Health Updates

As we all do our part to navigate the continuing challenges associated with COVID-19, it is our intention to provide all of our families with the information needed to confidently return to school this year.

Below is the outline of our Safe Return to Campus Procedures that will be in place when school resumes in August. We are constantly monitoring the ever-changing situation and will post any updates to the plan in the Resource Section of your My Hartfield Account.

***Please note that with the ever changing nature of the COVID-19 virus we reserve the right to change any of these policies at any time.***

1. School will begin in-person on Monday, August 9th, 2021.
2. Face Coverings are encouraged on both of the Hartfield Campuses.
3. Daily Health Screenings
- We are asking parents to carefully and honestly check your student(s) for symptoms each day before sending them to school.
4. Vaccinations are encouraged for all eligible students and staff but are not required. 
5. Hand Sanitizer Stations will continue be available throughout the campus. Faculty will encourage students to use hand sanitizer regularly during the day.
6. Enhanced Cleaning -- Enhanced cleaning procedures throughout the campus will continue in both classrooms and common areas. Areas will be cleaned by Hartfield Staff and our professional cleaning service. 
7. School Operation -- At this time, we will return to a normal school operating process. Assemblies, both indoor and outdoor, will continue as scheduled. Students will move between classes, into their special classes, and cafeteria areas.

*School guidelines are subject to change and will be updated here*

Last Updated: 12/31/2021



Safe Return FAQ

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

  • Are face coverings required?

    Face coverings are encouraged for everyone on the Hartfield campuses this year. At this time, they are not required but please be aware that this may change based on the situation at the time.
  • What are my responsibilities as a Parent/Guardian?

    It is our desire to have the most normal school year possible while keeping a safe and healthy environment for staff and students. This cannot be accomplished without the cooperation of every family.  We trust you to make the best decision for your child and others, whether that be to remain home out of caution when experiencing any symptoms, to wear a face covering at school, consulting your physician, or any other action necessary to protect your child and all our students and staff.  
  • What happens if my student becomes symptomatic during the school day?

    Students who become symptomatic during the school day will be asked to wear a face covering, and will remain under staff supervision until the parents can be contacted and the student leaves campus. Cleaning guidelines and disinfecting procedures will be implemented for any potential contact areas.
  • What happens if a student or staff member begins to experience symptoms of COVID-19 while not at school?

    Any student or staff member who experiences symptoms of COVID-19 (persistent cough, sore throat, headache, fever of 100.4 or higher, body aches, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, or nausea) should self-isolate and contact their physician. 
    The student or staff member can return to school when they have been cleared by their physician.
  • What happens if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?

    Students or Staff Members who have a confirmed case of COVID-19 and were directed to care for themselves at home may return to school under the following conditions:
    Please contact your principal to inform them of the positive test results. 
    • At least 5 days have passed since symptom onset and
    • At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
    • Person is exhibiting no symptoms of COVID-19 (other than loss of taste or smell as those symptoms may last longer than 10 days).
    • Upon return, Student or Staff Member is required to wear a mask for 5 additional days when around others. 
  • What about household members of a person with a positive test?

    • If it is determined that the student has not had high-risk contact, the student will be able to return to school, but will be asked to remain isolated from the person with the positive test and continue to closely monitor their symptoms.
    • If it is determined that the student or staff member has come in close contact with the family member, the student or staff member must continue to monitor their symptoms and not attend school
      • Students and staff members may return to school after 5 days (without fever for 24 hours), and then must wear a mask with around other for an additional 5 days. 
  • Will Hartfield communicate positive tests to affected groups?

    Families will be notified via email when there has been a positive test that could potentially affect their student(s).
  • Will our students be required to quarantine based on potential contact with a positive case? 

    Due to multiple factors, including uncontrollable interactions within the community  outside of school, we do not believe our staff will be able to follow contact tracing protocols effectively at this time. If an established threshold of positive cases is reached within a school division, our staff will begin making every effort to trace any student and staff contact within the environments that are controlled at school.
  • How else might a positive case in my student's class affect my student? 

    Along with the class communication through email, we ask all parents to monitor their student’s health closely.  
    If it is deemed that a quarantine based on close contact becomes necessary, the following individuals will NOT be asked to quarantine:
    • Student or staff member was fully masked for the entirety of the contact
    • Student or staff member provides proof of full vaccination
    • Student or sta member provides documented proof from a healthcare professional of a positive COVID-19 test or positive Antibody test within the previous 90 days.
  • What happens if my child has to miss an extended amount of school due to illness or exposure?

    Our teachers will make every effort to see all our students succeed and remain up to date in their classes. Please contact your division principal for specific instructions.
  • Will there be a full-time virtual learning option for my student?

    At this time, there will not be a virtual learning option offered to students.
NOTICE OF RISK

We have taken enhanced health and safety measures for those who come to our campus—students, employees, and visitors. While on campus you must follow all posted instructions. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. COVID-19 is a contagious disease. If infected, you may exhibit no symptoms or mild symptoms, or become severely ill, or die. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and persons with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting our campus, you voluntarily assume all risks related to the possible exposure to COVID-19.
Hartfield Academy is fully accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the MidSouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Southern Association of independent Schools (SAIS).