COVID-19

 

Dear Community,

 

At Atlas, we believe strongly that returning to in-person learning five days a week is critically important for the overall success of our students and families. As a kid, joining Atlas means learning through authentic real-world experiences and finding joy in learning and discovery.  We believe that children learn best through authentic hands-on experiences, and our team is committed to providing a world-class education in a safe, fun, and joyful learning environment.    

As we prepare to open our school for the 2021-2022 school year, Atlas Elementary is committed to fulfilling the promise of our foundational beliefs and school values despite the present COVID-19 crisis. In the following safety plan we outline how Atlas will provide a space that is conducive to our students' academic success while maintaining a safe and healthy environment.  

In order to keep our community safe, Atlas is following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  Evidence compiled by the CDC shows that schools can safely reopen, and stay open, with consistent implementation of prevention strategies. Currently, the CDC guidelines emphasize the importance of using a combination of layered prevention strategies to avoid COVID-19 transmission in schools, including:  

 

• Universal and correct wearing of masks
• Physical distancing 
• Hand washing and respiratory etiquette
• Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities
• Contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine, in collaboration with the state and local health departments.  

As we navigate these challenging times, we will never lose focus on the impact the virus has had on our students, families, staff, and community.  We understand that each individual has been affected in different ways, and that everyone has different feelings on how we should return and what that should look like.  This manual should be used as a guide to provide direction as the COVID-19 landscape changes.  Atlas will follow the CDC and the St. Louis County Department of Health guidelines regarding sanitation, physical distancing, personal protection equipment (PPE) and other layers of protection.  As the guidelines adjust, so will our direction and communication.  As a community, we will adapt to the environment and work tirelessly to support our children.

To our Atlas Founding Families, thank you for the trust you have placed in our team.  We will not disappoint you!  

In partnership,

Colby Heckendorn

Executive Director