Health and Safety

Berkeley Rose Waldorf School (BRWS) has an intentional approach in how we welcome all families, faculty, and staff back to the 2022-23 school year during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We are keeping our educational mission at the forefront as we consider the emotional and physical safety of our local and larger communities.

Our school leadership has familiarized themselves with the current health order and guidelines from both the City of Berkeley and the California Department of Health in order to move forward in the opening of our school for the 2022-23 academic school year. 

To participate in the BRWS program it is critical that all families commit to this guideline until the health orders change. 

Guidelines and Actions for COVID-19 Exposure

As per the CDPH guidelines these are the recommendations for staying home when sick and getting tested:

a. Follow the strategy for Staying Home when Sick and Getting Tested from the CDC.
b. Get tested for COVID-19 when symptoms are consistent with COVID-19.
c. Advise staff members and students with symptoms of COVID-19 infection not to return for in-person instruction until they have met the following criteria:

i. At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; AND
ii. Other symptoms are improving; AND
iii. They have a negative test for SARS-CoV-2, OR a healthcare provider has provided documentation that the symptoms are typical of their underlying chronic condition (e.g., allergies or asthma) OR a healthcare provider has confirmed an alternative named diagnosis (e.g., Streptococcal pharyngitis, Coxsackie virus), OR at least 10 days have passed since symptom onset.
iv. If the student or staff member tests positive for SARS-CoV-2, follow the guidance for isolation in Section #10 below.

Reopening Plan:

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Screening Testing

  • BRWS will make antigen testing kits available when necessary.
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Face Coverings and Other Essential Protective Gear

  • Face coverings are optional.
  • Gloves will be worn as needed by staff when handling food or medical situations.
  • The School has appropriate personal protective equipment available on hand to supply to staff and students when needed.
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Self Screenings for Students and Staff

  • Self symptom checks are required for all staff and students every morning when attending school.
  • Any staff member or child with COVID-19 symptoms on the list must stay home.
  • Any student or staff member who develops symptoms during the day is sent home. Students are physically separated from classmates to await pick-up.
Vaccinations

Vaccinations

  • Vaccinations are strongly encouraged by the City of Berkeley and the California Department of Health.
  • For everyone’s safety the school has made all vaccine information available to all faculty and staff.
  • As of October 15th, 2021 all staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (or have a valid medical or religious excemption).
Ventilation

Ventilation within the School

  • When air quality is good, the schools will optimize ventilation in indoor spaces by opening all available windows and doors through out the school day.
  • The school will run high-quality air filters with HEPA components in classrooms and offices.
Air Quality

Air Quality During COVID

  • Air Quality is monitored by the school administration on a daily basis.
  • When Air Quality Index (AQI) values exceed 100, the school will limit smoke or outdoor air intrusion into indoor air while maintaining ventilation and filtration recommendations for COVID-19. 
  • The school will adjust any heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) outdoor intake.
  • All doors and windows will be closed.
  • All portable, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters will be in full use.
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Healthy Hygiene Practices

  • Frequent hand washing is required, and thorough instructions are given by teachers.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers are available throughout the school.
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Cleaning, Disinfection and Ventilation

  • Janitorial services are contracted for thorough cleanings twice weekly.
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Identification and Tracing of Contacts

  • BRWS has designated two staff members as the COVID Liaisons who support contact tracing, including creating and submitting lists of exposed students and staff to the local health department and notification of exposed persons, as needed. These staff members are Jessica Prentice and Anaolga Macnaughton.
  • BRWS has designated one person for the local health department to contact about COVID-19. This person is Jessica Prentice, School Director.
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Physical Distance

  • There are no minimum physical distancing requirements.
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Communication Plans

  • BRWS uses ParentSquare to communicate school wide information.
  • The BRWS community will follow the current Guidelines and Actions for COVID-19 Exposure for communicating any group quarantine needs.
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Staff Training and Family Education

  • BRWS offers ongoing staff training and family education, when needed, regarding new COVID-19 protocols.
  • Teachers offer parent education via class emails and meetings, and the School Director often joins to answer questions as the COVID Liaison.
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Berkeley Rose seeks a representative community of diversity, welcoming students of any race, religion, ethnic, and financial background. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational or admissions programs and policies. The school is a nonprofit 501(c)(3).

Association of Waldorf Schools of North America Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America   ISSFBA logo

BRWS is a proud member of these associations