Covid19 Statement

| Posted on April 20, 2020 |

Latest Update:

April 20, 2020

Trinity Christian Academy will be adhering to the announcement made by Governor DeSantis on Saturday and will continue with our Emergency Remote Teaching through the end of the school year. Our hearts go out to the students and teachers who would prefer to complete the year together. We simply cannot insure 100% attendance by re-opening. We have contacted our VPK, Kindergarten and Class of 2020 Seniors to let them know our graduation event plans. Continue to stay informed through your teachers, the school website and Facebook page. We have an active FAQ page for your information.

“Whether this was a good idea or not, I think the last thing you want to do is force everyone into schools and have half the kids not show up,” DeSantis said. On Tuesday, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians, the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, joined with the Florida PTA in urging DeSantis to keep schools closed: “The risk of encouraging a second yet equally dangerous secondary spread of the virus does not outweigh any potential reward of saving one month of school.”

“Today’s recommendation to continue distance learning will give our students, their families, teachers and our school leaders the ability to maximize student learning, while ensuring everyone’s health and safety continues to be our first priority,” Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said in a prepared statement Saturday evening.

Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. We can do this, together.

April 7, 2020

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April 1, 2020

Dear Parents,

More supplies for your Lower Division student are being prepared. This final pick up has been expedited due to the recent announcement from our Mayor.

As an added measure to reduce the spread and exposure to COVID -19, and reduce the impact to our medical services, Mayor Lenny Curry has issued an Executive Order effective 12:01AM, April 3rd ordering the closure for all non-essential businesses. Click here to read: April 1 – Executive Order.

The Lower Division will be conducting a final drive-through-style materials collection in the same manner as we conducted the first one March 20th. Pick-up is scheduled by the first letter of your last name.

Thank you for your attention to this notification and cooperation with this process.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

A-F pick up between 4:00-4:30 pm
G-M pick up between 4:30-5:00 pm
N-Z pick up between 5:00-5:30 pm

If you are unable to make it to school during your assigned time slot, please come between 5:30 and 6:00 pm.

Thank you for your attention to this notification and cooperation with this process.

March 31, 2020

WEEK TWO is underway and we are all getting better at this new normal. At this juncture, Trinity Christian Academy will continue providing online learning through May 1st. This will be re-evaluated before May 1st.

Ongoing decisions are based upon the progression and/or decline of COVID-19 in our region, and our capacity to insure a healthy learning environment. We continue to monitor both what the Florida Commissioner of Education and the local government officials are recommending.

Please continue to contact us and keep the communication flow open with our teachers and principals. You remain in our thoughts and prayers daily.

March 19, 2020 1pm

Dear Parents,

We are preparing for the Lower Division to pick up learning packets on Friday or Saturday.

In an effort to minimize unnecessary traffic on campus, we have limited opportunities for students to collect textbooks/supplies. Please note that security at the main gate will ask for ID to match the last name with the designated time slot. You will not be permitted on site during an alternative time period. Thank you for your cooperation.

Exceptions:

Any students who traveled out of country or on a cruise can pick up books at 10:30 am Saturday.

If a student is ill or a household family member is ill, contact Tina Parrish tparrish@tcajax.org and we will work out an accommodation.

See below the time-frames:

LOWER DIVISION –You will be directed by a faculty or staff member. Parents are to use their car pick up tags in the car line distribution.

Please remain in your vehicle. Your child’s supplies will be labeled and delivered to you in your car.

Student last name beginning with A through F — Friday 12:00-12:30 or Saturday 7:30-8:00

Student last name beginning with G through M — Friday 12:45-1:15 or Saturday 8:15-8:45

Student last name beginning with N through S — Friday 1:30-2:00 or Saturday 9:00-9:30

Student last name beginning with T through Z — Friday 2:15-2:45 or Saturday 9:45-10:15

All books PK3 – 6^th grade will be distributed from the four elementary classrooms that face the parking lot. Please pull around, like car-line pick-up, have your pick-up card visible and the packet will be bought out to your vehicle.

VIEW THE PICKUP MAP>>

Thank you for your flexibility as we find solutions for you and your child’s education.

Praying for you, your children and families as we all journey through the next few weeks.

March 19, 2020

Dear Parents,

During this time of rapid change, we would like to understand how we can best support you and provide home instruction most effectively. Understanding your current environment and any uncertainty you may face will help us better support you immediately and in the future.

This short survey should take you no more than 5 minutes to complete. We appreciate your open and honest feedback so that we can make meaningful and impactful adjustments as the situation evolves.

We would appreciate it if you would submit one survey response for your household.

The deadline for completion is Monday, March 23.

CLICK HERE FOR TECHNOLOGY SURVEY

March 18, 2020

By now you should have received online learning information sent to your registered email addresses. Specific instructions from each teacher will be coming your way by 5PM Thursday.

Please note: Official closure notification for all private and public schools is through April 15^th, 2020. Our teachers are prepared to continue providing distance learning on a week-by-week basis.

While the nation continues to adjust and adapt to the changes, please continue to pray for our leaders, those at high risk for infection, and the many who are experiencing unstable employment. Thank you for doing your part in the spirit of compassion and social responsibility.

March 17, 2020

Dear TCA families,

While the campus is closed to visitors, the business office is still available. Please feel free to contact us through email at tcabusiness@tcajax.org. We are currently available over the phone from the hours of 9 am to 2 pm at 596-2460. If you cannot reach someone, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

For parents with After Care and Meal Plans, your charges will be reduced by the number of days that school has been cancelled or is online. Currently, that will include the dates of 3/16-4/3. If there are any further closings, the charges will be reduced at that time.

If you have not re-enrolled your child for the 2020-21 school year, re-enrollment forms are still available online.

March 17, 2020

Dear TCA families,

As we are in a season of adaptation, we appreciate your understanding. We can better navigate this time by staying together with a good plan. Already this week, we have been busy preparing for our transition to online learning. As you may already know, TCA will be extending the Spring Break into this week, and do not anticipate opening our campus until we receive full clearance to do so.

You will be receiving important information with instructions for accessing our online learning sessions. For the time being, online learning assignments will be provided through April 3^rd, 2020. TCA will continue this online method week by week until further notice.

It is our expectation to have 100% participation. We know that nothing can replace the teacher and classroom experiences. Nevertheless, we are so thankful for our great teachers equipped with the technology needed to deliver the content for our students. We understand this is a challenging time for our nation and will create many hardships for our community. We pray that your family, along with our teachers and administration will stay healthy and vigilant during this time.

Please note the following dates:

March 16^th-19^th TCA faculty is on site preparing for online instruction. Campus is closed to all other activities.
March 17^th-19^th Parents and Students will receive communication describing TCA Online and what to expect. You will also need to verify your access to your personal Rediker/PlusPortal account. This is the way to receive your students’ assignments via email and your way to communicate with your teacher(s). Online learning is not possible without this access.
- Those that have not activated your PlusPortal account will receive an email requesting activation of ParentPlus and StudentPlus for Upper Division Students 7^th-12^th. ParentPlus for Lower Division.
Friday, March 20^th Session I Launch Day – You will have access to WEEK ONE covering learning materials through March 26^th.
Friday, March 27^th Session II Launch Day – You will have access to WEEK TWO covering learning material through April 3^rd.

After you receive communication regarding Rediker/PlusPortal and online learning:

If you have questions about Rediker, contact Karen Belk kbelk@tcajax.org or (904)596-2502.
If you have questions about your online assignments once you have received them, contact your teacher by email.

Where to find other updates:

Check your email daily
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/tcajax
Website – https://tcajax.org/coronavirus-statement/ COVID-19 status changes
Portal/Rediker – student assignments https://plusportals.com/trinitychristianacademy
SMS – emergency alerts

On behalf of TCA Faculty and Administration.

For students,

David Welling

Head of School

March 13, 2020

Dear TCA family,

Trinity Christian Academy will be extending the Spring Break for at least one week. The campus is open only to staff and teachers. This will accomplish two objectives: First, by keeping students at home, we are providing time for COVID-19 to be more isolated while our health authorities continue to respond with a clear strategy. Secondly, we need the week to prepare our faculty. In order to be fully equipped to serve our students and initiate the training needed, we are asking our instructional staff to spend this week on site, preparing for future teaching scenarios on or off campus.

We appreciate your patience and understanding. It is paramount that we unite in our willingness to adjust to a new normal.

Thank you for your part in being socially responsible with us.

Trinity will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in close consultation with local, state, and federal health authorities and other officials.

For student health,

TCA Administrative Team

March 11, 2020

The way we respond as individuals, and as a community, will have the greatest impact upon fighting the spread of COVID-19. This requires a commitment to modifying our behaviors in a socially responsible manner.

Anyone exposed will be expected to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Click here if you have traveled in the past week (cruises, flights, etc.)

Click here if you traveled internationally in the past week

Upon returning to TCA, please note:

Handwashing will be monitored and enforced.
Increased vigilance of sanitation of desks and learning materials between EVERY use will be the new normal.
Students and staff will be sent home if they are sick.
Group activities will be limited in the classroom.

Higher Risk Individuals- recommend avoiding groups of 10 or more

Elderly
Infants under 6 months
Individuals with compromised immune systems, patients with a history of blood cancers, people actively taking chemotherapy
People with heart disease
People with respiratory diseases: asthma, COPD…
Diabetics
Healthcare workers due to repeated exposure

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Click here for SELF SCREENING GUIDE

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVIE-19).

Students Traveling

Trinity Christian Academy will request all parents and guardians contact the school office by phone or email if people in their household have traveled to areas that the CDC has deemed to be high-risk (South Korea, China, Italy and Iran) for widespread sustained transmission of the virus. Upon notification, TCA administration will work with community health officials to determine the appropriate action.

General Information

Trinity Christian Academy is closely monitoring the current situation and will follow the recommendations of local health authorities, the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Based upon current conditions, students and staff with flu-like illness should stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (i.e., any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

Along with the CDC, we cannot over-emphasize washing hands, respiratory etiquette and staying home when sick.

Practice good hand hygiene.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Practice respiratory etiquette.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard.
If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick. Keep children home until they are fever free for 24 hours.

We will continue to update all TCA families with the expectation that these best practices will be part of our new normal in dealing with this type of illness.

For further information visit the Florida Department of Health website and the CDC Coronavirus web page.