COVID-19 Response
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- VILLANOVA PREPARATORY SCHOOL
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Fall 2020 COVID-19 FAQ
Health and Safety
What will happen if someone within the school community tests positive for COVID?
What will happen if someone in my household tests positive for COVID?
What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19?
What are some steps that are being taken to ensure the health and safety of every student on campus?
What are the expectations of each school community member?
Returning to School
What screening process will we need to complete before returning to school?
If my student is traveling to school alone, will you arrange transportation from the airport?
Do I need to get tested for COVID-19?
Academics
Will we be online or virtual when school starts?
What will our schedule look like at the beginning of the year?
When will new students receive their iPads?
What happens to my classes if the County issues another stay-at-home order?
Do we have to wear masks during class?
What will classrooms look like?
Will the classrooms be disinfected after every class?
How many absences am I allowed?
What will the attendance policy be?
Online Learning
What is the online schedule of classes for students who are not able to travel to school?
What is the attendance policy for students engaging in online learning?
Student Life
What activities can we have if we must social distance?
Will we be having Mass on campus?
Will there be social distancing at lunch?
Can I see my dorm friends if I am a day student?
Will the student store be open?
What would a normal day back to school look like?
Boarding Program
What steps are being taken to protect the health and well-being of the resident students?
As a resident, I cannot travel/arrive by the first day of school. How does this impact my tuition?
Can I check out with friends or family?
I am not comfortable sending my son/daughter back at this time; may my student begin online?
I have not left my home at all this summer, do I have to quarantine with the resident Program?
How do I get back? I live in China.
If I cannot get back to campus or choose not to return, how will I take classes?
Tuition & Fees
Will there be a refund to my account if classes go online?
What about other fees charged throughout the year? Will the fees be prorated?
Athletics
Health and Safety
What will happen if someone within the school community tests positive for COVID?
The COVID-positive individual will be required to isolate for at least ten days, must have no fever for at least 24 hours, and provide a doctor’s note clearing that person to return to campus. We will communicate with the Villanova community if someone on campus tests positive for COVID.
What will happen if someone in my household tests positive for COVID?
Since all members of the household must quarantine for 14 days, online learning will be available and required for the affected student during the duration of this quarantine. The student should be tested if symptoms present during the 14 day quarantine. If the student has no symptoms after 14 days, then the student may return to the regular learning environment.
What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19?
You should begin isolation, get tested, contact your doctor, and notify the school nurse. You must stay home until you have a doctor’s clearance to return to campus.
What are some steps that are being taken to ensure the health and safety of every student on campus?
Honesty is paramount. If a member of the community does not feel well, then one should stay home and away from others. Students will be screened daily before entering campus. No student with a temperature of over 100.4 and/or exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be permitted to enter campus. Resident students presenting symptoms will be isolated and tested. In addition to social distancing in the classroom and around campus, there will be separate entrance and exit doors into every building and for most classrooms. One-way traffic in Austin Hall and around classroom buildings will be in effect. The HVAC system will also be upgraded to include Fresh-Aire UV which will provide UV disinfection of viruses for every classroom. This will be in addition to the in-person disinfection of every classroom after each class. Hand sanitizing stations, modified lunch procedures, and supervision of students to ensure social distancing will be in place in order to minimize any risks.
What are the expectations of each school community member?
Out of love and respect for our neighbor, we request that all members of the school, students, faculty and staff, maintain a healthy and safe lifestyle. Our school community is only as strong as our weakest link. We hope and intend to offer as much in-person learning as possible. A safe environment is our utmost priority, and this takes the diligent and proactive work of every person to minimize the spread of coronavirus.
Returning to School
What screening process will we need to complete before returning to school?
All students, faculty, and staff will need to demonstrate that they do not have symptoms and present a negative test result for COVID-19 before school begins. All students should 1)complete a 10 day wellness check and 2)obtain a negative COVID-19 test result prior to physically starting on campus. Additionally, students should ensure their checklist items on the enrollment portal are also entirely completed.
If my student is traveling to school alone, will you arrange transportation from the airport?
Yes, we are surveying families now to obtain travel information. Please contact dorm@villanovaprep.org regarding your specific travel arrangements and how we can support you.
Do I need to get tested for COVID-19?
All students will need to be tested within 14 days of starting on campus. Testing centers are available throughout the county as well as through your regular physician. More information may be found by clicking on the following link: County of Ventura COVID-19 Testing Information
Villanova will release updated testing information in early August.
Daily screening will take place as students arrive on campus as long as the risk for COVID-19 transmission exists in our county.
California is experiencing a surge of cases. What are the latest thoughts on school opening if the trend stays or worsens?
Per the Governor’s mandate on July 17, we must start with online distance learning until Ventura County qualifies for removal from the County Monitoring List. We encourage all residents of Ventura County to wear face coverings and practice safe social distancing.
We recognize our families desire in-person learning, and we believe this is also the best form of an Augustinian education. Our plan considers varying educational environments to ensure both a priority of safety and a desire for physical learning.
We are closely following current developments and plan to follow any local health orders. We consider the guidance of the Ventura County Office of Education and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in transitioning between the different levels. Please see the following document for more information on this question. Fall Reopening Plans for Villanova Preparatory School
Academics
Will we be online or virtual when school starts?
Per the Governor’s mandate on July 17, we must start with online distance learning until Ventura County qualifies for removal from the County Monitoring List.
What will our schedule look like at the beginning of the year?
The online learning schedule is nearly finalized and will be published by August 7. Classes will occur on Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday. Wednesday will not have scheduled classes, but may have mass, a special event, or a time for a teacher to schedule a special class activity.
Evening classes will be held once per week for students who are in another timezone and cannot attend regular classes.
When will new students receive their iPads?
On August 15, we will conduct an iPad pick up session on campus. New day families will be notified of their assigned time to arrive and should plan to be on campus for less than one hour. The first group of students will be welcomed at 9AM and the last cohort will depart campus by 1:30PM. One parent may accompany the student. More information will be sent to families prior to the event.
What happens to my classes if the County issues another stay-at-home order?
We would move to the red tier. Classes will move immediately to distance learning through the duration of the stay-at-home order. The school will work closely with the Ventura County Department of Public Health and the Ventura County Office of Education to ensure the health and safety of all members of the Villanova community. As soon as orders are lifted and it is safe to do so, we will return to in person learning on campus.
Do we have to wear masks during class?
All students are required to wear face coverings throughout the day as well as follow social distancing protocols and frequently wash their hands. Teachers will also be wearing a face covering. There are no exceptions to this expectation.
Will courses be recorded for the students to review if it is the online course in the next academic year?
Yes, teachers will record all online lectures and presentations. Villanova has recently updated its iCloud database in conjunction with licensed Zoom accounts, and lectures will automatically be recorded, thus creating a sharable hyperlink for students to view.
What will classrooms look like? Will the classrooms be disinfected after every class?
Class sections will be smaller in order to safely social distance within classrooms. Desks will be spread six to eight feet apart. Due to maximum capacity of classrooms with this modified setup, some classes will be held in alternate locations on campus, including the gym, resource center, and theater. Villanova will make sure that classrooms are disinfected after every class, and restrooms and common areas will also be cleaned and disinfected frequently. Students will remain at least six feet apart for any class activity (labs, collaborative assignments, etc.) and will not be permitted to share supplies. Classroom equipment will be disinfected by the teacher after each use. Villanova will use EPA-approved disinfectants that have been proven to kill the COVID-19 virus.
How many absences am I allowed?
We care about your health and recovery, so please do not be afraid to stay home if you are not feeling well. The attendance policy is currently being amended in order to allow students who are feeling ill to stay at home. Stay at home if you have a temperature above 100.4 and/or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19. The absence will be excused, and students will be provided an academic plan which will layout missed work for each class and completion timeframes. It is recommended that the student attend any virtual classes that may be available during his/her absence, if possible. A student who exceeds the maximum absences will be granted a waiver if the reasons are related to staying home due to symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
What will the attendance policy be?
An academic contract will be developed in conjunction with the student, teachers, counselors, and the Assistant Headmaster for Academics in order to ensure that the student is able to make up work in a timely manner. The Assistant Headmaster for Academics, in conjunction with the college counseling team, will work with the student to make sure the terms and conditions of the contract are met.
Online Learning
What is the online schedule of classes for students who are not able to travel to school?
Teachers will maintain a daily online schedule and also hold a one-hour evening class, once a week, for that corresponding section. This schedule will be made visible on Villanova’s website.
What is the attendance policy for students engaging in online learning?
Students should attend every scheduled class. Evening classes are available for students in another timezone which does not reasonably permit them to attend regular school hours.
Student Life
What activities can we have if we must social distance?
The school will actively work to plan smaller-scale community-building activities throughout the school year that allow for safe social distancing in accordance with current guidelines. If we are not in person, then we will offer virtual activities and events.
Will we be having Mass on campus?
The school is working to plan Masses and prayer services in smaller groups, ideally utilizing outdoor spaces on campus. If we are not in person, then we will offer virtual services.
Will there be social distancing at lunch?
Normal lunch service will proceed through the cafeteria with the line beginning from our current exit and moving one direction exiting out the senior door. There will be social distancing markings on the floor. Salads, sandwiches, fruit, soup, and desserts will be individually prepackaged. Masks will be required while waiting in line, progressing through the cafeteria, and walking to a seating area. Designated seating areas will be marked in order to maintain safe social distancing. Masks may be removed once students are seated for lunch.
Can I see my dorm friends if I am a day student?
In order to maintain the residents’ safety in the space where they live, day students will not be permitted into the dorm, including the rec room, at this time. Day and dorm students can socialize in outdoor spaces as long as they maintain safe social distancing.
Will the student store be open?
The student store will be open in a safe location that allows for social distancing. It will require students to use a prepaid card to pay instead of cash.
What would a normal day back to school look like?
It depends. We have different days, some with staggered starts and other days that are hybrid.
Boarding Program
What steps are being taken to protect the health and well-being of the resident students?
- Residents will have a daily wellness check that covers their mental and physical Health.
- Dormitories will have additional cleanings including daily disinfecting of all common and frequently trafficked areas.
- Resident communal areas will have furniture arranged to promote and ensure social distancing.
- Residents who contract COVID-19 will be isolated from the main dorm population until a doctor clears them to return to the dorm.
- Parents and family representatives are expected to do everything possible to pick up and care for their resident if s/he has COVID-19. A COVID-19 positive student must depart the dormitory.
- If parents are delayed, the student will be taken off site to a hotel for isolation at the parents’ expense, if asymptomatic
As a resident, I cannot travel/arrive by the first day of school. How does this impact my tuition?
Please pay tuition as charged. Our COVID-19 task force, admin council, and board finance committee are reviewing tuition and fees to determine appropriate credit.
Residents should arrive as soon as possible. If unable to attend physically, due to travel or visa issues, students may begin classes remotely and will pay the prorated tuition at the day student rate.
Can I check out with friends or family?
Residents must stay on campus through Labor Day weekend.
Resident Life Staff and Administration will follow the local county health guidelines and what is best for the entire resident community before granting permission to leave campus, either for the day or overnight. All county health orders must be followed.
Families of resident students are allowed and encouraged to come to campus and visit their students while practicing safe social distancing.
I am not comfortable sending my son/daughter back at this time; may my student study online?
An Augustinian education is most ideal when it happens heart to heart in a close community. However, if a student is not comfortable returning to campus, we will work with the family to evaluate the situation and make a plan on a case by case basis to ensure your son/daughter continues to receive a quality Villanova education. When in-person learning resumes, all resident students should make the effort to travel to school.
Villanova will offer online learning as long as the pandemic continues. When online learning is discontinued, international students with an F-1 visa must attend Villanova’s in-person classes as a requirement of their visa.
I have not left my home at all this summer, do I have to quarantine with the resident Program?
All residents will quarantine August 5 - 18 together regardless of where they are coming from back to Villanova.
How do I get back? I live in China.
Villanova will offer online learning for students impacted by travel restrictions for as long as the restrictions are in place. Once it is safe and possible to travel, the student should make the effort to enter Villanova’s resident life.
I heard that the US will send back all international students who choose to have classes online. Is there anything I should know or do (for my I-20 or visa, etc.)?
As long as Villanova is offering online classes, international students are allowed to study from home or another location. They will remain in Active status as long as they continue their studies toward a Villanova high school diploma. Villanova’s priority is to offer safe in-person learning as soon as we are permitted and able to do so. New international students should continue toward obtaining their visa and traveling to Villanova in anticipation of in-person learning.
My resident student is Asian. Will anything be done to educate and protect Asian students with anti-Asian hate crimes increasing?
Villanova Preparatory School is committed to teaching and operating from our core values of truth, unity, and love. If students are anywhere where they experience hateful actions or words, they should communicate that immediately to school staff, and we will remove students from the situation. Upon returning to campus, we will provide support from Counseling and Campus Ministry to ensure the student is able to process the event and understand that they are safe with us.
If I cannot get back to campus or choose not to return, how will I take classes?
Online class options will be available during the fall semester. This includes online English, Mathematics, Science, and Theology. Students must be enrolled at Villanova in order to access these classes.
Tuition & Fees
Will there be a refund to my account if classes go online?
Any fees related to activities or services not rendered will be refunded, such as lunch, bus, retreats, etc. The cost of educating a student is not reduced when classes transition to remote or online learning. In fact, the cost to educate has increased in now preparing for both scenarios, and ensuring that students and faculty are safe when on campus. Villanova is determined not to pass these additional expenses onward to our families.
If the student cannot travel to the US for the fall semester, will the school reduce the tuition related to housing and meal costs?
Resident students who are not able to travel to campus and are learning online will be charged a day student tuition rate rather than a resident student tuition rate, evaluated on a weekly basis. This difference in tuition will be presented as a credit on the student’s tuition invoice.
When in-person classes resume, this credit will be discontinued and Villanova resident students should return to school if travel is possible. If the student is unable to travel due to current travel restrictions or other hardship, then the student may continue to learn online and any tuition discount will be addressed on a case by case basis.
What about other fees charged throughout the year? Will fees be prorated?
Lunch = Days refunded for when your student is not permitted to be on campus
Bus = Days refunded for when your student is not permitted to be on campus
Accident and Sickness Insurance = Billed only for when the resident student moves into the dorm. The policy is not purchased and billed until arrival. Any difference between the fee charged and the reduced cost of the policy will appear as a correction on the student’s tuition balance.
EIS = Not refunded, still meeting with Coordinator and Teacher. Online ELD courses and EIS support will still be offered for students in the program.
Retreat = Retreats will be rescheduled. A refund will be issued for any canceled retreats during the 2020-21 School Year.
Activities = Most traditional Villanova activities will take place in the spring. If there are multiple activities canceled, a credit may be offered on the monthly tuition statement.
Athletics
When will sports resume?
The California Interscholastic Federation has ruled that there will only be two sports seasons this year. Traditional fall sports will be pushed back to December at the earliest. The County of Ventura is not currently permitting any organized sports teams to engage in practices or workouts.
