COVID-19 Response
Ben Franklin Academy's Response to COVID-19 Information Page
In order to stay abreast of the complex and evolving situation in the United States and to exercise best practices in safeguarding our community, Ben Franklin Academy is remaining in constant communication with governmental and educational organizations. For the most detailed and up-to-date information on COVID-19, we encourage you to bookmark this page, watch our school calendar, and monitor the CDC website.
2022-2023 Return to School Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can students and families get tested for COVID-19?
● Peachtree Immediate Care has Rapid-Testing Capabilties
● For more testing sites, please reference the list of testing sites here: www.dph.georgia.gov/covidtesting
Is Ben Franklin Academy opening for Fall 2022?
BFA is enrolling and opening for the Fall of 2022. We offer in-person and remote learning options for our students.
How will the decision be made to close the school?
The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. While BFA monitors other school closings including the Metro Atlanta Public School District and other independent schools, BFA makes decisions independently based on the school’s unique needs and situation, as well as guidance from external agencies.
What about school events, gatherings, and trips?
We will make decisions about holding or canceling events based on the updated information from health officials. Please watch for messages from the Head of School with important updates. Any changes will also be noted on our school calendar.
What can a parent do to prepare for an outbreak of COVID-19?
Because the situation is very dynamic, we encourage you to stay up to date with the latest information and recommendations from health officials (see list of Health Organizations below).
What are teachers doing to prepare for the possibility of remote learning during Fall 2022?
Teachers are trained on the Blackbaud Learning Management Program, which simplifies communication among students, faculty, and parents. The LMS makes it easier to toggle back and forth between in-person and remote learning, if necessary.
When should I keep my child home from school?
Do not send your child to school if you suspect they may be ill or have exhibited any of the following signs or symptoms:
● An elevated temperature of 100 degrees or more during the last 24 hours.
● Vomiting within the last 24 hours.
● Repeated episodes of diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
● Chills, loss of appetite, unusual fatigue, and/or lingering headache.
● A significant amount of nasal discharge, particularly if the discharge is yellow or greenish in color.
● A persistent cough.
● A significant sore throat.
● An earache.
If you suspect that you or your child has a serious communicable disease, you must notify the school so we can comply with reporting requirements.
What can families, students, and school personnel do to keep from getting sick and spreading COVID-19?
The CDC recommends the following actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
● Get Vaccinated and Stay Up To Date on Your COVID-19 Vaccines
● Wear a Mask
● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
● If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water when your hands are visibly dirty.
● Practice Social Distancing
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
● Stay home when you are sick (and do not return to school until you are fever-free for 24 hours without medication). We ask you to strictly adhere to this policy.
● Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands.
● Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
What additional steps is the school taking at this time?
● BFA will take extra care with the cleaning and disinfection processes, with particular attention to common surfaces.
● Additional cleaning of common surfaces by faculty and staff is happening at regular intervals throughout the school day.
● The evening cleaning crew has implemented a disinfectant protocol in addition to the regular cleaning.
● All faculty and staff are required to maintain appropriate handwashing and sanitizing protocols upon entering the building and throughout the day.
Resources
Local Testing Centers
● Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a list of testing centers here.
Health Organizations
● World Health Organization (WHO): This website has general information on the novel coronaviruses, a video, and an infographic about preventing the spread of viruses.
● The Centers for Disease Controls (CDC): This website covers symptoms and diagnosis, transmission, information for families, and prevention and treatment. It also has travel updates. They also published a Toolkit for Schools here.
● Johns Hopkins Interactive and Updating Outbreak Map
● Georgia Department of Health COVID-19 Information Page
Additional Resources
● Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
● How to Talk to Children About Difficult News
● Explaining the News to Our Kids
● How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus Outbreak
We continue to be in close communication with government agencies as well as other independent schools and closely monitor the situation .