January 18, 2021
LEWIS SCHOOL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Spring Semester 2021 Return to Campus
Strategic Re-entry Plan (SRP)
Head of School's Letter, Monday, January 18, 2021
Phase III : Third Marking Period
January 18, 2021 – March 12, 2021
Dear Lewis School Community,
Here’s to a New Year that squarely places the encounter between character, circumstances and outcome, on the right side of history and in future time that avails and exercises the best in each of us, for our own sake and for the sake of each other.
First, thank you all for doing your part to comply faithfully and responsibly with the school’s mitigation requirements and health safety contingencies. You have been truly consistent and timely in your reporting and transparency concerning any issue that might negatively impact the well being of the school community.
To date, our teachers and students have not been placed in harm’s way at Lewis as the result of a cavalier or dismissive perspective, or an individual’s inadequate attention to the school’s protocols for safety and good health. We stand by our choices and will continue to enforce them to protect, to the extent possible, against a common threat we are all working to overcome globally.
This letter will be uncharacteristically direct and, I hope, succinct. It is time, as projected in prior emails, to take the next reasonable, step forward toward reestablishing a modicum of old fashioned normalcy for the students, and relief for our parents. With your firm commitment, and the continuing exceptional work of our teachers and staff, the “next step” may prove to be a “win-win” for us all.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES:
The Lewis School provides students five academic sessions annually including Extended Year Education in the month of July. (The school year is September – July.)
* PHASES I through V of the SRP will correspond with the dates of each session/marking period going forward.
* The Lewis School will remain remote until Monday, January 25, 2021.
- Phase III – Third Marking Period, January 18 – March 12, 2021
- Remote Instruction – Monday, January 4 – Friday, January 22, 2021
- Extended Hybrid On-campus Classes begin Monday, January 25, 2021. School-wide COVID-19 testing per the nurse’s letter is required. Please email or call with any issues: Nurse O’Brien at info@lewisschool.org, Annie Adams at annie.adams@lewisschool.org, or leave a voice mail at (609)-924-8120
- Phase IV – Fourth Marking Period, March 15 – May 21, 2021
Spring Break: Monday, March 22 – Easter Monday, April 4, 2021
Students Return: Tuesday, April 6 – Friday, May 21, 2021 - Phase V – Extended Year Academic Session, July 6 – July 23, 2021
The Strategic Re-entry Plan
The following SRP to increase on-campus, in-person instruction will be monitored daily and remain in place as long as official data and the local spread of the virus warrant students’ return to campus to continue safely. The plan is flexible and parents will be notified promptly if the school needs to reinstate fully remote instruction. Lewis School classes will remain remote until Monday, January 25, 2021.
The Plan
- School will be in session five days a week on an extended schedule of blended in-person and remote learning. Each level will be at school on specific days every week as detailed below.
- Level I – Upper School, College Preparatory, Transitional Upper School students, and High School Post-graduates – LEGENDS;
- Level II – Middle, Lower and Kindergarten students – LIONS;
- Students will be provided in-person classes consistently on separate days each week so that the aggregate number of students and faculty present at any one time in the building does not increase;
- All students will be on-campus according to a repeating two-week cycle based on three days the first week followed by two days the second week, or two days followed by three days depending on the student’s level and start date detailed below. Arrival and pick-up times remain the same for all levels.
- All daily academic schedules, and homeroom and content teachers remain the same for all curriculum courses and time slots. Classes remain small and movement between classes, and in the building will be strictly limited or eliminated wherever possible;
- Empty safe rooms; separate floors; no loading of classrooms or common areas; off-limits indoor/outdoor spaces; social distancing, masks, PPE; desk work area trifold protection; extensive, constant and thorough deep cleaning before, during and after school daily; groups differentiated and limited by number, level, class size, and the restricted movement of staff and students within and outside the school will continue, as will all other mitigations and precautionary interventions.
- The Spring Semester SRP is configured for safety and takes into account the need for continuity, and as little additional disruption as possible. The essential positive change is that students will be on campus more often and can begin to reconnect with their peers, teachers and the advantages of a school environment once again.
- The proven strength and efficacy of The Lewis School’s educational plan during COVID-19 will not be sacrificed but bolstered when students can spend more time with their teachers, friends and peers face-to-face in a dynamic interactive classroom!
- Students who are new to Lewis, or have had difficulty accommodating remote learning, or who have thrived to the point of advancing mid-year to new challenges within the school’s academic structure will be provided curriculum and classroom re-orientation and support.
The Schedule
Beginning on Monday, January 25, 2021, The Lewis School will offer the following expanded schedule for on-campus classes:
Level I – Upper School, Transitional Upper School, College Preparatory Students and High School Post-Graduates return to campus on:
M, W, F |
January 25, 27 and 29, 2021 |
W, F |
February 3 and 5, 2021 |
M, W, F |
February 8, 10 and 12, 2021 |
W, F |
February 17 and 19, 2021 |
M, W, F |
February 22, 24 and 26, 2021 |
W, F |
March 2 and 5, 2021 |
M, W, F |
March 8, 10 and 12, 2021 |
Level II – Middle, Lower and Kindergarten Students return to campus on:
T, Th. |
January 26 and 28, 2021 |
M, T, Th. |
February 1, 2 and 4, 2021 |
T, Th. |
February 9 and 11, 2021 |
M, T, Th. |
February 15, 16 and 18, 2021 |
T, Th. |
February 23 and 25, 2021 |
M, T, Th. |
March 1, 2 and 4, 2021 |
T, Th. |
March 9 and 11, 2021 |
Requirements for returning to campus
The following is respectfully offered to parents as a helpful reminder of the existing requirements and several new protocols that govern each student’s return to expanded on-campus education. Many parents are still opting for their children to remain remote until Spring Break and this request will be honored, and must be registered with Annie Adams (not only your child’s homeroom teacher), at annie.adams@lewisschool.org or Nurse O’Brien at info@lewisschool.org.
Students who return to campus may participate when they are in compliance with the following:
1. Verification of completed household testing for COVID-19 on file with the nursing office on or before Monday morning, the 25th of January, no later than 7:15 am.
IMPORTANT NOTES – COVID-19 testing completed recently, or during the week of January 18, 2021, or before must be reported to Nurse O’Brien. We are aware that some families have invested in early testing because of the expected return to campus on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Since the date has changed, parents and teachers can report their cost(s) with invoice(s) to CFO, Ann Zwartkay to request school credit for their expense(s).
The school requires parents and teachers to complete household testing no later than Tuesday, January 19, 2021 so that email proof of NEGATIVE COVID-19 test results may be filed as soon as possible but no later than Monday morning, January 25, 2021, on or before 7:15 am.
2. The student’s temperature must taken at home before leaving for school, and the student’s “Daily Home Screening” (symptoms report) must be on file, no later than 7:30 am every morning before the student is permissioned to enter school.
3. Students, faculty and staff must follow all prior safety guidelines and PPE use directives that are already in place for masks, face shields, social distancing, wrapped snacks only, no lunches, gloves, UVC disinfection boxes, folders but NO backpacks, and safe on-site demeanor.
4. Students, parents, district drivers, staff and faculty must comply with all rules for cars and occupants during drop-off, pick-up, and faculty parking.
5. Only students, faculty and support personnel are permitted in the building. We ask parents not to exit vehicles but call ahead so that we can safely help resolve an issue that may occur. No packages, lunches or other items may be dropped at school after a student has entered the building. Please call ahead so that we can help.
6. Our families have been exceptionally cooperative and responsible for reporting any possible exposure of their children or family members to the COVID-19 virus before students come to the school! We owe you a debt of gratitude for helping to keep all of us safe, and the school accessible! THANK YOU!! PLEASE look for an important email from Nurse O’Brien later today, January 18, or early tomorrow, January 19, 2021.
In Good Faith and Hope for Much Better Days to Come, and in the Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr., Whom We Celebrate,
Be Safe, Calm and Strong,
Marsha Gaynor Lewis, For The Lewis School
This document and its contents are the exclusive and sole intellectual property of, and trade secrets of, Marsha Gaynor Lewis, and are developed and authored by Marsha Gaynor Lewis, and may not be duplicated in part or whole or in any way otherwise utilized without the express written permission of Marsha Gaynor Lewis.
© 2021 Marsha Gaynor Lewis. All Rights Reserved.
Coronavirus Updates
As we continue to closely monitor and assess information from federal, state and local agencies, medical experts, research sources, private and public schools, and local colleges and universities, we will provide timely information that relates to parents, students, and faculty at our school.
Important Information
Please open the topics below by clicking on the "+" button.
ACT and SAT Administration
Please review the following updated information and plan accordingly where applicable.
• Students scheduled for the SAT and the SAT Subject Tests have completed them and are in receipt of Official Reports or soon will be. Please notify us at info@lewissschool.org if you do not have official SAT results as of April 15, 2020.
• ACT college entrance exams have been postponed and rescheduled. Lewis School proctors, students and their families who are impacted by the changes have been contacted and apprised of the new schedules.
• Dates for the administration of the ACT have been confirmed and approved by the ACT testing service. The ACT begins on Wednesday, June 17 or Wednesday, June 24, 2020 respectively. Students must arrive at The Lewis School at 8:00 am promptly.
Current College-Bound Student Applications - Status and Inquiries
• Students who need guidance regarding the current status of their college applications, teacher recommendations or letters of a academic accommodation, or who have other specific questions, concerns or remaining issues to be resolved, can contact Roslind Hansen, Andrew Black or Mrs. Lewis for help and clarification at info@lewisschool.org.
Students and parents may also leave voice messages regarding college application status at (609)-924-8120. They will be retrieved daily by Annie Adams, Main Office Coordinator, and forwarded appropriately.
• As of Tuesday, March 31, 2020 students and parents may contact college advisors through their new e-mail addresses at The Lewis School.
• Delayed ACT and standardized, *End-of Year Test results (EOYT) will not negatively impact students' applications to college. Most colleges are implementing modifications or interim waivers to accommodate these pending issues.
• As reported on March 18, 2020, delayed ACT and standardized, *End of Year Testing, (EOYT) results will not negatively impact Lewis School approved college applicants who have been accepted to, or are applying to "for-credit" summer programs and internships at other private schools, colleges and universities.
• Many programs are implementing modifications because of the COVID-19 disruption. *EOYT will be discussed in detail in upcoming e-mails.
Students Applying to College for Academic Year 2020-2021 - Application Process and Preparation
• In-depth preparation for the College Application Process typically begins in earnest, the week after Spring Break in early April each year and continues until applications reflect the best character and ability in each student and all deadlines are met.
• A succession of separate e-mails detailing the step-by-step application process including how to rough-draft preliminary College Resumes and Essays will be forwarded on or before Thursday, April 2, 2020 to begin.
• Advisors Roslind Hansen and David Lewis will be available on a regular schedule to be announced and will arrange individual instruction and feedback sessions with students via e-mail, telephone and remotely where appropriate. Administrative support staff, Mr. Black and Mrs. Lewis will also be available during scheduled hours to be announced.
• Students applying to college for 2020-2021 who have fulfilled the New Jersey State graduation requirements and have completed the required preparatory Lewis education for graduation, will be contacted personally by Roslind Hansen or David Lewis, and as appropriate, by administrative support staff, Mr. Black and Mrs. Lewis.
• Homeroom teachers, Mrs. Dark, Ms. Herman and Mrs. Leiggi will also be available at regular hours for guidance and feedback with college essays where appropriate.
• The application process will remain essentially student-driven as always with reliable and increased, robust support from all of us at Lewis.
• Colleges across the country are working with schools and applicants to help accommodate and resolve any issues arising from the COVID-19 disruption.
• It is important that students and parents are aware that The Lewis School expects to administer End od Year Standardized Testing during full-day, Summer Study sessions which begin on Monday, June 22, 2020. These evaluations and test results will be forwarded to colleges if independent, out-of-school evaluations are unavailable.
All administrative questions that students or their parents may have regarding ACT/SAT reports, transcripts, deadlines or the status of a student's application must be forwarded only to the attention of Mr. Black and Mrs. Lewis at info@lewisschool.org, not to advisors or teachers.
College Advisors and participating teachers have their hands full under normal circumstances when guiding our students through the critical academic aspects of their applications - essays, resumes, other narrative responses or inclusions, and where appropriate, various portfolios. Also important is to make sure that we help our students manage the floating anxiety typically associated with going to college. This is likely to be especially challenging now as the result of distance and remote instruction and feedback.
We are absolutely up to the challenge but will count on our parents' mindful and respectful discretion to help ensure that all of our teachers and advisors can focus all of their attention on the students' preparation and needs!
Communicating During the COVID-19 Disruption after Monday, March 30, 2020
• Lewis School parents and our community stakeholders can expect an increase in e-mail communications ongoing regarding a broad range of information and support.
• Temporary e-mail addresses have been set up for all teachers and instructors at The Lewis School. Parents can e-mail their children's teachers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm beginning on Monday, March 30, 2020 through Friday, May 22, 2020, if the school is still on hiatus.
• Mr. Black, Associate Registrar and Senior Master Mathematics Instructor will forward the teachers' interim e-mail addresses to parents on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
• Faculty and instructors' e-mails are available only and exclusively for questions regarding guidance, clarification and support related to students' daily home study and work assignments.
• Teachers are ready and eager to help parents and students with schoolwork planning and management. They especially encourage students to e-mail questions of their own.
• On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, all teachers of The Lewis School will begin calling their homeroom students. We are looking forward to reconnecting with students personally to lift their spirits and to see how they are feeling generally and coping with the apprehension of unexpected change and distancing.
• There is no more powerful connection to be made between human beings than through the physical sound, emotional intelligence and reassurance of human speech and voice.
• We will all see each other again at school in the not too distant future. In the mean time, we want our students to know we are thinking about them, we love them and we are here for them. They can count on that.
• Parents of Afternoon Enrichment and Tutorial students and Extended Day students placed by districts may leave messages for Director of Extended Day Education, Cindy Stewart at info@lewisschool,org.
• Messages regarding all Main Office records and administrative requests may be left at info@lewisschool.org. We will respond as promptly as possible.
• Families calling with regard to general enrollment, reenrollment or a student's projected class placement (where determined) for academic year 2020-2021 must contact the school at info@lewisschool.org.
• Messages related district placement, financial matters, tuition payment schedules and accounts, contracts and other financial issues may be left for CFO, Ann Zawartkay at ann.zawartkay@lewisschool.org.
Admissions and New Parent Communication During COVID-19 Disruption
• New families applying to the Lewis School and those who are currently in the admissions process must direct inquiries regarding the status of applications or placement for Summer Study and Fall Semester to our voice mail at 609-924-8120.
• Parents or students wishing to speak to David Stier or Chantra Reinman in Admissions must leave messages on The Lewis School's voice mail at 609-924-8120 beginning Monday, March 30, 2020.
• All 609-924-8120 Voice Mail will be retrieved daily by Annie Adams, Main Office Managing Coordinator, and forwarded to the appropriate administrators.
Postponed, Rescheduled and Cancelled Events through Friday May 22, 2020
• End of Year and Standardized Testing, Thursday, April 2, 2020 - rescheduled for summer administration
• Open House and Coffee, Saturday, April 18, 2020 - cancelled, will be rescheduled
• Topics and Trends in Education and Earth Day, Wednesday, April 18, 2020 - cancelled, Topics and Trends will be rescheduled
• Upper School Theater Ensemble, April 24, 2020 - cancelled, may be rescheduled
• Parent-Teacher Conferences beginning on Monday, April 30, 2020 to be reorganized
• Field Day, Wednesday May 6, 2020 - cancelled, may be scheduled for summer
• Lower School Play, Thursday, May 7, 2020 - cancelled
• Upper School Prom, Friday, May 8, 2020 - cancelled
• Athletic Banquet, Thursday, May 14, 2020 - cancelled, may be rescheduled
• Open House and Coffee, Saturday, May 16, 2020 - cancelled, will be rescheduled
Graduation and Awards Ceremonies
Currently, Upper School Graduation and Awards, and the Middle and Lower School Awards ceremonies remain as scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2020 and Friday, May 22, 2020, respectively. Both of these very special events in the lives of our students may have to be reorganized if that is necessary or possible. The final decision will be made based on the unfolding impact of New Jersey's COVID-19 disruption.
What to Expect in Future E-mails
Look for COVID-19 Emergency Planning Information regarding the following:
1. Post-Extended Break Educational and Administrative Contingencies
2. Possible Modifications to School Calendar/School Year, SAIL and Summer Study
3. Academic Credit for 2019-2020
4. Graduation and Awards Ceremonies
5. Extending Summer Study to full days
6. Summer Administration of End of Year and Standardized Testing
7. End of Year and Standardized Testing and Exams
First Day Back? How to Begin on Monday Morning?
CONTENT TEACHERS AND INSTRUCTORS WILL BE CALLING AFTER 1:30 PM, MONDAY AFTERNOON
- See the proposed "class schedule" attached. Working on packet assignments begins (should begin) promptly at 8:30 am for all students of the school.
- "Patience over Time" is a mantra that will help set schedules and put routines in place. Don't expect too much too soon. Always expect the best and appreciate that to start.
