Centers for Disease Control and Prevention LA County Public Health

UPDATES FROM VCS

April 1, 2020 | Return to Campus Now Scheduled for May 4

We are so amazed by this community and the way you the families, our students, and our faculty have embraced the transition to Online Learning.

Please see my video message below regarding anour new return-to-campus date of May 4. This decision stems from the President’s recent extension of social distancing guidelines through the end of April. As the situation continues to evolve daily, and in light of Governor Newsom’s comments today, we are also monitoring local government and school district recommendations moving forward.

In the video, you will also find information about our recent survey to Elementary parents and Middle/High School students, as well as our upcoming Online Auction benefiting the Village Christian CARE Relief Fund. The CARE Relief Fund is such a critical way for us to ensure we are able to continue educating every student here at VCS. Please click here to support this effort today.

We hope you have a blessed Easter Break and pray that you remain healthy and rooted in the peace that God is in control.

Tom Konjoyan
Head of School

March 20, 2020 | Campus Closure Extended to April 20

We are so proud of the way this community has rallied together during this first week of Online Learning. Our teachers are putting in so much extra work to ensure your students continue to get an incredible education, and we are doing everything we can to support all of our families.

As you probably already know, new Safer at Home guidelines were announced yesterday. In response, we are extending the campus closure through April 19.

Please see below for a breakdown of the dates highlighted in the video update:

• Campus closed through April 19
• Online Learning | March 23 - April 3
• Easter Break | April 6-13
• Online Learning | April 14-17
• Return to campus April 20

As a reminder, the online memorial service for Aaron Cua will be held Saturday, March 21 at 4 p.m. (click here to learn more), and a GoFundMe has been set up in his honor.

Additionally, click here for updated Middle/High School tips and technical support information.

We know that God has a plan, and as a community, we trust in Him for guidance, protection, and peace. Stay healthy!

Tom Konjoyan
Head of School

March 14, 2020 | Student Test Came Back Negative

The High School student who was tested for COVID-19 has just learned that their test came back negative -- no Coronavirus. Praise God! This is a great relief to the student, their family, and our community.

The school will remain closed as scheduled for the next two weeks, and all student activities will remain on hiatus.

Stay safe, and have a blessed weekend!

March 13, 2020 | School Closure Extended; Next Steps

Village Christian continues to closely monitor the situation regarding the community’s response to the COVID-19 virus. This is a very fluid situation, and we remain in prayer for wisdom and peace during these challenging times.

As you know, we have had one High School student tested for the virus, and we are still awaiting the results – which we will then communicate to you immediately.

We have prayerfully decided to close campus to students through March 27 with planned student return on March 30. The decision also comes in coordination with the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s county-wide recommendation for closure during this timeframe.

We will re-evaluate the situation before March 27 to determine if further campus closure is necessary. If at that time, we still feel it is not safe to re-open campus, we will observe our Spring Break from March 30 to April 3 (currently, our Spring break is scheduled for April 10-17). If an earlier Spring Break is adopted, will observe a four-day weekend around Easter (April 10-13).

Please see below for important directions for online learning beginning Tuesday, March 17:

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
Tuesday, March 17: We will test our online learning platform with a practice assignment distributed to all Middle and High School students.

Wednesday, March 18: We will have a full day’s worth of instruction posted for students.

• MS/HS students may come to campus between 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. on this day to collect items they will need during the closure. They may not be dropped off or linger as to ensure their health and well-being.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students will have assignments to complete daily. Teachers will be available via email for any questions or concerns during regular school hours. Each elementary teacher will be communicating specific expectations with their class parents.

Teachers will post their first daily assignment on Monday, March 16 by 8 p.m. to be ready for parents and students on Tuesday morning.

We appreciate your willingness to once again adjust to this rapidly changing situation. You will receive additional communications in the days ahead.

Let’s continue to trust in the Lord and pray for those who have been impacted. Continue to dwell in the great promises of scripture like Psalm 91:

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust…”

We are all in this together, and we are so thankful for this community.

March 12, 2020 | School Closed Through Tuesday Due to Potential Exposure

In light of our commitment to sharing information with you, we wanted to let you know that we have experienced a potential exposure to COVID-19. A High School student was tested today and is currently self-quarantined as they await results over the next five days.

In addition to school already being closed tomorrow and Monday, we have also canceled all student activities on those days.

Our plan for Tuesday is to keep campus closed and test our online platform, while we await the results of the student’s test. You will receive more direction regarding how students and parents can access that information in the days ahead. A decision on future closure will be made pending the results of the student’s test and the conditions in the community at that time.

We do not want to scare our students and ask you to remind your children that the risk of contracting the virus is still very low and that the school is taking extra precautions. Their health and safety are our top priority.

In compliance with privacy laws and respect for the family, we will not identify the student. We are not interested in this potential exposure becoming a witch hunt, and ask our community to embrace empathy in these difficult times.

Please join us in praying for all those affected as well as for peace for all of our students, employees, and families during these challenging times.

March 12, 2020 | Middle School Showcase Concert Postponed

Due to the new directive from the California Department of Public Health (click here for information from the Governor’s Office) to limit public gatherings to less than 250 people, specifically including school concerts and performances, we are postponing tonight’s Middle School Showcase concert to a later date (TBD).

The directive does not instruct schools to close, it only guides us to postpone large group gatherings through the end of March. Out of an abundance of caution, we are directing our teachers and administrators to postpone large group gatherings until after Easter Break.

We remain in discussions about these situations and continue to plan and gather data about what is best for the entire school community moving forward.

In the midst of these challenging times, please remember to join us in prayer.

Philippians 4:6-7
⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

March 11, 2020 | From Head of School Tom Konjoyan

Coronavirus/Closure Contingency Plans

As I am sure you are aware, schools and universities in California have begun to close or move to online education platforms. I wanted to communicate our plans in the event we are forced to close school to protect our students, employees, and families from the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). At this point, we have no plans to close our school, and our prayer is that we do not have to close school in the weeks ahead -- but we also wanted you to know that we are prepared if the need arises.

We do not want to cause fear in our students, so please think strategically with how you will share news of our contingency plans. Remind them that the virus has not proven to have significant health impacts on school-aged children, and as of today, the spread of the virus is still small in Los Angeles County.

We are closely following advisories from the CDC, as well as the Department of Public Health in the County and in the State, to get up-to-the-minute information.

We are prepared to close school if that becomes necessary because of exposure to one of our students, families or employees, or if the virus begins to spread throughout our community. If we do, here are our plans to assist students as they continue their education.

PLANS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS IN THE EVENT OF CLOSURE

Elementary students and parents would need to work daily -- Monday through Friday -- on classroom assignments, with an emphasis on reading, writing, and math practice. They will have...

• Daily email access to their teachers during specified office hours to respond to questions and clarifications regarding assignments and expectations;
• Daily access to Administrators during office hours to respond to any concerns;
• Access to both Math in Focus and Journeys books online via ThinkCentral;
• Use of IXL with designated assignments;
• Enrichment and research opportunities; and
• Share communication and posting of assignments on Remind and FACTS/RenWeb to allow students to keep up with coursework daily.

PLANS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE EVENT OF CLOSURE

Middle School and High School students will continue their studies to the best of their ability. We will provide the following:

• Office hours for every teacher to respond to questions and concerns regarding assignments, projects, and papers given by teachers. Teachers will be online answering questions during designated times Monday through Friday of each week students are not allowed to attend school.
• Assignments for students to keep up with their coursework daily, so students can complete courses by the end of the semester.
• You can expect 30 minutes to an hour of work per core subject.
• Students will be expected to keep up with their core classes and all assignments given by teachers. If there is any concern regarding the ability to complete an assignment, contact the teacher first. If there is still a concern, contact an administrator, who will address the concern that day and respond back to the parent.
• Administrators will be online responding to students, parents, and teachers with any concerns they have. Administrators will be available during office hours for students during this time as well.
• As teachers receive assignments, they will be grading, updating their gradebooks, and providing feedback to students.
• Expect students to be online completing their work each day and interacting with teachers through the online platform.

It is the intent of the school to provide the best possible education for our students in the event of a school closure and to continue to provide the best possible education for our students using online platforms. We understand that this is not equal to direct instruction provided by the teacher in real time, but we believe we can still provide a quality education in light of the health concerns taking place in the world today.

It is important to state that if students are ill or unable to access the above because of circumstances beyond their control, we will assist them in alternative methods to make up their work.

Athletic contests, arts performances, field trips, and other student events will also be considered for cancellation or postponement based on the information available at the time of potential closure.

To learn more about Coronavirus, please click the following link from the CDC:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Please join with us in prayer for those who are impacted by the virus and for wisdom for all.

February 28, 2020 | From Head of School Tom Konjoyan

I would like to inform you about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and our response as a school. The number of cases in the U.S. and the immediate health risk from COVID-19 remains extremely low at this time. Yet, I am sure some of you are wondering how the potential spread of the virus will be confronted by the school. Our highest priority is student safety, and as such, we are proactively monitoring this situation.

Village Christian continues to receive regular updates from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We also receive updates from the Los Angeles Unified School District regarding plans and protocols for offices and schools in the event the Coronavirus does spread in Los Angeles.

In the meantime, our best defense against the spread of respiratory viruses, including the Coronavirus and flu, is prevention. By following the recommendations listed below, together we can reduce the spread of infections at Village Christian:

• Keep sick children home. If your child has a fever ≥100.4, keep them home until they are fever free and not vomiting for 24 hours. They must be fever-free without fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Advil (understanding that administering Tylenol or Advil does not make the student non-contagious; it simply removes the symptom of fever). Keeping sick children home prevents the spread of the virus to others. If your child awakens feeling unwell in any way, please keep them home for observation to determine if further symptoms will develop. This is especially important in the lower grades.
• Any child determined to be sick while at school will be sent home.Please pick up your child within 30 minutes of school contact to eliminate the spread of viruses.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing 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 and wash as soon as you can.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
• Teach your children not to share personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth whenever possible.
• Get your family vaccinated for seasonal flu every year.

Desks and common surfaces will be wiped with disinfectant wipes regularly to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

Please join me in following the above recommendations with your children as we endeavor to stay healthy this school year.

Please contact us with any questions. We will communicate with you periodically regarding COVID-19 as this global situation unfolds.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs

The Coronavirus is in the headlines every day and with so much information coming at us from all directions; it is sometimes hard to figure it all out. Here are a few frequently asked questions:

WHAT IS THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST COVID-19?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends taking the following measures:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.
• Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue, then immediately dispose of the tissue. If tissues are unavailable, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow, then wash your hands.
• Stay up-to-date with the flu vaccine and all other vaccinations.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Social distancing of 6 feet is recommended.
• Stay home if you are sick and do not return to work or school until your temperature is below 100.4 degrees, without the use of fever-reducing medication, for at least 24 hours.

SHOULD STUDENTS AND SCHOOL STAFF WEAR SURGICAL MASKS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES?

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

• CDC does NOT recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

WHAT IS Village Christian School DOING TO PROTECT OUR STUDENTS AND STAFF FROM THIS VIRUS?

• The school is being cleaned daily by our custodial staff. They also are ensuring that all restrooms are equipped with hand soap and paper towels.
• Classroom have been provided with Clorox wipes for daily cleaning of commonly touched areas in the classroom.
• Hygiene posters have been placed around campus to remind student to wash their hands, and cover their mouths.
• Administration is collaborating with the Center for Disease Control, LA County Public Health, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the National Association of School Nurses – all in an effort keep up to date on the latest information.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE SCHOOL HAS TO CLOSE? WHAT ABOUT SCHEDULED SCHOOL TRIPS?

Public health authorities currently say it is safe to maintain regular school and work schedules.

• Village administrators are making contingency plans for learning to continue from home if deemed necessary.
• Field trips and travel plans – For now there are no changes to our current plans. All travel advisories are being monitored and more information will be provided if necessary.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• LA County Health: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/

If we all work together, we can keep our ‘Village’ healthy!