BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN BACK TO Table of Contents Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN

3 Call to Action: Letter from Head of School Craig Gemmell

4 The Brewster Covenant

5 Planning and Contacts

6 Adjusted School Calendar

7 Key Dates for the Fall Trimester

8 Welcome Back: Brewster’s Registration and Orientation

13 Health and Safety

24 Life on Campus

30 Academics

33 Athletics and Afternoons

35 Travel

36 The Day Student Experience

38 In Closing/Partnership: Families and School

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Brewster’s Call to Action

Radical Partnership, v1.0 Recognizing how important living and ourselves, our families, our communities, At Brewster, we talk frequently about radical learning in community is, Brewster’s and the broader world. Moreover, we can all partnership among school, family, and Reopening of School Task Force was saddled engage thoughtfully and grow from this. students. This concept is characterized by with an immensely complex job: developing clearly articulated roles and responsibilities, appropriate standards of care to bring our In order to ensure that all members of open lines of communication, and, most students back to campus and educate them Brewster’s community (most importantly importantly, shared goals. In the past, we’ve effectively during COVID-19. This group has Brewster students, who are at the center discussed radical partnership in service to worked thousands of collective hours over of all we do) can grow, we have much work the development of individual students the past months, and the results of our to do. All of this work is about absolute as thinkers and members of a community efforts is an operational plan informed by clarity and alignment around goals, as well devoted to a clear and potent mission: current science, public policy, and close as compliance with the means by which Brewster prepares diverse thinkers for lives work with peer schools. We are glad to be Brewster will conduct in-person education of purpose. able to share this document with you. during COVID-19. Success in this endeavor will require yet a new level of radical Enter COVID-19. Radical Partnership, v2.0 partnership, and successful partnership Embedded in the worrisome matrix of will in turn favorably shape conditions on Brewster pivoted well to engage in crisis interrelated COVID-19 issues—including campus and the trajectories of our students. management and maintained a focus on family, health, economics, public policy, and They will surely grow to be more disciplined, keeping students moving forward during the politics­—is an important opportunity: to use sympathetic, empathetic, and selfless onset of COVID-19, but we did so remotely. the current crisis for real-time education of community members for the rest of their The absence of community taught us how the best sort for parents, students, teachers, lives as a result. This is sure an outcome profoundly important it is for our students. and administrators. Pointedly, if managed worth working together for! correctly, we all can learn much about —Craig Gemmell, Head of School

3 CALL TO ACTION

BACK TO THE BREWSTER COVENANT Brewster OUR COVID CODE OF CONDUCT 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN

Faculty, staff, students, and visitors are expected to act in a manner that demonstrates respect and consideration for those in the Brewster community, consistent with this Covenant.

THOSE LIVING, LEARNING, AND BREWSTER ACADEMY WILL WORKING IN THE BREWSTER Maintain open lines of communication COMMUNITY WILL with all constituencies as we continue

Respect and Consideration Adhere to prescribed testing, to manage the unfolding COVID-19 Despite meticulous planning, quarantine requirements, and routine crisis. As we learn more and continue it is impossible to eliminate all screenings; to monitor health guidance, we will risk in the face of the COVID-19 adapt policies accordingly. pandemic, and the plans Participate in training to understand described in this Back to Brewster the safety precautions that will guide plan recognize that reality. our behavior during the coming year; By working together in close BREWSTER PARENTS WILL partnership, we can reduce risk Follow guidelines for mask wearing and Actively support this covenant and to ourselves and our community. social distancing on and off campus; We expect that faculty, staff, future additional measures by regularly students, and visitors will act Maintain healthy standards of living encouraging their Brewster student to in a manner that demonstrates (including but not limited to practicing comply; respect and consideration for good hygiene and keeping our spaces those around them, consistent Communicate any/all concerns to their clean) to minimize the spread; with this COVID Code of Conduct. Brewster student’s advisor. Report all symptoms of COVID-19 to a designated health professional at Brewster. 4 THE BREWSTER COVENANT BACK TO Brewster REOPEN CAMPUS STRATEGY TEAM MEMBERS 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Craig Gemmell, Head of School [email protected]

Kristy Kerin, Associate Head of School Planning and Contacts [email protected] Communications Subgroup (with Lynne Palmer, Director of External Affairs, [email protected]) Brewster has been engaged in a comprehensive planning process to reopen campus since we made the decision to close in March 2020. A Bret Barnett, Assistant Head of School, Campus Affairs Reopen Campus Strategy Team has been meeting regularly, examining [email protected] policies, procedures, and physical structures in order to determine the Afternoon Programs and Residential Life Subgroups safety precautions and policies needed to reopen campus and keep it Raylene Davis, Assistant Head of School, open. This team will continue to meet throughout the summer and into Academic Program the school year to update this plan as necessary in order to mitigate [email protected] the spread of COVID-19 and provide a positive learning environment for Academic Subgroup students. Jonathan Fouser, Director of Summer and Global Programs SUBGROUPS [email protected] Eight subgroups have been assembled to support the work of the Strategy Travel Subgroup Team, with support from dozens of faculty, staff, and administrators from across the school serving in various roles. The Reopen Campus Strategy Peter Gilligan, Chief Technology and Operations Officer Team members are listed (right) with the subgroups they lead. [email protected] Operations Subgroup

Susan Harrington, Chief Financial Officer [email protected] Medical Planning and Human Resources subgroups QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE Carrie MacDonald, Director of Student Health Services TO CONTACT [email protected] ANYONE ON Medical Planning Subgroup THE STRATEGY TEAM Nick Wilbur, Director of Admission [email protected]

5 PLANNING + CONTACTS BACK TO XL Brewster WINTER 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN BREAK! Adjusted School Calendar

SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT There are plenty of changes in this new, unusual school year. The overarching change is a shift in our regular school calendar. To minimize the number of entries and departures from campus (which require testing and quarantining each time) and to reduce the risk of exposure, a new school calendar has been developed.

We will continue to operate on a trimester schedule; however, students will be on campus for two long periods in the fall and spring, with an extended winter break. Shorter breaks will be eliminated, including March break. The academic calendar will include two Interim Studies weeks in the spring that will provide a break in the structure and give students and faculty opportunities to delve into experiential learning and passion projects.

ACCESS THE FULL CALENDAR HERE: brewsteracademy.org/ calendar

6 ADJUSTED CALENDAR BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Fall Trimester Key Dates

AUGUST 2020 Friday 14 - Sunday 16 • International students, domestic students returning by public transportation, and student leaders (incuding day students who are student leaders) arrive early for quarantine, testing, and orientation Monday 17 • Prep Start Program begins for new international students and students of color Monday 17 • Student leaders begin Leadership Orientation Thursday 27 • Day students return to campus from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for testing. Friday 28 - Sunday 30 • All remaining students arrive for testing, short-term quarantine, and orientation (a schedule will be distributed after all Travel Surveys are returned).

SEPTEMBER 2020 Wednesday 2 • Fall Trimester classes begin

OCTOBER 2020 Friday 9 – Saturday 10 • Virtual Fall Family Weekend & Parent Teacher Conferences

NOVEMBER 2020 Tuesday 24 • Fall Trimester ends. Students depart campus after final exams. Wednesday 25 • Winter Break begins (Students unable to travel home for Winter Break or winter athletes who wish to remain on campus for Break may do so with permission.)

DECEMBER 2020 Monday 7 • Optional enrichment courses begin online (mandatory for students staying on campus) 7 FALL TRIMESTER KEY DATES Friday 18 • Enrichment courses conclude ANOTHER BACK TO IMPORTANT Brewster DIFFERENCE THIS YEAR 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN

Unlike in years past, we Registration will not have multiple tables for families to complete last minute Students, we are eager to welcome you back group must self-quarantine for 14 days to campus! This section includes information before returning to campus. This group will registration pieces like to prepare for your return, and what to have a shortened on-campus quarantine. insurance, book purchase expect when you arrive. or consent forms. WHAT DOES SELF-QUARANTINE MEAN? PRE-ARRIVAL + HOME QUARANTINE According to the New Hampshire We ask that you diligently We are planning for two arrival groups: Department of Health and Human Services, self-quarantine means: watch your inboxes to Group One: August 14-16 • Stay home from school and work. make sure you have All international students, student leaders, • Do not take public transportation, taxis, completed all of the and any students who need to travel to or ride-shares. details required (i.e. campus via public transportation must arrive • Do not have any visitors to your house health forms, technology, in this group. Students in this arrival group during this time. must self-quarantine at home for seven days • If you must have visitors, tell them that insurance, business office, prior to commencing travel back to campus. you are under quarantine. etc). Because most students in this group will be • Keep your distance from others (about 6 returning via public transportation, they will feet or 2 meters). Folks from these offices have an extended quarantine on campus. will be reaching out Group Two: August 28-30 before your child THANK This group includes all other domestic comes to campus to YOU FOR students who can travel to campus via HELPING US ALL ensure these pieces are private car. Students in the second arrival STAY HEALTHY! complete.

8 REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION BACK TO PRE-ARRIVAL COVID Brewster DOCUMENT CHECKLIST 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN The following documents are required before a student’s arrival Registration to campus: o A negative COVID-19 PCR test PRE-ARRIVAL TESTING AT HOME result taken within seven days of All students will undergo three PCR* tests for COVID-19 as part of their return to campus: the return date. one test at home prior to arrival, one upon arrival, and another after completing an onboarding period. o A signed statement that you accept the risks of attending a All students should take a COVID-19 test within seven days prior to arrival on campus and residential boarding school during submit a copy of negative test results to the Health Center via the Magnus Health Portal that the COVID-19 pandemic. is available on the Brewster Parent Portal. Students and families are responsible for all fees associated with pre-arrival testing. (Brewster will cover the cost of on-campus testing during o A signed declaration that arrival.) Any student who tests positive for COVID-19 may not return to campus and should states you have practiced the communicate with Brewster’s Health Center. If a student receives an inconclusive test result, expected self-quarantine prior to they need to retake the test until they can provide proof of a negative test result to Brewster. commencing return to campus.

WHAT ABOUT ANTIBODY TESTS? o Completed daily screening The Centers for Disease Control is not currently recommending the antibody test as a questionnaire (Students must determining factor in returning to work or school. While Brewster will continue to follow screen symptoms daily during antibody testing as it develops, at this time we will not be using antibody tests in our decision their home self quarantine period. making and testing. Brewster will provide instructions for students and families to complete daily.)

Families will receive information about a registration webpage to * PCR test stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction test. access documents.

9 REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Registration

WHEN YOU GET TO CAMPUS • Students and families will be greeted in the main visitor parking lot (don’t forget your face coverings!). WE’RE • Everyone in the family will get a SO EXCITED temperature check. TO WELCOME • Head over to the Smith Center for YOU BACK! registration. • At the Smith Center, you’ll receive your room assignment and move-in schedule. • After you have moved in (see requirements below) you will receive SUMMER STORAGE your COVID-19 test and begin on-campus quarantine. All stored items will be delivered to your MOVING IN room before you arrive. The number of students and families in If you have questions, residence halls at any one time will be reach out to Maureen limited. Two adults may help each student move into their room, and all who enter the Edmonds at medmonds@ residence halls must wear face coverings brewsteracademy.org. throughout the move-in process. We ask that REGISTRATION 2019 families limit the number of other guests who are on campus during drop off.

10 REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION BACK TO LATE ARRIVALS Brewster Students who are unable 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN to arrive for the start of school will be required to be tested and quarantined Testing and Quarantine in a single room in a designated residence YOUR COVID TEST STARTS THE CLOCK student is outside their room. apart from other students Prior to arrival, students will be assigned a • All students will have an assigned until they are cleared time to be tested for COVID-19. Once you are bathroom during this period in order to to move into their dorm tested, you must return to your dorm room limit the number of users. and the clock starts on your quarantine. This • Students will have their temperature room. means families must say their goodbyes prior taken daily. to the test, and parents will not be allowed • Meals will be brought to dorm lounges back into the dorms after the test. for students to pick up and bring back to their rooms. Brewster has contracted with Onsite Medical • While common rooms will largely be off Services to conduct testing for all students limits, we will have activities for students as well as faculty and staff who will be to opt into during this period like virtual working on campus. This testing procedure movie club, summer reading discussions, is a nasopharyngeal swab. Results come back trivia/game nights, and socially distanced in three to five days. Brewster will cover the walks. fees for this initial on-campus testing. • Students will complete some assigned tasks, like the watching of instructional WHAT HAPPENS DURING QUARANTINE? videos explaining COVID protocols. • During quarantine, students can leave • Adults will visit students multiple times a their assigned room for bathroom breaks, day for wellness checks. for meals, and for supervised socially • All students will be retested for COVID at distanced outdoor activities. the end of their quarantine period. • Face coverings must be worn anytime the

11 REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Orientation Programs

Once cleared to do so, some specific programming options will begin, including Prep Start and Student Leadership Training.

PREP START PROGRAM Prep Start helps international students and students of color adjust to boarding school life, with one-on-one sessions with campus figures, plus a chance to learn some of the ins and outs of the Brewster classroom experience and create bonds as they explore their shared fears and hopes for the coming year. Questions? Email Director of International Student Programs Jason Wang ([email protected]) or Director of Equity and Inclusion Melissa Lawlor ([email protected]).

STUDENT LEADERSHIP TRAINING During this training, student leaders will engage in activities and workshops, both virtually and in person, that further develop their skills as doers and change makers. Students will also work to plan school-wide activities for all to engage in during the orientation period. Questions regarding this program can be directed to Director of Institutional Leadership and Dean of Faculty Dolph Clinton ([email protected]).

PARENT ORIENTATION Due to COVID-19, we will be modifying our Parent Orientation experience. Virtual sessions will happen during the weekend of August 28 to give parents an opportunity to engage with their child’s advisor and academic team. We understand there is no substitute for an in- person exchange, but we are hopeful that our virtual orientation plan will forge the start of a strong partnership between the parent and the advisor during the year ahead.

12 REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Health and Safety

Brewster has established a number of new safety protocols to reopen campus and keep campus open. While some of these new procedures may be uncomfortable and unfamiliar, they are essential to managing a campus of more than 400 people.

In planning for the reopening of school, we are in frequent contact with leadership at Huggins Hospital, less than one mile from campus. We’ve consulted with some of the top medical doctors and epidemiologists through resources provided by our school associations and the state of New Hampshire. Additionally, we have sought counsel from several qualified members of our parent and alumni communities.

The following pages outline protocols, safety equipment Brewster is putting in place, medical resources, how students who become ill will be cared for, and the scenarios in which we could have to close campus for the community’s safety.

13 HEALTH AND SAFETY BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN New Precautions

OUR ROUTINE WILL BE DIFFERENT When students return to campus, they will find many new items in place to help prevent COVID. Brewster expects everyone in our community to accept and follow these new procedures and use these tools:

• All members of the community will be trained on proper hygiene techniques, including hand washing and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). • Brewster has an appropriate stock of PPE for the year, including specialized medical PPE for our health center staff. (If students do not have a mask, they will be given one.) • Additional hand-sanitizing stations have been installed throughout campus. • Plexiglass shields will be installed in public reception areas. • Gloves will be required for all members of dining, health services, and housekeeping. • Each morning, Brewster staff will conduct daily temperature checks for all students and employees working on campus. • Students and employees will submit daily symptom-check surveys using an app developed by Magnus Health. • Students with any signs of illness will be assessed to determine if they should proceed to the Health Center or proceed with virtual learning from their dorm room. • Additional COVID testing will be required when students leave campus and return after breaks. • During the school year, COVID testing will be required for any symptomatic students and for any symptomatic employees. We will follow public health guidance on when they may safely return to campus if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or exposed to someone who has.

14 HEALTH AND SAFETY BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Face Coverings

FACE COVERINGS: THE NEW RULE • Students, faculty, staff, and visitors will be required to wear face coverings that are fitted to the face at all times while inside buildings and public spaces, and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. • Students may remove face coverings in their dorm rooms. • Faculty, staff, and students will be expected to wear face coverings whenever they go into public places in town. • Bandana-style masks or gaiters are not approved as face coverings.

BRING YOUR MASK Students should bring NOT several reusable cloth ALLOWED: face coverings and at BANDANA-STYLE least 100 disposable face MASKS OR GAITERS coverings at the start of the school year.

FACE COVERINGS MUST BE FITTED TO THE FACE OVER THE MOUTH AND NOSE 15 HEALTH AND SAFETY BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Facility Provisions

CAMPUS CLEANING Brewster will adhere to strict cleaning regimens as dictated by public health guidelines. Schedules will be managed to allow for cleaning between groups as needed, with special attention given to high contact touch points such as door handles. We have also purchased electrostatic sprayers to maintain complete and consistent coverage of all public spaces.

VENTILATION/AIR FILTRATION Brewster has conducted a thorough campus assessment of air flow. Based on recommendations from epidemiologists, we have updated all filtration systems to MERV 13 or better in all HVAC systems. We are also adding freestanding air filtration systems in areas where fresh airflow is restricted.

PUBLIC SPACES All spaces have been assessed and layouts adjusted to support physical distancing. In some areas, one-way directional signage has been posted. Increased safety signage will be added in facilities with appropriate guidance to maintain social distancing and enhanced disinfection, such as dispensers of hand sanitizer.

WORK FROM HOME POLICIES To minimize the number of unnecessary interactions on campus, non student-facing staff members who are able to continue to work from home will be encouraged to do so, reducing the number of staff working on campus by roughly 15 percent.

16 HEALTH AND SAFETY BACK TO TECH TOUCH Brewster Our classroom iPad robot will allow faculty who need 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN to self-isolate to teach remotely and move about In the Classroom the classroom!

CAMPUS CONFIGURATIONS Larger classes may be broken into sections or moved to different locations where students will be spread out in order to ensure that appropriate physical distancing is implemented. Students will be seated with at least six feet between one another. In some areas of the Academic Building, one- way directional signage will be posted, and student cohorts may be directed to specific entrances and exits. 6 feet

LOOK FORWARD TO MORE 6 feet CLASSES OUTSIDE, TOO!

17 HEALTH AND SAFETY BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Dining Hall

HOW WILL MEALTIMES WORK? Dining schedules will be adapted to limit the total number of students in the dining hall at one time, and a tent will be put up on campus for outdoor dining options as weather allows. Self-service dining will be eliminated. Instead, meals will be served by a member of dining services so that students do not need to share serving utensils.

Strict cleaning protocols will be followed, according to public health guidance. In addition, sanitary wipes will be available for students who wish to wipe down their own place prior to eating.

See Page 28 for info about accessing food off campus from Wolfeboro’s cafes and restaurants.

18 HEALTH AND SAFETY BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Residence Halls

DORM ROOMS their dorm room tidy and will be advised Most students will have roommates. All on increased cleaning guidance in light of rooms have been assessed to ensure that COVID-19. each student has at least 10 feet of space • Students will be expected to bring their HOME SWEET HOME between “heads and beds.” As a result, some toiletry kits back to their rooms after Because residence halls quads have become triples, some triples each use. will be treated akin to have become doubles, and some doubles • This year, students are allowed to have will be singles. In addition, we know that mini-refrigerators in dorm rooms in order family units, there will be some of our international students will not to limit their trips to the dining hall. somewhat more relaxed be able to return to campus for the start of • A large dorm refrigerator for students will protocols inside dorms. fall term, so some students will begin the still be in the common room. year in singles that will become doubles as • Students are not required to clean the ON THE MOVE their roommates arrive on campus. bathrooms or common rooms, but Students should be prepared cleaning supplies, masks, and gloves will THINGS TO KNOW AND DO: be available if a student would like to to move rooms in the Winter • Boarding students will only be allowed to clean before and/or after use. Trimester based upon enter their own assigned dormitories • The housekeeping staff will also be realignment of cohorts. • Day students will not be allowed into increasing the cleaning schedule in all residence halls areas of heavier use like bathrooms and • After a student’s quarantine is over, common areas. masks will not be required in their dorm • Dorm meetings will take place virtually or rooms. outdoors. • Students are expected, as always, to keep

19 HEALTH AND SAFETY BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN

10 feet

20 HEALTH AND SAFETY BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Managing Illness

WHEN SOMEONE BECOMES SICK ADDITIONAL HEALTH CENTER MEASURES Maintaining everyone’s health and well-being • Brewster has purchased equipment to LOCAL EMERGENCY is paramount, and student wellness will conduct rapid COVID tests in the Health CONTACT be monitored daily. Students who are ill or Center. When possible, we ask displaying any COVID-19 symptoms will stop • The Health Center also has necessary PPE that students identify an attending classes and activities immediately to safely treat and monitor students who and will be assessed to determine the are suspected of having the virus. emergency contact who best placement for them. Depending on • Additional on-campus space has been lives within driving distance the student’s illness, they may be placed outfitted with beds and equipment to who can serve as a guardian in the Health Center, designated isolation support students who require isolation if a student becomes ill. We spaces, or their dorm rooms (for non-COVID while awaiting test results, or who test believe that it is in the best maladies). positive and need to be isolated. • We have established an alternate Health interest of a student with Students who cannot attend class in person Center space to treat students who need COVID-19 to recover under can do so virtually. Should illness persist, treatment for non-COVID illnesses and the care of a trusted family students will be encouraged to return injuries. member or friend. This home or to the residence of a designated will ensure that Brewster family member/guardian until they are fully recovered and test results come back has the necessary beds to negative. A limited number of spaces will treat all students, especially be designated on campus for this purpose those who may not have should families not be able to designate a a guardian nearby. This guardian within driving distance of campus. info can be provided at brewsteracademy.org/survey

21 HEALTH AND SAFETY BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN

CARRIE MACDONALD, BSN, RN, BREWSTER’S DIRECTOR OF STUDENT More Health Resources HEALTH SERVICES

FLU VACCINATIONS We know that flu season will be upon us starting in September. Brewster always encourages students and employees to get the flu vaccine annually, and this year it is especially important. Coinciding flu and COVID-19 outbreaks could overwhelm hospitals and resources, threatening lives and the response to the pandemic. Getting vaccinated could keep thousands of flu patients out of the hospitals and preserve resources that are urgently needed for COVID-19. A flu clinic for Brewster students will be held in the fall. If you are vaccinated by your personal physician, please send confirmation to the Health Center.

CONTACT TRACING Members of Brewster’s Health Center have become certified contact tracers and will be establishing and communicating contact tracing procedures when appropriate.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH As always, Brewster’s school counselors will be available to assist students who need additional support. We recognize that returning to campus in the midst of the pandemic may increase anxiety for our students. Our counseling team is crafting programming to help students and increase their access to calming and relaxation skills, mindfulness, emotional THERE support, etc. The team is also exploring a new online appointment tool and phone app called IS A TEAM USafeUS. OF NINE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AT BREWSTER

22 HEALTH AND SAFETY BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Campus Closure

By requiring careful precautions, it is our strong hope that Brewster will be able to continue campus operations throughout the 2020-21 school year. This will require radical partnership from all members of our campus community. However, we recognize that we need to prepare for the possibility of a community outbreak that would necessitate the closure of campus. Brewster will follow guidance from New Hampshire Health and Human Services and other public health officials in the case of a community surge of COVID-19. In the event of a closure, faculty are prepared to rapidly shift to Brewster Online to ensure that the continuity of our students’ educational experience is not compromised. We will work closely with students and families to support their travel needs, and we will ask families to provide contact information for an approved local guardian to support students who may not be able to return home.

23 HEALTH AND SAFETY

BACK TO ARE WE Brewster STILL 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN GOING TO HAVE FUN? YES! Life on Campus IT’LL GET READY FOR A NEW KIND OF YEAR JUST BE Without a doubt, life on campus will be A LITTLE different this year. However, we are working hard to ensure that despite necessary DIFFERENT. adjustments and adaptations, the core components of a Brewster experience will , be maintained. Campus life protocols may fluctuate over the course of the year, as dictated by the state of the pandemic in New Hampshire. Our decision making will be driven first and foremost by health and safety considerations, closely followed by our mission and core principles.

In the following pages, you’ll learn more about how day-to-day life at Brewster will be different.

24 LIFE ON CAMPUS BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Life on Campus

A NEW GROUP: COHORTS Students will be assigned to specific cohorts or groups in order to reduce the chances of community spread in the case that a student becomes sick. Cohorts will be established prior to arrival, and will be carefully organized to match students who share common residence, afternoon activities, and classes. Information will be shared upon arrival.

We ask that students and families understand that we will make every effort to honor students’ housing requests from their roommate forms, but we need to make assignments based on a number of criteria for community safety. According to our usual practice, student housing assignments will be available at registration when students arrive on campus.

BOBCAT NATION: YOU’VE GOT THIS!

25 LIFE ON CAMPUS BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Life on Campus lAUNDRY SCHOOL GATHERINGS & CAMPUS EVENTS For safety in avoiding shared spaces, we All School gatherings will take place virtually strongly encourage all families to enroll in for the fall. Students will likely gather the E&R Laundry Services program, rather by advisory group so that students may than use the on-campus laundry machines. participate in the All School gathering with Brewster has negotiated a reduced annual some of their peers and faculty and engage fee for a wash/dry/fold service that will in discussions as appropriate. include weekly laundering of all linens, towels, and clothing. Financial assistance is Brewster has cancelled the Bobcat Open available. Golf Tournament and Grandparents’ Day for the fall, but of course, we all hope they For families opting to have their child do can be rescheduled if it is safe to do so their own laundry on campus, students will later in the year. Meanwhile, we will look for still be able to use the Estabrook facility. creative ways to foster connections and build While students in Toad Hall have access to community. laundry machines in their common space, all other dorms will have a weekly rotation GET schedule providing ample time for students who need to do laundry in the Estabrook READY FOR facility to complete this task. VIRTUAL FALL FAMILY WEEKEND OCTOBER 9-10!

26 LIFE ON CAMPUS BIG LAKE NEWS BACK TO Brewster Beach (not Brewster the waterfront by the 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN boathouse, but the large beach just off campus) is going to The Fun Stuff be open for Brewster students only starting HAPPY TO BE WHERE WE ARE in August! It’s an The pandemic is serious and scary, but we’re unusual move, but lucky to be on an amazing and beautiful these are unusual lakefront 80-acre campus to ride it out—and enjoy being together! We’re finding ways to times, and we want to have the same clubs and programs that you make sure students love—just doing so safely. Plus, with the help get to enjoy the lake of your student leaders, we’re putting on before the fall chill our creative thinking caps to add some new arrives. offerings...

IDEAS THAT ARE BREWING • Scavenger hunts (you never know what you might find when you answer the riddle!) • Waterfront activities like bonfires and corn hole in small groups • E-sports tournaments • Outdoor common rooms so you can see your friends (think: lots of new Adirondack chairs for fresh-air hangouts!) • Plus, with some new protocols, you can still enjoy Wolfeboro. • See more in the Afternoons and Weekends section!

27 LIFE ON CAMPUS BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Going into Town

ACCESS TO WOLFEBORO Because the cases in Carroll County have been relatively low, we anticipate that students will be allowed to access local businesses in limited ways. When going into Wolfeboro you must: • Maintain social distancing • Wear a face covering at all times • Pick up takeout or eat at outdoor tables only (all students, all employees, and family members of employees who live on campus are not allowed to eat inside restaurants)

If students are observed not following proper guidelines they will likely forfeit this privilege. If there is an increase in COVID-19 cases in the local community, student access to town will be discontinued.

FOOD DELIVERY Food delivery to dorms will also be allowed. Students will be required to go outside to get their order from the delivery driver and must utilize appropriate personal protective equipment. Brewster has worked with the local restaurants that deliver directly to campus to ensure that their delivery drivers utilize practices that will minimize risk to our community, including practices that have become the normal during COVID-19 (i.e. contactless delivery).

2628 LIFE ON CAMPUS BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Campus Visitors

FAMILY VISITS Parents and immediate family members will be allowed to visit campus. We ask that parents wait until at least September 15 to visit, in order to allow time for onboarding and operations to fully resume. We also ask that all other visitors refrain from visiting campus for at least Fall 2020. Parents and family members will not be allowed to enter residence halls after move-in day. Access to other public buildings will also be limited and parents may be subjected to temperature screenings. Parents must alert us to their visit in advance, sign a waiver/declaration in regards to COVID-19, complete a Wellness Assessment, and wear face coverings at all times on campus. If circumstances change, this practice may need to be discontinued in keeping our community healthy.

SPECTATORS For the Fall Trimester, Brewster and peer schools are not allowing spectators to attend sporting events. We will make every effort to livestream games.

OFFICIAL CAMPUS VISITORS Brewster will limit campus visitors to mission-specific needs, including carefully structured admissions visits. Visitors must be approved in advance, must sign both a release of liability waiver and a declaration in regard to COVID-19. All visitors must wear face coverings and practice social distancing while on campus. All essential visitors will be greeted upon arrival by their host party, provided any necessary PPE, and briefed on the school’s visitor policy. They will also be asked to do a temperature check. Any visitor who chooses not to comply with campus policy will be denied entry to school buildings and be asked to depart from campus.

29 LIFE ON CAMPUS NEW COURSES BACK TO This fall brings some great Brewster new courses to try: 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN • Advanced Placement World History: Modern • African American Academics Studies • Applying Math within OUR CORE REMAINS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Cultures Brewster continues to be student-centered Brewster faculty have engaged in • Mandarin Chinese 4 in our decision making, planning, and professional development to expand their • Creative Discoveries protocols. And while classrooms may expertise in delivering hybrid instruction. look different, the Brewster Model will be All courses have been redesigned to be • Culture in Film unchanged, with just the right amount of more flexible, allowing instruction to move support and challenge for our students. between online and in-person with greater Our aim is to offer in-class instruction ease. All faculty will be using one learning for all students who are able to return to management system, Canvas, starting in campus, with attention to the appropriate September 2020. This move will simplify minimization of shared materials and the user experience and make navigating resources. assignments easier for students. Additionally, we hired an Instructional Designer to For students who are not be able to return develop a template for Canvas which will to campus for the Fall Trimester due to unify the learning experience across all travel restrictions or health concerns, subjects for the students. we will offer virtual instruction. Brewster Online has developed into a virtual learning environment and will function similar to an academic team. Online instruction will be monitored by a dean overseeing Brewster Online, while the student experience will be managed by a Team Leader.

30 ACADEMICS BACK TO THE COLLEGE Brewster OFFICE HAS ALL 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN THE INFO YOU NEED ABOUT THE SAT AND Academics ACT

COLLEGE OFFICE AND ACADEMIC TESTING Brewster’s college counselors have been available to work with students remotely throughout the spring and summer. Students will work with college counselors as they always have, while employing safe social distancing measures. SAT, ACT, and other testing agencies have adapted testing protocols to address additional safety precautions, and Brewster will work with students to ensure they have the testing opportunities they need.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING Social and emotional learning courses will remain required and important components of the curriculum for all grade levels. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools are increasingly recognizing the importance of this work. We are proud of Brewster’s 10-year commitment to social and emotional learning.

GLOBAL PROGRAMS At this time, we have canceled our Fall Trimester experience in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. We expect that we will likely cancel the Winter Trimester in Tenerife in the Canary Islands. We will continue to monitor guidance from public health officials and will make a decision in the coming months about the ninth grade immersion experience in Cadiz, Spain and the Spring Trimester abroad in Santiago de Compostela.

31 ACADEMICS WINTER ENRICHMENTS BACK TO Winter enrichment Brewster offerings are still being 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN finalized, but will offer students a chance to work on key skills related to Winter Break writing the college essay, testing, and readiness skills WHAT’S HAPPENING DURING THE EXTENDED WINTER BREAK? that fall outside of the Campus will remain open over the winter holidays for international students and normal curriculum. for boarding students from areas of the country experiencing high rates of COVID-19 transmission. We will also support winter sports athletes who wish to remain on campus to train over the winter break. Brewster will offer optional online enrichment courses over the extended winter break, but for students who elect to remain on campus during the Winter Break, the enrichment program will be mandatory.

STAYING ON CAMPUS DURING WINTER BREAK Students who are unable to return home for the winter break, along with winter sports athletes who wish to stay and train, will be allowed to remain on campus with permission. We are still finalizing plans regarding the Thanksgiving holiday for students who wish to return home and return for winter sports. Please await further instruction later this fall.

PLEASE PACK LIGHT In order to support winter sports and afternoon activities by cohorts, we may need to shuffle some dorm assignments following the winter break. We ask that students prepare for this possibility and reduce the amount of belongings they bring to campus this year.

WINTER BREAK BEGINS NOVEMBER 25 AND CLASSES START JANUARY 18

32 ACADEMICS BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Interscholastic Athletics

BOBCATS IN ACTION Brewster. COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS At this time, a limited group of independent • The competition season will be limited to We recognize that a number of our student- schools have reached an agreement to hold a set number of games. athletes aspire to collegiate athletic careers interscholastic varsity athletics competitions • All Brewster teams will compete against and we will do everything possible within this year. Athletics competitions will start the same school on a given weekend to necessary safety precautions to support in October, after schools fully onboard limit exposure. the continued development of students’ students and assess the status of the virus in • Games will take place on Saturdays only. athletic goals. If interscholastic competitions the state. Brewster will compete only against • There will be no spectators at fall are not possible, coaches will work with peer schools in northern New England, and games, but events will be live streamed students to devise training plans that ultimate discretion about competing with whenever possible. focus on each individual athlete’s specific other schools lies within Brewster’s control. goals—be it fitness, strength, agility, or skills CLUB SPORTS OUTSIDE OF BREWSTER development. The Athletic Department If regional cases of COVID-19 increase such Students studying on campus (day and will also work creatively to help students that interscholastic competitions are not boarding) are not permitted to participate showcase their talents for college coaches. possible in the fall, Brewster has developed in non-Brewster club sports for the 2020- If there is a scenario in which all athletics plans for an intramural program to give 21 school year. A select group of schools is must be modified to non-contact play only, students the opportunity to continue to exploring the possibility of some limited club the Athletics Department is committed to develop their skills in their primary sports. competition on a few fall Sundays in lieu offering a range of afternoon programs to of club sports and showcasing for hockey, ensure that students have outlets to stay FALL SPORTS GUIDELINES basketball, and lacrosse. Of course, we hope active, and perhaps try something new that • Brewster will compete only against peer that this rule can change if the status of the may become a lifelong activity. schools that are subscribing to the same virus allows. stringent COVID-19 safety policies as

33 ATHLETICS AND AFTERNOONS WHAT DO YOU WANT? BACK TO All students are encouraged Brewster to make proposals for 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN activities through the Student Activities Office. Afternoons and Weekends Let us know what you want!

AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES WEEKEND ACTIVITIES CLUBS Students have a range of afternoon activities Weekend activities will initially be on With creative adaptations, most clubs and available to choose from, including, athletic campus, but will eventually include off- organizations should be able to run this enrichments, fine and performing arts, campus trips that allow for social distancing fall, either remotely or in-person with community service, and robotics. We also and take advantage of our spectacular physical distancing protocols. Some service anticipate new offerings that will enable natural region. Each and every weekend will opportunities that involve service to off- students to take further advantage of our feature a variety of on-campus activities to campus, indoor communities may need lake and mountainous locale, including provide students with the much-needed to be suspended or modified for at least an array of socially distant activities like break from studies and time to relax with the fall term. Club advisors are working mountain biking, fishing, and disc golf if peers and faculty. Here are a few of the new closely with the Reopening Campus Strategy students are interested. ideas faculty, staff, and student leaders have Team to assess the degree to which we offered: can successfully and safely deliver all • Virtual social opportunities programming. • Intramural Evening Kickball League • E-Sport competitions. • Quad Cup Lawn game tournaments

THE QUAD CUP IS ON! CAN GOODWIN QUAD BE STOPPED? WE’LL HAVE TO SEE!

34 ATHLETICS AND AFTERNOONS BACK TO Brewster 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN Off-campus Travel

IT IS IMPORTANT TO LIMIT TRAVEL requests in order to support the health and In order to limit the number of times that safety of the Brewster community. students must be tested and quarantined, we strongly support severely limiting students’ ESSENTIAL OR EMERGENCY TRAVEL off-campus travel for the duration of the Fall We understand that there are times when Trimester. However, we recognize that there travel is essential or that an emergency need may be specific reasons that students may may arise. This includes a family emergency need to request to leave campus. In order that requires a student’s presence, a medical to support students and make appropriate situation that would demand a student’s plans for their return to campus, we ask return home for attention, or a school- that, except in emergency situations, sanctioned activity that is coordinated by families provide at least two weeks notice in Brewster and adheres to the approved submitting their Off Campus Request Form. guidelines.

The approval process for off campus COLLEGE VISITS requests will include a review by the Students may request permission to travel student’s advisor, team leader, and dean. off campus to visit colleges and universities. A destination assessment will then be The students will need to follow the performed by a designated Travel Group procedure for requesting off-campus travel that includes the Director of Student Health and undergo the return-to-campus protocol Services. If permission is granted, students before reentering the community. Most and parents must agree to prescribed colleges and universities are offering virtual onboarding protocols that students must campus visits. We ask that students explore follow to return to campus. The Travel all virtual options before making their Group reserves the right to deny travel request for off campus travel.

35 TRAVEL DAY STUDENT PLAN BACK TO Once day students arrive Brewster for their academic day, they 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN will remain on campus until they complete their final commitment for the day. Day Students Day students are welcome to stay on campus through ABSOLUTE PARTNERSHIP the evening study hall. We recognize that the day student experience brings its own set of challenges for the coming school year. In setting policies for day students, our primary objective is the safety of all students. Therefore, our expectation for the day student experience is that they will function as boarding students without beds—engaging fully on campus but sleeping at home. In order to be successful, we will need absolute partnership with students and families. It is the expectation that day parents will oversee their students in the same manner that Brewster faculty members are overseeing boarding students.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR DAY STUDENTS When school is in session, we expect that day students will limit their social interactions with family and friends outside of Brewster. Like boarding students, it is the expectation that day students will wear face coverings if they are in public buildings or when outside and within six feet of others not within their immediate family. If a day student travels outside of New Hampshire, they must report that travel to Brewster and we may require a student to be retested or to quarantine at home for a period of time before rejoining the community.

SPACE FOR DAY STUDENTS The Student Life Team is working closely with day student leaders to create spaces where day students can store belongings, change for afternoon commitments—and rest, relax, and study as needed.

36 DAY STUDENTS BACK TO DID YOU Brewster KNOW DAY STUDENTS MAKE 2020-21 REOPENING PLAN UP ABOUT 20% OF BREWSTER’S COMMUNITY? Day Students

CARPOOLING When carpooling, it is impossible to practice physical distancing. Given this reality, this method of transportation to and from campus is not permitted. If this creates an insurmountable barrier for you or your student, please contact us to discuss options.

COHORTS Day students will be integrated into cohorts with boarding students, based on class schedules and primary afternoon commitments. Even though day students are not allowed into dorms, they will be assigned a specific dormitory group so they can enjoy outdoor and virtual dorm activities (including dorm meetings).

COVID TESTING Day students who are Student Leaders will get tested August 14-16. Day students who are not in the Student Leader group will be tested on August 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

37 DAY STUDENTS Partnership

In closing, Brewster values radical partnership with families and we are acutely aware of the trust you place in us. Our partnership will be more important than ever before as we help students adjust to the changed landscape. We ask for your patience, understanding, flexibility, and support as we continue to adapt our safety protocols to ensure we adhere to updated recommendations and public health guidance. We will do all we can to communicate any changes to our policies, procedures, or schedule in a timely way, and we encourage you to communicate with us if you have questions or concerns. Working together, this will be a year our community can look back on with pride.

40 IN CLOSING