2022 Summer Program
How Oakland School Is Handling COVID-19?
We have developed a detailed set of practices and guidelines for both outdoor & indoor instruction based on the recommendations of the CDC, DOE and the Virginia Department of Health.
Oakland School will remain opened and in-person this summer following safety protocols per the Blue Ridge Health District. With our wide-open spaces (450-acre) and fresh air we believe our facility is one of the safest places around for our students.
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We will be outside as much as possible
We all agree that the risk of contracting COVID-19 significantly diminishes outside.
The First Day
Each student should bring a backpack, a water bottle, a picnic-style blanket or a cushion for sitting, one or more face masks, a pair of personal gloves (utilized for some activities), personal hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content and horseback riding gear.
Throughout the day, they will have opportunities to put all gear in the proper place. Students will be able to leave their riding gear at Oakland on a hook with their name on it at the horse barn. Students will be instructed to not touch anyone else’s belongings!
Arriving at School
Students will arrive between 8:00 and 8:30; and go directly to drop-off location. The student’s temperature will be taken by the nurse or staff member while still in the car.
If the student’s temperature is 100 degrees or above, the student will be asked to go home and not return until being fever-free for 72 hours and with a doctor’s note.
No parents should be out of their car without a facemask. Staff, parents, and students must practice social distancing at all times: This means maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from non-family members at all times.
Academic Classrooms
We are preparing to be outside as much as possible. Canopies will be in place. Everyone will be assigned clipboards or white boards for writing. Everyone will have their own materials. Desks, doorknobs, and other materials will be wiped down between classes. Hands will be sanitized before/after class.
If We Must Be Inside
Due to the weather or other reasons, windows and doors will stay open for fresh air. Desks will be appropriately spaced. Teachers will have shields or clear face guards for one-to-ones. All staff and students will wear masks inside. When inside, the same rules apply as the outside rules above.
The Barn
All riders will purchase a rain protector (Oakland is pre-ordering) for your saddle to be used each lesson. Staff will take care of all tacking-up and wiping down of reins between lessons. All students will have their own hooks for their personal gear. Changing areas will be appropriately distanced. Each student will be assigned a personal grooming kit.
The Dining Room
Diners will wash hands before/after meals. An extra hand-washing station will be set up outside the dining room. Masks will be worn inside until sitting down to eat. Diners will follow the marks on the floor when going through the serving line for social distancing. All plates and utensils will be disposable. Diners will fill water bottles before meals because we will not have pitchers or cups on the table. The salad bar will be condensed and will be served by a dining employee. Diners may sit inside or on the screened in porch, and RIs will direct diners where to sit. All areas will be wiped down between meals.
Is the Summer Program 100% COVID-19 Free?
We will take every reasonable measure to ensure that our staff and students avoid infection, but we cannot guarantee a 100% COVID-19 free environment. The simple truth is that in a pandemic there is always risk in attending a group setting. But with our wide-open spaces and fresh air we believe our facility is one of the safest places around for our students. We recommend that our families consult with their own physicians regarding whether it is safe for their child to attend our program, and we will require every family to execute a permission/waiver form prior to attending their first day.
What other extra measures will Oakland take this school year?
There will be additional cleaning and sanitizing.
Students and staff will have their temperature taken daily.
Staff will continue to monitor guidelines from the CDC and other agencies and will update the Safety Plan in accord with new recommendations.
All students and staff must provide a negative Covid-19 test before both the Winter, Spring, and Summer sessions.
What are the best ways everyone can stay safe?
WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY
DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE
MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE AT ALL TIMES
WEAR YOUR MASKS INSIDE