It will take all of us working together to make this successful, and we are dedicated to transitioning the community back to campus with detailed training, unwavering compassion, and ongoing communication. Our learning scenarios for Fall 2020 will allow YCDS to adapt to changing conditions and provide continuity of learning, connection, and authentic engagement for our students. York Country Day School plans for all students to return to campus on August 25, 2020. We will operate using our normal daily schedule, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. As students and faculty return to school, the School will focus on safety protocol training, social and emotional wellness, and becoming better acquainted with new, temporary protocols and daily routines.
Before-school and after-school enrichment programs will continue to operate on a limited, pre-registration basis. Division Heads will send this information directly to parents.
The YCDS Task Force will continue to monitor public health developments, policies, and procedures. The School will continue to communicate changes, enhancements, and important announcements.
There are three learning scenarios for Fall 2020 learning. They are:
Scenario 1: On-campus learning model – students return for in-person instruction, with modifications to promote safety and mitigate exposure to COVID-19.
Students return to campus in grade-level cohorts and remain with grade-level cohorts throughout the day. Some Middle and Upper School students will have limited cross-cohort blending in foreign language and mathematics. Grades 11 and 12 are one combined cohort and remain so throughout the day. As much as possible, all cohort classes and activities will take place in their designated area only (in addition to outdoor spaces whenever possible) to mitigate exposure.
YCDS has arranged for spacious outdoor tents to be installed mid-August. These tents, along with new and numerous picnic tables placed throughout the grounds will provide ample opportunity for outdoor classes, outdoor recess for all grade levels, despite weather conditions, and a lunch seating option. Our School will take advantage of good weather and use the outdoors as a place to learn, play, and study.
All YCDS classrooms have been inventoried for size and accessibility to ensure physical distancing for each student and faculty member.
Scenario 2: Hybrid learning model – an option for all families to accommodate those not comfortable or who may be immuno-compromised to attend in-person, will learn remotely from home, with synchronous instruction and asynchronous coursework as well. The hybrid learning model will differ by grade and by division. Details of the hybrid learning model day will be shared directly by Division Heads to parents. An addendum to the YCDS Student Handbook related to remote instruction will be shared in August by Division Heads with parents and students.
Some students will choose to participate in remote, live instruction. YCDS has invested in a number of new technologies, such as Logitech cameras, which integrate with Zoom and microphones to better enhance sound delivery and reception.
All faculty members engaged in intensive professional development to better prepare for live remote instruction and to incorporate Google Classroom as a universal, streamlined platform to access materials, assignments, grades, and communication.
Scenario 3: Remote learning model – all students move to remote learning from home, with live instruction, adhering to state or county orders or if the administration feels it necessary to close campus due to COVID-19 exposure.
In the event that York Country Day School will not be permitted to open due to state or county orders, or if the Administration finds it necessary due to COVID-19 exposure, faculty are trained, equipped, and prepared to host live virtual instruction four days per week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with Wednesday serving as an asynchronous learning day for students. Daily schedules will be dependent upon grade level. Additional information will be shared by division heads.