COVID-19 Response Plan

Quarter 2 Updates:

Juniors are scheduled to move out next Friday, November 6.  Please note the deadline for checking out is 4:00 p.m.  You are expected to clean your rooms before leaving, and we will sanitize them prior to the arrival of seniors.  

Seniors will arrive on Sunday, November 8.  Ms. Alexander will send additional details about move-in on Tuesday, including information on COVID testing.  Currently, we have 43 seniors who will remain at home to participate virtually for the remainder of the semester.  

The large number of seniors choosing to remain virtual allows us to do three things.  First, we will continue to accommodate students on campus who have special circumstances.  Second, we are accommodating soccer players (juniors and seniors) on campus as requested to allow them to practice as a team and participate in matches.  Finally, we will allow juniors to (whose senior roommates choose to remain at home) to remain on campus.  Juniors should communicate with their roommates to determine if they are eligible.  Eligible juniors interested in this option should submit the request using the following link:  Juniors Wanting to Remain in Residence Halls. Please note that students opting to remain on campus will not be allowed to go home until we leave for Thanksgiving. 

All students will move out of the residence halls on Friday, November 20th as we take a much needed one-week break for Thanksgiving.  Students with special circumstances will be allowed to move back on Sunday, November 29th, but they will participate as virtual-only students with everyone else.  As of now, the rest of the students who were on campus during the last two weeks prior to Thanksgiving will be allowed to move back on campus Sunday, December 6 to complete the remainder of the semester.   

Quarter 3 Updates:

As we have consistently stated, our desire is to see all students on campus at some point in the spring semester.  In addition to monitoring the information available to us by national and state health professionals, we are paying close attention to how well our students are adhering to guidelines and expectations during this quarter.   

As indicated in the previous update, classes will still begin on Tuesday, January 5.  However, juniors will return to campus Sunday, January 10, to allow one additional week to self-quarantine after the Winter Break.     

If conditions are favorable, seniors will join the juniors on campus one week later on Sunday, January 17. 

Health and Safety:

The following information was mentioned in the last update. 

• Masks and Social Distancing
  As indicated on page 6 of the COVID Operating Plan (COP) and communicated from the beginning, all students and employees are expected to wear masks while around other people.  In addition, six feet of separation should be practiced when possible, even inside the residence halls (COP, p. 7).  This is the best way to limit the spread of the virus if someone is infected.  Before students come to campus, we have also asked that they self-quarantine at home for at least one week to decrease their chances of coming in contact with people who may be infected.  Seniors should be in self-quarantine in preparation to move in next weekend.
• Free Rapid COVID Testing
  As an additional measure of safety, students will be asked to submit to a rapid nasal swab COVID test at no cost to the families on the day they arrive to campus to move in.  These tests consist of a swab being inserted only into the nostril, similar to testing for flu.  This is different from the PCR swab tests, in which the swab is inserted much farther back.  Students who are not tested for COVID during this time will be quarantined for one week on their arrival.  To keep our campus safe and to increase our chances of keeping students on campus, we strongly encourage everyone to participate in the free COVID testing.  Random testing for COVID will also be conducted each week.
• Flu Shots (COP, p. 8)

  To mitigate the impact that increases in both cases of flu and COVID-19 campus and community health resources, members of the MSMS and MUW community are very strongly encouraged to have a flu shot during the fall.  If you have not had a flu shot, please consider doing so.   

• Procedures for students testing positive and quarantining
  Please refer to the COVID Operating Plan on pages 5-8. 

Campus Life:

We discussed in the meetings with parents and students what to expect for campus life.  Though we are attempting to provide appropriate activities to enhance the students’ experiences, we must all remain cognizant that we are in the midst of a pandemic.   

• Visitors on campus(COP, p. 2).
  Students will not be allowed to leave campus. Families are allowed to bring items to campus for their children, but if families choose to take students off campus, the students will be required to complete the remainder of the term at home.  Certain exceptions will be made such as doctor’s visits, but we ask that those be scheduled at other times if possible.
• Food Deliveries
  Students will still be able to order food and have it delivered to campus.  Residential staff have already sent an email with times and procedures.   

As we approach the end of Quarter 1 next week, we wish students the best as they look to finish strong.  We have met with employees, parents, and students to discuss Quarter 2, get input, and answer questions.  Employee planning committees are meeting to discuss COVID operating procedures, and the directors have met with the COVID Advisory Committee to discuss our way forward.  

Virtual-only Option 

This option is still available for Quarter 2 and will more than likely be available throughout this pandemic.   

Quarter 2: School Calendar 

The academic days on the school calendar have not changed.  However, we will modify the dates for juniors and seniors on campus as follows for Quarter 2:   

• Juniors  
  Juniors will still move in on Saturday, October 17.  However, juniors will leave campus Friday, November 6, which means they will be on campus for three weeks instead of five weeks.  This decision was made for two reasons.  First, since we were not able to bring juniors or seniors to campus for Quarter 1, we did not want to wait until after Thanksgiving for seniors to be on campus.  Second, if the rates of COVID infections increase drastically, we may not be able to bring seniors to campus at all during this semester.
• Seniors 
  Seniors will move in Sunday, November 8 and remain until Friday, November 20.  If conditions are favorable, seniors will come back to campus Sunday, December 6 to finish out the semester.  

Quarter 3:  School Calendar 

As we have stated from the beginning, our desire is to see all students on campus at some point in the spring semester.  We will continue to monitor the information available to us by national and state health professionals, and we will also pay close attention to how well our students are able to adhere to guidelines and expectations during Quarter 2.   

Some experts are concerned about the number of COVID infections increasing during the holidays, which has caused us to reconsider when students will come back to campus.  Instead of juniors moving back to campus Monday, January 4, they will move back one week later, Sunday, January 10, to allow one additional week to self-quarantine.  Classes will still begin on Tuesday, January 5.   

Health and Safety 

• Masks and Social Distancing
  As indicated on page 6 of the COVID Operating Plan (COP) and communicated from the beginning, all students and employees are expected to wear masks while around other people.  In addition, six feet of separation should be practiced when possible, even inside the residence halls (COP, p. 7).  This is the best way to limit the spread of the virus if someone is infected.  Before students come to campus, we have also asked that they self-quarantine at home for at least one week to decrease their chances of coming in contact with people who may be infected.  Juniors should already be in self-quarantine in preparation to move in next weekend.   
• Free Rapid COVID Testing
  As an additional measure of safety, students will be asked to submit to a rapid nasal swab COVID test at no cost to the families on the day they arrive to campus to move in.  These tests consist of a swab being inserted only into the nostril, similar to testing for flu.  This is different from the PCR swab tests, in which the swab is inserted much farther back.  Students who are not tested for COVID during this time will be quarantined for one week on their arrival.  To keep our campus safe and to increase our chances of keeping students on campus, we strongly encourage everyone to participate in the free COVID testing.  Random testing for COVID will also be conducted each week.  Employees will also be asked to submit to COVID testing prior to students moving in.  
• Flu Shots (COP, p. 8)

  To mitigate the impact that increases in both cases of flu and COVID-19 campus and community health resources, members of the MSMS and MUW community are very strongly encouraged to have a flu shot during the fall.  Employees had an opportunity to take flu shots this past Monday on campus.  We ask that flu shots be taken at least one week before coming to campus.

Campus Life 

Though we are attempting to provide appropriate activities to enhance the students’ experiences, we must all remain cognizant that we are in the midst of a pandemic.   

• Classes
  Some classes will still be all virtual. 
• Visitors on campus(COP, p. 2).
  Students will not be allowed to leave campus.  Families are allowed to bring items to campus for their children, but if families choose to take students off campus, the students will be required to complete the remainder of the term at home. Certain exceptions will be made such as doctor’s visits, but we ask that those be scheduled at other times if possible.
• Food Deliveries
  Students will still be able to order food and have it delivered to campus.  Please refer to the Student Handbook for times and procedures. 

Update on Activities 

• CEREMONY OF LIGHTS 

This important ceremony will be held Sunday, October 25^th in Rent Auditorium after juniors have been on campus for one week.  We felt that this induction ceremony was too special to hold virtually. 

• WINTER FORMAL 

Right now, it does not appear that we will be able to host winter formal.  However, our Student Affairs staff members are still considering various options. 

• SENIOR TRIBUTE 

No additional information 

The semester is well under way, and we have been monitoring how things are progressing.

Below are a few updates for this semester:

1. Saturday, August 22: Quarter 1—Meet the Teachers
   Teachers will invite parents to their Zoom sessions according to the schedule below.  Parents will receive 3 to 4 separate emails with invitations, depending on the number of classes their children are taking during quarter 1. 
   • 9:00 AM – Block 1 
   • 10:00 AM – Block 2 
   • 11:00 AM – Block 4 
   • 12 noon – Block 5 
2. Tuesday, August 25:  Parent Meetings with Directors
   Parents will have an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions about the fall semester.
3. Week of October 26^th
   After the beginning of the second quarter, parents will be allowed to meet with their children’s teachers for that quarter.  They will also have the opportunity to meet with directors for a Q&A session.  More details will follow closer to that time.
4. Club Fair
   In the past, club fair has been hosted in Hogarth Auditorium to allow students to investigate the various options that fit their interests.  This year, club officers and sponsors will create short introductory videos to introduce the clubs.  Next week students will have an opportunity to explore the clubs and contact club leaders for additional information. Each club will schedule interest meetings and invite interested students. 
5. Junior Move-In 
   Instead of juniors moving in on Sunday, October 18^th, they will move in Saturday, October 17^th to allow for a mini-orientation.  This extra day will also help juniors transition to being on campus before starting the second quarter on Monday, October 19th.
6. Ceremony of Lights
   This important ceremony will be held Sunday, October 25^th in Rent Auditorium after juniors have been on campus for one week.  We felt that this induction ceremony was too special to hold virtually. 
7. Winter Formal
   Right now, it does not appear that we will be able to host winter formal.  However, our Student Affairs staff members are still considering various options. 
8. Senior Tribute
   No additional information 

Due to concerns over the rising number of COVID-19 cases, we will no longer have students on campus for senior orientation.  Instead, on August 1, we will have senior registration and room setup, and from August 2 and 3, we will host a virtual senior orientation.

For senior orientation, we were trying to plan several activities that have become more impractical because of current conditions, and we are concerned about students strictly abiding by social distancing measures during the few days on campus without classes.   Further, we are not comfortable with how many seniors have practiced a soft quarantine at home prior to coming this weekend because we failed to communicate this expectation in a timely manner, something that we will do for juniors immediately.  As much as we would love to host senior orientation on campus, we do not consider it to be wise at this point.   

To reiterate, Saturday, August 1 will provide seniors a chance to register and pick up books.  In addition, they will have a chance to set up their rooms and decide which bed or side of the room they want before juniors arrive.  Families who are not able to make it this Saturday can sign up for mobile registration.  We will take two or three MSMS buses to a few different locations statewide.

Finally, we want to remind you  fees are still due by the deadline, even if you decide on the virtual option.  As indicated previously, we will decide on reimbursements at the end of each semester.  Students will not be allowed to register prior to all fees being paid.  If you need assistance with paying fees, please contact us. 

MSMS Reopening Task Force and committees have been meeting to develop a detailed plan for the upcoming school year. 

A few of you have expressed a desire for us to begin the year operating as normal, and we wish we could.  At some point during this school year, we hope we can bring all students back to campus and return to normal, but these are not normal times.  Until then, we are trying to balance keeping students safe and providing a learning experience as close to normal as possible.  We are listening to all recommendations and concerns to make the best decisions possible.  Thanks for your understanding.

General

Q:  How often will juniors and seniors alternate on campus?

A:  Juniors and seniors will alternate once each nine-week grading period.  Careful consideration has been given to limit student travel.

Q:  Will fees be adjusted since students will not be on campus the entire school year?

A:  More than likely.  We will determine towards the end of each semester how much of an adjustment needs to be made.

Q:  I am concerned about my child losing out on the benefit of having seniors present to help guide and acclimate to MSMS.  How will you handle this?

A:  We will have a few emissaries (senior leaders) remain in the residence halls to assist juniors.  In addition, emissaries will schedule virtual meetings with the juniors they are assigned.   

Q:  What safety measures are being put in place?

A:  Our staff members have been cleaning and sanitizing all buildings.  Our Custodian and Facilities Coordinator both went through an extensive course this summer and received certifications as Infection Prevention Experts through the Academy for Cleaning Experts (ACE).  Below are a few measures being implemented.

• • Daily temperature readings will be taken and symptoms monitored for all employees, students, and visitors.  To ensure that everyone has been cleared for each day, everyone will be provided with a wrist band.

• • Wearing face masks will be required by employees and students in common areas.  Specific details will be provided in the plan. 
  • Sanitation stations are being installed across campus
  • We have adjusted our current cleaning plan to ensure all spaces are properly cleaned frequently. This includes an increase in wipe downs of common spaces, light switches, doorknobs, etc. 
  • The layout of shared spaces has been modified by decreasing the amount of furniture and adjusting the space between seating areas. 

• • Visible signage is being posted as friendly reminders to wash hands frequently and to wear masks.

Academic Affairs

Q:  When will schedules be ready?

A:  Schedules will be ready the week before school begins. Mrs. Brown will send an email to all students with instruction on how to access the schedule.

Q:  What type of schedule will be used?

A:  To limit the number of courses students focus on at one time, we are moving to a block schedule.  Students will take approximately 3 courses each nine-week quarter.  Traditional year-long courses (1 Carnegie Unit) will last two quarters. Traditional semester courses (0.5 Carnegie Units) will last one quarter.

Q:  How will classes be different while we are on campus versus while at home?

A:  Class sessions will be filmed live to allow all students to participate at the same time.  Students who experience connectivity issues during the lesson will be able to view the lesson later, as it will be recorded and loaded to Canvas.  We will assist families individually as needed with other issues or concerns.

Q:  How will students be able to get help from teachers outside of class?

A:  Teachers will host office hours and tutorial sessions virtually.  The times will be determined by individual teachers.

Residence Life

Q:  Do you have enough rooms to house all students in a single room?

A:  No.

Q:  When will roommate assignments be provided?

A:  We will more than likely notify students by email next week.

Q:  Will I be able to have my requested roommate as a suite-mate?

A:  Yes. We also attempted to place requested suite mates on the same floor/wing.

Student Affairs

Q:  Will MSMS still offer sports?

A:  We are working alongside Mississippi High School Activities Association to determine our status in participating in Fall Sports.

Q:  Will we still have clubs this year?

A: Yes.  We will work on a virtual club fair at the beginning of the year, and club sponsors will assist with hosting virtual club meetings as needed.  

Q:  How will other activities be impacted? 

A:  Residence Life staff members are working diligently to develop creative and engaging programs for students both on and off campus.

Q:  How will the cafeteria operate?

A:  Sodexo manages food services for MUW and MSMS.  They have established safety procedures that will be shared in our reopening plan.  Students will have three meals per day as usual Monday through Friday and brunch and dinner on weekends.   

Q:  Will students still be required to do Work Service?

A:  Yes.  

Q:  Will students still be required to complete Wellness requirements?

A:  Yes, even while at home.  Details will be provided.   

During the 2020-2021 academic year, juniors and seniors will rotate living in the residence halls to limit the number of students on campus at one time.  To ensure every student has their own room while on campus, juniors and seniors will room together; roommate assignments will be provided soon.  In addition to limiting the number of students on campus at one time, we will require students and employees to wear masks in common spaces.  Two masks that contain the MSMS logo will be provided for all students and employees.  PLUS will assist with the cost of the masks and conduct a fundraiser for those interested in purchasing additional masks.

For us to reconnect with seniors and allow them to reconnect with their campus, we plan to have seniors move in on Saturday, August 1^st for several days of orientation.  Details of the orientation will be provided soon.  After seniors leave campus, we will clean the buildings and continue with move-in for juniors on the originally scheduled date of Saturday, August 8^th.  Because of the importance of helping juniors get acclimated to the MSMS culture and a more rigorous learning environment, juniors will begin classes while on campus.  The specific dates for juniors and seniors on campus throughout the year will be provided within the next two weeks.

Dates

• August 1 – August 4:  Senior move-in and begin Orientation
• August 8 – TBD:  Junior move-in and Orientation, Classes on campus

As you are probably already aware, Governor Reeves indicated yesterday that classes will not resume face to face this school year.  Thus, we will continue classes remotely throughout the remainder of the semester.  We know how disappointed you are about this decision, but we all know that this action is necessary to limit the spread of COVID–19.  Words cannot fully express how much we will miss sharing these last few months with you, especially our seniors.  We are deeply sorry that these important days in your lives have been met with this unfortunate situation.

Below are items that we hope will address all your questions.  

Final Grades

• Final grades will be determined by individual teachers
• Teachers are trying to decide in their individual classes those objectives and skills that are essential for students to learn and at the same time provide much needed challenging learning opportunities for students.  Our primary goal right now is to help ALL students be prepared for their next academic challenge: college or senior year at MSMS. 

Last Day of Classes and Exams

• The last day of class is still May 14.    
• Exams are scheduled for May 15, 18-21
• More details will be provided by individual teachers.

Moving Out of Residence Halls

• Juniors will move out Wednesday, May 13 through Saturday, May 16. 
• Seniors will move out Wednesday, May 6 through Friday, May 8.  Seniors will also have their pictures taken in their caps and gowns while on campus.
• Students can submit preferences for days through the survey, but times will be scheduled to allow us to limit the number of students on campus at one time. Additional details on procedures will be provided next week from the Office of Student Affairs.

Refund of Room and Board Fees

• Fees will be refunded upon request.  Parents will use the link to the survey to submit their option as indicated below.  Please note that refund checks will be made out to students in order to expedite the refund.
  • Transfer fourth quarter room and board fees to the next academic year (juniors only).
  • Request a refund of the $250 fourth quarter room and board fees.
  • Donate the $250 fourth quarter room and board fees (will not request a refund)

Graduation

• We are hopeful that we can reschedule graduation to the first or second week in July.  An exact date will be determined in the next two weeks. 
• We would like for seniors and their parents to indicate their interest in attending a July graduation by completing the survey.
• Seniors will have a video and photo taken as they march across the stage when they return to move out of the residence halls.  A video will be created to use for graduation activities.
• Graduation Fees
  • Graduation fees include the cost of the regalia rental, diplomas, and diploma covers.  We will reimburse fees paid for additional graduation tickets and the reception.   

Other Events and Activities

• AP Exams—Will be conducted online

• Blue Letter Banquet—Will be held virtually
• Honors Convocation—Will be held virtually on May 14 at 6:00 p.m. and will include recognitions for seniors generally held during Senior Recognition
• Tacky Tiki—Postponed to be included in an on-campus activity for juniors and seniors in July
• Registering for 2020-2021 Courses
  • Because juniors still need to submit course requests, counseling sessions will be held for groups of students to help complete course requests, which will be submitted online.  Ms. Brown will provide details later.

• Summer Enrichment Camps—Will be held online
  Dates and additional information will be provided in the next few weeks. 
• Move-in Day—We still expect for incoming juniors to arrive Saturday, August 8.

The following events for the 2019-2020 academic year have been canceled/postponed:

• ACT Workshops—Canceled
• Summer Enrichment Camps—Will more than likely be postponed due to the likelihood of the 2019-2020 school year being pushed into June.

• Sporting events—TBD (MHSAA has suspended all activities until April 17.)
• Tales from the Crypt – Canceled
• Eighth of May—TBD
• Spring Musical—Canceled
• U.S. History Exam—Canceled; Governor’s executive order; MBE affirmation
• Blue Letter Banquet—Canceled
• AP Exams—TBD
• Honors Convocation—TBD
• Tacky Tiki—TBD
• Graduation—Will more than likely be postponed to a later date
• Selection Process
  • Interview Day was canceled, and interviews will not be accounted for in this year’s selection process. 
  • To ensure that families get additional information about MSMS, a video has been developed to send to families.  In addition, families will have an opportunity to join Q & A sessions through Zoom.  They will be able to join through video and audio.  We will have parent and student representatives available to provide responses to questions.

“Tales from the Crypt” 2020, an award-winning research-performance project of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, is canceled for this year.