Respiratory Illness Policy and Protocol 

Updated April 4, 2024

In the event that a student is diagnosed with a respiratory illness, including COVID-19, the following policies must be followed. Respiratory illnesses include, but are not limited to, common cold, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. The school policies are in accordance with CDC and state guidelines.  

Isolation 

Boarding Students 

• At this time, there is no required isolation period for respiratory illnesses.
• All boarding students must have a designated emergency contact who agrees to pick up your child from campus within 24 hours if the student is diagnosed with a communicable disease (i.e., Strep, COVID-19, Influenza), a school shutdown, or mandated quarantine. 
• Students may return to campus once their symptoms are improving overall and have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of any fever-reducing medications (such as Advil or Tylenol). 

Day Students 

• There is no required isolation period for day students. However, students must stay off campus until their symptoms are improving overall and have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (such as Advil or Tylenol). 
• If a child has been diagnosed with a respiratory illness by their provider, the School should be notified. 

Vaccination

• The School follows the State of Connecticut Guidelines for vaccinations of school-age children. 
• The School currently does not mandate the COVID-19 vaccine; however, we strongly encourage all members of our community to be fully vaccinated, including boosters when warranted. 
• In accordance with the State of Connecticut guidelines for vaccinations, the Influenza vaccine is required for all preschool children. However, we strongly encourage all members of our community to be fully vaccinated. 

Testing 

• COVID-19 and Influenza rapid antigen testing will be available for symptomatic boarding students. 
• At this time, we do not offer rapid respiratory testing for day students. Testing should be completed by the child’s primary care provider.

Masking 

• No masks are required; however, students are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for five days following infection to curb disease spread. This includes ensuring good hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, and keeping a distance from others. 

Athletics 

• For students ages 12 and older who have tested positive for COVID-19, sports clearance from their physician is required to return to sports. 
• A return-to-sport protocol will be closely followed for these athletes.