The River School’s response to COVID-19 has always been guided by science, current public health advice, medical advisors and leadership of national and regional educational and independent school associations. We are committed to in-person operations this school year and look forward to another year of learning and joy for the children.

We know that young children benefit from in-person instruction, as well as from the familiar routines of the school day. We proved last year that we can provide an excellent academic program and meet the social-emotional needs of our students while prioritizing health and wellness. We all must approach this school year with vigilance, flexibility and compassion.

Our comprehensive scenario planning for the school year includes:

• In-Person, On-Campus Education
• Short-term Distance Learning Program (e.g., perhaps for a few weeks for a single classroom, or for several students in a classroom if quarantining protocols require it)
• Longer-term Closure School Wide (e.g., in the event of a mandated closure)

We are fully committed to delivering a safe, joyful, on-campus learning experience for the students for the 2021-2022 school year. It is critical for all families to commit and adhere to the health and wellness protocols established for risk-mitigating behavior inside and outside of school to ensure the safest environment possible for the children and our faculty and staff. Please review the separate Health & Wellness Protocols section within this plan for details.

River leadership will closely monitor:

• Community compliance outlined in River’s Social Compact
• Multiple classroom cohorts having confirmed cases or evidence of community spread between one classroom and another 
• Metrics in DC and surrounding counties, including new cases reported, testing positivity rate, etc.

Current Plan Highlights:

• Limited number of students per class with consistent faculty members
• Established cohorts to prevent mixing of groups (see Cohorting/Daily Routines section of the Plan Document) 
• Increased outdoor time (e.g., playground, PE, yoga)
• Use of multiple entrances and exits to allow for increased social distancing

Health & Wellness Protocols:

River follows guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), DC Department of Health and independent school association leadership. River's current health and wellness protocols can be found in the 2021-22 School Year Plan Document. All families will be expected to adhere to these requirements, including agreeing to our Social Compact that outlines responsibilities and precautions outside of school.