Covid-19

COVID-19 Awareness & School Updates

We’ll Get Through This!

Be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12

Pandemic Response Plan

Read our pandemic response plan.

Learning Schedule

South Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions related to the reopening of campus, please review our FAQ below. We encourage you to visit this page regularly, as the site will continue to be updated. If you have any additional questions, please contact your respective campus.

General

Will my student still be able to participate in clubs, extracurricular activities, and sports? 

Yes, based upon state and local guidelines. South Campus Athletics will follow what has been set forth by CIF. We will provide further updates as they develop.

How will the campus respond if a member of the Heritage community tests positive? 

Any person testing positive for COVID-19 will follow the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LACDPH) Home Isolation Instructions for people with COVID-19). The individual will be required to isolate from campus for 10 days after the onset of their symptoms and must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of medications, and must have improved symptoms. The privacy of any individual testing positive will be maintained in accordance with HIPPA and FERPA requirements. The school’s COVID response team will interview the student and parents to initiate the contact tracing process. Any person who has been identified as close contacts of the case must follow LACDPH Home Quarantine Instructions for Close Contacts to COVID-19.

What if a student or faculty member comes into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

Close contacts of anyone with COVID-19, unless vaccinated, are required to quarantine at home for 10 days from last contact to the COVID-19 positive person and follow the Home Quarantine Instructions for Close Contacts to COVID-19. Families may choose to have their student(s)remain on campus for in-person learning if they receive a negative result for a COVID-19 test right away as well as on the fifth day after the exposure.

If we learn of any positive results among our community, we will follow the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and/or CDC recommendations regarding contact, notification, and quarantine. Any person who tested positive is required to be isolated from our campus per LADPH guidelines.

Are there daily protocols taken upon entering campus?

Yes! All students and staff are required to have their temperature taken and questioned for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering campus.
Please do not bring a sick student to campus! Make your assessment of your student prior to leaving your residence for school. Students found to be sick will be removed from class and wait for a parent pick up.

Academic

At which point will on campus instruction move to remote learning? 

Heritage Christian School offers on-campus classes 5 days a week for the 2021-22 school year. We understand this plan is subject to change depending on county, state and/or federal guidelines.

The design of our return to school plan has been created with flexibility in mind, should we move to online learning.

In anticipation of the different needs of our families and a potential increase in on-campus absences, we are prepared to deliver instruction to students remotely using technology that will allow students to continue their college preparatory curriculum remotely. Synchronous and asynchronous learning will be available if deemed necessary.

Google Classroom allows for HCS to concurrently educate students physically and remotely. Our faculty will be prepared to allow remote students to participate in and record in person or synchronous classes.

It is important to share that, in the event our government prevents us from welcoming students on-campus, our ministry continues. We believe in high quality education that helps our students get accepted into great universities. We also recognize the critical importance of spiritual development and mental health for our students as they grow into adulthood and become future leaders.

 

How have teachers/faculty members been trained to follow the COVID-19 guidelines?

As part of our Professional Development, faculty will be provided ongoing training opportunities to review guidelines and protocols to continue on-campus instruction safely.

 

Sanitation & Safety

Will students, faculty, and staff be required to wear a face-covering?

At this time, CalOSHA requires that all employees wear masks while indoors, unless they are by themselves.

Students, will need to wear face coverings while indoors in their classrooms.  

All visitors will wear masks while on campus.

Exceptions may be granted for those under the age of two, or with a licensed physician’s written permission. HCS must apply this mandate and include all students, staff and visitors. Face shields may be worn in addition to a mask, but cannot replace it unless the face shield has a cloth drape across the bottom that is tucked into your shirt to catch all droplets.

Is there a time when they don’t have to wear face coverings?

Only while eating/drinking or participating in supervised physical activities. If a student has written permission from a licensed physician stating the student is unable to wear a face covering, we will seek accommodations along with the family. 

How have campus sanitation practices evolved to mitigate the spread of COVID-19?

HCS will have additional maintenance to implement COVID cleaning protocol. Frequently touched surfaces throughout campus will be cleaned and disinfected by trained staff, regularly scheduled disinfection will be implemented for each classroom upon dismissal of class period. Frequently touched surfaces to be disinfected include, but are not limited to door handles, light switches, sink handles, bathroom surfaces, tables, desks, and chairs. All cleaning products are approved for use against COVID-19 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All classrooms and common areas are cleaned according to LA County Public Health department guidelines. 

How will wellness checks/temperature checks be administered? Should I expect to drop off my son early so that he is not late to class? 

Starting during morning drop-off schedules, all staff, students, and visitors will have their temperatures checked with a no-touch thermometer prior to entering campus.  Per health department guidelines, anyone with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher will need to isolate from campus.

All faculty, staff, and students will need to be able to answer NO to the following questions before coming on campus:

  • Have you or anyone in your household currently have or had any of the following symptoms in the last 14 days: sore throat, new cough, chills, body aches for unknown reasons, shortness of breath for unknown reasons, loss of smell, loss of taste, fever at or greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit?
  • Are you or someone you live with waiting for results of a test for COVID-19?
  • Have you or anyone in your household tested positive for COVID-19?
  • To the best of your knowledge have you been in close contact (within 6ft for more than 15 minutes) to any individual who tested positive or has been exposed or acquired COVID-19?

What if someone develops symptoms on campus? 

Any students, faculty, or staff exhibiting symptoms will be required to wait in an isolation area outside until they can be transported home or to a healthcare facility, as soon as practical. They will also be required to consult a Medical Provider for further evaluation and possible COVID-19 testing.

If a teacher tests positive for COVID-19 are they required to quarantine for 10 days? Will all of their students be required to self isolate?

The teacher will be instructed to follow LADPH Home Isolation Instructions. They must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of medications, it has been 10 days since symptom onset, and their symptoms have improved.

Any individual testing positive for COVID-19 will be instructed to follow LADPH Home Isolation Instructions as required by Health Officer Orders. 

Where will you find a substitute teacher who will work in a classroom full of exposed, possibly infected students?

If students are exposed and possible infected, they will be home following LADPH Home Quarantine Instructions. Heritage will provide in-house substitutes and contract out with qualified personnel when necessary. If the school’s contact tracing procedures determine that students need to isolate, we will do so.

What if a teacher is diagnosed with COVID-19? Do all the kids in each class now have to quarantine and get tested?

It is difficult to apply one standard to every situation, therefore Heritage Christian School will evaluate each situation with the safety and protection of every staff member and student in mind. 

What if a student in your son’s class tests positive? What if your son tests positive? Does every other student and teacher they have been around quarantine? Are all parents and teachers notified who is infected and when?

Due to HIPAA regulations we are not able to share the identities of individuals who test positive without authorization, but if your student has been identified as a close contact or LACDPH guidance suggests, all close-contacts will need to home isolate for 19 days.

What is this stress going to do to our teachers? How does it affect their health and well-being? How does it affect their ability to teach? How does it affect the quality of education they are able to provide? What is it going to do to our kids? What are the long-term effects of consistently being stressed out?

Working during COVID-19 in the world today has affected us all and will continue to affect all whose jobs primarily take place outside of their home. We are working on identifying sources for socio-emotional and spiritual guidance for staff and students who need it during this difficult time.

How will classroom environments be changed? 

Teachers and staff/deans and coaches will reinforce standards for students and reduce shared materials as much as possible. 

The air conditioning systems will include improved filtration with specifications known to capture viruses.

We encourage doors to be open, to increase ventilation.

Seating charts will will us perform contact tracing.

As mentioned elsewhere, enhanced cleaning will be performed.

    Travel

    As a community, the staff and families of Heritage Christian School benefit from the care and concern of all our families. We understand that not all travel is equal and that the risk of COVID infection varies with every situation. I.E. A solo family trip via car to go camping is not the same as an airplane ride to a cruise ship.

    At HCS, we have encountered enough situations related to COVID exposure that we are well-versed with the protocols to ensure the safety of our community. We have also seen enough to know that nearly every exposure comes as a surprise, seemingly coming out of left field. Because of this, we encourage everyone in our community to err on the side of caution to help ensure that HCS is the safest place possible for our staff and families. This approach also ensures that HCS will not need to close or send large groups of students home as a result of on-campus exposures.

    If you have been exposed to COVID-19, or anyone in your household has one or more symptoms of COVID-19, please stay at home and notify the school without hesitation. Additionally, we ask that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, congestion/runny nose, headache, nausea/vomiting, new cough, sore throat, body aches, new loss of taste or smell, and/or chills/sweating stay home.

    While we understand that sometimes travel is unavoidable, it may increase the risk of virus transmission in our community. We ask that our Heritage Christian School families and employees avoid unnecessary travel during this pandemic. If travel is unavoidable, please refer to state and local travel guidelines.

    If you must travel, we ask that upon return from any trip, domestic travelers may return to work without self-quarantine so long as they remain asymptomatic + distance themselves + receive negative COVID test results before their first day back to work and again at the end of their fifth day back at work.

    The school has scheduled testing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2 to 4 on The Senior Patio of the South Campus. We may also schedule testing on some Tuesdays and Thursdays. This testing is for asymptomatic individuals only. Please do not come onto campus for this testing if you are symptomatic of COVID-19. Note: the school might not be able to provide every necessary tests for our staff, and therefore our staff may need to find testing options on their own.

    This protocol is regardless of vaccination status. Unfortunately, we cannot accept self-administered at-home tests.

    International travelers arriving in the US will require a negative test before returning to work. A rapid viral test is offered for free at LAX for all returning international travelers at the international terminal. Additionally, if you are asymptomatic you may return to work but must get a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after travel, regardless of vaccination status. We ask that you remain vigilant about any symptoms associated with COVID-19 for 14 days after travel and stay home if you develop any.

    We are requiring the above of our staff and students so as to ensure our community is appropriately protected.

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    Pandemic Response Plan

    Heritage Christian School is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all its students, parents, employees, and guests. We have developed the following Pandemic Response Plan (PRP) for the 2021–22 school year that will guide our decisions regarding the reopening of our campus to students and employees as well as our overall program. We recognize that through the implementation of the following coordinated efforts, we can greatly reduce, not eliminate, the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. We strive to balance our mitigation policies with the known benefits of children experiencing in-person learning at school.

    Heritage Christian School will update this Pandemic Response Plan as federal, state, and local guidelines and regulations change. If you have any questions regarding current policies or procedures, parents should contact the school.

    Last Edited 12/27/2021

    Resources and Guiding Entities

    Heritage Christian School School’s Pandemic Response Plan is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH), the American Academy of Pediatrics, federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards related to COVID-19, and DPH Orders of the Health Officer as they pertain to COVID-19. In addition, a committee of Heritage Christian School’s community members with varied expertise worked together to develop this plan.

    Implementation

    To be effective, Heritage Christian School School’s PRP requires the full cooperation of all our community members, and everyone is responsible for implementing and complying with the School’s PRP. This plan includes protocols such as signage placement, face coverings, physical distancing, screening procedures, contact tracing, enhanced cleaning, and frequent HVAC filter changes the School is taking to mitigate COVID-19 contagion.

    This PRP addresses the health and safety procedures that Heritage Christian School School’s has implemented and the responsibilities of the School and its community members, including:

    • prevention procedures, including hygiene and respiratory etiquette;
    • procedures for safe physical distancing and limiting visitors, including parents, to campus;
    • cleaning, sanitizing, and ventilation information;
    • screening procedures and policies for anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms;
    • prompt identification and isolation of sick individuals and protocols for contact tracing;
    • protection and controls for student pick-up and drop-off; and
    • employee training and ongoing communications.

    School Program: On-Campus Learning

    The 2021-22 school year will continue on-campus learning.

    Safeguarding the health of our community members is our top priority. We are prepared for a hybrid learning scenario should we be required us to do so.

    On-Campus Learning

    We are excited to welcome students back to Heritage Christian School School for on-campus learning, and we will offer a full-day schedule. Heritage Christian School School’s physical and human resources enable us to provide an at-school, in-person education under new health and safety guidelines. Some program modifications will include additional classrooms for student grouping, limiting student travel during the day, a new daily schedule with the ability to pivot to distance learning quickly if necessary, increased use of outdoor spaces for student learning and socialization, and enhanced technology.

    Please contact your student’s principal should you would like to discuss remote learning options including your student’s underlying medical conditions or other concerns.

    Distance Learning if Campus Is Closed

    Should we be required to move to full distance learning, our students will still experience the meaningful and joyful learning that is a hallmark of the Heritage Christian School’s education. Students will participate in developmentally appropriate schedules that are a balance of live and recorded content. All students will have access to their own electronic device. The School will continue to utilize a number of digital tools for learning, engagement, and assessment.

    Social-Emotional Support

    Supporting our students’ social-emotional development is more important than ever during these trying and uncertain times.

    In addition to your child’s teachers or principal, a HCS school counselor will be available to help parents regarding their student’s adjustment back to school and any other related concerns. Please contact your student’s principal.

    A staff member of Heritage Christian School will be available to meet with students individually once school resumes. Our administration will continue to support teachers and to help facilitate morning meetings as needed. They are also great resources for families who want outside support for student who need more help transitioning back to school.

    Considerations for Parents

    Children are looking to their parents to let them know how they should be feeling about things. As much as possible, parents should try to be a calm presence in their student’s lives and communicate their confidence in their children’s ability to cope with stressful situations including going back to school.

    Parents are encouraged to help children reestablish routines at home that will help prepare them for coming back to school. This linked article from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has some great suggestions to prepare for reentry.

    Once parents read through the School’s PRP and understand more about the 2021–22 school year, they are encouraged to communicate clearly with their student about the return to school. Frequent brief conversations are recommended instead of one or two long conversations.

    Parents are encouraged to reinforce the idea that students have a part in keeping themselves safe and healthy rather than emphasizing the many unknowns. Although no one knows exactly what the school year will bring, it is important that students feel a sense of comfort knowing that there are specific things they can do (e.g., hand washing, keeping their hands off their face, nose, eyes, and maintaining a safe distance) to help keep themselves and others healthy.

    Ample evidence shows that maintaining balanced nutrition, getting moderate exercise, practicing mindfulness, establishing good sleep habits, and having adequate social support are the best ways to counteract the effects of stress on children (and adults). Little things can help to make big improvements in the reduction of stress!

    Parents can help the School by communicating with their children that although every family has dealt with COVID-19 differently, the Heritage Christian School community supports each other. There will be a different set of expectations at school, and we hope that everyone will respect differences in how families have approached dealing with the virus.

    Mitigation Strategies

    We recognize that through the implementation of coordinated efforts, we can greatly reduce, not eliminate, the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. Heritage Christian School strives to balance our mitigation policies with the known benefits of children experiencing in-person learning at school.

    We have implemented basic infection prevention measures, including the promotion of frequent handwashing, respiratory etiquette, the use of face coverings, and physical distancing. Continual on-campus learning will only be possible with all of us working together to follow these health and safety guidelines on and off-campus.

    Handwashing

    Frequent handwashing is critical in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Hand sanitizer dispensers (that use sanitizers of greater than 60 percent alcohol) are at entrances and other locations throughout the school. Students, employees, parents, and visitors should wash or sanitize their hands after entering the building. Everyone is instructed to frequently wash their hands throughout the day for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, but especially at the beginning and end of their time on campus, before and after mealtimes, and after using the restroom.

    Respiratory Etiquette

    Everyone should cover their mouth and nose with their sleeve or a tissue when coughing or sneezing and avoid touching their face, in particular their mouth, nose, and eyes, with their hands. They should dispose of tissues in provided trash receptacles and wash or sanitize their hands immediately afterward. Respiratory etiquette signage will be displayed throughout the School.

    Face Coverings

    Everyone must wear a clean face covering at all times while indoors on campus—including during drop-off and pickup—and provide their own face coverings. Students should have two clean face coverings available each day at school. According to public health officials, individuals can spread COVID-19 to others even if they do not feel sick. While not a substitute for physical distancing, the use of face coverings is an important way that we, as a community, can protect each other by mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

    Exceptions may be made for those with documented medical conditions, children under age two, and to accommodate eating and drinking; outdoor and physical activities, including P.E.; and instructional time when physical distancing can be maintained and additional preventative measures are in place.

    CDC guidelines provide general considerations for wearing and maintaining a face covering, including the following:

    • The mouth and nose are fully covered
    • The covering fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps
    • The wearer does not have any difficulty breathing while wearing the covering
    • The face-covering can be tied or otherwise secured to prevent slipping

    Face coverings do not have to be worn by employees when they are alone in their classroom or office.

    Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Ventilation

    Heritage Christian School uses EPA List N approved disinfectants and has implemented updated cleaning, disinfecting, and ventilation practices. This includes routine cleaning and disinfecting throughout the campus. We will administer frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas and items, such as manipulatives, door handles, elevator panels, railings, copy machines, and water fountains.

    All students and employees will practice healthy hygiene including frequent handwashing throughout the day.

    If someone within the community contracts COVID-19, contact tracing will be used to identify and notify people who may have been exposed at school and also to determine the exposed areas and equipment within the building. These areas and equipment will be disinfected per CDC guidelines.

    The School’s air conditioning system allows for the maximum amount of incoming fresh air, air recirculation is being limited, and ventilation systems are being properly used and maintained. Heritage Christian School will continue to maintain an aggressive filter replacement schedule to support the best air quality.

    Limiting Campus Access

    As virus spread is more likely between adults, we are restricting parent and visitor access to student learning spaces.

    All parents and visitors must enter through the main reception area, wear face coverings, and be screened upon arrival.

    There will be ccasions when parents are invited onto campus for meetings and events.

    Physical Distancing, Student Cohorts, and Group Gatherings

    All individuals at Heritage Christian School will maintain a safe physical distance as feasible. Signage throughout the School will reinforce physical distancing.

    We encourage teachers to take advantage of Heritage Christian School’s outdoor learning spaces when possible.

    We will adhere to the mask mandate while indoors and for large group gatherings.

    Shared Items and Water Fountains

    Teachers will limit the sharing of classroom materials and workspaces between students and will sanitize items as needed. Only items that can be easily disinfected will be used.

    No personal toys will be allowed on campus.

    Students and employees should bring and use a water bottle. Please label your child’s water bottle. Designated water fountains will be available.

    Travel and Field Trips

    Employee’s non-essential business travel is restricted, and we ask that all community members limit non-essential travel and follow the LADPH and CDC Travel Advisory for guidance on travel and needing to quarantine after travel.

    Off-campus field trips will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

    Student Drop-off and Pickup

    Until further notice, carline schedules will likely remain the same for the 2021–22 school year. We appreciate everyone’s patience as new health and safety protocols may extend the duration of pickup and drop off schedules.

    • Everyone should wear face coverings when they arrive on campus.
    • During student drop-off and pickup, employees will wear face coverings, maintain six feet of physical distance whenever possible, and avoid physical contact with other individuals.
    Health Screenings and Symptom Assessment and Reporting

    We will continue to inform and encourage families and employees to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 . As defined by the CDC/DPH, individuals with COVID-19 may have any of the following symptoms, which may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus: new uncontrolled cough causing difficulty breathing, fever greater than 100.4, chills, or diarrhea/vomiting/abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Also according to the CDC/DPH, this list of symptoms does not include all possible symptoms. Please contact your healthcare provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

    Heritage Christian School has implemented the following policies and procedures to assess a person’s health status prior to entering the School; to provide guidelines for screening individuals before they are allowed to enter the building; and to provide a process for families to report when they are sick, experiencing symptoms, or if they or anyone in their household have come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

    Before Arriving on Campus

    Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or knows that they have COVID-19 should isolate at home. In addition, parents should communicate with the School—using the methods listed below—if one of them or a member of their household tests positive for COVID-19, experiences symptoms of COVID-19, or has close contact* with someone who is positive or symptomatic of COVID-19.

    *CDC currently defines “close contact” as “someone who was within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 48 hours before illness onset until the time the patient is isolated.”

    Parents should take their children’s temperature before arriving on campus and keep their child(ren) home if they are showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.

    Parents should continue to report student absences, COVID-19 symptoms, COVID-19 exposures, and COVID-19 diagnoses via the absence line at 818-810-3089 South Campus, 818-368-7071 North Campus.

    Screening Procedure for Students

    • A face covering is meant to protect others, therefore all employees, parents, visitors, and students are required to wear a mask on campus.
    • Students will have their temperatures checked on campus each day. Any student with a temperature of greater than or equal to 100.4° Fahrenheit or above must immediately leave the campus and be sent to an isolation area while they wait for their parent/guardian to pick them up.
    • Students who show symptoms of COVID-19 while at school will be sent home and will be asked to follow LADPH guidelines for symptomatic individuals which states: to return to school, a symptomatic individual must provide a negative test result or a doctors’ note with a safe to return date, or must quarantine for 10 days.
      Screening Procedures for Employees, Parents, and Visitors
      • Employees, parents, and visitors must enter through the guard station or main reception area.
      • Parents will not be allowed past the Main Office or Reception once school resumes unless they have an appointment or have received a communication from the School that states otherwise.
      • A face covering is meant to protect others, therefore all employees, parents, visitors, and students are required to wear a mask on campus.
      • Upon arrival, employees, parents, and visitors will form one line, maintaining at least six feet of distance from others.
      • All adults entering the building will have their temperature checked.
      • Anyone with a temperature greater than or equal to 100.4° Fahrenheit or above must immediately leave the campus or be further evaluated by the Health Office.
      • If the screening reveals any COVID-19 symptoms, the individual will immediately leave the campus or will report to a designated isolation room until a parent or guardian arrives.
      • All individuals should wash or sanitize their hands after entering the building.
      Policies for Individuals Exhibiting Symptoms at School

      If a student is sick or experiencing symptoms at school, the teacher or other designated adult will escort the student directly to the isolation area and alert the Health Office. Both escort and student should wear face coverings and be 6ft apart.

      Parents who become sick or experience symptoms while at Heritage Christian School should notify the office and leave the building immediately or report to the designated isolation room until able to leave the School.

      Heritage Christian School has implemented specific COVID-19 health support policies that promote everyone staying at home when they are sick or displaying symptoms of COVID-19, when household members are sick or displaying symptoms of COVID-19, or when required by a healthcare provider to isolate or quarantine themselves or a member of their household.

      Vacation and Travel Protocol

      Heritage Christian Schools’ families play a vital role in helping us maintain a safe and healthy campus. Our goal is to partner with you to support your child’s adherence to state and local health recommendations, regulations, and mandates to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while they are away from campus, as well as at school.

      Therefore, we ask that if you are aware or suspect that any student has been exposed to or has contracted a communicable disease, please keep your student home and notify the school without hesitation.

      While we understand that sometimes travel is inevitable, it also increases the risk of virus transmission in our community. In addition, we ask that our Heritage Christian School families and employees avoid unnecessary travel during this pandemic. If travel is unavoidable, we ask that you contact the office.

      We agree that If anyone in our household/caregivers travels outside of the state of California, we will notify the School Principal and/or Health and Safety Coordinator detailing the destination and length of trip. If our state has been designated to be on the CDC watchlist due to high COVID-19 positivity rates, we will comply with their directives regarding recommended self-quarantine upon return.

      We understand that we may be asked to test for COVID-19 prior to returning to campus and again on or after day five (5) or will keep our child home for 10 days and that our child will continue classes via distance learning during that period of time.

      Contact Tracing and Returning to School

      Contact tracing is part of the process of mitigating the spread of infection. Heritage Christian School has a plan to work with public health officials if a community member tests positive for COVID-19. The Heritage Christian School Compliance Task Force and/or local public health officials will work with the infected person to identify close contacts and will notify community members who may be close contacts. Patient confidentiality will be maintained. Instructions that follow current CDC and LADPH guidance will be provided to the infected person and all close contacts regarding isolation and quarantine. If you have any questions about the plan, please contact the school.

      Returning to school

      Anyone who is absent or sent home due to illness shall not be permitted back in school again until they have:

      • Been fever free without the use of medication for at least 24 hours, AND
      • Other symptoms have improved, and
      • It has been 10 days since symptom onset
      • Please consult your family’s healthcare provider for evaluation of symptoms and for a COVID-19 test.

      Anyone who is absent due to a positive COVID-19 test shall not be permitted back in school until at least 10 days after the positive test result AND symptoms have improved, AND they are fever free for more than 24 hours without the use of medications.

      Anyone who is absent due to close contact with a person who has COVID-19 shall not be permitted back in school until 14 days after last exposure to the person. These individuals are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 and should follow the LADPH Home Quarantine Orders and be observant for any onset of symptoms. They should also stay away from anyone who is at higher risk for getting sick.

      In addition to the aforementioned requirements, anyone who is required to be off-campus due to a COVID-19-related concern should consult and receive clearance from the school office before being allowed back on campus.

      Training and Preparedness

      This document will serve as the Heritage Christian School response plan for COVID-19. The School will provide employees with pandemic preparedness training and additional resources will be available on the Heritage Christian School website.

      Additional communications and training will be ongoing as COVID-19 guidelines and requirements change. If you have any questions, please contact Armando Nunez with any questions or concerns as it pertains to COVID-19.