Hidden Covid-19 FAQ

Distance Learning and Enrichment Classes
Begin August 13, 2020!

MCS is excited to welcome our students back to school for distance learning with on-campus enrichment classes on August 13th. We will maintain safe, social distancing practices and other measures to provide a safe yet vibrant learning environment for our students and staff. For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions listed below. You may also contact us at MCStrong@modestochristian.org or call our office at 209-529-5510.

For information about our admissions process, please contact our Enrollment Director, Mary Gomez, at 209-529-5510 or CLICK HERE to be directed to our Admissions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did MC consider when deciding to return to in-person learning?

We balanced the risk of infection and transmission of Covid-19 in children with the harms that school closure and distance learning cause on their physical and mental health. We considered whether we could return to school in a manner that maximizes children’s health and minimizes risks and determined that we could.

Why was returning to in-person learning so critical to MC?

MC recognizes it provides essential services for the students and families in our MC community, including providing valuable instruction, childcare, social interaction, mental health care, recreational needs, and a refuge from isolation. Some of our families have severely suffered economically from an almost 5-month shutdown and must be able to pursue their livelihood for their family. In addition, many of our families are essential workers who need the safe and healthy environment MC can provide for their children. It is our determination that it is in the best interests of our children and families to provide on-campus learning, taking into consideration the guidelines of the California Department of Health, the Stanislaus County Public Health Officer, and the CDC to effectively and safely open.

Is MC worried about the students and staff contracting Covid-19?

There have been many mixed messages about the lethality and contagious nature of Covid-19 to children as well as the likelihood of children spreading the Covid virus to adults. We have considered the statistics provided by Stanislaus County, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and various studies conducted by children’s hospitals. While we recognize that it will not be possible to remove all risk, we have put in place sanitation protocols pursuant to the requisite health departments that will minimize risks. These protocols include, but are not limited to, daily screening by parents, screening when needed at the campus, increased hand hygiene, proper ventilation, reasonable physical distancing, strict exclusion policies for symptomatic children or staff, and regular environmental cleaning. We believe that following the CDC, the State and local health department, and the Academy of American Pediatrics’ common-sense guidelines will allow us to reopen safely in August.
PRESCHOOL: In compliance with California Licensing Guidelines, each preschool student will undergo a health screening, including a temperature check, by a staff member before entering the facility. Parent/Guardians will not be allowed to enter the preschool building, but must escort their child to the drop-off checkpoint outside of the facility.

How many students will be in each class?

Since classroom sizes vary, so too will the number of students in each classroom. In general, grades K-5 can have 15 -18 students with distancing as suggested by the requisite health agencies. Middle school and high school classrooms are larger and more varied in size. These classrooms can accommodate 15-25 students depending on the room.
PRESCHOOL: Each preschool classroom will be limited to 10 students.

What if my child gets sick?

Any student with symptoms consistent with Covid-19 will be strictly isolated until a parent can pick them up. The student will be required to seek medical attention which could include testing for the virus. If the student tests positive for Covid-19, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Our faculty is prepared to continue their learning using the online platform Google Classroom until they can return to class. If they test negative, the student may return to school once all symptoms are gone.

What happens if a teacher gets sick?

Any staff member with Covid-like symptoms will be required to immediately quarantine at home and follow the instructions of their medical care provider. If a staff member tests positive for Covid-19, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days and will be allowed to return to school once the current public health return to work guidelines are met.

How do you keep kids from touching each other?

We believe interaction between students and staff is vital to the healthy development of children. While classroom desks will be distanced and other protocols put in place such as not sharing of pencils and supplies, social interaction is one of the many benefits of on campus, in-person learning. Prolonged contact will be minimized, but interaction is expected. Students will be reminded to wash hands well and frequently, they will be taught respiratory etiquette, a regular schedule of hand hygiene will be followed, and common touch areas will be frequently sanitized. Our younger students will be led through hygiene protocols throughout the day. All classrooms and restrooms will undergo deep cleaning every day, as will common areas.

Are you requiring masks?

Modesto Christian School will follow the mask and face covering guidelines published by the California Department of Public Health for schools and school-based programs released on July 17, 2020. Most notably, we will require masks or face coverings when students and staff are in common areas and where adequate distancing is not possible.
PRESCHOOL: In compliance with California Licensing Guidelines, all preschool staff will be required to wear cloth face coverings. Students will not be required to wear masks.

Why does MC get to open on-campus learning and public schools cannot?

Stanislaus County public schools house thousands of students. Some public school campuses are as much as 10-15 times the size of MC in terms of student body. The concerns of schools with thousands of students are very different than those of MC. We recognize that “one size does not fit all” in these circumstances. Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) and the Stanislaus County Public Health Official determined that for public schools, it was best to begin school with distance learning. This decision was made after 25 district superintendents of public schools met with the Public Health Official and had input into the decision. SCOE is not the governing entity for MC and its decision does not regulate MC. The guidelines of the appropriate health agencies are being considered and tailored to the dynamics of our small school.

What’s going to happen with sports at MC?

MC is part of the CIF Sac-Joaquin section and the TVL/TCAL leagues. The State CIF will release a statement on Monday, July 20, 2020, as to the future direction the CIF will pursue related to interscholastic athletics for the 2020-2021 school year. After the State CIF renders a decision for the 2020-2021 school year, MC will meet with their TVL and TCAL leagues to determine the best course of action moving forward.

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