While we realize that we can’t predict the future, we want to provide some early assumptions about our plans for the fall, which are based on what we know now.

As we look ahead to the fall, we’re optimistic that vaccinations will become available to at least our oldest children this summer and hopeful that vaccinations for younger children will follow by sometime late in 2021. We also are cautiously optimistic that the pandemic outlook will continue to improve through the summer, allowing us to continue to ease back towards life and school as we knew them. However, for the fall, at least, some Covid-19 mitigations will remain necessary, and therefore, we will continue to implement our Social Contract and some protocols (adapted where appropriate).

We’ll offer more details and FAQs through the remainder of spring and summer as the trajectory of the pandemic unfolds and we better understand the context in which we’ll be returning to school.

Based on what we know today, and as simply stated as possible (more info to come):

  • All learning for 2021-22 is planned for in-person, five days per week
    • There will be no ‘opt-in’ for remote learning
    • Special medical situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
  • Masks: will continue to be required along with physical distancing at 3 feet 
  • Class locations: all grades will return to their pre-pandemic buildings, one Middle School homeroom will occupy the Makerspace in the Logan Loft
  • Cohorts: enlarged; generally, a building, or a side of a building, such as at Monarch Haven (2nd and 3rd) and Hawks Nest (4th and 5th), will comprise a cohort
    • Lower School: all sections of a grade level (for instance, both Kindergartens, both First Grade classes) or multi-age group (ie, 4th/5th Redtails) will be a cohort
    • Middle School: there will be one inclusive MS cohort
  • Extended Day: will be offered; specifics regarding groupings and enrichments TBD
  • Wednesday early dismissal*: 2:15 PM Wednesday dismissal and carpool for faculty meetings and Professional Development and accreditation preparation time *ExDay plan available
  • Transportation: Carpooling may be expanded, but no bus transportation
  • Quarantine for higher-risk travel and gathering some restrictions likely to remain (possibly with updated guidance or new protocols, TBD)
    • We highly discourage high-risk late summer travel or gatherings that could result in necessary quarantine
    • More info to come as the summer unfolds and vaccination rates increase
  • Vaccination: for everyone’s individual health and our collective ‘herd’ immunity, we are urging all eligible Burgundy community members to be vaccinated when eligible
    • We may help provide access to vaccinations
    • We may later decide to require vaccination (with an exemption policy)
  • Updated guidance from the CDC regarding vaccinated adults outdoors: While the CDC has updated mask guidance for vaccinated adults, for now and likely through the end of the school year and summer camp, at least, Burgundy will continue to require masks on campus in all classrooms and common spaces on campus indoors and outside
  • Daily health home self-screening: likely will continue to be required

Again, more information, along with more specific FAQs, to follow! We intentionally are not trying to address all contingencies or questions at this time.