleaning staff, equipment and training.
- Increased wireless coverage in the key outdoor areas and added additional wireless access points to instructional rooms.
- Acquired 30 new Swivl Camera packages to elevate the Hyflex learning environment. The camera spot lights the teacher and has a 360 range of motion.
- Microphones and speakers allow students to hear one another better, whether in the classroom or distance learning.
- SchoolPass software for wellness tracking, visitor management, and student dismissal.
- Purchased six months of cleaning supplies (+ current inventory) and Essential Protective Equipment including extra masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, thermometers, and gloves.
- SD cloth masks for all students and employees provided at the beginning of the school year.
Investments in Professional Development
Teachers
- Designing, Building & Teaching for Hybrid Learning
- PBL Works Online Conference
- Digital Learning for the K-8 Classroom
- 21st Century Teaching and Learning
- Seesaw virtual conference
- YouCubed Digital Math
- SEPUP Summer Academy, Science Education for Public Understanding Program
- Broadway Teachers Workshop
- Art and Design for Experienced Teachers- AP® Summer Institute with College Board Professional Development for World Language, EAL/ESL Teachers | ISS
- Deep Dive for Art and Music Educators: Exploring a multitude of pedagogical approaches and instructional practices for hybrid learning in K-12 groups
- International Schools Services: Making a World of Difference
-
Administrators
- Leading Schools Harvard Business School
- Supporting Learning Difference in Distance Learning
- Summer Leadership Seminar-Student Balance
- Academic Leadership Training
- Steady in the Storm: Protecting Student Mental Health in Hybrid Learning Environments
COVID-19 Response Teams
COVID-19 Response Teams
Thank you to the many individuals who have contributed to our back to school planning in the time of COVID-19.
Strategic Financial Response Team
Cecily Stock ’77, M.A., J.D., Head of School
Pablo Bizjack, Board Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, dad to Jillian (10th) and Parker ’20
Richie Goldman, Board Chair, dad to Ava (11th)
Anna Heidinger, Director of Advancement
Jennie Nash, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management
Kimberly Pinkson, Director of Marketing and Communications
Liz Revenko ’87, Trustee, Finance Committee Member
Gregory Rivers, Trustee, Finance Committee Member, dad to Braelyn (4th) and Abigail (2nd)
Glenn Snyder, Former SD Board Chair, dad to Grey ’20
David Wise, Chief Financial Officer
COVID-19 Response Team Committee
Kali Baird, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Claire Bukata, Associate Director of Middle School & Math Department Co-Chair
Shari Byrnes, Administrative Assistant to Director of Lower and Middle School
John Campbell, Construction Project Manager
Mark Churchill, Athletic Director
Jason Clarke, Director of Information Technology
Jennifer Cronan Flinn, Director of Design, Engineering, and Educational Technology
Rob DeNunzio, Director of Music and Music Conservatory
Shelley Flint, Director of Sustainability
Tracy Froehlich, Director of Human Resources
Anna Heidinger, Director of Advancement
Kathy Laughlin M.F.T., Director of Counseling
Natasha McKeown ’87, Director of International Scholars and HyFlex Learning
Molly Morris, Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Jimena Motta, Administrative Assistant to Asst. HOS for Student Life
Jennie Nash, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management
Jose Padilla, Director of Facilities
LeaAnne Parlette, Lower and Middle School Director
Nick Vidinsky, Director of Marketing and Communications
Kate Reeser, Assistant Head of School for Academics & Director of Upper School
Lisa Richter L.C.S.W., Lower School Counselor
Carrie Robley, Assistant Head of School for Student Life
Krista Alborg, Health Care Administrator
Erica Smith, Director of Dance and Theatre Arts
Cecily Stock ’77, M.A., J.D., Head of School
Karlyn Strand, Librarian
Amanda Tredinnick MS ’01, Upper School Dean of Students
David Wise, Chief Financial Officer
NOTE: As the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health directives are quickly evolving, we thank you in advance for your patience if any of the information on this or related-pages is out of date. Despite our best efforts to keep up, the health, safety, and exceptional learning experience of our students is always our highest priority and therefor supersedes web updates.
School Site Specific Safety Plans
AUGUST 2021 Marin County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Operating Plan
February 2021 CA Department of Public Health COVID-19 Operating Plan
Student and Family Support
Health Center Administrator
Krista Alborg, BSN, RN
nurse@sandomenico.org | 415.258.1950
Lower School Counselor
Lisa Richter
lrichter@sandomenico.org
Middle School Counselor
Dr. Lauren Ogren, MFT, PsyD
logren@sandomenico.org
Upper School Counselor
Kathleen Laughlin, M.F.T.
klaughlin@sandomenico.org
Local, State, and Federal Resources
- Marin County Testing Information
- Subscribe to Marin County COVID-19 Updates
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- California Department of Public Health
- Marin Health and Human Services
- CDC Coronavirus Resource Page
- CDC FAQ
- CDC on Stigma, Discrimination, and COVID-19
- CDC Handwashing Guide
- CDC Respiratory Etiquette
- CDC When and How to Wash Your Hands