Reopening Plan
Message from the Head of School
Dear Fords,
After months of missing the boys in the classroom, in the studios, and on the fields, we are grateful and fortunate to be able to welcome the boys back to in-classroom learning five days a week starting on Sept. 9!
This school year will be unlike any other we've had in Haverford's 136 year history. We are facing significant challenges presented by COVID-19 - both at Haverford and in our day-to-day lives. However, I believe our community is resilient and courageous, which will help us face those challenges head on.
The information included below includes updates to our campus norms and procedures, as well as important reminders that will help keep our community safe and on-campus throughout this unpredictable time. These procedures are based on the guidelines of countless health experts at the local, state, and national level. Those guidelines, of course, change as the science behind COVID-19 changes. As a result, these procedures may be updated or adjusted to reflect additional and/or updated guidance from the health authorities that the School relies on.
I ask you to read this information closely, as it will help maintain a safe, healthy campus environment.
Thank you - and go Fords!
John A. Nagl, D. Phil.
Ninth Head of School
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Click below to read more about The Haverford School's Health and Safety Plan:
Reminders About COVID-19
In order to come on campus, all members of our community must be free of any symptoms potentially related to COVID-19. At this time, the symptoms outlined by the CDC include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you have any of the above symptoms, please do not come to campus.
If you are unsure whether or not your son should attend school, you are welcome to contact the Health Office (healthservices@haverford.org) or contact your son’s physician.
If your son is staying home, please call the School’s Attendance Line. The Health Center monitors absenteeism to determine both the overall health and well-being of the community, as well as the need for supportive care upon returning to the School.
- Lower School Attendance Line: Ext. 1957
- Middle School Attendance Line: Ext. 1968
- Upper School Attendance Line: Ext. 1959
Monitoring the health of the community
Before returning to campus on Sept. 9:
Every member of our community will help in the fight against spreading germs and COVID-19. All members of our community must adhere to the policies and procedures set for this year.
Our community members - including students, parents, and faculty/staff - will be required to take the following steps before returning to campus this fall:
- Review and submit the COVID-19 Form by Sept. 1
- Review the Fords Pledge
- Download the Magnus Health App (See Magnus Login FAQs here)
In accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the Montgomery County Health Department, and Main Line Health, The Haverford School will not be testing asymptomatic students, faculty, or staff. Instead, we will preserve that testing capability for people with symptoms or who qualify as a close contact exposure with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, as quick results from testing those individuals is the best way to protect the entire community and stop the spread.
Daily reminders and requirements:
Every member of the community is required to take the following steps before coming on campus each day:
- Do daily symptom surveillance to check for any sign of illness
- Log your health status in the Magnus Health App
- Review the Wellness at Haverford - When to Stay at Home Guidelines
- Ensure you have a mask before arriving on campus
- Put your mask on before exiting your car when you arrive on campus
Supporting our community:
Throughout the year, the School will support those who become ill or are at a higher risk of infection or illness as much as possible.
Health and hygiene practices
A series of health and hygiene practices will be in place at Haverford to protect the members of our community.
These practices include required hand washing, mask wearing, and maintaining a physical distance of six feet from one another.
Students will be required to bring a mask to school every day. Six feet of distance will be required by all members of the community while on campus.
School day norms and procedures
While this school year's norms and procedures may look different from years past, the School's commitment to providing a space for every boy to grow and learn does not falter.
The School has implemented adjusted norms and procedures in accordance with guidelines and requirements set by local, regional, and national health authorities.
Division-specific updates
Each Division has adjusted the learning norms and scenarios to support the growth of all boys during COVID-19.
Information about each Division's learning scenarios for the 2020-21 school year can be found below.
Additional updates will be shared in the coming weeks here and via email from each Division Head.
Please click here for more detailed back-to-school information >
Extracurricular activities
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens if someone becomes sick while on campus?
- Why do I have to complete symptom surveillance and report it each day?
- How long will these protocols be in effect?
- Why aren’t visitors allowed on campus?
- Are kids sharing materials or equipment?
- Why does my son need to wear a mask?
- Will my son be eating lunch in the Dining Hall?
- Is the School's dress code changing?
- Is my son’s class schedule changing?
- Are neck gaiters allowed?
- Is Haverford testing all community members before returning to campus on Sept. 9?
What happens if someone becomes sick while on campus?
Why do I have to complete symptom surveillance and report it each day?
How long will these protocols be in effect?
Why aren’t visitors allowed on campus?
Are kids sharing materials or equipment?
Why does my son need to wear a mask?
Will my son be eating lunch in the Dining Hall?
Is the School's dress code changing?
Is my son’s class schedule changing?
Are neck gaiters allowed?
Is Haverford testing all community members before returning to campus on Sept. 9?
School Resources
Health Services Department Procedures
Wellness Policy at Haverford - Reporting Illness and When to Stay Home Guidelines (updated Jan. 8)
The Haverford Center COVID-19 Health Policies and Procedures
Head of School latest email messages: Oct. 8, Nov. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Jan. 6
Forms and Downloads
External Resources
Important Reminder
Please note that the information included on this page is updated as of Dec. 4, 2020 and uses guidance from various health organizations. The information on this page will be updated as guidance from those organizations change. Please continue to check this page for on-going updates and communication
Reopening Task Force
Mark Thorburn, Task Force Chair - Assistant Head of School
Sarah Garling - Director of Marketing and Communications
David Gold - Chief Financial Officer
Theresa McCarthy - Director, Health Center
Michael Murphy - Director of Athletics
Michele Todd - Director of Human Resources
Bill Wardle - Head Athletic Trainer
Bob Wisler - Director of Facilities