EMS reviews the science, considers the surrounding environment, and evaluates the current climate.
We adhere to the protocols and policies recommended by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As our understanding of the disease evolves, the EMS Health and Safety Team, comprised of administrators and faculty representatives, is constantly evaluating and updating policies in consultation with a group of dedicated doctors and health professionals in our community who make up our Medical and Dental Advisory Committee. We will keep our community informed of changes as they are implemented.
What happens when there’s a COVID+ case wihtin the community?
We start from the shared goal of wanting to keep everyone safe and in school. While we realize that we are living in a time of risk and concern, the science of exposure is nuanced and considers many factors. Our community’s health and safety and the benefits of keeping students in school are equally weighted in our decisions, and we typically err on the side of caution.
The EMS environment — with daily wellness checks, UltraHEPA filters, indoor masking, social distancing, a fully vaccinated staff, and other protective measures detailed in the COVID Policies section of our site — provides a very low risk for what the CDC considers “close contacts” to occur.
While in-person classes are best, students in isolation may remotely participate in classes. Note that students who are out of school due to illness of any kind will not remotely connect to classes; instead, they are expected to rest and recover. Students who must quarantine in accordance with state and local guidelines due to voluntary travel will not have the option to attend classes remotely.
Who is EMS consulting?
In addition to following the policies and procedures of the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we’re also reading and taking under advisement guidance from the following academic, medical, and psychological experts.
- The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS)
- New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS)
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
- New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
- National Business Officers Association (NBOA)
- INDEX
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Arts Ed NJ
- World Health Organization
This list is not exhaustive; every member of our faculty and staff additionally participated in discussions, webinars, readings, and conferences within their specialties about how to best serve students under these circumstances.