Our goal is to keep students on campus and in classrooms as much as possible this year, while embracing policies and practices that will safeguard the health and wellbeing of our entire community.
We will regularly update the Visitation community through email about the school's guidelines. Please continue to check this page, as it reflects up-to-date guidance. Thank you, as always, for your partnership.
If you have any questions about school operations or health concerns, we are happy to answer them. Please use this form so we can direct them to the correct member of our leadership team.
If you have any questions about school Covid policies, please email Head of School Dr. Barbara McGraw Edmondson. For health-related queries, please contact School Nurse Heidi Greenhalgh.
Health & Safety
Science shows that the most important measures that we can take to prevent the spread of coronavirus are getting vaccinated, wearing face masks, social distancing, and handwashing. To this end, all of these guidelines will continue to be central aspects of school life at Visitation in 2021 – 2022.
- Vaccination
- Covid-19 Testing
- Face Masks & Coverings
- Stay Home if Sick
- Campus Visitors
- Close Contacts
- Handwashing & Respiratory Hygiene
- Campus Cleanliness & Ventilation
- On-Campus Dining
- Transportation
- What to Do If You Are High-Risk
- Visiting the Health Office
- What Happens If A Student Develops Covid-19 Symptoms on Campus
- Reporting and Precautions When Students or Faculty/Staff Test Positive for Covid-19
- What to Do After a Positive Covid Test
- Travel Guidance
Vaccination
All Visitation faculty & staff are must have their primary series and, starting with the 2022-2023 school year, all students will need to have had their primary series as well.
Visitation strongly encourages vaccination for all eligible students. This is vital for the health and wellbeing of our school community; we want all of our students to fully engage in school life and that will only be possible if every eligible student is vaccinated. Vaccination not only protects the individual who is vaccinated, but also reduces the risk of transmission throughout our community. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor. Parents should complete this form to apprise School Nurse Heidi Greenhalgh of their daughter’s vaccination status.
Per the DC Mayor’s mandate, all student-athletes must be vaccinated* by November 1, 2021 in order to participate in Visitation’s athletics program. This requirement includes participants in club teams and intramural sports, including Gold-White cheerleaders and players. There is not a test-out option. Students who have received a medical exemption from a physician should provide that documentation to Mrs. Greenhalgh by November 1.
The school reserves the right to require vaccination for specific events, groups or all students.
*People age 18 and older who have received all recommended vaccine doses, including booster doses as applicable and children ages 5-17 who have completed their primary vaccine series are considered up to date on their vaccine.
Covid-19 Testing
Screening testing promptly identifies Covid-19 cases as they emerge and helps prevent the spread of infection within the school.
DC Health and Georgetown Visitation require adults with medical exemptions from receiving the vaccine to test weekly and student-athletes with medical exemptions from receiving the vaccine to test weekly.
- Testing will continue through our outside vendor LabTech every Tuesday during lunch in the Fisher Center.
- We will continue to test until the end of the performing arts season - (orchestra, choir, envision, musical, and tech).
- All students, faculty & staff who have registered with LabTech are welcome to be tested on Thursdays.
- If your daughter is tested outside of school, please remember to share any positive test results with School Nurse Heidi Greenhalgh.
Face Masks & Coverings
Stay Home if Sick
Please stay home if you are sick.
Every student and adult should check themselves for Covid-19 symptoms before arriving on campus.
Symptoms of Covid-19 include:
- Fever (subjective or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or chills
- Cough
- Congestion or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- New loss of taste or smell
- Otherwise feeling unwell
Students experiencing the following symptoms that are new or unexplained must stay home.
- Any ONE of the of these red-flag symptoms:
- New or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fever (subjective or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
- OR at least TWO of the following symptoms:
- Chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Unusual fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Congestion or runny nose
- Diarrhea
An individual must stay home, not be admitted to school, and/or will be dismissed from school if they have tested positive for Covid-19. (See below for criteria for returning to campus as a positive test.)
If a student stays home or is sent home, the family must seek guidance from their healthcare provider.
Students with pre-existing health conditions that present with specific Covid-19–like symptoms may not be excluded from entering the school building on the basis of those specific symptoms, with previous evaluation by a health care provider. In this instance, a family consultation with the School Nurse, coupled with thorough documentation from a student’s doctor, is required.
Campus Visitors
Close Contacts
The definition of a close contact has been updated. A close contact is someone who was within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative 15m over a 24h period while that person was infectious. There is an exception in the K - 12 indoor classroom setting: in this context, a close contact excludes individuals who were within 3 - 6 feet of an infected fellow student.
- Students (except for those who have had and recovered Covid-19 in the last 90 days) should get tested if anyone in their household develops symptoms of Covid-19.
- A student who has been identified as a close contact of a person with Covid-19 is NOT required to quarantine or be restricted from school work if:
- She has had Covid-19 (symptomatic or asymptomatic) within the last 90 days AND does not have any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 infection. OR
- She has received her primary vaccine series AND does not have any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 infection.
- A student who is exposed to Covid-19 who is up to date on her Covid-19 vaccination OR who has had Covid-19 and recovered in the last 90 days should:
- Get a Covid-19 test (antigen or NAAT) five days after the date she was exposed.
- If test is positive, see "What to do after a positive Covid test."
- Wear a well-fitting mask around other people (including household members) for 10 days after exposure.
- Monitor for symptoms of Covid-19 for a full 10 days after exposure. She must isolate and test if symptoms develop.
- Get a Covid-19 test (antigen or NAAT) five days after the date she was exposed.
- A student who has not received the primary vaccine series or is not up to date on Covid vaccination and has been identified as a close contact will need to quarantine as follows:
- If able to isolate from Covid-19 positive individual and are asymptomatic:
- Quarantine for five days from last exposure. If a student receives a negative test result (antigen or NAAT), she may return on day 6.
- They wear a well-fitting mask when around other people (including household members) for 10 days after their exposure. OR
- If not tested, after a minimum of 10 days (i.e., on day 11) from last exposure to Covid-19 positive individual.
- Some students may have the option to participate in the test to stay under protocol if identified as close contact and not up to date on vaccine series.
- To test to stay, a student must not have any symptoms of COVID-19 and test for COVID at minimum twice during the 7-day period after their last exposure:
- immediately (defined as within 24 hours of their exposure notification) and
- again 5 to 7 days after exposure.
- Please send the test results to Mrs. Greenhalgh. Students using the test to stay option must wear a properly well-fitted mask. If no testing is done, the student should quarantine for at least 10 days.
- Full test to stay information can be found here.
- To test to stay, a student must not have any symptoms of COVID-19 and test for COVID at minimum twice during the 7-day period after their last exposure:
- If able to isolate from Covid-19 positive individual and are asymptomatic:
*Higher risk activities are those with increased risk for Covid-19 transmission due to greater potential for forceful exhalation during participation. For example gym class, recess, choir, orchestra, band, theatre, dance.
The nurse will report the case to DC Health per the guidance found here.
Visitation will offer virtual classroom access for students who are quarantining as a result of a Covid exposure. Contact School Nurse Heidi Greenhalgh for more information.
Handwashing & Respiratory Hygiene
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All community members should practice good hand hygiene, particularly at moments of transition (e.g., using the restroom, before eating, after blowing one’s nose, etc.).
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Students and adults will wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
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Students and adults should wash or sanitize their hands when both entering and exiting a classroom or between activities. Students are strongly encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.
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Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands.
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Cover coughs and sneezes.
Campus Cleanliness & Ventilation
Visitation is always diligent in doing our part to mitigate the spread of disease. To further prepare for school this year, we have added the following precautions:
- Our campus buildings will be cleaned daily with CDC-compliant cleaning materials.
- All classrooms will be equipped with hand sanitizer and tissues.
- Hand sanitizer will be required when entering and exiting the room.
- Desks and workspaces will be spaced three feet apart.
- All desks will face the front of the classroom.
- Desks will be cleaned at the end of each class.
- Visitation has reviewed and updated all of our building systems to ensure that they meet all CDC and DC health and safety guidelines regarding air quality. We will continue to do so regularly as guidance changes. Specific measures that have been implemented include:
- All air filters have been upgraded to the maximum levels possible. Filters are checked weekly and changed as needed.
- Our systems have been set to allow in the maximum percentage of outside air possible.
- Portable air cleaners have been added to every classroom and student space.
- The air quality in our buildings is monitored throughout each day.
- The bathroom ventilation systems are all functioning at highest rate possible.
On-Campus Dining
The Dining Room will offer “grab-and-go” lunches as well as morning snacks during Cub Period for purchase. We are migrating to a new payment system and will share more details soon on funding your daughter’s account to use in the Dining Room and Cub Shoppe.
The Dining Room will have limited capacity, with tables set for four students each. Students are warmly encouraged to eat outside as much as possible. Visitation will be tenting several outdoor patios around campus to provide more dining options.
Transportation
All student drivers will be required to register their cars so we know who is on campus.
Public Transportation: Students are encouraged to maintain at least six feet of distance from others when traveling to and from school. Students should avoid congregating in large groups at intersections and transit stops. Please review these additional CDC tips for safe travel on public transportation.
Carpools: If families choose to carpool, the following guidelines are strongly encouraged:
- Keep the number of individuals in the car as low as possible.
- Wear masks at all times.
- Keep the individuals in the carpool as consistent as possible - same students in the same carpool every day.
- Keep the car windows open.
- Wipe down the car before and after use.
School Transportation: All students taking school transportation to an event must be vaccinated or send the school a negative PCR result from a test administered in the previous 48 hours.
What to Do If You Are High-Risk
DC Health recommends that any individual at high-risk for experiencing severe illness due to Covid-19 to consult with her medical provider before attending in-person activities.
Please see guidance from the CDC for an up-to-date list that will reflect the most recent data.
Any student who has a medical condition not on this list, but is still concerned about her safety, is encouraged to speak with her medical provider.
Visiting the Health Office
The School Nurse will continue to be available to all students to promote a safe healthy environment that contributes to academic success. If a student is not feeling well during the school day, she will need to obtain a note from her teacher to see the nurse. If a student has any of the below symptoms of Covid-19, she will report to the “sick” room adjacent to the Health Office, where the School Nurse will evaluate her for any of the following symptoms:
- Fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion and a runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Feeling unwell
If any of the above symptoms of Covid-19 is confirmed by the nurse, a parent will be notified and asked to pick up the student immediately. The parent will need to contact the medical provider for further instructions. The student may not report back to campus until a note is submitted to the nurse from a medical provider stating the student is free from all evidence of communicable diseases.
What Happens If A Student Develops Covid-19 Symptoms on Campus
If a student is identified as having COVID-19 while in school, Visitation will dismiss the student immediately as well as any individuals that the school identifies as potential close contacts. Contact tracing will be carried out by the school to identify and dismiss potential close contacts until DC Health is able to complete the case investigation.
Cleaning and disinfecting procedures will immediately follow for any area and materials with which the student was in contact.
Reporting and Precautions When Students or Faculty/Staff Test Positive for Covid-19
In the event a community member tests positive for Covid-19, the individual or the parents of of the student must notify School Nurse Heidi Greenhalgh (x2221) immediately. The nurse will then report the case to DC Health (per the guidance found here) to receive further guidance if the individual was infectious while on campus. The infectious period starts 14 days before symptom onset (or date of test if asymptomatic), and typically ends 10 days after symptom onset (or test date).
Cleaning, Sanitization, and Disinfection of Affected Spaces: In the event of a confirmed Covid-19 case in a student or staff member, Georgetown Visitation will follow all steps outlined by DC Health as well as the cleaning, disinfection and sanitization guidance from the CDC.
What to Do After a Positive Covid Test
- If your daughter tests positive for Covid-19, she may return to campus under the following conditions:
- If fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-lowering medications (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and other symptoms are improving AND negative antigen test on day 5 after the onset of symptoms date or the date of Covid test if asymptomatic:
- Student may return on day 6 from when symptoms first started.
- If still have a fever and/or other symptoms have not improved at day 5:
- After being fever-free for 24 hours and other symptoms have improved AND then receiving a negative antigen test result. OR
- After at least 10 days (i.e., on day 11) from when symptoms first started.
- If receive a positive antigen test on day 5:
- After at least 10 days (i.e., on day 11) from when symptoms first started.
- If no antigen test is completed:
- After at least 10 days (i.e., on day 11) from when symptoms first started.
- After at least 10 days (i.e., on day 11) from when symptoms first started.
- If fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-lowering medications (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and other symptoms are improving AND negative antigen test on day 5 after the onset of symptoms date or the date of Covid test if asymptomatic:
- Your daughter will receive an email with a link for her to enter her close contacts. We appreciate your partnership in making sure she completes this as soon as possible, so we can contact impacted families quickly.
Travel Guidance
Students, faculty and staff are expected to comply with quarantine and testing protocols per CDC Guidelines.
Families should consult this document prior to travel and plan for quarantine and/or testing as prescribed by the guidance.
*The guidance changes frequently; Visitation will follow the most up-to-date guidance.
Helpful Information on Covid-19 from the School Nurse
- Symptoms of Covid-19
- How to Protect Yourself and Others
- How to Safely Wear and Properly Remove a Face Mask
- Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way
- Physical Distancing
- Trusted Covid-19 Resources
- Mental Health Resources
Symptoms of Covid-19
For more information, visit DC Health.
Any individual experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or who is required to isolate or quarantine due to Covid-19 diagnosis or exposure should not attend, work at, or visit a school due to the risk of exposing others.
Symptoms of Covid-19 may include:
- Fever (subjective or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit),
- Chills,
- Cough,
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
- Fatigue,
- Muscle or body aches,
- Headache,
- New loss of taste or smell,
- Sore throat,
- Congestion or runny nose,
- Nausea or vomiting, or
- Diarrhea.
All persons 18 and older who are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, that are new or unexplained, should stay home and not enter a school.
All persons younger than 18 who are experiencing the following symptoms, that are new or unexplained, should stay home and not enter a school:
Any ONE of these red flag symptoms:
- New or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell
OR at least two (2) of the following symptoms:
- Fever (measured or subjective)
- Chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- An unusual amount of tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Runny nose or congestion
- Diarrhea
How to Protect Yourself and Others
For information, visit the CDC website.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Clean your hands often.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact.
- Limit contact with others as much as possible.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Put distance between yourself and other people.
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
- This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face covering in public settings and when around people not living in their household, especially when social distancing is difficult to maintain.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.
- The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and disinfect.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Then, use a household disinfectant.
How to Safely Wear and Properly Remove a Face Mask
For more information the CDC website.
Cloth face coverings serve as a barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the cloth face covering coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice.
WEAR YOUR FACE COVERING CORRECTLY
- Wash your hands before putting on your face covering.
- Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
- Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face.
- Make sure you can breathe easily.
- Do not place a mask on a child younger than 2.
USE THE FACE COVERING TO HELP PROTECT OTHERS
- Wear a face covering to help protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms.
- Keep the covering on your face the entire time you’re in public.
- Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead.
- Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, clean your hands.
FOLLOW EVERYDAY HEALTH HABITS
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTH FACE COVERING CAREFULLY, WHEN YOU’RE HOME
- Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops.
- Handle only by the ear loops or ties.
- Fold outside corners together.
- Place covering in the washing machine.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way
For more information visit the CDC website.
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
Follow these five steps every time.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Physical Distancing
For more information visit the CDC website.
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household.
To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
When going out in public, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from other people and wear a cloth face covering to slow the spread of COVID-19. Consider the following tips for practicing social distancing when you decide to go out.
- Know Before You Go: Before going out, know and follow the guidance from local public health authorities where you live.
- Prepare for Transportation: Consider social distancing options to travel safely when running errands or commuting to and from work, whether walking, bicycling, wheelchair rolling, or using public transit, rideshares, or taxis. When using public transit, try to keep at least 6 feet from other passengers or transit operators – for example, when you are waiting at a bus station or selecting seats on a bus or train. When using rideshares or taxis, avoid pooled rides where multiple passengers are picked up, and sit in the back seat in larger vehicles so you can remain at least 6 feet away from the driver. Follow these additional tips to protect yourself while using transportation.
- Limit Contact When Running Errands: Only visit stores selling household essentials in person when you absolutely need to, and stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not from your household while shopping and in lines. If possible, use drive-thru, curbside pick-up, or delivery services to limit face-to-face contact with others. Maintain physical distance between yourself and delivery service providers during exchanges and wear a cloth face covering.
- Choose Safe Social Activities: It is possible to stay socially connected with friends and family who don’t live in your home by calling, using video chat, or staying connected through social media. If meeting others in person, stay at least 6 feet from others who are not from your household. Follow these steps to stay safe if you will be participating in personal and social activities outside of your home.
- Keep Distance at Events and Gatherings: It is safest to avoid crowded places and gatherings where it may be difficult to stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not from your household. If you are in a crowded space, try to keep 6 feet of space between yourself and others at all times, and wear a cloth face covering. Cloth face coverings are especially important in times when physical distancing is difficult. Allow other people 6 feet of space when you pass by them in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Stay Distanced While Being Active: Consider going for a walk or bike ride, or wheelchair roll in your neighborhood or in another safe location where you can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other pedestrians and cyclists.
Trusted Covid-19 Resources
Important Covid-19 Resources
Get the latest updates and stay informed on the coronavirus with direct information from the below resources:
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Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - Official Coronavirus (Covid-19) health information
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Coronavirus.dc.gov - The latest local information from DC Health
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FEMA Rumor Control page - Answers to coronavirus myths and rumors.
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Coronavirus.gov - The latest official information from the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Task Force at the White House
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USA.gov/Coronavirus - See what government agencies are doing in response to Covid-19.
Mental Health Resources
Nurse Greenhalgh has shared this helpful handout from the National Association of School Psychologists for speaking with your children about coronavirus. She also recommends this suite of resources from the Department of Health & Human Services. It is updated often and has specific categories to fit particular needs.
In addition, Visitation's counselors - Susie Manion and Sarah Thompson - will remain available during regular school hours to students, parents, and faculty via email and phone to address mental health needs as they arise, and ongoing concerns related to emotional well-being.
Given the remote nature of these communications, counselors will only be able to intervene in non-crisis issues and will be unable to assess for risk or safety.
Our counselors have also shared the following resources to help parents as they support their children through this evolving situation:
- CDC Helping Children Cope
- New York Times Talking to Teens and Tweens about the Coronavirus
- New York Times Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus
- Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- Stop a Worry Becoming Catastrophic: How to Talk to Your Kids about the Coronavirus
- New York Times The Difference Between Worry, Stress, and Anxiety
- Quaranteeangers: Strategies for Parenting in Close Quarters
- 5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Their Anxiety About the Coronavirus
- Parenting When the Family is Locked Inside
- Parenting in Place masterclass on helping families thrive in challenging times
Criteria for Campus Health Protocols
As a school in the District of Columbia, Visitation is required to follow health guidelines issued by DC Health.
In considering our specific campus health protocols, Visitation places the highest priority on the safety and well-being of our community members: our students, faculty & staff, the Sisters, and families. We strive to balance that with our abiding desire to deliver the best school experience possible. We want to see our students on campus and in classrooms as much as possible this year.
All decisions are made by our school's leadership in consultation with our the Board of Directors, and the Board's Coronavirus Committee.
Our decisions are rooted in public health guidance and reflect local and regional health conditions as monitored through key public health benchmarks. We refer to the Centers for Disease Control for nationwide guidance; in terms of local health conditions and recommendations, we refer to DC Health and the District of Columbia, but will also give consideration to Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Fairfax County, Arlington County, and other nearby locales, given the wide area in which our community members live.
The school is in regular dialogue with public health officials to ensure that we are well-versed in the specific implications of public health guidance for secondary schools like ours.