Question 1

When should resident students arrive on campus?

Accepted Answer

We understand that travel poses many challenges. However, students should make every effort to arrive and move in on Monday, August 31. (A future correspondence will discuss what to expect on August 31, Registration Day.)  Students and families must let the Student Office know their travel plans as soon as possible.  Contact either:

Mr. Bornt at (626)799-5010 x 234 or tbornt@southwesternacademy.edu or

Mr. Shriwise at (626)799-5010 x 208 or bshriwise@southwesternacademy.edu

Question 2

Will students have to be tested for COVID-19 before arriving on campus?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All students will have to be tested and provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 7 days prior to arriving on campus. Students/families must present this document when they arrive on campus.

Question 3

What if a student tests positive before coming to campus?

Accepted Answer

If a student tests positive before returning to campus, he or she must remain home for at least 14 days prior to coming to campus. In the event of this happening, notify the Student Office immediately (information above).  We will be in touch with the family concerning the details of the student’s return.

Question 4

How can students reduce their risk of contracting the virus before coming to campus?

Accepted Answer

It is important for students to be very careful before arriving on campus, especially during the 14 days prior to arrival. Following stated public health guidelines such as wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, washing hands frequently, and minimizing contacts and exposures are very important during this time.

Question 5

Will students new or returning to campus be required to quarantine after they arrive on campus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all new and returning students to campus will quarantine for two weeks in the dormitories upon their arrival.

Question 6

What will happen during the on-campus quarantine at the beginning of the year?

Accepted Answer

During the time of quarantine, students are expected to stay in their assigned dormitory. As instruction begins, students will work from their dorm rooms. All meals will be delivered to the dormitories. We will need students to cooperate and not congregate in rooms or visit other dorms. We’re planning some fun on-campus, outdoor activities, conducted at safe physical distance, for individual dorms.

Question 7

Will students be tested after returning to campus?

Accepted Answer

No, unless in the future the student exhibits symptoms of the virus.

Question 8

Once on campus what health practices will students be asked to adopt?

Accepted Answer

In order to care for every member of our school community certain practices will be required of everyone. These include, but are not limited to, use of face coverings, social distancing, hand washing, daily temperature testing, and participation in contact tracing (as necessary). If students are unable to comply with these standards, they will lose the opportunity to be on campus.

Question 9

Is there a daily health test that all students, faculty, and staff must take?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All students, faculty, and staff will have their temperatures taken every day, and each person will have to affirm that they do not have the symptoms for Covid-19 virus nor have they been in contact with anyone who has the symptoms. If other symptoms are present with or without a high temperature, students will be tested and isolated in a dorm until test results are returned.  Faculty and staff who have recognized symptoms including a high temperature will be asked to stay at home and self-quarantine until tested negative for the virus.

Question 10

If a student tests positive while on campus, what will happen?

Accepted Answer

If a student tests positive while on campus, he or she will be isolated in a dormitory set aside for this purpose and the family will be consulted as to the next steps that will be taken.

Question 11

How will students learn about the health and safety protocols and what’s expected of them?

Accepted Answer

We will share updates with students and families as they become available. After arrival on campus, an orientation followed by regular student meetings will inform students of changes and updates.

Question 12

Will there be in-class instruction to begin the fall semester?

Accepted Answer

No, we will begin the year with distance learning.  In a situation that is constantly evolving, Southwestern’s administrative staff joins “by invitation only” teleconferences each week with Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, for the most up-to-date information and guidance for classrooms, dining facilities, and dorms. As of our last briefing on August 13, 2020, LA County remains on the state’s watch-list. Therefore, we will not be permitted to hold in-person classes with students entering and leaving campus. We are monitoring the situation as it develops and will communicate changes as they become available.

Question 13

May students start the year learning from home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To start the 2020-21 school year, our goal is to provide an on-campus experience for students that are able to join us and distance learning for students delayed or restricted by travel or who prefer it to start the year. When it is safe, we hope to re-unite our entire Southwestern family on campus. We do not intend to offer virtual learning for the entire year unless world events dictate that we must do so.

Question 14

How will a student get their class schedule?

Accepted Answer

Academic administrators will work with students virtually during the week of August 31-September 4 to finalize class schedules. A student’s core courses in English, math, science, history/social science, foreign language, and visual and performing arts are dictated by graduation and college entrance requirements and follow an outlined sequence. Students provided their preferences for elective courses in a recent survey several weeks ago.

Question 15

Will students be permitted to change their class schedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes, prior to September 4th when final schedules will be emailed to a student’s southwesternacademy.edu address. Students should check their email throughout the week as this will be the primary form of communication.

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