COVID-19 Response

Groton Farm School is committed to maintaining a healthy learning environment for the children attending our 2021-2022 school year. In response to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we implement several strategies recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Important to note is that these procedures will remain fluid, subject to change, as is the virus and the medical research. Groton Farm School will inform the parents of such changes prior to implementing them.

Our school implements the following policies and procedures:

  •  Each child will have his/her temperature taken daily when they arrive at school, prior to entering the indoor classroom.
  • To minimize the amount of people inside the school, we ask parents not to enter the classrooms and remain in their cars. 
  • Face coverings/masks are REQUIRED for children and staff members while indoors. Staff will ensure the children take their mask off during small breaks, outside, throughout the day while social distancing - 6 feet apart.
  • Face coverings/masks are NOT REQUIRED OUTSIDE. Masks stay on outside when social distancing is not permitted.
  • Teachers utilize our tented, outdoor classroom to ensure there is plenty of room for social distancing.
  • To  promote the circulation of fresh air in the indoor classrooms, our windows and doors will remain open at all times, weather permitting. 
  • Groton Farm School will ensure they always have installed an upgraded air filter in their HVAC system (MERV-13 rated filter), which is recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency:  https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/what-kind-filter-should-i-use-my-home-hvac-system-help-protect-my-family-covid-19.
  • If the AC or heat is not necessary due to temperature, LGFS will turn on the HVAC Fan feature, which will aid in continuous airflow. https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/can-running-hvac-system-my-home-help-protect-me-covid-19
  • All indoor classrooms have air purifiers. 
  • Students are required to bring their own supplies (e.g. supply box/container, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, etc.).
  • Promote and demonstrate regular hand washing and positive hygiene behaviors. Washing hands frequently throughout the day is a priority for staff and students.
  • Place multiple hand sanitizers at various areas inside the classroom and outside for easy access to the students and staff.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces/shared objects.
  • There will be no sharing of food.
  • Require parents to keep their child home if they are sick with any illness. This includes fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, upset stomach, etc. NO SICKNESS IS ALLOWED.
  • Students will be working frequently in small groups in order to minimize close contact learning situations.
  • If a staff member or student has been exposed to an individual who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, contact the Head of School immediately. Parents of all students will be notified. The exposed student or staff member will be required to quarantine for 14 days from the last day of contact with the infected individual. Prior to returning to school, the exposed staff member or student, must be tested for COVID-19 and provide the School Administrator with a copy of the test results.
  • If a staff member or student has been infected with COVID-19, contact the Head of School immediately. Groton Farm School will stop IN PERSON teaching for 14 days since the last contact with the infected staff member or student. Instruction and learning will continue via Zoom for the entire quarantine period. Prior to returning to school, the infected staff member or student should be symptom-free for 72 hours. All staff members and students must be tested for COVID-19 before returning to school. A copy of the COVID-19 test results must be submitted to the School Administrator. 
  • Current Travel Policy: If you and your family decide to travel via public mass transportation (e.g airplane), we ask that your child be quarantined for 14 days prior to returning to school. A negative test must be provided before returning to school. According to the CDC, "You and your travel companions (including children) pose a risk to your family, friends, and community for 14 days after you were exposed to the virus." https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.htm
  • Community Venues and Gatherings: If you and your family attend an event with over 10 people, we ask that your child be quarantined for 14 days prior to returning to school. A negative test must be provided. According to the CDC,