COVID-19 Information and Resources

Updated September 14, 2021

School protocols

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released updated guidance for all K-12 schools in the state. Our intention is to promote a safe and healthy in-person learning environment for all of our students and staff. In accordance with the updated state guidance, and in coordination with Monterey County health officials, Santa Catalina School will implement the following protocols for the 2021-2022 school year to provide a safe environment for all students and employees.

Masks

According to the State of California in the updated K-12 guidance document, “Masks are one of the most effective and simplest safety mitigation layers to prevent in-school transmission of COVID-19 infections and to support full time in-person instruction in K-12 schools.” We ask all families and employees to provide a supply of masks for each school day. Our mask protocols include:

Masks are required regardless of vaccination status.
Masks are worn when indoors by all students and employees with only a few exceptions:
- Masks may be excused for certain exemptions
- Masks may be removed when eating or drinking
- Employees may remove masks when they are alone in a private office
Masks are optional for all students and employees when outdoors.
Masks should cover the entire nose and mouth, and follow the general guidelines provided by the CDPH.
Boarding students will be provided additional information about the requirement for wearing masks while in their dormitory spaces.

Hand hygiene

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Santa Catalina School urges all employees, students, and student family members to receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA or the World Health Organization (WHO) if they are eligible to do so. People 12 years of age and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are free, safe, and effective.

Vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. People who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are at low risk of symptomatic or severe infection.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic remains unpredictable, and variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 may continue to occur. We will monitor the situation as it impacts the school and recommend changes as necessary.

Santa Catalina will provide the community with information about vaccination opportunities from pharmacies or medical providers. Boarding students will receive transportation to off-campus vaccination locations.

Ventilation improvements

Santa Catalina made improvements to ventilation systems in each building on campus. Where possible and at a minimum, we have installed MERV-13 filters in the ventilation systems. Additional filtration, in the form of free-standing filters, are also in all classrooms and dormitory rooms.

We will continue to keep doors and windows open when rooms are occupied to increase the flow of fresh air.

Health screenings and COVID-19 testing

We require each person to assess their health daily and not come to campus if they are experiencing any illness or have any symptoms of infectious illnesses, such as a cold or the flu.

Santa Catalina urges all eligible students and employees to receive the annual flu shot. Flu shots will be made available for a reduced fee in the first months of school.

Free COVID-19 testing is provided on campus every week. Parents and employees may sign up for their child or themselves at this website.

COVID-19 suspected or confirmed cases

Santa Catalina follows a set of protocols in the event of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 found among any people on campus. We will notify those people who may be impacted by such cases.

If there is a suspected or confirmed case in your household, or if anyone in your household has been notified that they were in contact with a suspected or confirmed individual infected with COVID-19, please notify your division head (Christy Pollacci for the Lower and Middle School and Julie Edson for the Upper School). The division head will inform the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, and nurse and follow our COVID-19 protocols.

We will continue to provide you with updates and will inform you of changes in our protocols as we receive information from the state, from the Monterey County Health Department, and from the CDC.

Visitors to campus

Santa Catalina is limiting visitors to campus until further notice. Parents are permitted on campus for routine visits to divisional offices, in-person appointments, attendance at performances or sports contests, or the Health Center. Parents who are pre-registered for on-campus COVID-19 testing are permitted to enter campus. All parents are required to wear face coverings as described above. Any non-routine requests to visit campus should be directed to your child’s division office. No other visitors will be permitted access to campus unless they have an appointment.

In order to enter campus, parents and visitors will need to complete a health attestation form. Use the appropriate link below to complete the form.

Community expectations

We urge everyone in our community to take steps to protect good health. In order to mitigate the risk of infection and the spread of COVID-19, we ask you to incorporate these practices:

Get the COVID-19 vaccine, if eligible
Correctly wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or approved hand sanitizers
Continue to follow public health orders and minimize exposure

Travel

Santa Catalina discourages non-essential travel and any activities that increase your risk of exposure and illness. If you must travel, notify your child’s division head before you do so.

On June 15, the California Department of Public Health provided this flyer to outline travel recommendations and restrictions. There are different sections for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.