The Academy’s COVID-19 Response Plan
These guidelines provide Cadets and their families with an outline on the Academy’s COVID-19 Response Plan and Procedures. Included are increased levels of health and safety protocols as well as measures that will be in place at the start of the school year. These guidelines have been developed from local, state and federal resources as well as independent school organizations.
The situation is still fluid and the leadership team is keeping very close tabs on any changes. The Academy will react quickly with the safety of the Cadets, their families, staff and the local community as a priority. The most up to date information on the Academy’s COVID-19 Response Plan will continue to be found on this webpage.
Campus Operations & Implementation Steps
Whenever possible, our plan is to utilize the expert guidance from local, state and federal resources as well as Independent School Organizations to design our operational procedures for safely reopening the Academy campus amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Academy’s specific plan as it relates to a military boarding school environment are being presented to a representative of the San Diego County Health and Human Services agency for review. While specific decisions and plans will be finalized over the next few weeks, strategies are currently being developed in the following areas including but not limited to:
Wellness Assessments
Wellness assessments include a short questionnaire on how someone is feeling and a temperature check. Wellness assessments will be done on all individuals when entering the campus. Anyone who does not pass the criteria of the assessment will be asked to depart.
Additionally, regular wellness assessments will be performed on Cadets at designated times of the day to identify anyone who may exhibit symptoms. If a Cadet fails to meet the criteria of the assessment he will immediately be directed to the Health Center for further evaluation.
PPE
The Academy will be issuing face coverings to all Cadets as part of the uniform requirements. The use of face coverings may be utilized when personal distancing can not be achieved, situations in which individuals are frequenting common areas, or as an extra precautionary measure.
Sanitation
All staff members will be trained and certified in the effective methods for sanitization and proper hygiene. They will have an increased responsibility in sanitizing their work spaces, in addition to what the maintenance team will be focusing on daily.
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Wellness assessments include a short questionnaire on how someone is feeling and a temperature check. Our wellness assessments include the CDC’s list of signs and symptons that can be found HERE.
Wellness assessments will be done on all individuals when entering the campus. Anyone who does not pass the criteria of the assessment will be asked to depart. Additionally, regular wellness assessments will be performed on Cadets at designated times of the day to identify anyone who may exhibit symptoms. If a Cadet fails to meet the criteria of the assessment he will immediately be directed to the Health Center for further evaluation.
All Cadets, Staff and Visitors are required to wear face coverings when entering and while on campus.
The Academy will be issuing face coverings to all Cadets as part of the uniform requirements. The use of face coverings may be utilized when personal distancing can not be achieved, situations in which individuals are frequenting common areas, or as an extra precautionary measure.
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All staff members will be trained and certified in the effective methods for sanitization and proper hygiene. They will have an increased responsibility in sanitizing their work spaces, in addition to what the maintenance team will be focusing on daily.
Focused instruction and implementation of routine sanitation for common areas will be a Cadets responsibility in their barracks. TAC Officers will oversee and facilitate the scheduled cleaning.
Academy Activities
Food Services
Campus Security & Visitors
Wellness assessments will be done on all individuals when entering the campus. Anyone who does not pass the criteria of the assessment will be asked to depart.
Pedestrian Traffic Flow
Reopening Student Experience
Cadet Housing & Roommates
Many factors are considered in assigning rooms (grade, personality, interests, leadership role, etc). Cadets will be assigned their room upon arrival at their designated registration date.
Facilities
Cadets and staff will be directed to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently and in the following situations:
- After using the restroom
- Before eating or drinking
- When entering the campus
- When entering the classroom
- After taking off or putting on their facial covering
- If hands are visibly soiled
- If Cadets or staff encounter chemicals during cleaning the school environment
When soap and water are not available for hand washing the school-provided alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an acceptable substitute.
The Academy facilities team has enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols for all campus spaces. In addition to acquiring state of the art disinfecting equipment and adopting proven current sanitization techniques to best protect everyone on campus.
Health Center
The Academy will continue to educate Cadets on health protocols including, personal hygiene, sanitization of personal areas, use of face coverings and staying home or reporting to the Health Center when not feeling well.
Designate isolation areas for Cadets who are being evaluated for any infectious disease to limit contact with other individuals.
In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 our goal will be isolation of the individual for a period of time while meeting federal agency guidelines. In most cases Cadets will be sent home or isolated on campus using all available precautions.
If a faculty or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 they will be directed to stay home, self-monitor for symptoms and follow federal agency guidelines prior to returning to campus.
If testing will be needed we will direct Cadets to a local facility here.
International & Domestic Cadet Travel
Anyone traveling to an area which may bring into question the safety of the Cadets and staff will be required to quarantine off campus for a period of 14 days prior to returning to campus.
Academic & Cadet Programs
It is the ultimate goal of the Army and Navy Academy team to ensure that our Academic and Cadet programs meet the needs of all of our Cadets. We aim to provide meaningful, purposeful learning that maintains the highest standards set by our Administration and Faculty, all while still following the physical distancing guidelines whenever possible and ensuring the safety of all our Cadets.
Programs & Class Sizes
The Academy will be re-arranging classroom spaces and reducing class sizes in areas that are needed in order to achieve the physical distancing recommendations by health authorities.
We plan to creatively utilize all areas within our campus to maximize physical distancing. Contingency plans for Hybrid Learning (a combination of in-person and online learning) are currently being developed.
Chromebooks will be required for all Cadets and will allow us to take full advantage of technology by limiting hard copy assignments, increase the use of online resources. Although we will do our best with engaging online resources, some classes may still require textbooks.
Teachers will limit the loaning of classroom supplies by focusing on the individual Cadet’s responsibility to bring their own items to class.
As permitted by the health and safety guidelines, the Academy plans to continue to offer any non-academic programs that are a vital part of the Warrior Experience.
We are working with the IT Department to make live video learning available if the need arises for potential individual isolation.
Social & Emotional Support
Support the mental health and well-being of our faculty and staff as they transition to on-campus learning under new health and safety guidelines.
Provide safe, engaging opportunities to support and gather our Cadets for campus events and activities.
Athletics & PT
Physical training (PT) will continue to be an integral part of our program while still meeting the small group and physical distancing guidance.
We will be requiring the use of personal refillable water bottles and incorporate personal hygiene as part of the instruction.
Communications & Resources
The Army and Navy Academy will issue guidance regarding the changes or modifications that will be present during the 20-21 School Year. The current avenues of communication will include:
- Information communicated through the Academy’s Reopening Planning Webpage
- Regular email communication updates to Cadets and families
- Monthly Virtual Town Hall Meetings with Academy Leadership
For additional information on Academy Communication plans please contact Lauren Smith at lhsmith@armyandnavyacademy.org
The Academy will be utilizing the expert guidance from local, state and federal resources as well as Independent School Organizations in the decision making process to safely reopen the Army and Navy Academy campus. The continuous monitoring of reliable and expert organizations and authorities enable our
Leadership team to make informed decisions that are consistent with guidelines and
recommendations, including:
Messages to the Warrior Community
- An Important Message From MG Bartell
MG(R) Arthur Bartell | VIEW - Remote Learning Tuition Rates for the 20-21 School Year
Janet Pullen | VIEW - An Important Message Regarding the 20-21 School Year
MG(R) Arthur Bartell | VIEW - Returning to Campus Cadet Training Handout
Col Wayne Ward | VIEW - Latest Updates to the 2020-2021 School Year
MG(R) Arthur Bartell | VIEW - Updates to the 2020-2021 School Year
MG(R) Arthur Bartell | VIEW
Additional Resources
- Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Federal Government
- California Government
FAQs
What is the process for Cadets arriving on campus?
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What is the process for staff arriving on campus?
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What if local government health agencies suspend in-person learning?
Is the Academy offering Remote Learning?
No. The strength of our program revolves around the in-person environment on campus, what we refer to as the “Warrior Experience.” Remote Learning would be available for extreme situations in which Cadets may require isolation or off campus quarantine on a case-by-case basis.
What does my son need to bring with him to school?
If your son will be boarding on campus we have provided a Packing List HERE to help you determine what to bring with him.
What if a staff member presents symptoms?
What is the process for visitors arriving on campus?
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What if COVID-19 makes a rebound in San Diego?
Will boarding Cadets be allowed to depart campus?
Cadets will not be allowed to depart campus on leave or local liberty. There will be an assessment after the first 30 days to evaluate the situation.
Contacts
The leadership team at Army and Navy Academy are ready to help and answer any questions that you may have. Our goal is to have a solid plan for the start of the 20-21 School Year and communicate this plan to all Cadets and families in the next few weeks. Thank you for your continued partnership during this unprecedented time.
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