While  the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is limiting class size to 15 students, we believe we can better manage safety protocols with a maximum of 12 students per class. We plan to offer integrated classes (Grades K-1 and Grades 2-3). Classroom groups will be consistent, stable cohorts each Religious School day. There must be a minimum of 6 students to offer the class. Students who register after the class fills will be put on a waiting list. All classrooms will have one consistent teacher.

All individuals (staff and students) will be required to complete a daily health screening before entering the building. In addition, daily temperature screenings will be conducted and recorded for all students, accompanying adults, and staff. Any student or staff member presenting with a fever of 100° F or higher will not be permitted to enter the building. All students and faculty will be required to wear masks for the duration of our program and we will practice physical distancing to the extent that it is possible in our space. For those that will be choosing this option, we will send more specific policies and procedures in a later communication.

In order to curb the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, it is vital that students and staff remain at home when showing signs and symptoms of any illness. For those that register for the in-person model, we will be sending home a detailed handbook regarding quarantine policy, symptoms and exclusions, contact tracing, and more.  

We will continue to adhere to the most up to date cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Cleaning logs will be maintained to ensure that all protocols are being met; all products used will be from the approved list from the CDC.

Additionally, Temple Israel has purchased Electrostatic disinfectant sprayers to allow us to perform these cleanings most efficiently. Frequently touched and high traffic areas like elevators, hallways, bathrooms, doorknobs and hand rails will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.

Common spaces such as classrooms, lobby, sanctuary, etc. will be cleaned after each class’s use. Classrooms – including materials –  will be deep-cleaned at the end of each day.

All measures to ensure increased fresh airflow are being taken. We will look to have windows open in all areas whenever possible, all air conditioning filters have been upgraded and will be replaced frequently, and each classroom has been equipped with an air purifier which includes a HEPA filter system and is designed to 150% required capacity.

We plan to offer the same new curricular components to those that choose the in-person option. In order to keep the small in-person class together as one pod, they will not have the opportunity to choose electives. Instead, they will experience the same interactive and creative programming offered in the virtual model all together as one group.