COVID-19 Resources

We will be posting resources and all school communications related to COVID-19 on this page. The site will be continuously updated as new information becomes available. For information about how Churchill is handling Distance Learning please check out our information page.

COVID-19 Resources

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

  • Letter to the Community (March 12, 2020)

    March 12, 2020
     
    Dear friends,
    We continue to monitor the rapidly change COVID-19 environment as we head toward spring break.  Presently, we have no confirmed cases in our community. Our hope is to return to normal school operations following spring break.  However, it is seemingly becoming more likely that we may be unable to do so. 
    In the event Churchill does not physically reopen on time following spring break and we are shutdown for an extended period of time, we will provide distance learning for students.  This will be a requirement for students, as the closedown is only for the physical facility and not the school year. Policy and procedures for distance learning will be provided in the event we have to engage.  We will maintain communication via email and our COVID-19 webpage to provide you with the most up-to-date information possible over spring break.  We will also use the School Messenger System to communicate via email, phone, and text.  It is vital that you check your email at least twice daily over the break.
    I do want to remind you if indeed we do physically close our facility for an extended period, the closure and period of time will be dictated to us by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  Also, if we’re closed, all events and athletics will be cancelled for that time period.
    To protect our community from the spread of the virus, we must ask that families who have traveled to a CDC Warning Level 3 country or come in contact with someone who is a presumed positive case over the break to be tested for COVID-19 by their family doctor before returning to school. Please note that you should not walk into a facility and request testing; you must call ahead to make arrangements with your doctor. We also ask that if you have traveled to a CDC Warning Level 3 area or come in contact with a presumed positive case to email the principal of your child’s division and let them know your family is making arrangements to be tested.  This information will be kept confidential.
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter as the safety, security, and health of our school community remains paramount.

    Sincerely,

    Tim

  • Letter to the Community (March 10, 2020)

    March 10, 2020
    Dear friends,
    We continue to be in contact with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regarding COVID-19 and information continues to change rapidly.  You’ve likely seen many media reports of school closings. Some are closing out of caution, others in order to make plans for distance learning, and some have confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their communities.
    At this time, Churchill has no confirmed cases, nor do we have any suspicions of potential cases.  With that said, we do not know what the future holds, short or long-term. Thus, we are prepared to provide instruction remotely, if necessary.  Remote instruction is not intended to replace in-person, seated instruction, but it will enable teachers and students to maintain a connection while continuing academics.  Teachers will incorporate Google Meet to host live sessions, likely around 20 minutes at a time two to three times each week. Assignments and announcements will be posted on teachers’ webpages along with Google Meet login links.  Students are being instructed on the use of Google Meet in their classes, they are to bring their devices home nightly and should keep them over spring break as well.
    In the event that we do need to close for an extended period and provide remote instruction, 48 hours’ notice will be provided prior to instruction beginning.  This will allow for preparations and scheduling to be complete.
    At this time, we plan to continue athletics and other events scheduled to take place after spring break.  These events include our Benefit (April 24, 2020) as well we the Senior Class Trip to Montreal. We will notify you immediately if these plans change.
    It is important that you keep us informed of recent as well as upcoming travel plans for spring break and whether your children, yourselves, or family members may have been exposed to COVID-19 or become ill over the break.  Likewise, it’s important that we know the timing of the illness and/or possible exposure to COVID-19. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are of the utmost importance, and sharing this information is helpful to that end.
    Also, if you choose to keep your child home because of COVID-19 for the remaining days ahead of spring break, there will be no penalty.  However, school work will be sent home with the expectation that it is completed.
    Finally, please utilize our webpage for information (www.churchillschoolnyc.org/covid-19) regarding COVID-19.  We will continue to communicate as information rapidly changes.

    Regards,

    Timothy P. Madigan, Ph.D.
    Head of School

  • Letter to the Community (March 6, 2020)

    March 6, 2020
     
    Dear friends,
    We continue to monitor the rapidly changing COVID-19 information, following reports from the CDC, as well as state and city departments of health.  
    Internally, we continue to make preparations for distance learning, if Churchill needs to close for an extended period of time.  We are currently testing our systems, and we will test with students early next week.  
    If you have already not done so, please take a few minutes to complete the home technology survey FOUND HERE.  It’s critical that we understand what families’ internet/device capabilities and needs are so that we can provide appropriate support as necessary for distance learning.
    Earlier this week we made the decision to cancel our 11th Grade trip to the Dominican Republic, and we are still determining whether to proceed with our 12th Grade trip to Montreal in April.  As the COVID-19 situation changes rapidly, we will stay informed and make that decision when appropriate with the health and safety of our students and staff as a priority.
    We’ve added a COVID-19 information page to our website that contains resources and communications from Churchill: COVID-19 Resources.  Please refer to this page frequently as we will update information as often as it becomes available.  
    Also, if you have travel plans over spring break, please refer to the CDC (www.cdc.gov) for current information on travel advisories and restrictions.  Please let us know if you plan to travel to any areas that are on the CDC advisory or restricted list.
    Finally, please continue to advise your children of the importance of personal hygiene practices, including handwashing, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, and so on.
    Again, we will continue to keep you updated as we monitor the situation.

    Regards, 
    Timothy P. Madigan, Ph.D.
    Head of School

  • Letter to the Community (March 3, 2020)

    March 3, 2020
     
    Dear friends,

    I am writing to update you further on coronavirus (COVID-19) and the prevention of any spread in our community.  We continue to monitor the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Center for Disease Control.   
    Travel
    We are also monitoring travel restrictions.  As you may be aware, we have two international trips coming up in the high school.  The Dominican Republic trip takes place over spring break while the senior class trip to Montreal takes place in April.  As of right now, these trips will take place as scheduled. However, these plans can change, and we will keep you posted in a timely manner.
    As spring break approaches, we know that many in our community are likely planning to travel internationally and/or domestically.  Please be advised that an increasing number of countries are now being placed under travel advisories or restrictions due to the spread of the coronavirus.  Stay informed of the CDC’s travel advisories. These advisories may change quickly, so it is imperative that you stay up-to-date. If you are traveling, be sure you are aware of any advisories or restrictions in the areas you are visiting.
    Local Impact
    As noted above, we are monitoring the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reports and receive regular communications from them.  While we are not in a position to need to do so presently, we are making plans to ensure education can continue through distance learning vehicles should the need arise to close school for an extended period of time due to the local spread of the coronavirus.  We will be ready if such a step is deemed necessary.
    Precautions
    We continue to conduct a deep cleaning of all areas of our campus: the buildings, classrooms, restrooms, etc.  In doing so, we employ a machine, the Clorox Total 360 Disinfecting Cleaner. We also disinfect high touch areas daily: doorknobs, hand railings, etc.  
    Remember a good way to stop the spread of any virus is to practice basic hygiene routines: wash your hands often with soap and water; avoid close contact with anyone who may be sick; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; disinfect frequently used objects; cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing.  Also, if your child is sick, keep them home from school.
    Given how quickly the situation is evolving, we are monitoring new developments and will continue to reevaluate our processes and actions daily. In the meantime, the most effective way to stay healthy and minimize the spread of infectious disease is to follow basic health best practices: 
    Tips for Prevention
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    Planning
    While we hope that there is no disruption to school, we are working on our remote-learning plans to ensure that students can continue their education in the event of a school shutdown.  Detailed information about these plans will come in a communication later this week.

    Please complete the survey below so that we know if each student has access to the technology needed to learn remotely.  We must hear from all of our families as soon as possible. PLEASE RESPOND TO THE SURVEY HERE.
    This situation is evolving daily and the days and weeks ahead may lead to new information from the CDC and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  We will continue to keep you updated when we receive new information and/or whether we have to make any changes to our own policies or daily activities. Please read the attached Frequently Asked Questions provided by the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for more information.

    Sincerely, 
    Timothy P. Madigan, Ph.D.
    Head of School

  • Talking to Children About COVID-19, Current Events and Managing Anxiety

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The Churchill School and Center, a K-12 coeducational college preparatory day school in New York City, is dedicated to working collaboratively with students, educators, and families to help children with language-based learning disabilities realize their full potential. Work Here